CU Denver welcomes largest freshman class in its history

The University of Colorado Denver this semester enrolled the largest freshman class in the institution’s 45year history, growing by 15.9 percent from last year, according to a university news release.

The recordsetting total means 1,716 firstyear CU Denver students on the shared Auraria campus downtown are experiencing the quintessential ups and downs of freshman life.

Total enrollment on the Denver campus is 15,232 students.

This is the sixth consecutive academic year that CU Denver has broken a record for its freshman class.

“We are honored that more freshmen than ever will make our vibrant urban campus their home as they pursue their academic career in the heart of downtown,” said vice chancellor Raul Cardenas Jr. “As Colorado’s only public urban research university, students are recognizing that CU Denver offers a diverse and rewarding student experience with academic excellence and supportive programming to help ensure a successful freshman year transition.”

About half of CU Denver’s freshman class is made up of firstgeneration college students, with 47 percent of the class being students of color, according to the news release.

“CU Denver is the most diverse research university in Colorado,” the news release said.

To assist the college newbies, CU Denver has signed up 900 of its freshman students for voluntary firstyear experience courses featuring small group classes to help attendees connect and have an easier transition from high school to college, the news release said.

“By reinforcing college life skills, First Year Experience courses help firstyear students get a solid start that contributes to their academic success,” said Christy Heaton, director of firstyear experiences. “Students who take FYE courses, on average, have higher retention rates and higher GPAs.”