Returning and first year students gained further insight into the various changes that have been adopted to better facilitate CU Denver’s Safe Return. During an August 4 webinar, a panel of student leaders and other campus experts answered many of the most common questions students have asked about the fall semester. Covered topics included course formats, adjustments to tuition and fees, available student services, and safety measures that will be enacted for in-person learning.
>> Read a list of relevant FAQs, and find out what classes will look like this fall.
Panel Shares their Expertise and Perspectives
Anthony Fontana, executive director for integrated enrollment services, led the webinar with the help of Daniel Casillas, president of the Student Government Association, and both served on the panel. As the panel guided the discussion through a range of predetermined topics, additional staff members answered audience questions via chat. Student panelists offered their perspectives on staying engaged with coursework and maintaining community, even as many classes are conducted fully online. “The campus has really remained connected through this difficult time,” said Aana Rase, a Peer Advocate Leader and undergraduate in the College of Arts & Media.
The panel of experts included:
- Daniel Casillas, President, Student Government Association
- Anthony Fontana, Executive Director, Student Affairs
- Todd Haggerty, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Budget
- Lindsey Hamilton, Director, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
- Sweeann Moreno, Graduate Assistant, Center for Identity and Inclusion
- Christine Nguyen, International Services Specialist, International Affairs
- Aana Rase, Peer Advocate Leader, CAM Undergraduate
- Duy Tran, Student Engagement Coordinator, Lynx Central
- Rey Worrell, Graduate Assistant, Peer Advocate Leadership Program
Reducing Costs, Maintaining Quality
This is the third consecutive year that CU Denver’s tuition rate has remained the same, and fee adjustments have been made proactively to ease costs wherever possible. The Auraria Campus and Student Wellness Center fees both have been discounted by 50% for the fall. Additionally, two separate online and technology fees have been combined into a single fee, as approved by the Board of Regents. “We’re committed to ensuring the student investment, which is so significant in higher education, is a valuable experience here, given the new environment that we’re in,” said Todd Haggerty, associate vice chancellor of budget. “We’re committed to making sure we have the full interaction with faculty and our students, regardless of the modalities.”
Wellness Center and Other Student Services to Remain Accessible
Though its fees have been reduced, the Wellness Center will remain open for use during the fall semester with social distancing and mask requirements in place. Personal training and 1:1 financial wellness coaching will still be offered, however equipment rentals will be unavailable. Additionally, services such as the Writing Center, the Women and Gender Center, Latinx Student Services, and the Center for Identity and Inclusion have all accelerated ways in which to provide services and will continue to provide virtual assistance to students.
Health and Safety Are Top Priority
“Upholding the wellbeing and health of every student is very, very important,” said Daniel Casillas, and the new safety measures will provide opportunities for on-campus employment. Paid student ambassadors will help ensure that everyone wears a mask at all times while on campus, displays their IDs, and practices proper social distancing. Anyone interested in being hired as a student ambassador should visit Handshake to apply.
>> Learn what to expect during daily health check-ins.
Watch the Webinar
If you missed the webinar, you can watch the full recording below.