You are on page 1of 16

New Student

Orie ntation
M anual 2015
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.

This academic year marks our 50th anniversary, and were thrilled that youre here to help
celebrate the MSU Denver legacy of transforming lives! You are a part of historythe first new
class of Roadrunners in MSU Denvers second half-centuryand you will help chart the future course
of the University, our community and our world.

I know you will go on to do great things! But I wouldnt be doing my job as a university president
if I didnt offer some advice that will help you succeed along the way.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY THAT COMES YOUR WAY. MSU Denver hosts a wide
array of departments and services that help students grow and succeed in school, career and life.
Here you can transform your life by completing an internship, partnering with a professor on a
research project, or studying abroad. Outside of the classroom you can attend lectures and
concerts; cheer our Roadrunners athletics teams; join student organizations; explore leadership,
volunteer and community service opportunities; and enjoy campus recreation. Youll learn more
and have more fun if you make MSU Denver your community and not just a place to go to school.

ENROLL FULL TIME. At MSU Denver, you're getting an exceptional education at a great price. To get
the most from your investment, register full time. Full-time students pay the same tuition whether
they take 12 credits or 18. When you register for more than 12 credits in a term you'll graduate sooner
and you can earn up to six semester hours for free.

ASK FOR HELP. People on this campus are eager to help you with everything from finding your way
to class to creating a degree plan. You're not in this alone. If you need assistance, start at the Student
Success Building Information Desk and begin asking questions.

During 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
INSIDE
2 Your MSU Denver

3 Your Next Steps

4 Your Academics

6 Your Finances

8 YOUR resources

10 Your Community

12 Your Reminders

msudenver.edu/nso 01
YOUR
MSU
DENV ER
10 THINGS THAT DEFINE YOUR UNIVERSITY

A GROWING CAMPUS IN A GROWING CITY.


We're breaking ground on a $60 million Aerospace and Engineering
Science 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? 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 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 or 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.


Design your own major to meet your 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
YO UR
N E XT
STE PS
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. 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 for 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


Dont forget to CELEBRATE!
Youre a Roadrunner now, and thats a special distinction.
SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY. Be proud of your accomplishment, and enjoy your
student experience.

Mauro Villaseor, senior, Modern Languages major, International Business minor


msudenver.edu/nso 03
YOUR
ACad em i cs
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 How to get
help you fine-tune your academic goals, understand general studies
requirements and refer you to important resources that can make the most out
your life on campus easier, less costly and more fun. Ultimately,
your advisor can help you develop and stick to your degree plan. of Academic
Got a quick question? You can get an answer by visiting Advising:
the Academic Advising Center for a 15-minute Quick
Question Advising Session. These are offered MondayFriday, Find the right major ASAP.
10 a.m.4 p.m., on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also Your academic advisor will help you determine the best major for
call 303-556-3680 or submit an online form: msudenver.edu/ you based on your aptitudes, interests and goals. The sooner you
advising/contact/contactform. find the right major, the more money, time and effort you can save!

For more in-depth advising, contact the advisor in your Empower yourself by using your online tools to
academic area and make an appointment. (The Academic Advising check progress.
Center also sees students on a walk-in basis, but you might have to Check your CAPP (Curriculum, Advising and Program Planning)
wait.) Learn who to contact at msudenver.edu/advising/contact. Report regularly, and print a copy and write down any questions
you have before each call or visit to your advisor. msudenver.edu/
registrar/student/cappreportguide
First Year Success
Student Success Building, Suite 217 Take a balance of interesting and challenging courses.
msudenver.edu/fys We all have courses we look forward to, and ones we dont. Dont
take too many hard courses at once, but dont procrastinate on
First Year Success and Learning Communities. taking all of them, either. Ask your advisor for the best mix for you.
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 and there will be 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.
The best thing about FIRST YEAR
Participate in FYS Learning Communities to
Get guaranteed enrollment in high-demand courses.
Complete some required general studies classes. SUCCESS is the CLOSE-KNIT SENSE
Make friends.
Participate in fun, interactive academic and social opportunities.
Have greater involvement in learning through relationships OF COMMUNITY AND THE AMPLE
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 AMOUNT OF HELP aVAILABLE.
like FYS earn a GPA of 3.0 or above.

Stephanie Flores, MSU Denver freshman

04 msudenver.edu/nso
REMinder
Get your
advising
appointment
done way in
advance of
registering
for each
semester to
avoid the
rush!

Christian Caldwell
MSU Denver senior

msudenver.edu/nso 05
YOUR
FI NA N C E S
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.)

Why the rush


to graduation?
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 $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

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

T i ps f o r
S u cce ss
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. This is the University's


primary method of communication with students. We send
reminders, alerts and notices to help you, so consult your
MSU Denver 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.

msudenver.edu/nso 07
you r
r eso u r c es
MSU Denver is an incredibly diverse place, welcoming students Counseling Center
of all races, ages, abilities, interests, sexual orientations and Tivoli Student Union, Room 651
backgrounds. We offer a wealth of resources to help you get the 303-556-3132
most out of your classesand your free timeon our vibrant urban msudenver.edu/counsel
campus. Please use them!
If youre feeling overwhelmed or stressed, make an appointment
to see a counselor in the Counseling Center. Should you be in
Access Center and TESTING SERVICES crisis, let them know and theyll make you a priority. If you need
Plaza Building, Suite 122 urgent help on the weekend or after hours, call 303-352-4455 and
303-556-8387 identify yourself as an MSU Denver student.
msudenver.edu/access

Do you need accommodations because of a disability? The Access Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Student
Center assists students with documented disabilities in reaching Services
their academic potential. Disabilities served by the office include Tivoli Student Union, Room 213
learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, cognitive, psychological, vision, 303-556-6333
Deaf/HOH, systemic illness and physical. msudenver.edu/glbtss

GLBT Student Services works to improve the campus climate


Auraria Campus Police Department for GLBT students. It provides support, advocates for students
1201 5th St. experiencing discrimination and offers programs to educate the
Emergency Calls: Dial 911 from any campus phone* campus community about GLBT issues.
Routine Calls: 303-556-5000

MSU Denver and the Auraria Police Department work to maintain a Health Center
safe, respectful learning environment. Campus police officers are Plaza Building, Room 150
on duty 24/7, and there are emergency phoneseasily identified 303-556-2525
as the eight-foot red towers with blue lightsin parking lots msudenver.edu/healthcenter
campus-wide. These phones immediately dial campus police.
Got a cold? Need a flu shot? Head to the Health Center at Auraria.
*Cell phone 911 calls go to the Denver PD and will result in a slower Services range from treating illnesses and urgent care to wellness
response time. education, testing, immunizations and vaccinations. Students
are eligible for services at the Health Center; just show a current
University ID.
Campus Recreation
PE/Event Center, Room 108
303-556-3210 NightRider
msudenver.edu/campusrec 303-556-2001

Your student fees cover your membership to Campus Recreation, The Auraria Campus offers a free escort service to any campus
so you can use the cardio equipment, climb the rock wall and parking lot. The service is available from dusk to 10 p.m. Monday
shoot hoops for free. Campus Recreation also offers group indoor Thursday during fall and spring semesters. Call to schedule a pickup.
cycling classes, Zumba, strength and cardio classes, along with
club sports and intramurals.
Parking & Transportation Services
7th Street Parking Garage, First Floor
Office of Career Services 303-556-2000
Tivoli Student Union, Room 215 ahec.edu/parking
303-556-3664
msudenver.edu/career Parking lots have daily fees to park. Find maps, fees and permit
information online. Remember, many lots fill early, especially near
Start your career planning early by visiting the Career Services the start of each semester. If you are driving to campus, arrive early
Office in your freshman year. Career Services can help connect and give yourself plenty of time to get to class.
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 259
24-hour Hotline: 303-556-2255

Wh ats in
thepca.org

The Phoenix Center at Auraria provides free and confidential resources

the Ti voli?
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.
The Tivoli Student Union is your source for all kinds of student
services and other campus amenities. Heres what youll find in
Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Services that historic brick building:
Tivoli Student Union, Room 311
303-556-3559 Food
msudenver.edu/conduct Head downstairs to the campus food court. Tables are always full
of students, faculty and staff eating, studying and socializing.
Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Services (SCCRS) helps maintain
a campus environment where everyone can do their best work. It Auraria Bookstore
handles conduct proceedings related to code-of-conduct violations Get your books for class, computer accessories and
including sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, MSU Denver gear.
dating violence and stalkingwhile also helping students deal with
conflicts constructively before they get out of hand. SCCRS also provides Commuter Resource Center
the community with information on healthy relationships, bystander This is your source for campus IDs, RTD CollegePasses, lost and
intervention, and personal and community safety. found, and general info.

Garage Quiet Lounge


Student Activities Study in silence or sack out between classes.
Tivoli Student Union, Room 305
303-556-2595 Sigis Pool Hall and Arcade
msudenver.edu/studentactivities Play pool, video games and table tennis.

The Office of Student Activities is your go-to resource for getting i.lov.iT Market
involved at MSU Denver. Specific programs include the Distinguished This is your campus convenience store.
Lecture Series, student organization resources, leadership development,
Community-Based Learning Program, Student Travel Program, and GLBT Student Services, Counseling Center, Career
Student Government Assembly. Services, Student Conflict and Resolution Services
and Student Activities Office
These resources are here to help you succeed!
Tutoring Center
Student Success Building, Room 320 TIVOLI BREWERY AND TAP ROOM
303-556-6439 A historic, full-service tap-room, restaurant and brewery.
msudenver.edu/sas/tutoring

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.
you r
Comm u n i ty
There is always something great happening on campus, and there
are lots of ways to connect!

Be Social.
Connect with other MSU Denver students on Facebook.
facebook.com/msudenver

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


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

Dont forget to share!


#getrowdy
#msudenver50
@msudenver

Find more channels at msudenver.edu/socialmedia.

Be in the Know.
Follow the latest MSU Denver news on Twitter.
twitter.com/msudenver

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. Met Media also
produces TV and radio programming, so be sure to tune in!
mymetmedia.com

Cheer ON Your Roadrunners.


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

Brag a Little.
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 SHARE Your Story.

10 msudenver.edu/nso

Go Online.
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.

Get information about how to use email, Blackboard, ConnectU


and other resources.
msudenver.edu/technology/currentstudents

Get help from the Information Technology Services Help Desk.


msudenver.edu/msudenverhelpdesk

Find student computer labs and hours.


msudenver.edu/studentlabs

Go Mobile.
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

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

WITH THE EXPERIENCES


I'VE HAD HERE, I'M
READY NOT ONLY FOR
THE REAL WORLD, BUT
TO STATE THAT ANY-
THING IS POSSIBLE IF
YOU REALLY WANT IT. Apply online
today!
Johana Guzman, junior, Business Management major,
Human Resources Management concentration CampusVillageDenver.com

318 Walnut St | Denver, CO 80204 | 303.573.5272


you r
REMI N DER 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 regulations
use this chart as your guide to get your enrollment job done year
after year (or semester after semester)!

Apply for SUBMIT IMMUNIZATION


Financial Aid. DOCUMENTATION.
Make the FAFSA your friend every To help protect individual and community health,
year! Complete it by March 1 at students must submit immunization documentation
fafsa.ed.gov. by Oct. 1 for fall or summer sessions, or March 1 for
spring semester.

What happens if I dont?


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

Apply for Complete the College


scholarships. Opportunity Fund
Dont leave money on the table. You may qualify (COF) application. *
for a scholarship and not even know it! For priority Authorize the COF stipend every semester when you
consideration, apply by March 1 each year at register for classes (Colorado residents only).
msudenver.edu/financialaid/scholarships.

Pay your tuition Get some advice.


and fees. * Seriously. If you want to graduate on time, see an advisor
Pay your bill online, by phone at 303-556-4013 or at the every semester at the Academic Advising Center, Room
Cashiers Office in the Student Success Building, Room 140, 170, in the Student Success Building.
by 5 p.m. the Friday before classes start. Every semester!

Register for
What happens if I dont? classes early!
If you pay lateor dont pay at allyou will be charged late fees Get the best selection of courses and avoid late fees by
and you wont be allowed to register next semester. locking your schedule in as soon as you can.

Submit an Ready to graduate?


insurance form. * Congratulations!
Taking nine or more credits? Then you need to submit
an Insurance Selection Form by the insurance deadline, Youve come all the way and are ready to accept that
Every semester! You will receive a link to this form in diploma. But first, you need to apply to graduate. Plan
your MSU Denver email. Keep your eyes peeled! ahead (there are deadlines!), watch for announcements,
and contact the Office of the Registrar Graduation Services
for information.
What HAPPENS IF I DON't?
You could be charged for MSU Denver insurance. This charge
is nonrefundable!

*Each asterisked task needs to be completed every semester you are 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 Health Center at Auraria . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-2525


and Adaptive Technology . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-8387
Information Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-5740
Academic Advising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3680
Learning Communities and
Admissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3058 First Year Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-352-4195

Assessment and Testing . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3677 MSU Denver IT Service Support Center . . . 303-352-7548

Auraria Campus Bookstore . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-4286 New Student Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-6931

Auraria Parking Services . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-2000 Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3991

Campus Recreation at Auraria . . . . . . . . 303-556-3210 Scholarship Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-6384

Career Services Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3664 Student Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-6188

Cashiering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-4013 Student Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-2595

Commuter Resource/ID Center . . . . . . . 303-556-8385 Student Engagement and Wellness . . . . . 303-556-3559

Counseling Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3132 Student Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3312

Financial Aid Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-8593 Transfer Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-3774

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Tutoring Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-556-6439


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

You might also like