For Students:
Your Educational Success During COVID-19

April 3, 2020 @ 4:41 p.m.

Dear CU Denver Students:

In these unprecedented times, it is absolutely normal to feel overwhelmed about the current circumstances. You may be feeling this way particularly after your first week of remote learning since returning from spring break. We understand that you have other roles besides being a student, and that these may require a great deal of attention during this public health emergency. We recognize that you may be facing a variety of additional challenges in your living, working, and family lives. 

During the last several weeks, our faculty, advisors, and staff have been developing new resources and ensuring that many of your routine academic resources are still available to you, although in different ways. While the way we interact has changed, our goal of helping you successfully continue on your educational path has not.

Below are some of the resources available to support you during this time.

Academic Support Resources

Modified Grading Policy Option
Understanding the need for flexibility in grading due to the tumultuous events of this semester, CU Denver has adopted a modified grading policy option for spring 2020 only. We hope that the more flexible option will give you the maximum opportunity for success. 

Advising 
Academic advisors across the university are ready to serve you remotely. For undergraduates, visit the Undergraduate Academic Advising website and look for Remote Advising Details at the top of the page to get help. Graduate students should work with their primary advisor or program director.

Tutoring and Other Academic Support  
The Learning Resource Center is now offering online individual tutoring, small-group tutoring, supplemental instruction, and study skills workshops that will help you transition to remote learning. Visit the LRC website or email tutorialservices@ucdenver.edu for more information on scheduling appointments.

The Writing Center is now fully remote as well, offering free workshops and online consultations. Set up your appointment to get help on final papers and projects. 

The Merc Lab and Math Help Desk are offering their services through Zoom. They can help with your math and statistics questions. 

Auraria Library
The Auraria Library’s COVID-19 webpage provides information on how to access online resources and how the library’s creative technology team can support you in navigating programs such as PowerPoint, iMovie, Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Premiere Pro, InDesign, Illustrator, and After Effects. The library is waiving penalties for not returning physical items previously checked out. 

Remote Learning Resources
We have also developed a remote learning webpage to help with any questions you may have related to the transition to remote learning, including tips for success. 

Administrative Support Resources 

As the university transitions to remote teaching and learning for the remainder of the spring semester, our Registrar and Financial Aid & Scholarships staff are also working remotely. They continue to be available to answer your questions and provide assistance.

Registrar 
For information related to transcripts, FERPA, requests to change student record information or general questions about course registration and course/term withdrawal, go to the Registrar webpage, email Registrar@ucdenver.edu, or call  303-315-2600. 

Financial Aid & Scholarships
For information or questions about applying for aid, eligibility requirements, or information on grants, scholarships, loans, or the FAFSA application, go to the Financial Aid & Scholarships webpage, email FinancialAid@ucdenver.edu, or call 303-315-1850.

Life Resources

Loving Lynx Fund
CU Denver students currently facing unanticipated financial emergencies ​in general or as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic (including accidents, medical or dental emergencies, and/or a need for temporary housing) may qualify for assistance from the Loving Lynx Fund. Please check the website to see if your needs qualify, then complete the application. All student applicants will also be referred to community resources. Email LovingLynx@ucdenver.edu with questions.

Food 
The CU Denver Mobile Food Pantry is available between 9-11 a.m. every other Tuesday. The food pantry is scheduled next on Tuesday 04/14/2020. The pantry will be parked at the Walnut Lot, West 4th Street, located across from Lynx Crossing (formerly known as Campus Village). The Walnut Lot is next to the Auraria West station by light rail and close to Auraria Parkway & 7th by bus. You can drive or walk up.

Mental Health 
The rapidly evolving situation, including pressures due to working and studying remotely, may cause stress and anxiety. While this is a difficult time, we have several resources that may be helpful to you. 

For a full list of mental health, food and holistic wellness resources please refer to the Health and Wellness webpage. 

Internet 
Comcast Essentials is offering two months free to university students who are new customers. Spectrum Internet (844-488-8398) is offering free internet to students. 

Laptops
The university is seeking resources to help meet technological needs and will try to accommodate student requests. Students needing a laptop should email studentsuccess@ucdenver.edu as soon as possible. 

Employment 
If your work hours have reduced, you may qualify for unemployment benefits. Take a look at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s Unemployment FAQs website to see if you qualify and how to apply. This is a benefit that only applies to U.S. citizens.  

The CU Denver Career Center has information on employers who are hiring immediately. Contact the center for more information.

Finally, if you don’t know whom to reach out to, our staff at the Lynx Center are happy to help you figure it out. Please feel free to email LynxCenter@ucdenver.edu or call 303-315-5969. We are here to help in any way we can.

Despite the physical distancing we are all experiencing, we are still all a part of a campus community who are here to support one another. 

Linda S. Bowman, Ph.D.
Vice Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Success