PARENT & FAMILY

Orientation
M anual 2015
Congratulations to you and your student for making
Metropolitan State University of Denver your college
of choice!

Your students MSU Denver experience will include all kinds of life-transforming
opportunities, ranging from internships and on-campus jobs to traveling
and professional conferences. At MSU Denver, we have students doing
undergraduate research on the impacts of uranium mining, working at our
very own on-campus hotel, combating child hunger and so much more.

Thank you for taking the time to attend New Student Orientation with your
student. Your involvement will play a vital role in your students success at
college. During orientation, our goal is to help students feel confident about
attending MSU Denver by connecting them with people and resources on
campus to help foster their success. We also want you, as members of their
support system, to learn about what we have available so you can help your
student get the most out of his or her MSU Denver education.

If you have questions during the orientation process, please ask an

Orientation Leader or professional staff member. If you have additional
questions or concerns after todays orientation, please feel free to contact us
at 303-556-6931; stop by our office in the Tivoli Student Union, Room 223;
or visit our website at msudenver.edu/nso/familiessupport.

Again, welcome to the Roadrunner family. Were glad youre here!

Sincerely,

Denny Boyd
Director, New Student Orientation
INSIDE
2 About MSU Denver

3 Next Steps

4 ScheduleS

6 Academics

8 Finances

10 Resources

12 Reminders

msudenver.edu/nso 01
 Abo u t
MSU
D ENV ER
10 THINGS THAT DEFINE THIS UNIVERSITY

A GROWING CAMPUS IN A GROWING CITY.

We're breaking ground on a $60 million Aerospace and Engineering
Sciences building that will bring together aviation and aerospace
science; industrial design; civil, mechanical and electrical
engineering technology; computer information systems; and
computer science to meet industry needs with highly skilled
graduates.

Small classes.
What other school with 21,000 students offers classes that average
20 students? Small classes means students get personal attention
from their professors.

Diversity.
We are the most inclusive school in Colorado. By getting acquainted
with people from different cultures, backgrounds and nationalities,
your student will be better prepared to thrive in our global,
multicultural society.

Great teachers.
Your student will learn from professors, not graduate students.
Many of our faculty members have worked in industry and bring
that real-world perspective to class.

Roadrunner Blend Coffee.

Yes, we have our own joe, courtesy of Dazbog. A percentage of sales
goes to MSU Denver scholarships.

Relevant learning.
Students use the same software as NASA engineers, work at
Childrens Hospital or can travel to a New York City art conference,
on us!

Our very own hoteland restaurant.

How many schools in Colorado have their own hotel and restaurant
where students get hands-on experience? One. MSU Denver!

Individualized Degree Program.

Students can design a major to meet personal career goals.

SPORTS.
Roadrunner fans get "Rowdy" about our 15 NCAA Division II
athletic teams.

Return on investment.
We are ranked as one of the nations top 50 low-cost colleges whose
graduates command high starting salaries.

02 msudenver.edu/nso
 N E XT
ST E P S
What does my student do now?
Advise your student to follow this checklist to
enroll or finish enrolling for his or her first semester
at MSU Denver.

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at
fafsa.ed.gov. Our school code is 001360. (Two or three weeks later,
contact the Office of Financial Aid to make sure your file is complete.)
Call 303-556-8593

Colorado students: Complete the College Opportunity Fund (COF)

application at CollegeInColorado.org. Click the "Apply for COF"
quick link. (Authorize the COF stipend each semester when you
register for classes.)

Fill out an MSU Denver scholarship application at msudenver.edu/

financialaid. You dont have to be an academic rock star to qualify;
we have scholarships available to a wide range of students.

Log in to ConnectU at connectu.msudenver.edu and change your

password to something youll remember.
Questions? 1-877-35-ASKIT (1-877-352-7548)

Select your First Year Success Learning Community. Take a look at

all the great Learning Community courses offered, and make a list
of the top three that interest you. Then take that to your next stop:
Academic Advising. msudenver.edu/fys

Meet with an academic advisor and choose classes. Your academic

advisor will help connect you to the right classes, provide insight
into majors and direct you to MSU Denver services that can help
you succeed in school. msudenver.edu/advising

Get your student ID or US Bank Rowdy Card Maxx before classes

begin at the Commuter Resource Center, Tivoli Student Union,
Room 269. Bring $20 (cash or credit/debit card), a valid photo
ID and a copy of your course schedule.

Pay your tuition and fees online, by phone at 303-556-4013 or at

the Cashiers Office in the Student Success Building, Room 140, by
5 p.m. on the Friday before classes begin each semester.

Submit an Insurance Selection Form by the deadline every

semester you take nine or more credits. (Youll get an email about
this when you register.)
Contact 303-556-3873 or msudenver.edu/healthcenter
I NOTICED THAT IF I COULD TAKE
Submit required immunization forms. This is important. If you dont
get these turned in, you will not be able to register next semester.
18 CREDITS AND PAY FOR ONLY 12, msudenver.edu/healthcenter/immunizationrequirements

I COULD GET AHEAD FOR THE

SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY.
Mauro Villaseor, senior, Modern Languages major, International Business minor
msudenver.edu/nso 03
 FA MILY SCHEDU L E
TIME TIME TIME TIME TIME

7:30 8:15 9:15 9:30 10:00

CHECK IN Welcome Dismissal of Overview of BREAK
King Center to the Students to Family King Center
Roadrunner Orientation Orientation
Family! Groups Program
King Center King Center King Center

UNTIL UNTIL UNTIL UNTIL UNTIL

8:15 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:20 a.m. 9:50 a.m. 10:15 a.m.

TIME TIME TIME TIME TIME

10:15 10:45 11:15 12:45 1:00

TRANSITION ACADEMIC Travel to Travel to Campus
& SUPPORT Advising lunch Afternoon Safety with
King Center King Center 11:1511:30 a.m. Sessions the Auraria
Police
LUNCH Department
11:30 A.m.12:45 P.m. King Center
Various locationS

UNTIL UNTIL UNTIL UNTIL UNTIL

10:45 a.m. 11:15 a.m. 12:45 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m.

TIME TIME TIME TIME TIME

1:30 2:30 2:45 3:30 4:30

STUDENT BREAK Financial Aid, CAMPUS TOUR REUNITE WITH
PANEL Scholarships OPTIONS STUDENTS
Tivoli Student Union and Financial Various locations Tivoli Student Union
Wellness
Tivoli Student Union

UNTIL UNTIL UNTIL UNTIL UNTIL

2:30 p.m. 2:45 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m.

Please meet your student at the ID Center, located on the main floor of the Tivoli Student Union
between the center staircase and Auraria Bookstore.
04 msudenver.edu/nso
STUDENT S CHEDU L E
TIME TIME TIME TIME TIME

7:30 8:15 9:15 10:15 11:30

CHECK IN Welcome Meet Your Small Group Lunch and
King Center to the Orientation Academic Roadrunner
Roadrunner Group Advising Minute to
Family! Various Locations FYS Classrooms Win It
King Center Tivoli Turnhalle

UNTIL UNTIL UNTIL UNTIL UNTIL

8:15 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 12:45 p.m.

TIME UNTIL Financial aid Mock Policy

12:55 Round
2:30 p.m. Learn more about the
next steps to complete
after filing your FAFSA,
including academic
eligibility requirements
Classroom
Hear from MSU
Denver faculty about
what is expected in
collegelevel academic
Jeopardy
Answer questions about
MSU Denver policies
correctly to get prizes for
your entire team!
Robin for financial aid and work, and learn more
Presentations scholarships. about supplemental
instruction.
Financial Aid, Mock Classroom and
Policy Jeopardy. PLEASE FOLLOW YOUR
ORIENTATION LEADER TO ROTATION LOCATIONS.

TIME TIME TIME TIME TIME

12:55 1:30 2:05 2:30 3:15

ROTATION #1 ROTATION #2 ROTATION #3 Discoverfest Class
King Center Classrooms King Center Classrooms King Center Classrooms Various locations. Registration
See your orientation Various Campus
leader! Computer Labs

UNTIL UNTIL UNTIL UNTIL UNTIL

1:20 p.m. 1:55 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 3:15 p.m. 5:00 p.m.

msudenver.edu/nso 05
 ACademics
An MSU Denver education is full of transformative academic
experiences ranging from internships and on-campus jobs to
attending professional conferences. At MSU Denver, your student
will have the chance to take advantage of relevant, career-focused
opportunities such as interning at a downtown Denver business
or working at the Universitys very own urban arts venue, the
Center for Visual Art. Plus, your student will get to choose from
64 dynamic degree programs or design his or her own.
Academic advising
Your student will have an initial academic advising experience
during orientation. But your student also should make
academic advising a once-a-semester habit. Academic advisors
help students fine-tune academic goals, understand general
studies requirements, and refer students to important resources
that can make life on campus easier, less costly and more fun.
Ultimately, an advisor can help your student develop and stick
to a degree plan.
Quick question? Students can get an answer by visiting
the Academic Advising Center for a 15-minute Quick Question
Advising Session. These are offered MondayFriday, 10 a.m.
4 p.m., on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 303-556-3680
or submit an online form at msudenver.edu/advising/contact/
contactform.
For more in-depth advising, students should contact the
advisor in their academic area and make an appointment. (The
Academic Advising Center also sees students on a walk-in basis,
but there might be a wait.) Learn who to contact at msudenver.
edu/advising/contact.
First Year Success and Learning Communities
First Year Success (FYS) is a program that helps students connect
more to campus life and do better in class. FYS consists of Learning
Communities, peer support and out-of-class activities.
Learning Communities are paired general studies/elective classes
that allow students to take two classes with the same peers. These
two classes may share some course materials, and there will be
upperclass student ambassadors who can help connect your
student to campus events and resources.
FYS also offers activities such as the official MSU Denver welcome
at New Student Convocation, De-Stress Festa week of events
to help students survive midtermsand monthly workshops to
introduce students to beneficial campus departments, faculty
and staff.
06 msudenver.edu/nso
Students who participate in FYS
Learning Communities
Get guaranteed enrollment in high-demand courses.
Complete some required general studies classes.
Make friends.
Participate in fun, interactive academic and social
opportunities.
Have greater involvement in learning through relationships
with faculty and peers.
Learn more about MSU Denver.
Get better grades! More students who participate in programs
like FYS earn a GPA of 3.0 or above.
What is FERPA?
FERPA is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which
protects the privacy of your students academic records and
requires that educational institutions NOT release personally
identifiable information such as course schedules, GPAs and
financial aid information without the students written permission.
FERPA also requires that higher education institutions permit
students to inspect and seek amendment to their education
records.
For some families, FERPA has important implications. Although
you may be assisting your student in paying for school or
otherwise have a vested interest in grades or course schedules,
you are unable to have access to this information UNLESS both
you and the student appear at the Registrars Office to complete
a FERPA release form. msudenver.edu/registrar/ferpa/parents
REMINDER:
Students should get advising
appointments done way in
advance of registering for each
semester to avoid the rush!
Christian Caldwell
MSU Denver senior

msudenver.edu/nso 07
 FI NA N C ES N OT E S
MSU Denver is Colorados best educational value. That said, an
MSU Denver education is still a big investment of time and money.
Assuming your student has already applied for financial aid and
scholarships, here are some tips to help students maximize their
money at MSU Denver. Advise your student to:

Take as many credits as Possible. Full-time Colorado

students get more bang for their bucks the more classes they
take. At MSU Denver, it costs the same whether you take 12
credits or as many as 18. (Part-time students pay for every
credit they take.)

Complete 30 credits a year to graduate in four.

Students should take 12 (fall) + 12 (spring) + 6 (summer) or
15 (fall) + 15 (spring) to be on pace to graduate in four years.

Register for SALT. Its a free financial service that offers

one-on-one student loan repayment counseling, information
on payment options, moneysmarts education, and more.
saltmoney.org/register

Use THE RTD CollegePass. Have you checked the cost of

parking recently? Your student can ride RTD buses and light
rail to campus and save some dough. (Get a CollegePass smart
card in the Commuter Resource Center, Tivoli Student Union,
Room 269.)

Wh y th e
r u s h to
g rad uati o n ?
The longer students stay in school, the more it costs and the more
chances life might get in the way of an education.

Run the numbers.

4 years cost $33,280

5 years cost $39,350

6 years cost $39,744*

*Average 2014/15 in-state tuition rates calculated at 30 credits/year,

24 credits/year and 20 credits/year

08 msudenver.edu/nso
Cristal Hernandez-Cruz, Leading Entrepreneurship 2014, MSU Denver CAMP volunteer mentor

fina N cial
w ellness
Ways to help your student be money-smart!

1. Encourage your student to have a bank account.

Its important to begin developing a relationship with a
financial institution. This relationship will benefit your
student down the road.

2. Have your student mind his or her credit score.

A poor credit score can affect getting something as simple
as car insurance or an apartment.

3. Promote thriftiness.
If your student lives like a college student now, he or she
wont have to later.

4. Understand student loans.

Remember that by signing a promissory note, your
student has entered into a legal contract with a lender
(U.S. Department of Education). Loans have to be repaid,
and because they are federal loans, things can get sticky if
they are avoided. Dont let your student default!

msudenver.edu/nso 09
 resou rces
MSU Denver is an incredibly diverse place, welcoming students of all
races, ages, abilities, interests, sexual orientations and backgrounds.
We offer a wealth of resources to help students get the most out of
classesand free timeon our vibrant urban campus.
Access Center AND TESTING SERVICES
Plaza Building, Suite 122
303-556-8387
msudenver.edu/access
The Access Center assists students with documented disabilities in
reaching their academic potential. Disabilities served by this office
include learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, cognitive, psychological,
vision, Deaf/HOH, systemic illness and physical.
Auraria Campus Police Department
1201 5th St.
Emergency Calls: Dial 911 from any campus phone*
Routine Calls: 303-556-5000
MSU Denver and the Auraria Police Department work to maintain a
safe, respectful learning environment. Campus police officers are
on duty 24/7, and there are emergency phoneseasily identified
as the eight-foot red towers with blue lightsin parking lots
campus-wide. These phones immediately dial campus police.
*Cell phone 911 calls go to the Denver PD and will result in a slower
response time.
Campus Recreation
PE/Event Center, Room 108
303-556-3210
msudenver.edu/campusrec
Student fees cover membership to Campus Recreation, so students
can use the cardio equipment, climb the rock wall and shoot hoops
for free. Campus Recreation also offers group indoor cycling classes,
Zumba, strength and cardio classes, along with club sports and
intramurals.
Office of Career Services
Tivoli Student Union, Room 215
303-556-3664
msudenver.edu/career
Students can start career planning early by visiting the Career
Services Office in their freshman year. Career Services can help
connect students to on-campus jobs, internships, career fairs and
on-campus interviews. They also can help students hone a career
path, polish their rsums and practice interviewing.
10 msudenver.edu/nso
Counseling Center
Tivoli Student Union, Room 651
303-556-3132
msudenver.edu/counsel
If your student is feeling overwhelmed or stressed, encourage him
or her to make an appointment to see a counselor in the Counseling
Center. For urgent help on the weekend or after hours, students
should call 303-352-4455.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Student
Services
Tivoli Student Union, Room 213
303-556-6333
msudenver.edu/glbtss
GLBT Student Services works to improve the campus climate
for GLBT students. It provides support, advocates for students
experiencing discrimination and offers programs to educate the
campus community about GLBT issues.
Health Center
Plaza Building, Room 150
303-556-2525
msudenver.edu/healthcenter
Health Center services range from treating illnesses and urgent care
to wellness education, testing, immunizations and vaccinations.
Students are eligible for services at the Health Center; they just
need to show a current University ID.
Student Immunization Policy
Like all other four-year public universities in Colorado, MSU Denver
requires students born after Jan. 1, 1957, to provide documented
proof that they have received two rubeola (measles), two rubella
(German measles) and two mumps vaccinations or two combination
MMR vaccinations.
Students born before Jan.1, 1957, must provide documented
proof that they have received one rubeola (measles), one rubella
(German measles) and one mumps vaccination or one combination
MMR vaccination.
An alternative to this requirement for both age groups is written
evidence of laboratory blood titer tests for immunity. Students who
cannot provide documentation must be revaccinated.
In addition to showing official proof of MMR vaccination,
students new to MSU Denver must submit a completed Auraria
Immunization Form, Tuberculosis RiskAssessment Form and a
Meningococcal Disease Form. msudenver.edu/healthcenter/
immunizationrequirements

NightRider
303-556-2001
The Auraria Campus offers a free escort service to any campus
parking lot. The service is available from dusk to 10 p.m. Monday
Thursday during fall and spring semesters. Students can call to
schedule a pick up.
Student Activities
Tivoli Student Union, Room 305
303-556-2595
msudenver.edu/studentactivities
The Office of Student Activities is the go-to resource for getting
involved at MSU Denver. Specific programs include the Distinguished
Lecture Series, student organization resources, leadership
development, Community-Based Learning Program, Student Travel
Program, and Student Government Assembly.

Parking & Transportation Services Tutoring Center

7th Street Parking Garage, First Floor Student Success Building, Room 320
303-556-2000 303-556-6439
ahec.edu/parking msudenver.edu/sas/tutoring

Parking lots have daily fees to park. Find maps, fees and permit
information online. Many lots fill early, especially near the start
of each semester. Students driving to campus should arrive early
and allow plenty of time to get to class.
The Tutoring Center is here to help students prepare for Accuplacer
assessment tests and classes. And its free! Accessing the Tutoring
Center couldnt be easier. It offers group and individual tutoring in
most 1000- and 2000-level subjects on a walk-in basis. Free online
tutoring is available 24/7 through ConnectU.

The Phoenix Center

Tivoli Student Union, Room 259 Writing Center
24-Hour Hotline: 303-556-2255 King Center, Room 415
thepca.org 303-556-6070
msudenver.edu/writectr
The Phoenix Center at Auraria provides free and confidential
resources and assistance to survivors of interpersonal violence and Students can get help at any stage of a writing project, from outlining
their friends and families. The center also provides victim advocacy to final draft. The center offers both 40-minute consultations and
and support that includes academic advocacy, assistance reporting 10-minute speed-tutoring sessions for free.
to the school and/or police, safety planning, court/hospital/police
accompaniment, and a listening ear.
THE ROADRUNNER COMMUNITY
There is always something great happening on campus, and there
Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Services are lots of ways for studentsand their familiesto connect!
Tivoli Student Union, Room 311
303-556-3559 Connect with MSU Denver on Facebook.
msudenver.edu/conduct facebook.com/msudenver

Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Services (SCCRS) helps Find a listing of campus events, from concerts, to games, to
maintain a campus environment where everyone can do their best lectures and exhibits.
work. It handles conduct proceedings related to code-of-conduct msudenver.edu/events
violations including sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic
violence, dating violence and stalkingwhile also helping students deal Follow the latest MSU Denver news on Twitter.
with conflicts constructively before they get out of hand. SCCRS also twitter.com/msudenver
provides the community with information on healthy relationships,
bystander intervention, and personal and community safety. Youll find official news and information in the campus newsroom.
msudenver.edu/newsroom

msudenver.edu/nso 11
 R EMI N D ER S
Use this chart as a guide to help your student through the enrollment
process year after year (or semester after semester)!

Apply for SUBMIT IMMUNIZATION

Financial Aid. DOCUMENTATION.
Complete the FAFSA by March 1. To help protect individual and community health,
EVERY YEAR at fafsa.ed.gov. students must submit immunization documentation
STUDENT
by Oct. 1 for fall or summer sessions, or March 1 for
spring semester.

What happens if WE dont?

A hold will be placed on your student's account, preventing future
registration.

Apply for Complete the College

scholarships. Opportunity Fund
Your student may qualify for a scholarship and not even (COF) application. *
know it! For priority consideration, apply by March 1 at Your student should authorize the COF stipend every
msudenver.edu/financialaid/scholarships. semester when registering for classes (Colorado
residents only).

Pay tuition Get

and fees. *
You or your student must pay your bill online, by phone
at 303-556-4013 or at the Cashiers Office in the Student
Success Building, Room 140, by 5 p.m. the Friday before
classes start. Every semester!
What happens if we dont?
If you pay lateor dont pay at allyou will be charged late fees
and your student wont be allowed to register next semester.
some advice.
To graduate on time, students should see an advisor every
semester at the Academic Advising Center.
Register for
classes early!
Students who register as early as possible will get the
best selection of courses and avoid late fees.

Submit an Ready FOR

insurance form. * graduation?
Students taking nine or more credits need to submit an Congratulations!
Insurance Selection Form by the insurance deadline,
Every semester! Your student has worked hard and is ready to accept
that diploma. But first, theyll need to apply to graduate.
Remind your student to plan ahead (there are deadlines!),
What HAPPENS IF we DON't? watch email for announcements, and contact the Office of
You could be charged for MSU Denver insurance. This charge is the Registrar Graduation Services for information.
nonrefundable!

*Each asterisked task needs to completed every semester your student is enrolled.

12 msudenver.edu/nso
Frequently Used Numbers
Auraria Campus Police 303-556-5000 Or dial 911 from any campus phone.*
ACCESS Center for Disability Accommodations
and Adaptive Technology . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-8387
Academic Advising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3680
Admissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3058
Assessment and Testing . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3677
Auraria Campus Bookstore . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-4286
Auraria Parking Services . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-2000
Campus Recreation at Auraria . . . . . . . . 303-556-3210
Career Services Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3664
Cashiering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-4013
Commuter Resource/ID Center . . . . . . . 303-556-8385
Counseling Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3132
Financial Aid Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-8593
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender
Student Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-6333
Health Center at Auraria . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-2525
Information Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-5740
Learning Communities and
First Year Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-352-4195
MSU Denver IT Service Support Center . . . 303-352-7548
New Student Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-6931
Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3991
Scholarship Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-6384
Student Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-6188
Student Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-2595
Student Engagement and Wellness . . . . . 303-556-3559
Student Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3312
Transfer Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3774
Tutoring Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-6439
*Note: Cell phone 911 calls go to the Denver PD
and will result in a slower response time.
TEXTBOOKS
Buy Used | Rent | Bookstore Buyback

TECH SHOP
Apple Authorized Campus Store
Apple Authorized Service Provider
Headphones | Tablets | Software

CONVENIENCE
Snacks | Supplies | Gifts
Free Mobile Charging Stations

SERVICE
Order Online | Pick Up in Store

Spirit Gear
Apparel | Logo Gear and Gifts

aurariabooks.com