Denver Law Ascent

Denver Law Ascent is a pre-orientation program designed to welcome and support incoming University of Denver Sturm College of Law students from communities historically underrepresented in the legal profession including (but not limited to) students who are ethnically or racially historically underrepresented, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, gender-diverse persons, and first-generation college students. Denver Law Ascent enables our new students to build communities among their classmates and DU faculty, staff, alumni, and the legal community at large. Students have opportunities to develop academic skills—and most importantly—to build connections, find support resources, and prepare for success in law school. Applications for the Fall 2025 program will be available next spring.

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: jboynton@law.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 jboynton@law.du.edu and we can connect you to a current student who is part of Ascent.