NE W

S TUDE NT
ORIE NTATION
MANUAL

INSIDE
Congratulations on your decision to attend Metropolitan State University of
Denver, Colorados most popular, most diverse undergraduate university
and one of the best urban public universities in the nation.

2 YOUR MSU DENVER

We are thrilled that youre here! But I wouldnt be doing my duty as a college president if I didnt offer some advice.

3 YOUR NEXT STEPS

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY THAT COMES YOUR WAY.

We have students here who are working in our very own art gallery, racking
up journalism awards, making biodiesel fuels, studying abroad in Costa Rica,
cooking remarkable meals in our restaurant and interning all over the city.
Whether its volunteering for our campus food bank, engineering heating
devices for disadvantaged families or designing your own major, get the
most out of MSU Denver.

4 YOUR ACADEMICS

ASK FOR HELP. There are hundreds of people on this campus just waiting
to help you with everything from finding your way to class to creating a
degree plan. Dont struggle alone. If you need assistance, start at the
Student Success Building and begin asking questions.
REACH OUT. Because many of you are balancing school with work and
other responsibilities, it can be easy to come and go without connecting to
new friends. We have amazing studentspeople who come from every age
group, background and walk of life. Youll learn more and have more fun if
you make MSU Denver your community and not just a place to go to school.

6 YOUR FINANCES
8 YOUR RESOURCES
10 YOUR COMMUNITY
12 YOUR REMINDERS

During Student Orientation you will spend the day meeting some terrific
new people, learning about academic requirements, registering for classes,
and getting to know the culture and traditions of the University. This is your
time to open your eyes to new ideas, cultures, interests and passions.
Today, you officially join the Roadrunner family. I hope if you see me on
campus youll take the opportunity to introduce yourself. Id love to know
how youre doing.
Enjoy New Student Orientation. And welcome to MSU Denver!
Sincerely,

Stephen M. Jordan, Ph.D.

President, MSU Denver

MSUDENVER.EDU/NSO

01

YOUR
MSU
DE NV ER
10 THINGS THAT DEFINE YOUR UNIVERSITY
ROWDY.

Our mascot. That Roadrunners got some serious moves!

SMALL CLASSES.

What other school with 23,000 students offers classes that average
22 students? Make the most of it and get to know your professors!

DIVERSITY.

We are the most inclusive school in Colorado. By getting acquainted

with people from different cultures, backgrounds and nationalities, you will be better prepared to thrive in our global, multicultural society.

GREAT TEACHERS.

You will learn from professors, not graduate students. Many of

our faculty members have worked in industry, too, 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. Drink up!

RELEVANT LEARNING.

Use the same software as NASA engineers, work at Childrens

Hospital and travel to a New York City art conference, on us!

OUR VERY OWN HOTELAND RESTAURANT.

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

INDIVIDUALIZED DEGREE PROGRAM.

Design your own major to meet your personal career goals.

DR. J.

President Stephen Jordan is MSU Denvers biggest fan. Hes

frequently out and about on campus. Look for the red backpack.

RETURN ON INVESTMENT.

There is life after college. We are ranked as one of the nations top 50
low-cost colleges where graduates command high starting salaries.

YOUR
N EXT
STEPS

WHAT DO I DO NOW?
Use this checklist to enroll or finish enrolling for your
first semester at MSU Denver. You will find more
details throughout this manual.
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at
fafsa.ed.gov. 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. (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 targeted 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
Submit required immunization forms. This is important. If you dont
get these turned in, you will not be able to register next semester.
msudenver.edu/healthcenter/immunization

DONT FORGET TO CELEBRATE!

Youre a Roadrunner now, and thats a special distinction.
Be proud of your accomplishment and enjoy your student
experience.

02

MSUDENVER.EDU/NSO

MSUDENVER.EDU/NSO

03

YOUR
ACA D EM I C S

REMINDER

ACADEMIC ADVISING CENTER

Student Success Building, Room 170

msudenver.edu/advising

MAKE ACADEMIC ADVISING A ONCE-A-SEMESTER HABIT.

What can academic advising do for you? Your academic advisor will
help you fine-tune your academic goals, understand general studies
requirements and refer you to important resources that can make
your life on campus easier, less costly and more fun. Ultimately,
your advisor can help you develop and stick to your degree plan.
GOT A QUICK QUESTION? You 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. You can also call 303556-3680 or submit an online form: msudenver.edu/advising/
contact/contactform.
FOR MORE IN-DEPTH ADVISING, contact the advisor in your
academic area and make an appointment. (The Academic Advising
Center also sees students on a walk-in basis, but you might have
to wait.) Learn who to contact at msudenver.edu/advising/contact.

FIRST YEAR SUCCESS

Student Success Building, Suite 217
msudenver.edu/fys

FIRST YEAR SUCCESS AND LEARNING COMMUNITIES

First Year Success (FYS) is a program that can help you 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 you to take two classes with the same students. (This
makes it a lot easier to make friends!) These two classes may share
some course materials as well as upperclass student ambassadors,
who can help connect you to campus events and resources.
FYS also offers activities such as your official MSU Denver welcome
at New Student Convocation, De-Stress Festa week of events to
help you survive midtermsand monthly workshops to introduce
you to beneficial campus departments, faculty and staff.
PARTICIPATE IN FYS LEARNING COMMUNITIES TO
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 and what it can do for you.
Get better grades! More students who participate in programs
like FYS earn a GPA of 3.0 or above.

THE BEST THING

GET YOUR
ADVISING

APPOINTMENT

ABOUT FYS IS THE

DONE WAY IN

SUPPORT YOU

REGISTERING

ADVANCE OF

GET. A STUDENT

FOR EACH

AMBASSADOR GIVES

AVOID THE

YOU RESOURCES

SEMESTER TO
RUSH!

THAT CAN BETTER

YOUR EXPERIENCE
AT MSU DENVER.

Christian Caldwell
MSU Denver senior

SUPPLEMENTAL
INSTRUCTORS ARE
LIKE TUTORS WHO
CAN SIT WITH YOU
IN CLASS OR DO
OUTSIDE SESSIONS
THAT PREPARE YOU
FOR CLASSES.
Melissa Campos, first year criminal justice and Spanish major

04

MSUDENVER.EDU/NSO

MSUDENVER.EDU/NSO

05

YOUR
F I NA N C ES
OFFICE OF FINANCIAL AID
Student Success Building, Room 130
msudenver.edu/financialaid

MSU Denver is Colorados best educational value. That said, an

MSU Denver education is still a big investment of time and money.
Assuming youve already applied for financial aid and scholarships,
here are some tips to help you maximize your money at MSU Denver:
TAKE AS MANY CREDITS AS YOU CAN HANDLE. 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.
Whether you take 12 (fall) + 12 (spring) + 6 (summer) or 15
(fall) + 15 (spring), you will be on pace to graduate in four years.
REGISTER FOR SALT. Its a free financial service that gives you
one-on-one student loan repayment counseling, information
on payment options, moneysmarts education, and more.
Sign up at saltmoney.org/register
USE YOUR RTD COLLEGEPASS. Have you checked the cost of
parking recently? Ride RTD buses and light rail to campus and
save some dough. (Get your RTD CollegePass smart card in the
Commuter Resource Center, Tivoli Student Union, Room 269.)

WH Y TH E
RU SH TO
GRA DUAT I O N ?

The longer you stay in school, the more it costs and the more chances
life might get in the way of your education.

RUN THE NUMBERS.

4 YEARS COST $22,975
5 YEARS COST $28,719
6 YEARS COST $29,085*
*Average 2013/14 in-state tuition rates calculated at 30 credits/year,
24 credits/year and 20 credits/year

Christian Caldwell, senior political science major

TIPS F OR
SUCCESS
1. MIND YOUR DEADLINES. Nobody can remember everything.
Put the MSU Denver campus calendar to work for you. Visit
msudenver.edu/events and customize your calendar with
email alerts for deadlines, academic calendar and other
items of interest such as athletics or arts and cultural.
2. CHECK YOUR MSUDENVER.EDU EMAIL. We send reminders,
alerts and notices to help you, so consult your msudenver.
edu email often!
3. SNOW DAY?! Sign up to get text messages about campus
snow closures and emergencies at msudenver.edu/emergency/ens.
4. FREAKING OUT ABOUT A CLASS? Get to the Tutoring Center
right away!
5. GET TO KNOW A FEW UPPERCLASS STUDENTS. They know
the ropes and can help you get the scoop on everything
from the best profs to the best campus jobs.

06

MSUDENVER.EDU/NSO

MSUDENVER.EDU/NSO

07

YOUR
RE SO U R C ES
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 you get the
most out of your classesand your free timeon our vibrant urban
campus. Please use them!

ACCESS CENTER FOR DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS AND

ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Plaza Building, Suite 122
303-556-8387
msudenver.edu/access

Do you need accommodations because of a disability? The Access

Center assists students with documented disabilities in reaching
their academic potential. Disabilities served by the 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 8-foot red towers with blue lightsin parking lots campus-wide.
These phones immediately dial campus police.

CAMPUS RECREATION
PE/Event Center, Room 108

303-556-3210
msudenver.edu/campusrec
Your student fees cover your membership to Campus Recreation, so you can use the cardio equipment, climbing 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

Start your career planning early by visiting the Career Services

Office in your freshman year. Career Services can help connect
you to on-campus jobs, internships, career fairs and on-campus
interviews. They also can help you hone a career path, polish your
rsum and practice interviewing.

08

MSUDENVER.EDU/NSO

THE PHOENIX CENTER

Tivoli Student Union, Room 227

24-hour Hotline: 303-556-2255

thepca.org

COUNSELING CENTER
Tivoli Student Union, Room 651
303-556-3132
msudenver.edu/counsel

If youre feeling overwhelmed or stressed, make an appointment to

see a counselor in the Counseling Center. Should you be in crisis,
let them know and theyll make you a priority. If you need urgent
help on the weekend or after hours, call 303-352-4455 and identify yourself as an MSU Denver student.

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
Got a cold? Need a flu shot? Head to the Health Center at Auraria.
Services range from treating illnesses and urgent care to wellness
education, testing, immunizations and vaccinations. Students
are eligible for services at the Health Center; just show a current
University ID.

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. MondayThursday during fall and spring semesters. Call to schedule a pick up.

PARKING & TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

7th Street Parking Garage, First Floor
303-556-2000
ahec.edu/parking

Parking lots have daily fees to park. Find maps, fees and permit
information online. Remember, many lots fill early, especially near
the start of each semester. If you are driving to campus, arrive early
and give yourself plenty of time to get to class.

The Phoenix Center at Auraria provides free and confidential resources

and assistance to survivors of interpersonal violence and their friends
and families. The center also provides victim advocacy and support
that includes academic advocacy, assistance reporting to your school
and/or police, safety planning, court/hospital/police accompaniment,
and a listening ear.

STUDENT CONDUCT AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION SERVICES

Tivoli Student Union, Room 311
303-556-3559
msudenver.edu/conduct

Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Services (SCCRS) helps maintain a campus environment where everyone can do their best work. It
handles conduct proceedings related to code-of-conduct violations
including sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence,
dating violence and stalkingwhile also helping students deal with
conflicts constructively before they get out of hand. SCCRS also provides
the community with information on healthy relationships, bystander
intervention, and personal and community safety.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Tivoli Student Union, Room 305

WH ATS IN
THE TI VOLI?
The Tivoli Student Union is your source for all kinds of student
services and other campus amenities. Heres what youll find in
that historic brick building:

FOOD
Head downstairs to the campus food court. Tables are always full
of students, faculty and staff eating, studying and socializing.
AURARIA BOOKSTORE
Get your books for class, computer accessories and
MSU Denver gear.
COMMUTER RESOURCE CENTER
This is your source for campus IDs, RTD CollegePasses, lost and
found, and general info.
GARAGE QUIET LOUNGE
Study in silence or sack out between classes.

303-556-2595
msudenver.edu/studentactivities

SIGIS POOL HALL AND ARCADE

Play pool, video games and ping-pong.

The Office of Student Activities is your 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.

I.LOV.IT MARKET
This is your campus convenience store.

TUTORING CENTER
Student Success Building, Room 320
303-556-6439
msudenver.edu/sas/tutoring

GLBT STUDENT SERVICES, COUNSELING CENTER, CAREER

SERVICES, STUDENT CONFLICT AND RESOLUTION SERVICES
AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES OFFICE
These resources are here to help you succeed!
CIMARRON CAF
Trust ustry the brownies.

The Tutoring Center is here to help you prepare for Accuplacer assessment tests and your 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. You can even bring
friends! Plus, free online tutoring is available 24/7 through ConnectU.

WRITING CENTER
King Center, Room 415

303-556-6070
msudenver.edu/writectr
Get help at any stage of a writing project, from outlining to final
draft. The center offers both 40-minute consultations and 10-minute
speed-tutoring sessions for free.

MSUDENVER.EDU/NSO

09

YOUR
COMM U N I TY

GO ONLINE

There is always something great happening on campus, and there

are lots of ways to connect!

From registering for classes to getting your grades, much of the

business of college is conducted online. MSU Denvers Information
Technology Services will keep you connected and is there to help
if you need it.

BE SOCIAL

Connect with other MSU Denver students on Facebook.

facebook.com/msudenver

Get information about how to use email, Blackboard, ConnectU

and other resources.
msudenver.edu/technology/currentstudents

Find a listing of campus events, from concerts, to games, to lectures

and exhibits. Invite your friends and family, too.
msudenver.edu/events

Get help from the Help Desk.

msudenver.edu/msudenverhelpdesk

Dont forget to share! #getrowdy @msudenver

Find more channels at msudenver.edu/socialmedia.

Find student computer labs and hours.

msudenver.edu/studentlabs

BE IN THE KNOW

GO MOBILE

Follow the latest MSU Denver news on Twitter.

twitter.com/msudenver

MSU Denver provides a fast and secure encrypted wireless network

for all current students. The MetroState wireless network can be
accessed on any mobile device, tablet, or laptop with your campus
username and password.
msudenver.edu/metrostatewifi

Youll find official news and information in the campus newsroom.

msudenver.edu/newsroom
Pick up The Metropolitan newspaper or Metropolitan Denver
Magazine free on racks around campus. Student Media also
produces TV and radio programming, so be sure to tune in!
metrostudentmedia.com

CHEER ON YOUR ROADRUNNERS

IM MORE ACTIVE IN

MSU Denver competes in the NCAA Division II and fields one of

the nations best mens basketball teams. Follow all of the sports
action, get game schedules and more. Be sure to check in at events
to collect Roadrunner Rewards, and dont miss Homecoming
festivities in the spring!
gometrostate.com
gometrostate.com/RoadrunnerRewards

THE COMMUNITY

BRAG A LITTLE

PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

MSU Denver is known for transforming lives, communities and

higher education. Just landed a killer internship? Received an
award? Volunteered in the community? Big or small, share your
accomplishments or personal transformation stories. Just go to
msudenver.edu and click on WHATS YOUR STORY? .

BECAUSE OF ALL
THE EVENTS AND
AT MSU DENVER.
I KNOW AFTER I
GRADUATE ILL BE
BETTER PREPARED FOR
LIFE NO MATTER WHAT.
Nestor Meza, junior sociology major

10

MSUDENVER.EDU/NSO

The MSU Denver Mobile App is the ultimate location for students
to access MSU Denver services directly from a mobile device. The
application gives you on-demand access to your class schedule,
grades, notifications, your courses, news, athletics information, an
interactive campus map, and many more services. The application
is available for Android and iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)
as well as Blackberry devices via a mobile Web edition.
msudenver.edu/mobileapp

APPLY ONLINE
TODAY!
CampusVillageDenver.com

318 Walnut St | Denver, CO 80204 | 303.573.5272

YOUR
RE MIN D ER S
Student Orientation is a great way to get a jump on taking care of
business your freshman year. But in order to get the most out of
MSU Denverand not get jammed up in college rules and regulationsuse this chart as your guide to get your enrollment job done
year after year (or semester after semester)!

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

APPLY FOR
FINANCIAL AID

Make the FAFSA your friend every year!

Complete it by March 1 at fafsa.ed.gov.

APPLY FOR
SCHOLARSHIPS

Dont leave money on the table. You may qualify for a

scholarship and not even know it! Apply by March 1 at
msudenver.edu/financialaid/scholarships.

PAY YOUR TUITION

AND FEES *

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 I DONT?

If you pay lateor dont pay at allyou will be

charged late fees and your student wont be
allowed to register next semester.

SUBMIT AN
INSURANCE FORM *

Taking nine or more credits? Then you need to submit an

Insurance Selection Form by the insurance deadline,
EVERY SEMESTER! You will receive a link to this form in
your MSU Denver email. Keep your eyes peeled!

WHAT HAPPENS
IF I DON'T

You could be charged for MSU Denver insurance.

This charge is non-refundable!

12

MSUDENVER.EDU/NSO

COMPLETE THE COLLEGE

OPPORTUNITY FUND
(COF) APPLICATION *
Authorize the COF stipend every semester when you
register for classes (Colorado residents only).

GET SOME ADVICE

Seriously. If you want to graduate on time, see an advisor

every semester at the Academic Advising Center, Room
170, in the Student Success Building.

REGISTER FOR
CLASSESEARLY!

Get the best selection of courses and avoid late fees by

locking your schedule in as soon as you can.

READY TO GRADUATE?
CONGRATULATIONS!
Youve come all the way and are ready to accept that
diploma. But first, you need to apply to graduate. Plan
ahead (there are deadlines!), watch for announcements,
and contact the Office of the Registrar Graduation Services
for information.

*Each asterisked task needs to be completed every semester you are enrolled.

Health Center at Auraria . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-2525

Academic Advising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3680

Learning Communities and

First Year Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-352-4195

Admissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3058

MSU Denver IT Service Support Center . . . 303-352-7548

Assessment and Testing . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3677

New Student Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-6931

Auraria Campus Bookstore . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-4286

Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3991

Auraria Parking Services . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-2000

Scholarship Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-6384

Campus Recreation at Auraria . . . . . . . . 303-556-3210

Student Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-6188

Career Services Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3664

Student Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-2595

Cashiering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-4013

Student Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3312

Commuter Resource/ID Center . . . . . . . 303-556-8385

Student Engagement and Wellness . . . . . 303-556-3559

Counseling Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3132

Transfer Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3774

Financial Aid Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-8593

Tutoring Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-4048

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender

Student Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-6333

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