Denver Law Ascent

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Denver Law Ascent is a pre-orientation program created to welcome and support incoming University of Denver Sturm College of Law students. All admitted students are welcome to apply. The program is designed to support students from communities historically underrepresented in the legal profession and those with less familiarity with the legal profession including (but not limited to) students who are ethnically, racially, or socioeconomically underrepresented, non-traditional students, Veterans, LGBTQ+ students, gender-diverse persons, students with disabilities, students from rural areas, and first-generation college students, among others. Denver Law Ascent enables our new students to build communities among their classmates and DU faculty, staff, alumni and the legal community at large. Ascent students have opportunities to develop academic skills—and most importantly—to build connections, find support resources, and prepare for success in law school. The program abides by all requirements set by DU's Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX. The Fall 2025 application is now available!  The priority deadline is April 15, 2025; final deadline is by no later than June 10, 2025.
 

Denver Law Ascent group photo Fall 2024

Welcome Denver Law Ascent Class of 2024!

In August 2024, the University of Denver Sturm College of Law welcomed 33 Ascent students (26 of whom are new to the Denver area) — its largest cohort to date. Ascent is a pre-orientation program now in its fourth year. These incoming students have been matched with a peer and professional mentor, and spent their first week at Denver Law engaging in social/community and academic skill building activities.
 

  • Denver Law Ascent Program Details/FAQ

    1. Is Ascent just a pre-orientation program?  What happens with Ascent during the school year?

    The Ascent Program begins with a pre-orientation program, and the Program continues throughout your time in law school.  The pre-orientation program is intended to (1) introduce you to the law school, to resources, and to mentors, (2) familiarize you to the academic setting with a sample class, case briefing, academic resources, and even a practice exam, and (3) provide space for you to get to know your classmates before the academic year begins.

    During the academic year, the Ascent Program will have regular lunchtime sessions to talk about academic advising, exam preparation, mentorship meetings, etc.  In addition, Ascent Program students have the option of Ascent-only, small group TA sessions for their 1L classes (we call them “AAP” at Denver Law).  Lastly, Ascent Program students may participate in regular office hours with Dean Freeman, Professor Kraft, and Dean Boynton to talk about how classes are going, get academic support, help with finding jobs or externships, etc.

    2. What happens during the pre-orientation week of Ascent?

    See the Summer 2024 schedule HERE

    3. Is Ascent helpful as a part time student?  What if I can’t take the whole week off?

    We want all students to attend Ascent in person for the whole week if at all possible.  This allows you to get to know the building, the people, and one another more intimately than if you participate in person for only some of the time.  We know that some of the best connections are made in the unscripted moments, and it is so important for those in the Program to build trust so that you can be vulnerable later on when law school gets hard. We understand, however, that our part time students may not be able to take an entire week off of work.  We are working on ways to allow some in person and some zoom participation for our part time students.  So please apply and then reach out to Dean Boynton with any questions: Jessica.Boynton@du.edu 

    4. Why do Ascent?  The application seems like so much work and there’s already a week of orientation before classes.

    It does take some time to apply. We want to know that you are committed to the Program and to bringing your whole self to share with your fellow Ascent students.  This is a commitment of time for you and for us…for your whole 3 or 4 years of law school. 

    You should participate in Ascent to maximize your law school experience and to find the support you need while getting through an academically and socially rigorous law school program.  The Ascent Program makes an enormous difference in how students feel that they belong here, how they show up for one another and themselves, how they engage with faculty and staff, and how they access resources when they need them.  Ascent is both a safety net and a launching pad, and we’re excited to have you join us!

    Regular orientation occurs the following week and includes all incoming 1L students (over 250!). Ascent is a much smaller environment, with typically around 30 students. The activities in Ascent pre-orientation week and regular orientation are also different. Ascent is particularly designed to support students from historically underrepresented groups.

    5. Are there any Ascent students at Denver Law that I can connect with to get their feedback on the program?

    Yes! Email Jessica.Boynton@du.edu and we can connect you to a current student who is part of Ascent.

Ascent has played a lasting role in my legal education. As a student who is new to Colorado, I greatly appreciated having a chance to begin building relationships and establishing contacts in the Denver legal community before ever stepping foot in class. I have formed lasting bonds with not only my peers but other faculty, staff and professors before the first day of classes even began. -Marcus Collins

Marcus Collins
Varner Faddis Elite Legal

Professional Clothing Sponsorship

Preparing for the Profession

Embracing their core values of empowerment and authenticity, Varner Faddis Elite Legal, LLC is teaming up with the Sturm College of Law to provide Ascent students with a large professional clothing stipend — helping students bring their true selves to legal workspaces.

Denver Law Ascent group photo 2023
Denver Law Ascent incoming class, Fall 2023

 

Denver Law Ascent group photo Fall 2022
Denver Law Ascent incoming class, Fall 2022

 

Denver Law Ascent inaugural class
Fall 2021: Our inaugural class of Denver Law Ascent students.

As a first generation, Latina law student who is also a mother, Ascent helped to demystify law school before jumping into orientation. I arrived on campus extremely nervous wondering if I was making the right decision. By the end of Ascent, I had made a few good friends, had a support system in place, and felt much more at ease and excited for a new experience. -Sarah-Elena Dillabough

Sarah-Elena Dillabough
Ricketson Law Building

Join us in 2025!

The Fall 2025 application is now available!  The priority deadline is April 15, 2025; final deadline is by no later than June 10, 2025.

Apply Here

Denver Law Ascent helped me develop meaningful relationships and build confidence in the competitive law school setting early on. I was able to connect with student organizations and be elected to the Student Bar Association. -Alexz Thompson, 1L

Alexz Thompson

Contact

 
Jessica Boynton

Jessica Boynton

Assistant Dean of Student Affairs

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Diane Kraft

Diane B. Kraft

Associate Professor of the Practice of Law

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Freeman

Alexi Freeman

Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | Director of Externships and Social Justice Initiatives

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