Destinations Trips

FSEM faculty organize a group outing on Friday of Discoveries Week. Faculty may choose from a list of pre-arranged activities or design their own.

Destinations add an experiential element to new student orientation while enabling FSEM instructors and students to connect in off-campus settings. Ideally, the trip will relate to the topic of the First-Year Seminar and/or acquaint students with the City of Denver.

Approved FSEM Activities/Destinations IdeasDownload

DESTINATIONS BUDGET & COSTS

When planning your Destinations trip, be mindful of your budget. Below are typical prices for common purchases:

TICKETS

Museums: $10-$14 per student
Theatre: $15-30 per student
Tours: $6-15 per student

MEALS

Lunch: varies, $10-$18 per student
Coffee/ice cream: varies, $4-$6 per student
Dinner: varies, $10-$20 per student

TRANSPORTATION

Public transportation – free, with the RTD Eco Pass.

The advantage of using public transportation is that it gives students an opportunity to learn how to use the public transportation options. You can contact DU’s Transportation Center to develop a travel game plan using public transportation, or go to http://www.rtd-denver.com/ and click on “Trip Planner” to determine locations and times of transportation. All first-year students will receive RTD passes before the Destinations trip. FSEM instructors can have their DU ID/RTD passes updated at the Transportation Center. Many of the pre-arranged options will use RTD.

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR DESTINATIONS

While planning your Destinations trip, consider any physical limitations students may have (e.g., hiking in the mountains, walking downtown, etc). While faculty cannot require students to disclose a disability, you may still invite them to share anything they feel may impact a trip off campus. Any student who feels she or he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact you to discuss their specific needs. You can consult with Disability Services Program to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.​

DESTINATION TRIP IDEAS

  • Chatfield State Park
  • Chicano Humanities & Arts Council
  • Denver Museum of Nature and Science
  • Denver Art Museum
  • Denver Botanic Gardens tour
  • Denver Center for the Performing Arts
  • Denver Zoo
  • Denver Aquarium
  • History Colorado Museum
  • Mizel Museum
  • Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
  • Service learning activity at a local agency (Contact CCESL for support)
  • State Capitol tours
  • Banjo Billy’s Denver Bus tour

DESTINATIONS EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

In the event of an accident or serious illness for anyone participating in the Destinations Trip:

  1. Determine the seriousness of injury or illness.
  2. If emergency medical care is needed, immediately contact 911.
  3. Give the following information to the 911 dispatcher:
    • Your name and phone number
    • Location of person(s) who is injured or ill
    • Name of injured or ill person(s)
    • Indicate if an ambulance is needed
    • Details available on accident or illness
    • Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you goodbye.
  4. Do not move the injured or ill person(s). Try to make him or her comfortable. If qualified, provide First Aid as needed or find a qualified assistant.
  5. Have someone meeting the emergency unit at a specified location, i.e., street intersection, building entrance, so he or she can escort the unit to where the injured or ill person is located.
  6. After you contact 911, immediately contact a representative in the Provost’s office.
  7. Keep the representative updated on all progress regarding the ill or injured person.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Am I expected to attend the Destinations trip with my students? Yes. The Destinations trip is a vital part of the bonding process between you and your FSEM mentees.

Does the entire group need to return to campus together? No, but they should be with the FSEM instructor or the Orientation Leader. For some Destinations trips (such as those that go downtown), students will want to linger and explore on their own. This is acceptable. Just make sure the students are able to find their way back to campus with the Orientation Leader.