The Path Forward Program
Each winter, eligible first-year undergraduate students are invited to join the Path Forward Program, an invitation-only program for students entering their second year the subsequent fall. The Path Forward Program helps students create an individualized plan to succeed at DU by ensuring that eligible students have the tools and support needed to thrive as they move into their second year and beyond.
Eligible students will receive an invitation to join the program and a link to register via email during the winter quarter. Registered students will receive reminders through Canvas about upcoming opportunities and deadlines related to the program steps. Please review the program details and frequently asked questions for more information.
Program Benefits
All students who successfully complete the Path Forward Program will be eligible for:
Priority housing selection for their second year, meaning they will have the opportunity to have an earlier timeslot to select their housing. All the students in their roommate group will get the same timeslot. In order to be eligible for priority housing, students must complete their FAFSA and CSS profiles by March 15th and meet with their advisor regarding spring registration, register for 12+ credits in the spring quarter, and meet with a person or office to expand their constellation of mentors by March 29th. Only the first 150 students to complete the listed criteria will be eligible.
A need-based Path Forward Grant of up to $2,500 to be awarded for the following academic year (i.e. 2nd year). Eligibility for the Path Forward Grant will be based on financial need as determined by FAFSA and CSS profiles.
A completion prize from the DU Bookstore for finishing the program. Students who complete the program will also be entered in a raffle to win 1 of 10 larger prizes.
Program Steps
To complete the Path Forward Program and be eligible for the Path Forward Grant, students in the program commit to completing the following steps:
Students must meet with their academic advisor in winter and spring quarters before registration for the following quarter.
Register for 12+ credits for spring and fall quarters during registration week. Registration dates can be found on the Registration and Billing Calendar.
Fill out required financial aid application forms (FAFSA and CSS Profile) by March 15th.
Meet with a student success coach at least once to enhance skills and tools for success at DU and learn more about resources available to DU students. In addition to the meeting with a student success coach, either schedule a follow-up meeting with a coach or meet the requirement by:
- Meeting with a Career Advisor
- If undeclared, meeting with an advisor in a potential major
- Attending 8 out of 10 weekly meetings, if enrolled in the Learning Effectiveness Program
- Submitting a meeting proposal to studentsuccess@du.edu for approval
