Navigating College at University of Denver

Choosing the right college isn’t just about academics—it’s about finding a place where you’ll be supported as a whole person. At the University of Denver (DU), that idea is more than a philosophy; it’s a practice, woven into every layer of campus life through what they call the 4D Experience: intellectual growth, well-being, character exploration, and career preparation.

DU offers robust, student-centered support through two standout programs designed to meet a wide range of learning and accessibility needs. Whether you’re navigating ADHD, a learning disability, anxiety, chronic illness, or just seeking structure and guidance, DU has built-in systems designed to help students thrive.

 

Disability Services Office (DSO): Accessible by Design

DU’s Student Disability Services Office (DSO) provides comprehensive, personalized accommodations supported by a dedicated staff of 12, including five accommodation specialists, two assistive technology experts, a testing coordinator, and administrative support.

At DU, the most commonly approved accommodations are designed to remove barriers while maintaining academic integrity. Many students receive extended time on exams, access to reduced-distraction or private testing rooms, or permission to use a calculator for certain tasks. Others may benefit from breaks during class or exams, adjusted attendance policies, or flexible deadlines to account for health-related challenges. Alternative formats for course materials are available, and students can also access note-taking support.

For students with more complex or long-term needs, DU considers additional accommodations such as course substitutions for math or foreign language, or housing accommodations—with single rooms and emotional support animals being the most common. In cases where health conditions significantly impact class attendance, remote participation may be considered, with decisions reviewed by multiple campus committees.

Here’s what stands out:

• 22% of undergraduate students are registered with DSO, reflecting a culture of openness and access.
• Students begin the intake process as early as June. Students complete a thoughtful 19-question self-assessment, followed by a one-hour intake meeting.
• DU offers universal access to Kurzweil, a text-to-speech tool that supports reading and comprehension for all students. While anyone can use the digital features, only registered students with DSO are eligible to receive physical textbooks converted to accessible digital formats.
• Jamworks, an AI-powered note-taking software that records and summarizes lectures, is also available to students registered with DSO. Additionally, DU’s assistive tech team helps ensure PDFs and Canvas course materials are accessible for all learners.
• A testing center—with 30 individual desks with dividers and 9 private rooms—is housed within DSO to ensure students have access to quiet, distraction-reduced spaces.

Support also extends into career preparation. The DSO offers programs on how to talk about disability in the workplace, presents in for-credit career courses, and partners with campus departments to help students navigate professional settings with confidence.

A student-led Neurodiversity Resource Group meets quarterly to advise DSO on accessibility issues, with a growing community of over 30 members.

 

Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP): Holistic, Personalized Support

DU’s Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP) offers one of the most established and comprehensive fee-for-service models in higher education for students seeking more ongoing, hands-on guidance- particularly around executive function, learning differences, or anxiety.

Founded in 1982, LEP has grown from just 10 students to over 400, most of whom are first-year students. The program serves students with ADHD (80%), anxiety (50%), dyslexia (30%), and other learning disabilities (30%). 

What sets DU’s Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP) apart is its layered, student-driven model that empowers learners while meeting them where they are—academically, socially, and personally.

At the heart of LEP is weekly academic counseling. Students meet one-on-one for an hour each week with a dedicated counselor—who stays with them throughout their time at DU. With caseloads of just 17–20 students, these counselors help students craft weekly academic plans that reflect their goals and learning style. The collaborative and consistent approach gives students a sense of agency and structure.

Executive function (EF) coaching is woven into these sessions, addressing common challenges like task initiation, time management, and emotional regulation. For students needing more targeted support, LEP also offers one-on-one coaching with EF specialists—35% of students take advantage of this each quarter.

LEP students also have access to certified, course-specific tutoring, with the option to schedule up to eight hours of one-on-one tutoring per day. In addition, drop-in support is available in writing and math four days a week. Whether brushing up on a tough topic or preparing for a major exam, students know they’re not alone.

Recognizing that college success isn’t just about academics, LEP offers opportunities for social connection and community-building. From Friday socials and mindfulness workshops to therapy dog visits, students are invited into spaces that feel welcoming, low-pressure, and fun.

The transition to college is also thoughtfully supported. LEP students can move in early, attend a pre-orientation weekend (FLYTE) designed for both students and families that makes the leap from high school feel a little less daunting. Remarkably, LEP support extends even during study abroad experiences.

Finally, LEP helps students prepare for life beyond college. DU’s career services rank among the top 25 in the nation, with more than 90% of students engaging. LEP complements this with a dedicated career advisor for neurodiverse students, while the DSO provides workshops on workplace disclosure and self-advocacy. 

LEP is a fee-for-service program at $5,100 per year, but scholarships are available. Students apply first to the University of Denver and then submit a separate application to the Learning Effectiveness Program. They can be considered for LEP before committing to DU. Accepted LEP students receive a contract in May, which they must complete by July 1 to avoid being placed on the waitlist. Students with ASD are welcome (ASD-1), provided they can manage emotional regulation with minimal support.

Life at DU: Flexibility, Exploration, and Community

DU is home to about 5,800 undergraduates. Students may come in undeclared (the second most popular major), and most change their major at least twice. The only direct-admit program is music.

Other highlights:

• Cherrington Global Scholars Program: covers airfare, passport, and visa fees—making study abroad possible for over 70% of students
• James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus: 724 acres for retreats, wilderness medicine, and field-based learning
• Test-optional admission
• Early Decision applicants receive an additional $5K merit award annually

Final Thoughts

The University of Denver doesn’t just accommodate students with disabilities—it invests in their success. Through the DSO and LEP, students access layered, personalized, and proactive support that helps them build confidence, skills, and community. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or fine-tuning executive function, DU creates a path for students to not only stay afloat but to grow, lead, and thrive.

---

Looking for a college that truly supports neurodiverse learners? Let’s talk about whether the University of Denver—and its standout programs like LEP—could be the right fit for your student.