Sociology Newsletter - October 2026

Looking for a way to challenge yourself and stand out academically without adding extra time or tuition to your degree? CU Denver’s Honors Scholars Certificate Program is a 15-credit honors certificate recognizing curiosity, critical thinking, and academic growth. IYou can earn your honors credit through honors contracts embedded within your regular coursework, an honors course section or 5000-level course, departmental thesis work, study abroad, internships, independent studies, and other learning experiences. Students with a 3.25 GPA who have completed fewer than 105 credits are eligible to apply. Who knows, you might already complete the requirements for a certificate! Contact the Honors Scholars Program for more details!

The middle of the semester can bring up all kinds of questions about courses, graduation requirements, and what comes next. If you are an undergraduate student with questions about your Sociology major, minor, certificate(s), or whatever else, Undergraduate Advisor Dr. Maren Scull is ready to help! Graduate students can also reach out to Director of Graduate Studies Dr. Adam Lippert for questions about the MA program.

Campus Prep is once again offering its affordable, live online LSAT prep course this Fall. The comprehensive 27-hour course is taught by a top-scoring instructor and includes three proctored practice exams to prepare you for the upcoming LSAT. Students completing Campus Prep courses improve their scores by nine points on average. Courses cost $220–$255, depending on financial-aid eligibility, which is far below the cost of commercial LSAT programs. And payment plans are available. Weekend and evening schedules are available , with courses beginning in October and November. You can apply here or contact admin@campusprep.org for additional details.

Urban Peak is a Denver-based organization providing a range of services to youth ages 12 through 24 who are experiencing homelessness. The organization provides case management, health and behavioral health services, education and employment opportunities, crisis support, and housing. You can support youth in housing as they develop independent living skills by contributing needed items listed on the Mothership wish list and housing wish list.

CU Denver’s Basic Needs Center is partnering with the Food Bank of the Rockies to help students interested in applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP helps qualifying individuals and families purchase healthy food at local grocery stores and farmers markets. Students who would like to learn more or need help completing an application can stop by the Wellness Suite on the third floor of the Wellness Center from 12–3PM on Wednesday, October 7 or October 21. For more information, contact lynxbasicneeds@ucdenver.edu.

The Sociology Club is in its fifth year and continues to offer community, professional development, and opportunities to get involved with social justice issues. The Club meets biweekly in the library of the Sociology Department (Fourth Floor of the Lawrence Street Center) from 5:30-7:00PM. Snacks and soft drinks are provided. Come check us out at an upcoming meeting or event. And stay tuned to the department’s social media and email for Club updates!

Our very own Dr. Jennifer Reich will be giving a talk as part of the Health and Behavioral Science (HBS) colloquium series on “Vaccines, MAHA, and Government Regulation of Individual Choice” on Friday, October 9 at 2:30PM in North Classroom 1130. Americans have a long and complicated relationship with medical authority, and Dr. Reich will explore the social and political forces shaping modern medicine, vaccination, government regulation, and individual choice. Contact Dr. Jennifer Boylan for a Zoom link to attend virtually.

The Trump Administration and reactionary forces throughout the US are attempting to subvert and delegitimize the upcoming mid-term elections. What are the challenges facing free elections in this country, and what can individuals and communities do to protect their votes? Join students, faculty, election officials, and community organizations on Wednesday, October 14, from 5–6:30PM in Student Commons 1500 to find out. The Denver Elections Clerk, Common Cause, New Era Colorado, and a member of the CU System Denver Elections Advisory Council will offer remarks, with an open mic available to foster discussion. And yes! There will be food!

Hispanic Heritage Month runs through October 15, and Denver is keeping the celebrations going. At CU Denver, Noche Latina takes place Wednesday, October 14, from 6–9PM in Tivoli Turnhalle. Noche Latina is CU Denver’s 4th annual celebration that brings together students and the broader Denver community for a night filled with culture, connection, and joy. The event features live performances, delicious food, community organizers, local businesses, and exciting giveaways. Around Denver, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate. Check out Denver’s Hispanic Heritage Month website and History Colorado for information on events celebrating the rich Hispanic roots and cultures of our campus, city, and state.

Want to feel more confident and in control of your money? As part of CU Denver’s Wellness Week, TIAA is offering a student-focused session on building a solid financial foundation. The workshop will cover five essential building blocks of smart money management to help you develop healthy financial habits as you prepare for your career and life after college. The hybrid session takes place Tuesday, October 13, from 3–4PM in Student Commons 1401, with a virtual option available. Register here.

Feeling overwhelmed by everything on that ballot you received in the mail? The Colorado Public Health Association is hosting its 2026 Ballots & Bites event on Tuesday, October 20 at 6PM at Hogshead Brewery in Denver. The event will provide nonpartisan information about ballot measures and their potential implications for public health and Colorado’s fiscal health.

How can words reproduce inequality? The Auraria Library is hosting two free screenings of Change the Subject, a documentary about Dartmouth students who challenged anti-immigrant language in Library of Congress subject headings. The film offers a fascinating look at how seemingly technical decisions about language and classification can reflect social biases. Screenings will take place in Auraria Library Room 116 on Tuesday, October 20, from 2–3:30PM and Wednesday, October 21, from 3:30–5PM. Refreshments will be provided!