Campus
Our Campus and Community
Located in downtown Denver, the University of Colorado Denver, Denver Campus is physically located on the 151-acre Auraria Campus, which is shared with two other institutions: Metropolitan State University of Denver and Community College of Denver. Because we share facilities, our students have access to the level of resources found at much larger public universities.
Three beautiful buildings are central to our student community: Student Commons, Student Wellness Center, and City Heights, our new first-year student housing building. Students get together at Student Commons to study and eat. It’s also home to Lynx Central, a help desk for prospective and current students that provides resources, referrals, and solutions. The Student Wellness Center houses a state-of-the-art sports and recreation facility, a Wellness Suite that includes the CU Denver Food Pantry, study rooms, a game lounge, and a two-story climbing wall. And City Heights, houses our students in the center of campus life. On the east side of Speer Boulevard, you will find our three buildings located in the heart of downtown Denver: Lawrence Street Center, CU Denver Building, and the Business School. The three buildings are within walking distance of many restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as the 16th Street Mall.
Our campus is convenient for students who live throughout the metro area’s many diverse neighborhoods. Students who work downtown love that we are so close. And students who live north or south of the city along the Front Range Corridor also benefit from our centrally located campus.
Both our shared campus and our downtown location contribute to an inclusive community that fosters respect for diverse students and groups.
CityCenter Links Campus and Community
CityCenter provides university resources to civic, nonprofit, and business leaders. with a street-level retail-like location at the southwest corner of 14th & Lawrence Street, CityCenter provides a physical and virtual portal for the community to connect with faculty expertise, student ingenuity, and other CU Denver resources. Staffed during regular business hours, CityCenter is open to community members who would like to access the university's knowledgeable faculty, innovative student population, and research capabilities.
About the Auraria Campus
The Auraria Campus is a dynamic and vibrant higher education community located in the heart of downtown Denver. The 150-acre campus is shared by three separate and distinct institutions of higher learning: Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and University of Colorado Denver. This is the most efficiently utilized campus in the state. Classrooms on the Auraria Campus are used an average of 50+ hours per week. Classes are held from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m; for building hours, please visit the AHEC website.
The Auraria Campus offers numerous amenities to students, faculty and staff, from the largest bookstore in the Rocky Mountain region to a state-of-the-art fitness facility. Details of these amenities are outlined in this section.
In addition to its proximity to the thriving business and industry of downtown Denver, the Auraria Campus has a distinct historic flavor. The Tivoli Student Union is housed in a renovated brewery originally built in the 1860s. Historic Ninth Street Park, St. Cajetan’s Church/Performing Arts Center, St. Elizabeth’s Church, and the Emmanuel Art Gallery are also located on campus.
Auraria Higher Education Center
The Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC) is a separate state entity whose role is to provide and manage shared services, facilities, and property to support these prominent institutions in achieving their goals. The collective student population is approximately 42,000, with an additional 5,000 faculty and staff.
AHEC provides common services for the campus including: classroom scheduling, facilities services and construction, campus police, telecommunications infrastructure, student union, media services, book store, early learning center, parking and transportation, mail services and facilities master planning. Visit the AHEC website for additional information.
Auraria Campus Event Services
Location: 900 Auraria Parkway, Suite 325
Phone: 303-556-2755
Email: acesmaindesk@ahec.edu
Website: www.ahec.edu/eventservices
Auraria Campus Event Services (ACES) manages all non-academic events that take place on the Auraria Campus. From a simple meeting to an impactful campus event like Spring Fling or Fall Fest, our team is committed to providing quality service and producing successful events.
A majority of the event spaces on campus are located in the Tivoli Student Union, but other event venues are also available in St. Cajetan’s Event Center, the PE/Event Center, and several outdoor event spaces including the Tivoli Quad. Student groups can contact us for assistance with locating and booking a space and coordinating support services.
Services available include:
- event facility scheduling
- event coordination and planning
- audiovisual rental, set-up, and support
- management of student filming on campus
- coordination of event advertising on campus
- organization of information and fundraising tables
Auraria Early Learning Center (Child Care Center)
Location: 950 9th Street Park
Phone Number: 303-556-3188
Email: Please refer to website for more information
Website: https://www.ahec.edu/early-learning-center
The Auraria Early Learning Center (AELC), a 5-star Colorado Shines-rated center, provides full-time programs for children 12-months to 5-years-old and summer camp for children through age 8. The center serves the students, faculty, and staff of the Auraria Campus. On a space-available basis, the center also serves the Denver community. All of the center's programs are fully licensed by the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Auraria Event Center/Student Recreation Center
Location: PE Building/Event Center, 1255 10th St Plaza, Denver, CO 80204
Phone: 303-615-1500
Email: campusrec@msudenver.edu
Website: https://www.msudenver.edu/recreation/
The Auraria PE/Event Center is a 2,800-seat facility for team and individual sport activities, academic programs, events and conferences. Our purpose is to foster individual and community well-being through the power of engagement, leadership, partnership and recreation. We provide a wide range of affordable, high quality, and inclusive recreational and wellness opportunities designed to support personal, academic, community and institutional success of Auraria Campus students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community at-large. Our building consists of Fitness and Wellness, Outdoor Adventure and Leadership, Recreational Sports, Educations/Certification, Member Services, Employment Opportunities, Partnerships, and Community Outreach.
Auraria Library
Location: 1100 Lawrence Street Denver, CO
Phone Number: 303-315-7763
Email: Please refer to website for more information
Website: https://library.auraria.edu/
The Auraria Library connects users with ideas through technology-enabled information discovery and delivery on an “anytime, anyplace” basis. The Library’s collections of learning materials, resources, and research services support the information, research, and curriculum needs of the Auraria Campus. We strive to create a welcoming environment that fosters equity, diversity, and inclusion and nurtures creativity and learning. We are deeply committed to ensuring equitable access to knowledge and information from diverse perspectives for everyone as we build a shared vision that challenges existing notions of the library and sparks discovery and curiosity about the world around us. Assistance from Library staff is available via one-on-one meetings, by phone, text, or chat on our website (https://library.auraria.edu/).
Auraria Media Center and Classroom Support
Location: 1100 Lawrence Street (East side of the Auraria Library), 015
Phone Number: 303-556-2426 Classroom Equipment Service: 303-556-3342
Email: jennifer.kerber@ahec.edu
Website: http://mediacenter.ahec.edu
The Auraria Media Center and Classroom Support Services offers a full range of media services and classroom support.
The Auraria Media Center provides a full range of media services for the Auraria Campus, as well as the Denver community.
Classroom Audiovisual Equipment Checkout
Instructors may reserve audiovisual equipment for course-related needs through the Media Center. Please contact MediaCenterEquipment@AHEC.edu to make arrangements.
Non-Classroom Audiovisual Equipment Rental
Audiovisual equipment is available for rent for non-academic purposes. Please contact Troy Lucero for rates and details.
Emmanuel Gallery
Location: 10th and Lawrence Street Pedestrian Mall
Phone Number: 303-315-7431
Email: jeff.lambson@ucdenver.edu
Website: http://www.emmanuelgallery.org/
Tri-institutional campus on Auraria Campus for over 35 years. Historical landmark who received the Mayor’s Art for Excellence in 2012 featuring national, international artists, designers and architects as well as featuring student and faculty shows for each school on campus. Emmanuel Gallery's exhibitions are always free and open to the public. Stop in for a relaxing break.
Health Center at Auraria
Location: Plaza Building 150
Phone Number: 303-615-9999 24 Hour Mental Health Crisis Line: 303-615-9911
Email: Please refer to website for more information
Website: www.healthcenter1.com
The Health Center at Auraria is a tri-institutional department that provides Medical Services and Mental Health Services for all students, faculty and staff on the Auraria Campus. We are committed to caring for each member of this diverse community with sensitivity and respect. The Health Center at Auraria is an in-network medical provider for most Colorado offered Health Insurance, is easily accessible and provides high-quality care and Outreach Programs.
All AHEC, CCD, MSU Denver and CU Denver students, faculty and staff on campus have full access to our services. Visit the Health Center's Eligibility, Fees & Service Charges for more detailed information about access to care.
King Academic and Performing Arts Center
Location: 855 Lawrence Way
Phone Number: 303-556-2296
Email: Please refer to website for more information
Website: www.ahec.edu/kingcenter
The King Center houses six performing spaces: three permanently assigned production studios, a 197-seat recital hall; 520-seat concert hall; and the 270 seat Eugenia Rawls Courtyard Theatre. There are dressing rooms, green room, recording studio, lighting lab, music electronics lab, classroom space, box office, scene shop, paint shop and costume shop. All spaces are fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and a variety of spaces for exhibiting fine art. The entire facility has more than 180,000 square feet dedicated to the education and development of the student who wishes to study performance/arts. The center can support many forms of entertainment, from traditional theatre to large choral ensembles and other types of performances.
Tivoli Student Union
Location: 900 Auraria Parkway #325
Phone Number: 303-556-6330
Email: angela.levalley@ahec.edu
Website: www.ahec.edu/services-departments/tivoli
A landmark of the Auraria Campus and the epicenter for campus life and services, the Tivoli Student Union supports the University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, the Community College of Denver, and the greater Denver community. The Tivoli was named #9 of the 25 best student unions by Best College Reviews.
Tivoli Student Union Directory and Map
The following services are located in the Tivoli Student Union:
- Barnes & Noble College Tivoli Station Bookstore
- i-lov-iT Market convenience store (located inside Barnes and Noble College Tivoli Station Bookstore)
- Tivoli Starbucks
- Food court
- Campus ID Station
- Campus Info Desk
- Conference and meeting spaces
- Facilities for recreational, social, and organized co-curricular student activities
- Credit Union of Denver
- Study lounges and spaces
ID Station
Location: 900 Auraria Parkway, Suite 269
Phone Number: 303-556-8352
Email: idstation@ahec.edu
Website: www.ahec.edu/services-departments/id-station
The ID Station provides campus IDs for students, faculty, and staff, as well as the RTD Mobile CollegePass for students who participate in the RTD Mobile CollegePass program. The ID Station also serves as the hub for campus questions/information and the location for lost and found inquiries.
Tivoli Station Bookstore
Location: Tivoli Student Union, Suite 205
Phone number: 303-556-4286
Email: tivolistation@ahec.edu
Website: https://www.bkstr.com/cudenverstore/home
The Follett experience will also be extended to online campus stores, offering access to classroom materials, apparel, technology, and more. Online shoppers can find an expanded assortment of merchandise - beyond what’s offered in store - and enjoy 24/7 access to the products and course materials they need.
Downloadable PDF: General-Campus-Map
For an interactive version of the CU Denver campus map, please visit the Campus Map website.
For additional Auraria Campus maps (including but not limited to parking, campus accessibility, landing zones and lounges), please the Maps website.
Parking & Transportation Services
Location: 777 Lawrence Way, 1st Floor
Phone: 303-556-2003
Email: ahec_parking@ahec.edu
Website: https://www.ahec.edu/services-departments/parking
A degree should help you get somewhere, and how you get to campus to earn that degree is an important thing to consider. CU Denver students have several options for traveling to and from campus safely and efficiently. CU Denver is conveniently located downtown near multiple light rail stations and bus stops. Bicycle commuting is also a popular option, given Denver's sunny weather, active culture, and miles of protected bike lanes. If you prefer to drive, there are parking spots available, too.
Parking Garages and Lots
Click here to download a copy of the parking map.
Tivoli Garage
Located at 9th Street and Auraria Parkway
- Payment required 24/7, 365 days a year, immediately upon parking.
- Auraria Campus Community members must register their vehicle to ensure they pay the campus community rates no matter when they park.
- Pay at a pay machine or pay-by-cell using the ParkMobile App.
- Parking payment is enforced and violators are subject to citation. Citations will be mailed instead of placed on the windshield.
7th Street Garage
- Payment required 24/7, 365 days a year, immediately upon parking.
- Auraria Campus Community members must register their vehicle to ensure they pay the campus community rates no matter when they park.
- Parking payment is enforced and violators are subject to citation.
- Parking is available for 7th Street Garage Permit holders and Gold Passport holders.
- You can pay for parking with the free ParkMobile App, or you can call (877) 727-5457 and enter Zone #3047.
- After you have parked your vehicle you may remit your payment at the Pay Station labeled PAY HERE located in the parking garage exit lane.
5th Street Garage
Located at 5th Street and Walnut Street
- Payment required 24/7, 365 days a year, immediately upon parking.
- Auraria Campus Community members must register their vehicle to ensure they pay the campus community rates no matter when they park.
- You can pay for parking with the free ParkMobile App.
Vehicles that remain in garages after closing may be retrieved by contacting the Auraria Campus Police Department at 303-556-5000.
Daily Fee Lots
- Payment required 24/7, 365 days a year, immediately upon parking.
- All surface lots on campus are unattended and require payment by license plate number at a pay station or by cell phone.
- You may keep the payment receipt for your records, but it doesn't need to be displayed on your dash.
- Auraria Campus Community members must register their vehicle to ensure they pay the campus community rates no matter when they park.
Metered Parking
- Payment required 24/7, 365 days a year, immediately upon parking.
- Parking meters on the Auraria Campus are intended for short-term parking.
- Parking meters accept credit cards and coins.
- Parking permits and passports issued by Auraria Campus are not acceptable forms of parking meter payment.
- State-issued blue disability placards and disability license plates are not exempt from payment at Auraria Campus parking meters.
Motorcycle Parking
- Motorcycle-designated spaces are available in the 5th Street Garage and Tivoli Parking Garage.
Overnight Parking
- Overnight parking is prohibited without prior approval from the Parking & Transportation Services Office. Please call 303-556-2003 for more information.
- If a vehicle is left overnight due to an emergency, please call Parking Services Dispatch at 303-556-2000.
- Vehicles that remain in garages after closing may be retrieved by contacting the Auraria Campus Police Department at 303-556-5000.
University of Colorado Reciprocal Parking
Faculty, staff, and students with a valid full-time parking permit issued by CU Denver and UCCS may use their permit to park at designated parking lots on Auraria Campus without paying the daily fee. Campus visitors with ID badges for Anshutz Medical Campus may obtain a reciprocal parking permit at the Parking and Transporation Services office. Reciprocal parking is valid for travel related to official university business only, and parking spots are subject to daily space availability.
Auraria Campus Reciprocal Parking Lots
- 5th Street Garage
- Elm Lot
- Walnut Lot
Visit CU Denver Facilities Management for more information on the CU Reciprocal Parking Agreement.
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking is available in nearly all lots on the Auraria Campus. Parking spaces are marked and reserved for vehicles that have a state-issued or campus-issued hangtag. See requirements below:
- Permit lots and spaces: an AHEC-issued permit is required
- Daily-fee lots and garages: a state-issued hangtag for persons with disabilities is required
All accessible parking on campus follows the standard Auraria Campus fee schedule. Daily-fee lots require payment at the time of parking.
Click here to view the Accessible Parking Guide
Parking Permits
A number of lots are reserved for permit holders who purchase a prepaid permit each semester. Prepaid permits allow in-and-out privileges. Most permits can be customized to accommodate specific days of the week.
How to Purchase a Permit
- Purchase a Permit online »
- Visit the Parking & Transportation Services Office (777 Lawrence Way in the 7th Street Garage). In accordance with CDPHE Guidelines: We are practicing safe social distancing, and only 5 people are allowed in the office at a time. The parking Staff is wearing masks, and you must wear a mask when you enter the office to purchase your permit.
- Please bring the following:
- Current campus ID (or semester schedule)
- Current vehicle registration
- Payment in the form of a check, cash, or charge card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express)
- For accessible parking, a valid disability parking registration, a valid disability parking placard or a valid disability license plate is required
Parking Rules and Regulations
The Auraria Campus Parking & Transportation Services is a self-supporting auxiliary enterprise, receiving no state appropriations.
Parking fees are established by the Auraria Board of Directors to provide sufficient annual revenue to support the cost of operation, maintenance, and development of the Auraria Campus Parking & Transportation Services.
State law prohibits the use of public funds or student bond fees for the construction or operation of the AHEC parking system. Therefore, construction improvement, maintenance, and operation of all parking facilities at Auraria Campus are financed solely through user fees.
Click here to view Parking Rules & Regulations
Public Transit (RTD) and Alternative Transportation
RTD CollegePass
The CU Denver RTD CollegePass provides students access to buses, light rail, Call-n-Ride, and Skyride. RTD CollegePass helps get you to and from campus and across the city. The cost for the pass is included in student fees.
Click here for more information.
Bicycling
Denver and the surrounding suburbs are bicycle-friendly. Explore the Denver Bike Map. Combining bikes with transit makes it even easier to get around! RTD's bus and rail system serves commuters, avid cyclists, and city cruisers alike. You can take advantage of RTD bike and ride by bringing your bike on the light rail or buses.
Bicycle Registration
Everyone is encouraged to register their bike with the Auraria Campus Police Department.