On June 22, Metropolitan State University of Denver will award its first associate degree in more than 50 years (the last was bestowed in 1973). This momentous occasion is made possible through the Colorado Re-Engaged Initiative, which enables four-year institutions to award an earned associate degree to eligible students who have stopped –out from a baccalaureate program after earning at least 70 credit hours.
The legislation was born out of the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced many students — particularly those from low-income communities — to stop out before attaining a bachelor’s degree. In many cases, students had invested a significant amount of time and money to advance their knowledge and skills through higher education but did not have an academic credential to reflect their investment.
Shaun Schafer, Ph.D., associate vice president of Curriculum, Academic Effectiveness and Policy Development, called the upcoming celebration a historic moment for graduates and the University.
“These folks all made significant strides toward a bachelor’s degree, but they were not able to finish it; now, they have an academic credential to celebrate,” Schafer said. “It’s pretty amazing, and we hope it will be impetus for some of them to return and finish that bachelor’s degree.”
Join the Associate of General Studies graduation celebration
- June 22
- 9-11 a.m.
- Tivoli Turnhalle
The event will also include a performance from the Mariachi los Correcaminos. Roadrunners and supporters who cannot attend can watch the event via livestream.
