New student advising is live! We held our advising and registration webinar last night with our Office of Academic Advising. Read below for useful links and attached resources!
Missed the webinar? Use this link to watch the webinar!
Office of Academic Advising Information:
Phone: 303-871-7001
New Student Advising Window: July 7th -July 17th
New Student Registration Window: July 20th-July 24th
For questions about registration issues including errors, contact imsoconfused@du.edu or call 303-871-4095
For questions about academic advising or course planning, contact advising@du.edu
Helpful Links:
- First Year & Transfer Student Advising & Registration Webpage
- Click around, this webpage answers so many questions!
- Major and Specific Programs Advising Videos
- Registration Video Library
- See screen recordings of how to find registration times, holds, and more!
- Get Connected with an Advisor
Registration & Time Tickets
When and how does my student register, and what if they have a scheduling conflict?
A “time ticket” is the exact date and time a student can begin registering for a given quarter.
- Checking Time Tickets: For the fall, starting July 6, students can view their time ticket by logging into My4D, navigating to the registration system, and selecting Prepare for Registration. (Students are not emailed this time—they must look it up).
- Registration Window: Registration runs July 20–24, and seats are released progressively throughout the window to ensure fairness for later tickets. All time tickets are in Mountain Time (Denver local time).
- Scheduling Conflicts: If a student has a conflict when their specific ticket opens, there is no need to worry—the time ticket simply marks when their access begins. They can log in later that day or anytime during the remaining registration window.
Group Advising Sessions
How does my student sign up for a group advising session, and what if they are waiting for AP/IB scores or have major-specific questions?
Group advising is required and helps students map out their specific degree requirements, degree audit, and departmental suggested course plans.
- Sign-Up: Students sign up through Crimson Connect via the Meet with Academic Advising page. (First-time users will be prompted to set up a profile before accessing the event page).
- Pending Scores: Students can attend advising even if their AP/IB scores are pending, as advisors will explain how to plan around anticipated credits. Alternatively, students who prefer to have their scores on hand can schedule a later advising session.
- Major-Specific Guidance: There are also program-specific advising videos for each college (Business, Pre-Health, Engineering, etc.) on the Advising Videos page.
First-Year Seminar (FSEM)
Where can we see the FSEM options, and will my student get their first choice if they register later?
Every first-year student registers for one four-credit FSEM, with over 70 topics available.
- Finding Options: You can browse them on the FSEM Course Descriptions page or the First-Year Seminar information page.
- If the course description page is giving you and error message, find a PDF attached below.
- Registration Strategy: Students should select at least five FSEMs they are interested in prior to registration, as popular sections fill quickly.
- Seat Availability: Seats are released gradually throughout the entire registration window, so students with later time tickets still have access to opening seats. Having several backup choices ensures they secure a seminar that interests them.
Course Plans, Majors & Minors
Where can we find course descriptions, math placement guidelines, and plans for specific majors or minors?
- Course Plans & Descriptions: Students should start by reviewing Majors, Minors & Course Plans for suggested first-year plans based on their major. For comprehensive course descriptions, check the DU Bulletin, and use the Online Schedule of Classes to see current offerings.
- Math Placement: Business and STEM students must review the Math Advising guidance to find their recommended math pathway based on prior coursework and test scores.
- Second Majors & Minors: Second majors and multiple minors can be officially declared after the quarter begins using the Registrar's forms page; early planning with an advisor is highly recommended to manage course overlaps.
The Language Requirement
What is the language requirement, what is offered, and are there exemptions?
Most DU students must complete a language requirement for the Common Curriculum by either finishing the elementary sequence of one language or taking one four-credit course at their level if they place higher.
- Languages offered: Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, and Russian
- Exemptions: Students pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or any Engineering degree (e.g., mechanical engineering) are completely exempt and do not need a placement test.
Who needs a placement test, and how does scheduling work?
High school coursework alone does not waive the requirement. Placement tests are free, self-scheduled on the CWLC placement testing page, and dictate where a student starts.
- Continuing a language: Any student who has prior experience (including high school) and wants to continue that language must take the placement test.
- Starting a new language: No test is required. Students simply register for the 1001-level course (e.g., FREN 1001).
- Course sequencing: Most languages run sequentially across the year (1001 in fall, 1002 in winter, 1003 in spring). If a student places into 1002 for a language other than Spanish, they will typically wait until winter to take it. Spanish is the exception, offering some 1002 sections in the fall.
- Test results: If a student feels their placement is incorrect, they can retake the test. For questions or result concerns, email cwlc@du.edu.
Do AP, IB, or dual-enrollment college credits satisfy the requirement?
Not automatically. Because these situations are highly individualized, students should confirm their status with the Office of the Registrar and an academic advisor.
- AP / IB credits: These do not satisfy the language requirement on their own. Students must still take the placement test to determine what coursework they need.
- College / Dual-enrollment credits: These may count toward the requirement if the student submits an official transcript, earned a sufficient grade, and the course is judged as equivalent. Even then, a placement test or further coursework could still be necessary.
Transcripts, AP/IB & Transfer Credit
How do we confirm DU received high school transcripts, AP/IB scores, or transfer credits, and how do they impact registration?
- High School Transcripts: Students must request that their high school send their final transcript to DU; to confirm receipt, they can contact the Undergraduate Admissions at 303-871-2036.
- AP/IB Scores: For AP (school code 4842) and IB scores, results arrive in batches starting mid-July and take a couple of weeks to process. Qualifying scores can award credit toward the Common Curriculum (excluding the language requirement).
- Transfer Credits: Check processed scores and transfer credits via My4D → Student tools widget → My Student Profile → Prior Education and Testing.
- Impact on Registration: Students can still register on time even if some scores are pending, and they can work with advisors to select the appropriate next-level courses (like math) once transfer credits post.
Campus Life: Health, Housing & Dining
What are the deadlines and processes for immunizations, housing assignments, and meal plans?
- Immunizations: Immunization records are due July 1 and must be submitted through the MyHealth portal. Once processed, the portal will display an “in compliance” status (contact the Health & Counseling Center with questions).
- Housing Assignments: Housing assignments and roommate information are emailed to students' DU email addresses on July 28th.
- Meal Plans & Roommate Requests: Housing & Residential Education (HRE) manages all room assignments, late roommate requests, Living & Learning Communities, and dining plans. For specific inquiries or changes, students should contact HRE directly at housing@du.edu or 303-871-2246.
More Topics
Where can we find information on disability accommodations, study abroad, tuition due dates, and DU systems?
- Disability Accommodations: Start with the Student Disability Services (SDS) page to share a disability or request accommodations. You can register here to sign up for our SDS webinar on July 30th.
- Study Abroad: Work with academic advisors early to shape a four-year plan, as students typically use elective credits while abroad.
- DU Portals: My4D is the central platform for students. For walkthroughs, students can email orientation@du.edu to connect with a 4D Peer Mentor over the summer.
- Tuition & Billing: Fall invoices and due dates are available on the Understand Your Bill page from Student Billing.
- Webinars: All parent/family webinars are recorded and posted online, so nothing is missed if you cannot attend live.
