Together with our students, we are working towards a shared promise: education should be more than the sum of its individual parts. That’s why we are committed to empowering our students to design an education that makes sense to them and their individual interests, values, and goals. That enables them to connect the dots across their learning. That encourages them to make sense of who they are becoming through their education and how they may apply their skills and learning for the greater good. That provides them with a set of key building blocks to maximize their educational experience while also laying a foundation for lifelong learning, engagement, and thriving. We call it the 4D Experience.
Four Dimensions
At the University of Denver, we focus on developing the whole person. Curious, creative problem solvers. Compassionate, resilient leaders. Intentional relationship builders. And reflective, purpose-driven practitioners.
Collectively, the Four Dimensions support this holistic development, fostering learning environments in which students not only grow intellectually but also develop their sense of character, well-being, and purpose. It’s a process by which education moves from the transactional to the transformational.
Through learning experiences in and out of the classroom, we...
Deepen Intellect
We pursue our curiosity, create and innovate, seek new vantage points, engage with complex real-world challenges and questions, and learn to navigate ambiguity.
Develop Well-being
We strive to embrace healthy behaviors and decisions, give ourselves grace, nurture our spirits, and cultivate positive relationships.
Discover Character
We cultivate empathy and compassion, challenge and reframe assumptions, engage across difference, develop and commit to values, practice resilience, and lead with authenticity.
Design Careers & Lives of Purpose
We connect the dots across our experiences, set and chart goals, apply skills and talents for the public good, and pursue continuous learning.
"Learning at DU is multi-dimensional. Here, I'm connecting my interests, values, well-being, and purpose to my education."
There are several critical ways in which we facilitate engagement with the four dimensions across a student’s educational journey. These drivers bring 4D to life, empowering students to connect the dots across their learning experiences, gain the support and guidance of mentors, and deepen and apply their learning while cultivating their unique passions.
Through reflection supported by mentors and advisors, students connect the dots across their experiences, make sense of their learning, explore their changed perspectives, and consider how to apply their learning moving forward. In doing so, they develop greater clarity and purpose as well as establish the foundation for expanded knowledge, growth, and maturity over time.
Students design a transformational education through curricular and co-curricular experiences that empower them to explore their interests, deepen their learning, cultivate their passions, and apply their knowledge. Students are particularly encouraged to pursue 4D signature experiences, which include study abroad, internships, undergraduate research, and much more. These experiences enhance student success and engagement and allow for deep learning at the nexus of the Four Dimensions.
The 4D Mentorship Constellation reflects a commitment to providing every student with a relationship-rich education. Students build a network of support, including faculty, staff, alumni, and peers. These mentors and advisors collectively nurture and encourage holistic learning and development in line with the Four Dimensions. This web of relationships provides a resilient and scalable resource to meet a student's evolving needs.
As part of the 4D Experience, quarterly reflection meetings help student employees in Community Commons build skills and set goals while creating a more supportive work culture.
The University of Denver was the first collegiate program in the U.S. to teach children in the community how to swim through the No More Under Swim Safely Series.
The 4D Experience comes to life through dynamic events that connect students, families, faculty, and staff in meaningful learning and growth. From hands-on workshops to inspiring discussions, 4D events foster connection, exploration, and discovery. Join us to engage, learn, and contribute to a thriving, multidimensional DU community!
Go to the graduate admission application to submit your information. For information on admission requirements, visit the graduate academic programs page and locate your program of interest.
Go to the graduate admission application to submit your information. For information on admission requirements, visit the graduate academic programs page and locate your program of interest.
The University of Denver admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
