Check out the handiest Book on Campus

Possibly one of the biggest mysteries about the UCD Student Handbook/Planner is: Is it more than just a planner?
The answer is yes, according to UCD psychology major, Brendan Hartley. “For sure it’s my planner primarily,” he said. “But what happens is I end up reading it, the introductory pages, on my downtime. Occasionally I come across a fun fact or something.”

For example, this year’s handbook includes a blurb on the importance of sleep and it’s correlation to the body’s natural growth hormones.

Every year, CU Denver reinvents the student handbook and planner. According to some students, if you can get past the standard introduction, which is a letter from the chancellor there’s some useful information inside.

The student handbook’s calendar spans the entire academic year including the summer semesters and winter break.

“Maximizing student efficiency is its assumed purpose,” said UCD senior James Briggs. “Now, probably because of how the information is presented, it’s easy to blow over page after page of tiny text.”

The handbook is addled with boilerplate information for any college student like a campus telephone directory, directions for accessing student email, and the location of student labs and lounges.

“Honestly, I’ve never read it. I get it. I use it as a planner. That’s it,” said UCD accounting major An Ngo.

Even for those using it solely as a planner, there are campus-centric events annotated on the inner margin of each page.

Important academic dates reside in the student handbook like the final day to drop classes without being charged, when to submit applications for graduation, and most importantly—when school is canceled.

The reality is, although the handbook may be dense, the information it holds is vital to all students, details about the university’s core curriculum, academic dishonestly policies, and the student code of conduct.

Also, the planner demystifies the sometimes-cryptic building codes (e.g. NC means North Classroom) that are on student schedules.

“I work out at the campus gym six days a week and I write out which muscle groups I’m going to work that specific day,” said UCD business major Adam Kehn. “It’s nice, compact; I can just toss it in my backpack or gym bag. It’s convenient to carry.”

For the more colorful day planners, the university added an entire page of complimentary stickers including labels like “study,” “work,” and “party.”

“I mean, I got it at orientation for free. I might as well use it,” said UCD anthropology transfer student Meghan McKenzie. “I have a million other things to buy for my dorm and stuff.”

Student handbooks are available both in the Office of Student Life and at the Auraria Bookstore.