We know that even a small number of important relationships make a consequential difference in one’s life and education. That’s why the University of Denver is committed to ensuring that every student has a relationship-rich education and that faculty and staff have a similar experience. The 4D Mentoring Constellation provides everyone at DU with the holistic support and life learning that we know is critical to success at the university and beyond.
Collectively, the individuals in your constellation offer different forms of support, ranging from emotional support to resource access to feedback to academic and professional development. Each form of support is critical to ensuring growth and success. In some cases, a mentor or advisor might provide you with multiple forms of support; in others, you may find that different people fill those roles. That’s why DU is focused on building a robust constellation of mentors for everyone in the community.
To learn more about how we are strategically approaching mentorship, check out our university-wide mentorship goals.
4D Peer Mentor Program
The 4D Peer Mentor Program contributes to advancing an intentional “constellation” of mentors at DU as part of the Four-Dimensional (4D) Experience.
The People Who Shape Us
At DU, mentorship is at the heart of the student experience. Here, students don’t just make connections—they find the people who spark discovery, open doors, and help them thrive long after graduation.
4D Peer Mentors Provide Guidance, Leadership to New Students
4D Peer Mentors help new students navigate DU, build connections, and feel at home from day one.
4D in Action: Mentors Help Students Find Their Path
Through a network of mentors and advisors, DU students gain guidance, support, and real-world insight to help shape their academic and career paths.
Mentoring Resources at DU
Being a Mentor
Being a mentor can be a great way to give back to your community. Whether you are a current part of our community, an alum, or a professional friend of our community, you can be a mentor. Building a mutually beneficial, open, and trusting relationship is a great way to provide resources and advice, facilitate reflection, and share experiences. The Professional Mentoring Handbook is a great place to start.
Read the Handbook
Being a Mentee
Being a mentee is an active process in which you form a partnership to work collaboratively on achieving goals that develop your skills, knowledge, and thinking. Consider your interests and goals in order to make strategic and thoughtful connections as you build your constellation. See the DU Mentee Handbook for guidance on where to start.
Read the Handbook
Crimson Constellation
This online platform provides students, faculty, staff, and alumni with mentorship and career networking within the university community. Mentors can share their perspectives and insights with others pursuing similar professional and personal interests. Features include one-on-one connections, groups, formal programs, learning pathways, and much more. This is a great place for the entire DU community to expand their constellation of mentors. Get connected today.
Get Connected
Mentor Map
This activity is meant to help you identify the individuals who provide different forms of support to nurture your growth and development. You may also use this map to identify areas where you might need additional support and expand your constellation accordingly. Mentor Map Handout.
Read the Handout
Signature Student Mentoring Programs
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4D Peer Mentor Program
4D Peer Mentors support the transition of first-year and transfer students into university life through sustained peer-to-peer relationships, fostering community and connection. They partner with First-Year Seminar (FSEM) faculty and build upon relationships in the classroom through First Ascent and other first-year programming. All 4D Peer Mentors complete the one-credit spring course CNP 1700 “Introduction to 4D Peer Mentorship” to gain foundations in emotionally intelligent leadership and mentorship.
Recruiting cycle: Winter Quarter
Learn More
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First-Gen Success Network Mentorship Program
Joining the First-Gen Success Network Mentorship Program is a powerful way to give back and make a lasting impact. By becoming a mentor, you can share your experiences, offer guidance through academic and career challenges, and help students build confidence and connections that open doors to future success. It's an opportunity to empower the next generation while enriching your own sense of purpose and community.
Recruiting cycle: All Year Round
Learn More
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Ann & David Hoffman LEAD Mentorship Program
Learning by Example, Attaining Distinction (LEAD) Mentorship Program puts Fritz Knoebel School students a step ahead of the competition by building important relationships among their peers, as well as with those in the industry and providing hands-on experience to complement classroom learning. We hope that by learning through these experiences, students will grow as both professionals, and as citizens with the highest standards of personal excellence.
Opportunities:
- Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program | Optimal for First and Second-Year Students: Protégé will be paired with a junior or senior peer mentor within the Fritz Knoebel School who shares their same personal and career interests.
- Professional Mentorship Program | Optimal for Third and Fourth-Year Students: Protégé will be paired with an industry professional who aligns with their career interests and area of focus within the School's degree concentrations.
Recruitment cycle: recruitment for all mentors and protégés begins in August, with a Kick-Off Event held in late September. The commitment is for the full academic year, and students studying abroad are encouraged to participate. A small number of new additions are accepted in early winter quarter.
Contact LEAD Visit the Hub
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Resident Mentors and Apartment Managers
Resident Mentors and Apartment Managers live in university housing and have an assigned grup of residents in their community for whom they cultivate a sense of belonging and build relationships. These staff members develop and facilitate social and community-building events and intentional check-ins as well as mediate conflict and serve as a resource for students.
Recruiting cycle: end of fall quarter (for next academic year)
Learn More
Sam Anderson-Lehman
Student Peer, Faculty & Staff Mentorship
Email Sam
