What to Expect
First Ascent is a transformative experience open to all new undergraduate DU students. From challenge courses and guided hikes to cliffside lakes, outdoor climbing, artistic and life design exploration, community campfires, and ample time to simply explore and build the lifelong friends that will define your time at DU. Trips are led by 4D Peer Mentors and DU Outdoors student staff to offer mentorship that travels back to city campus and beyond the weekend.
What to learn more. Be sure to check out these additional resources:
New Fall 2024 students must register for a specific First Ascent experience offered the following weekends during the Fall 24 Quarter:
First Ascent 2025 Trip Schedule and Details| Time Period | Date | Population | City Campus Dates to Keep in Mind |
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| Summer 2025 | August 25-27 | Local CO residents or those interested in participating. Note: Students must travel to the University of Denver's urban campus on Friday, August 25 and be picked up on Sunday, August 27. See itinerary for details. | |
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| Discoveries Orientation | September 5-7 | Transfer, Exchange, and Graduate students | Discoveries Orientation |
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| Week 1: Fall 2025 | September 12-14 | Open to all new undergrad students | Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) Intake and Recruitment 101 |
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| Week 2: Fall 2025 | September 19-21 | Open to all new undergrad students | Fraternity Recruitment (IFC) |
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| Week 3: Fall 2025 | September 26-28 | Open to all new undergrad students | Sorority Recruitment (PHA) |
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| Week 4: Fall 2025 | October 3-5 | Affinity & Inclusion Weekend. Invitation to 1GEN U, VIP, ELI, Davis New Mexico Scholars, ESTEM, LEP and SDS students. Open to all new undergrad students after August 30. | Hockey Night Lights (game will be broadcast at KMC) |
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| Week 5: Fall 2025 | October 10-12 | Open to all new undergrad students | |
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| Week 7: Fall 2025 | October 24-26 | First year Pioneer Leadership Program (PLP) and Honors students. Open to all new undergrad students after August 30. | |
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Registration Link to Come in July 2025!
Disability Services & Accommodations
At the University of Denver, we take accessibility very seriously. If you believe you may have difficulty with access for our Kennedy Mountain Campus Ascent experiences because you use a wheelchair or have other mobility needs, please contact the Disability Services Program as soon possible so they can assist you in planning and accommodating your access. As far as your academic access at KMC, we believe that once you provide your accommodation letter to your instructors, you accommodations will be implemented.
Explore DU Disability Services Program
