Metropolitan State University of Denver offers a wealth of academic resources, support services, events and career-development programs. But many students struggle to access or fully benefit from them. Whether because of timing, lack of information or not knowing where to begin, opportunities often go untapped.
To help bridge that divide and promote a more connected college journey, MSU Denver has launched Major Milestones, a new digital planning tool that supports students through each year of their academic and professional path. The tool outlines specific steps and opportunities that encourage students to do more than complete graduation requirements. It is designed to help them build a meaningful college experience.
“This resource helps students recognize what is available to them and when it makes sense to engage,” said Alyssa Marks, director of Faculty Engagement and Experiential Learning in the Classroom to Career Hub. “It’s a tool for making informed decisions and building confidence during their time here.”
A student-success resource tailored by major
Each Milestones page follows a shared structure to guide students through their first, middle and final years. The tool includes broader guidance, such as meeting with an advisor or completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, along with major-specific experiences including suggested events, skill-building opportunities and connections to professional or academic experiences related to their field.
“What makes this tool valuable is the balance,” said Graduate School Pathways Coordinator Sarah Goldenberg. “Students get practical, actionable guidance that is specific to their major. They also see how these steps contribute to a fuller college experience.”
The tool is designed to help students connect with peers and faculty and engage with resources that contribute to academic, social and career development.
Removing barriers to a fuller experience
Major Milestones was created to address the gap between available opportunities and student participation. Rather than letting students discover important events or deadlines by chance, the resource lays out a clear plan for how to connect with the right experiences at the right time.
It also encourages a more engaged college life. Students are guided to participate in events, join student organizations, explore career pathways and prepare for graduate school or postcollege training.
Strategic collaboration across campus
The tool began as a pilot in the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, where faculty members created milestone maps to help students understand the experiences available to them based on their year of study. That effort led to a broader, Universitywide initiative through the Student Success Launch, which supports Pillars I and II of MSU Denver’s 2030 Strategic Plan. These pillars focus on student success, connection and belonging.
A cross-campus working group formed with guidance from senior leadership to develop the resource and ensure that it reflected diverse perspectives across the University.
Members included:
- Ting Jiang, associate dean of curriculum, College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
- Kim Klimek, professor of History and interim department chair
- Alyssa Marks, director of Faculty Engagement and Experiential Learning, Classroom to Career Hub
- Amy Middleton, assistant dean for Enrollment and Operations, College of Health and Human Sciences
- Wendy Walker, academic advisor, College of Business
Marks and Goldenberg have led the implementation process from the C2 Hub, partnering with faculty members, department chairs and college-level and University Communications and Marketing colleagues to build out content and support departments in using the tool.
Now live and ready to use
Major Milestones is now available for use with pages available for each academic program. Faculty and staff members are encouraged to refer to the tool on their websites and in conversations with students to support access and engagement on campus.
“Our goal is to make the college experience more transparent and connected,” said Goldenberg. “When students can see the possibilities early on, they’re more likely to take action and get involved.”
