Buff Family News

Free tools and tips to help your student decide on a major

Valerie Padilla — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 14:57:25 +0000

Free tools and tips to help your student decide on a major Valerie Padilla Mon, 11/04/2024 - 07:57

Is your student thinking of changing their major, or trying to narrow down their options and decide on one?

Choosing a major can often feel like an overwhelming decision. There are many options and figuring out what aligns with your student’s interests, values and skills takes time. Remember, it’s completely normal for students to feel uncertain about their major or change their mind later. Here are tips and free resources to help guide your student in their search for a major or academic program.

Expanding self-awareness

Encourage your student to think about their current classes at CU �鶹ӰԺ as well as high school classes to determine the subject areas they enjoy most and least. They could consider these questions:

What subjects interest them the most? For example, do they enjoy solving math problems or learning about history?

What are they good at academically? For example, are they skilled at analyzing data, conducting science experiments or writing essays?

What causes or ideas excite them? For example, are they passionate about social justice, environmental advocacy or technology?

What are the subjects they enjoy discussing with friends or family?

What classes or activities feel too hard or boring?

By exploring the study areas and activities your student loves or dislikes, they can rule out certain majors and focus on those that fit their preferences.

Career Values Card Sort is a simple self-reflection tool that helps clarify your student’s values and highlights what’s most important to them.

SparkPath Challenge Cards can help your student identify the problem(s) they’re motivated to solve.

Exploring majors and careers

Your student’s choice of major doesn’t have to dictate their future career—some majors align closely with specific paths, while others provide broader skills that are applicable across various fields.

It can be helpful to see how different majors relate to certain careers. These tools can help your student explore based on their goals and abilities:

What Can I Do with This Major?: This website will guide your student through 96 of the most common majors and typical career areas for each.

Majors Card Sort: This is a free online tool that can help your student identify the top CU �鶹ӰԺ majors that align with their goals.

Programs from a Different Lens: This webpage allows students to explore more programs that have the same key features as the majors that interest them. They can find information on course topics, learning outcomes and how classes are taught.

I want to ...: Students can use this website from the Program in Exploratory Studies to learn more about degree paths that will help them achieve their specified career goals.

Informational interviews: Encourage your student to schedule informational interviews with professionals in their fields of interest. They can ask about the professional’s academic journey to learn how it influenced them professionally. Your student can also connect with other Buffs in the majors they’re considering as well to understand what their experience has been like.

Learning and researching

Once your student homes in on a few study areas, they should research those majors to determine whether they are a good fit using these available tools:

Degree audits: This tool allows your student to find out the required courses and credit hours needed to graduate. Department websites and the university catalog can provide additional information.

Academic advisors: If your student is not in a rush to declare, they could take a class or two in a major they are interested in and consult with an advisor from that area of study for course recommendations. Your student can also ask questions about the major to determine if it matches their interests and goals.

Ralphie’s Advising Help Lab: While this doesn’t replace appointments, Ralphie’s Advising Help Lab is a supplemental resource that allows your student to access general advising or enrollment help quickly. They can get assistance with dropping courses, switching majors and answering other advising questions.

Handshake: Pursuing an on-campus job is a great way for students to discover new passions while gaining professional experience. Your student can use Handshake to search for available student positions.

BuffConnect: Your student can discover and join student organizations to explore new interests.

Volunteer opportunities: Your student can volunteer locally to find new areas of interest and passion.

Staying positive

Choosing a major is a journey, not a race. If your student is ready to decide, that’s great. If not, that’s perfectly fine. Encourage them to keep a positive outlook, try a few of these tips, have fun exploring and meet with a member of the Career Services team to identify next steps together. For more information, check out Find a Major from Career Services.

Is your student thinking of changing their major, or trying to narrow down their options and decide on one? Here are tips and free resources to help guide your student in their search for a major or academic program.

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Tips for talking to students about sexual assault

Emily Sampl — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 19:20:00 +0000

Tips for talking to students about sexual assault Emily Sampl Tue, 10/22/2024 - 13:20

Sexual assault disproportionately affects young adults and can have major impacts on their well-being and ability to achieve their educational goals. CU �鶹ӰԺ has prevention programs and support resources available to support our university community.

It’s also important to know that families play a significant role in helping students learn about these issues, develop healthy relationship patterns and provide support.

Here are a few things everyone should know about sexual assault and tips for starting a conversation with your student.

Consent is key

CU has an affirmative consent standard

Consent isn’t simply something a student gives or gets during a sexual encounter. Instead, it’s important to help them understand that consent is a mutual understanding and agreement that people arrive at together before and while engaging in any sexual activity. Consent includes words or actions (non-verbal and body language) that communicate a clear willingness and permission for sexual contact.

It’s also important to know that any student who is incapacitated by alcohol, drugs or for other reasons like sleep, injury or disability cannot give consent, regardless of what they are saying or doing. Incapacitation is a state where someone cannot make a reasonable, rational decision because they lack the capacity to understand the “who, what, where, when or why” of a sexual interaction.

Learn more about consent

Setting boundaries is a skill

Remind your student that consent is an ongoing agreement, and people can change their minds or withdraw consent at any time during sexual activities. Helping students refine their skills and set boundaries can help ensure that they are able to communicate those boundaries with others and respect a partner’s boundaries.

It’s important to talk to your student about how they can stay in tune with a partner’s experience. Encourage them to check in with the other person before initiating any sexual behavior or when changing activities. Similarly, it’s important to help your student learn to identify behaviors that match their own desires and boundaries versus behaviors that do not.

Share accurate information

Sexual assault prevention is a community effort

When talking to your student about sexual assault prevention, it’s important to avoid recommending actions that place blame on the person who could experience an assault. Instead, have your student focus on making environments more difficult for bad actors to act badly. They can do this by looking out for others, building friend groups that keep each other safe and accountable, intervening when something feels off and standing up to negative peer pressure. These strategies can help students build safer communities because it creates a culture where people are expected to treat each other well and respect the wishes of others.

Sexual assault can include a wide range of experiences

Sexual assault includes any unwanted sexual contact or behaviors that a person did not or was not able to consent to.

Sexual assault can include, but is not limited to, the following:

Unwanted penetration or contact, including vaginal, anal or oral sex (this includes penetration by an object or another person’s body part)
Unwanted touching of private body parts (e.g., butt, breasts, genitals)

Keep in mind that sexual assault can also include attempted assault using any of the methods listed above. Additional forms of sexual and relationship harm include sexual harassment, exploitation (e.g., sharing nudes, videotaping sexual acts without consent, etc.), as well as intimate partner abuse such as dating violence and stalking.

Learn more about sexual misconduct

Tips for talking to your student

While sexual assault can be a difficult subject to broach, having conversations can help your student identify problematic situations, support their friends and navigate relationships in a healthy way. Here are some tips to help you talk with your student about sexual assault and other forms of relationship harm.

Weave it into routine conversations

Look for opportunities to discuss sex, dating and healthy communication as part of your regular interactions. Be sure to discuss how cultural expectations around gender, religion, pornography and more, might influence your student’s perceptions about what is typical behavior.

When you check in with your student, ask about their new friends and relationships. If they open up, encourage them to explore their own beliefs and values about what they want from potential partners and their dating experiences. If they talk about a friend’s relationship or things that they are seeing in college, that can also open the door to a conversation.

Explore red flags together

Encourage your student to think through red flags that may be warning signs of a potential sexual assault and abuse in a relationship. Red flags can include someone disregarding others’ boundaries, frequently not listening to others, being persistent about pursuing sex with someone who seems reluctant, hitting on the drunkest person at a party or trying to get someone alone or away from their friends at a party. Remind your student that most people understand boundaries, consent and respectful behavior, and some people may choose to disregard others’ needs. It’s important for students to recognize problematic behaviors in those around them, even when it’s someone they like or are friends with.

Learn more about drug-facilitated sexual assault

Encourage your student to look out for others

If something feels weird or wrong, it probably is. If your student sees a situation where someone seems uncomfortable or unsafe, encourage them to find a way to check on that person or get them out of the situation. Remind your student that it’s okay to make up an excuse to interject or disrupt an uncomfortable or problematic situation. Bystanders are particularly important in situations where someone is being pursued sexually because of their level of intoxication, or if a person has been intentionally drugged in an attempt to facilitate sexual assault.

Learn more about bystander strategies

Share support resources

Resources are available for students who have experienced sexual assault, want to support a friend or want to learn more about sexual assault prevention. Students often go to friends first if something bad happens, and they may reach out to family members for help. Having the skills to respond effectively without imposing blame or judgment is important to keep in mind.

Here are some support resources that can help your student.

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)
There may be times when your student wants to speak confidentially or hypothetically about sexual misconduct, sexual assault, intimate partner abuse, stalking, discrimination or harassment. OVA is a free and confidential resource staffed by professional advocate counselors that support students through traumatic or life-changing events. They offer short-term trauma-focused counseling, advocacy and more. OVA is also a great resource to help students support a friend or partner who has been impacted by sexual assault.

*Confidential resource

Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC)
OIEC implements and enforces university policies around sexual assault, intimate partner abuse and stalking, and other forms of sexual misconduct. If you or someone you know at CU has been impacted, reports can be filed online. Anonymous reporting is an option as well.

OIEC also provides prevention education and workshops about sex and consent, bystander intervention and microaggressions.

Don't Ignore It
Explore your options for seeking confidential support, reporting concerns and learning skills for helping others. If something seems off, it probably is—don't ignore it.

Support for international students, staff and faculty

Individuals who have experienced certain crimes, such as sexual assault or domestic violence, may be eligible for U.S. immigration relief through the U visa or VAWA self-petition, regardless of their immigration status. Please speak with an immigration attorney or a non-profit organization that assists immigrants to learn more about the eligibility requirements, application process, and timeline. Learn more about free or low-cost legal immigration services.

Mandatory reporting policy

All university employees who have the authority to hire, promote, discipline, evaluate, grade, formally advise or direct faculty, staff or students are considered "responsible employees" and are required to report alleged misconduct to the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC). This includes, but is not limited to resident advisors, teaching assistants, professors, graduate instructors, academic advisors, coaches or other university employees with supervisory authority.

Any sexual misconduct, intimate partner abuse (including dating and domestic violence), stalking, protected-class discrimination or harassment, or related retaliation disclosed to a responsible employee must be reported to OIEC. The person impacted has the choice about if and how they want to proceed. Reporting is required to help ensure that people understand their rights and options and the resources available.

*Note: Confidential campus resources are exempt from CU �鶹ӰԺ’s mandatory reporting policy, including the Office of Victim Assistance (OVA), Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), Athletics Phycological Health and Performance (PHP), Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) and Ombuds.

Learn more about mandatory reporting

Sexual assault disproportionately affects young adults and can have major impacts on their well-being and ability to achieve their educational goals. Here are a few things everyone should know about sexual assault and tips for starting a conversation with your student.

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From Vice Chancellor Mull: Family Weekend activities

Emily Sampl — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 14:34:46 +0000

From Vice Chancellor Mull: Family Weekend activities Emily Sampl Tue, 10/22/2024 - 08:34

Hi Buff families,

We are about halfway through the fall semester now and time seems to be flying by! Our Buffs have had many occasions to create meaningful moments so far this season, and this weekend brings another opportunity to make memories with friends and family.

Family Weekend is finally here, and this program is one of my favorite fall traditions at CU �鶹ӰԺ. Visiting campus is a great way to experience aspects of your student’s life. Ask your Buff to give you their own tour of campus—they can show you where their classes are, where they like to relax and hang out, and their top places to eat. Be sure to check out some of our extraordinary dining options and try your student’s favorite dishes!

CU �鶹ӰԺ is one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country, and it is especially gorgeous this time of the year. There are many spots, both indoors and outdoors, that offer the perfect setting for selfies and family photos. Here are some recommendations:

The Farrand Field archway with the Flatirons in the background

The new “Sko Buffs” wall on the second floor of the Center for Community (C4C)

The Ralphie statue in front of Folsom Field

The top-floor terrace of the Center for Academic Success and Engagement (CASE)

While you are here, I encourage you to participate in activities that are exclusive to our campus. The annual Take Care Street Fair will be Friday, Oct. 25, featuring a variety of activities from Health and Wellness departments and campus partners. Fiske Planetarium has a schedule of immersive experiences during Family Weekend. Families can also visit the CU Art Museum and CU Museum of Natural History for free, enjoy some friendly competition at Buffs After Dark: Family Game Night and cheer on the Buffs at the Pearl Street Stampede pep rally.

I know families are not able to attend Family Weekend, and if that is the case, I hope you can visit your Buff sometime this semester. Whether you will be here or not this weekend, I encourage you to check in with your student. Ask them about their classes, their roommates and friends, what they are involved in this semester and what they like to do outside of class.

For those of you who will be in �鶹ӰԺ this weekend, I look forward to being in community with you. I will be attending the Lunch on the Lawn event and Pearl Street Stampede on Friday, Oct. 25, and the football game on Saturday, Oct. 26. If you see me around, please stop and say hi!

Warmly,
Dr. D’Andra Mull
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Family Weekend is finally here! Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. D’Andra Mull shares advice and recommendations for things to do and exploring campus with your student.

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Fun ways your student can celebrate fall in �鶹ӰԺ

Valerie Padilla — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 17:15:21 +0000

Fun ways your student can celebrate fall in �鶹ӰԺ Valerie Padilla Wed, 10/02/2024 - 11:15

Fall has arrived in �鶹ӰԺ! You can encourage your student to celebrate the change of season, meet new people and explore the city with these indoor and outdoor activities including football, food, crafts, entertainment and more.

CU Buffs football

Nothing says fall like college football! There are football-related events open to students, families and the general public that will have everyone brimming with school spirit before cheering on the Buffs at any of the remaining home games at Folsom Field.

Students can stop by the Student Game Day Huddle on Farrand Field before most home games. There will be free food, giveaways, music and they can even be recognized as the Student Fan of the Game.

Downtown �鶹ӰԺ hosts the Pearl Street Stampede the night before each home game and features the Golden Buffalo Marching Band, Spirit Squad, coaches, players and more! Stampedes are open to students, families and the public.

Get outside

Fall is the perfect time to explore the outdoors in and around �鶹ӰԺ as the weather cools off and the leaves begin to change. Encourage your student to take a break from studying to get outside and take in the crisp fall air and changing colors.

�鶹ӰԺ has dozens of hiking trails suitable for all ages and abilities. Students can enjoy a great workout and take in �鶹ӰԺ’s incredible mountain scenery at the same time.

If your student wants to experience the outdoors in a more structured setting, Outdoor Pursuits offers a variety of trips and classes for all experience levels, from hiking to rock climbing to fly fishing.

Students can view the fall colors from Chautauqua, or take a drive on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway for a glimpse of changing leaves. CU offers several transportation options that students can take advantage of to explore off campus.

Events on campus

Your student doesn’t have to leave campus to enjoy fall-themed events! Encourage them to check out these weekly and monthly events on campus.

Your student can mingle with fellow Buffs while making fall-themed crafts together at weekly DIY Nights! From school spirit pennants to candle holders to pumpkin-themed crafts, they’ll leave with a cool craft they can keep for years and meet new friends at the same time.

Students can enjoy late night fun at Buffalo Nites events where they’ll bowl at The Connection, create painted masterpieces and more.

If your student loves classic movies on the big screen, they can stop by CHEM 140 for Program Council’s Friday Night Film Series, held weekly all fall.

Students can indulge in some tasty fall treats and learn more about other student organizations on campus at this I Love Mondays event.

Events around �鶹ӰԺ

Students can get outside and explore the city of �鶹ӰԺ at these fun events downtown, just a short walk from campus.

Students can shop for fresh produce and other goods at the �鶹ӰԺ Farmers Market, held on Saturdays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. through the end of November.

Downtown �鶹ӰԺ offers events all fall featuring arts and entertainment, live music, fitness events and more. Encourage your student to check the calendar for daily, monthly and seasonal events.

Halloween fun

If your student loves Halloween, there are Halloween-specific events on campus through October. They can check out these events as well as the Student Affairs events calendar for more.

S'mores & Scares: Buffs Take on Terror in the Corn: Thursday, Oct. 24

Halloween Horror Game Showcase: Monday, Oct. 28 through Wednesday, Oct. 30

DIY Night: Pumpkin Palooza: Tuesday, Oct. 29

"Hill"oween: Thursday, Oct. 31

Haunted Halls: Literary Hall of Horrors: Friday, Nov. 1

Encourage your student to check out more ways to get involved from the Division of Student Affairs. They can stay connected to campus events by downloading the CU �鶹ӰԺ Life app or following @CU�鶹ӰԺLife on Instagram, Facebook and X (Twitter).

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3 tips to help your student with resolving conflict

Emily Sampl — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:25:00 +0000

3 tips to help your student with resolving conflict Emily Sampl Thu, 09/19/2024 - 12:25

Conflict happens—whether it’s with a friend, roommate or family member—and it’s normal in your student’s relationships. Learning to work through conflict can often lead to stronger relationships, and there are ways to have challenging conversations and navigate disagreements with others. Here are some tips to share with your student.

Communicate effectively

When your student disagrees with someone, they may find that communicating can become tough. During a tough conversation, we can get caught up in our own emotions rather than focusing on the problem at hand. Communicating clearly can help prevent a minor disagreement from escalating out of control.

If your student is experiencing conflict, share these tips with them:

Allow the other person to share their point of view without interruption and avoid judgement.

Listen as the other person shares their point of view, instead of forming a response to what they are saying.

Be mindful of body language.

When the other person is finished speaking, ask clarifying questions and summarize what was said. This helps to develop mutual understanding and validation.

When your student is sharing their point of view, encourage them to speak from their perspective, use “I” statements and avoid making assumptions.

Avoid bringing up past issues, making personal attacks and allowing emotions to dictate the conversation.

When agreement is not possible, allow for multiple truths.

Learn about conflict styles

Encourage your student to reflect on what they do when they disagree with someone. Do they tend to ignore the problem or avoid the person? Do they confront the person right away, or look for compromise?

Everyone has a different way of approaching conflict, and there is no correct approach—each has its own benefits and drawbacks. It is important for your student to recognize how they personally deal with conflict and how their style could clash with someone else’s.

Once your student understands how they handle conflict, they can take steps to work more effectively with others when it arises. If your student is not sure what their conflict style is, share this quiz with them to help them learn more.

Reach out for help

If your student is struggling with conflict, encourage them to find support.

Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution (SCCR)
SCCR offers free conflict support services including one-on-one conflict coaching, mediation and facilitated conversations. Learn more about conflict resolution.

Residence Life and resident advisors (RAs)
Students living on campus can reach out to their RA for more support. RAs are a great resource to help mediate conversations and find common ground. Be sure to talk with your roommate beforehand and schedule a time with your RA to discuss potential or unresolved issues.

Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations (OCHNR)
OCHNR is here to help students with all aspects of living off campus, from searching for an apartment and roommate, understanding �鶹ӰԺ housing options and providing free lease reviews with our staff attorney, navigating roommate disagreements, understanding �鶹ӰԺ ordinances and advocating for tenant rights.

Peer Wellness Coaching
Peer wellness coaches provide peer-to-peer support and are available to meet with students living on or off campus. They can help you navigate concerns related to roommates, relationships, stress, finances and more. Peer wellness coaches can also help you set goals, connect with other resources and create self-care plans.

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From Chancellor Justin Schwartz: I’m a new Buff, too!

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 18:51:56 +0000

From Chancellor Justin Schwartz: I’m a new Buff, too! Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 08/29/2024 - 12:51

Hello Buff families!

As we start the academic year, I want to offer a heartfelt welcome and congratulate each of you for helping your student arrive at this point in their lives and academic careers. Whether they’re entering their first year at CU �鶹ӰԺ or their last, I hope you feel a sense of pride in their accomplishments and excitement for their futures.

If my name is new to you, it’s because I’m a new Buff, too! I started as chancellor in July, and I’m excited to be joining a university community that is vibrant, innovative and transformative. Along with my leadership team, faculty members, and staff, we’re committed to making sure each student is equipped to thrive as both a student and graduate of CU �鶹ӰԺ.

Although your student may have flown the nest, they will likely still need your guidance and support in the years ahead. Amplifying and reinforcing what they’re hearing from the campus can help drive home the important points. To that end, here are a few of the messages I’ll be sharing with your students throughout this school year:

You belong. Each student accepted to CU �鶹ӰԺ is here because they demonstrated that they’re prepared for academic success and equipped to make a positive impact on the world. Experimentation, reassessment and even failure are all part of the process. This campus is a place with a wide range of interests and communities, where folks from all backgrounds and perspectives are welcomed.
Try something new. Every opportunity I get, I encourage students to join a club or try an extracurricular activity unlike anything they’ve done before, even if they don’t expect to like it. Worst case scenario, they confirm that they do not enjoy that activity. But in many cases, they’ll find a new favorite hobby, meet friends they wouldn’t have encountered otherwise, and gain the confidence that comes from trying new things.
Practice finding common ground. We encourage individuals to engage with people with different perspectives and to develop mutual respect. In an election year, it’s especially important that students learn to explore their personal biases, approach differing perspectives with curiosity, and use their voices to persuade, rather than vilify. For those who are U.S citizens, we also want to support them as they prepare to vote in an election (perhaps for the first time!)

I hope you’ll keep the lines of communication open with your students. I understand this can be a challenge – but it’s my goal to ensure that each student feels supported in a holistic way, from campus to home and beyond.

Finally, I hope you know that you also belong as a valuable part of the Buffs community. Keep up with campus happenings by following the CU �鶹ӰԺ social media channels, finding me on Linkedin or making plans to visit for Family Weekend on Oct. 24-27.

Thank you for your support of CU �鶹ӰԺ and for entrusting us with educating your students. It’s a privilege we do not take for granted.

Go Buffs!

Chancellor Justin Schwartz

Chancellor Justin Schwartz welcomes families to a new academic year and shares a few messages that he has for students this semester.

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5 ways to support your student when they’re feeling homesick

Anonymous — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0000

5 ways to support your student when they’re feeling homesick Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 08/26/2024 - 00:00

Starting out at a new school can be difficult, especially if your student is moving away from friends or family.

Here are a few strategies you can use to help your student overcome homesickness this semester.

1. Keep a hopeful outlook

Remind your student that while it may not be obvious, many students feel homesick, even as transfer students. Let them know it’s okay to experience homesickness, especially after they’ve said goodbye to their friends, family, home or routine.

It’s also important to emphasize that homesickness is often temporary. Chances are that whatever they’re feeling will lessen over time as they become more familiar with campus life and the people at CU.

Here are some things students can do to remain positive and hopeful:

Set small, achievable goals, like attending one campus event or talking to someone new each week.
Reflect on all the reasons they chose to attend CU and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Allow them to feel their emotions before encouraging them to let go of those feelings.
Remember homesickness can be a sign that they have loving relationships with others, and that is something to be grateful for.

2. Stay in touch

As your student navigates life on campus and meets new people, it can be helpful for them to stay in touch with their friends and family back home. Even if their friends are attending different colleges or living in other cities, encouraging your student to check in and catch up can help them feel more connected.

If your student is struggling, encourage them to reach out so you can talk through it together. Allowing your student to lean on you for support can remind them that they’re not alone and they have people they can rely on in tough times. However, it’s important to remember that you are not there to solve their problems. Instead, try to actively listen to their experiences, validate their feelings and offer support.

Remind your student that while having a solid support system back home is important, it also shouldn’t impede them from spending time or creating new connections here at CU.

Here are some ways your student can stay connected:

Schedule regular calls or video chats with friends or families.
Exchange letters with one another. After all, who doesn’t like receiving something in the mail?
Stay connected and show what life is like over social media.
Create a group chat to keep everyone in the loop and provide collective support.

3. Establish a routine

Living independently, navigating a new place, taking on more responsibilities and juggling a potentially demanding class schedule may require your student to adjust their normal routine. In fact, creating a routine, no matter how small it may be, can help ease feelings of anxiety and make life more predictable.

Here are some easy ways for students to add routine to their days:

Take the same route to and from classes.
Meet up with friends, classmates or hallmates to eat around the same time.
Plan out time for classes, studying and socializing.
Find a study spot on campus.
Establish a consistent laundry or cleaning schedule.

4. Get out there (even if it's hard)

Making friends as an adult might seem harder than it used to be for many students. It may feel intimidating to be vulnerable and put themselves out there. However, it's important to remind your student that if they’re struggling to make new friends or find ‘their people' on campus, they’re not alone.

Here are a few ways your student can work to put themselves out there:

Avoid relying on one person to ‘have it all.’
Stay open to making different friends for different reasons (e.g., someone who is good to study with may not be the same person who would make a good confidant).
Get together as a group if they’re nervous about hanging out with someone one-on-one.
Become a regular at events or campus activities.
Sit near the same people in their classes and join study groups.
Remind themselves that some students may be struggling to find connections, so they should do their best to be inclusive and invite others to tag along.

5. Connect with resources

If your student is struggling to connect with others, feels lonely or needs some extra help, try connecting them with support resources on campus.

Student events

Each semester, Student Affairs hosts hundreds of events, workshops and other opportunities to get involved. Encourage your student to check out upcoming opportunities to meet other Buffs and have fun on campus.

Transfer Buffs

Your student can connect with resources, events and opportunities to build community with other transfer students on campus.

Beyond Campus Buffs

Does your student commute to CU or live off campus? Encourage them to get involved with the Beyond Campus Buffs Program to meet other students, access the Commuter Lounge and more.

Peer Wellness Coaching

Encourage your student to meet with a trained student to explore ways to make friends on campus, set goals, create routines and make the most of their time at CU �鶹ӰԺ.

Center for Student Involvement

There are a variety of ways to get involved at CU, including student organizations, leadership and volunteer opportunities, events and more.

First-Generation Students Program

If your student is the first person in your family to attend college or university, encourage them to join our community of first-gen students to socialize, learn about campus resources, find support and more.

Pride Office

The Pride Office supports LGBTQ+ students through community events, social spaces, resources and more.

Residence hall events

Residence halls on campus host events to help students meet their hallmates. Encourage your student to check with their RA to learn about upcoming events.

Starting out at a new school can be difficult, especially if your student is moving away from friends or family. Here are a few strategies you can use to help your student overcome homesickness this semester.

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A Note from the Bursar's Office

Anonymous — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 20:38:59 +0000

A Note from the Bursar's Office Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 08/21/2024 - 14:38

Dear Buff Families,

We are writing to let you know an important update about the first fall tuition bill. Many students have been impacted by national financial aid delays resulting from the FAFSA Simplification Act. We’re committed to helping by extending the first fall tuition bill date to Wednesday, August 21, in order to better align with financial aid applying to bills. If you are an authorized payer, you would have received a bill notification at your authorized payer email address on Aug. 21, but there is still time to have your student authorize you as a payer in Buff Portal.

The fall tuition payment deadline is also being extended to Tuesday, September 10. These extensions apply to all currently enrolled students regardless of whether they have been directly affected by FAFSA delays.

If you have any questions, please contact the Bursar’s Office at bursar@colorado.edu. We hope your student has a wonderful start to the semester.

Bursar’s Office
colorado.edu/bursar

The Bursar's Office is extending the first fall tuition bill date and payment deadline to align with financial aid applying to bills. The first fall tuition bills will be available online Aug. 21 and fall tuition payment is due on Sept. 10.

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From Vice Chancellor Mull: Tips for kicking off a new academic year

Anonymous — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 15:21:34 +0000

From Vice Chancellor Mull: Tips for kicking off a new academic year Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 08/20/2024 - 09:21

Hi Buff families,

I am so excited to welcome you and your student to a new academic year!

My name is Dr. D’Andra Mull, and I am honored to serve as the vice chancellor for the Division of Student Affairs. I have the privilege of leading an amazing team of nearly 900 staff members across 30 departments dedicated to student success and supporting Buffs as they engage and thrive throughout their time at CU �鶹ӰԺ.

Whether your student is starting their first or final year on campus, this fall semester will bring plenty of ways they can learn, grow and connect with their community. I encourage our students to explore and take advantage of all the transformational opportunities our university has to offer to enrich their collegiate experience.

When it comes to campus traditions, there are certain activities and experiences that are exclusive to being a Buff at CU �鶹ӰԺ. Wherever your student is at in their academic journey, please encourage them to participate this year:

They can take a commemorative First Day of Class Photo to kick off the new academic year at the University Memorial Center (UMC) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 26.
Your student can join the Student Gameday Huddle tailgates before every home football game, visit the CU Events Center for volleyball games or head to Prentup Field for soccer games, show school spirit and support our student athletes this semester.
Student Homecoming events start on Monday, Sept. 16, with a kickoff event from 12-2 p.m. on Farrand Field, where students will have a chance to take a photo with Ralphie (weather permitting). Learn more about Homecoming 2024.

To get more involved on campus, I also encourage students to attend our CUnity event on Aug. 27 and the Be Involved Fair on Aug. 28. These opportunities are a great way for students to meet with student organizations and find community.

To our Buff families, I wish you and your student the best this year! No matter what your Buff's goals, interests or needs this year, the Division of Student Affairs is here to help. From getting involved and meeting new friends to gaining leadership and professional experience, there are resources and services to support them in every step of their journey.

Warmly,
Dr. D'Andra Mull
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. D’Andra Mull welcomes students and families to a new academic year, and shares advice to help your student get involved and participate in campus traditions.

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How to talk to students about substance use

Anonymous — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 17:21:59 +0000

How to talk to students about substance use Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 08/09/2024 - 11:21

College students may be exposed to new situations that they’re unsure how to navigate, including party culture. Whether or not your student chooses to use alcohol or other drugs, talking with them about how substance use impacts their goals and how they can keep themselves and their friends safer can help support their well-being and success.

Here are some tips to help you start the conversation.

1. Start early and continue to stay involved

Having open conversations with your student can positively affect their attitude towards alcohol and substance use. Having these conversations early and continuing to stay engaged can help your student feel prepared in a variety of situations.

College students in particular are at higher risk for harms associated with alcohol and other drugs. Your continued involvement can be a protective measure for your student against these harms. As part of the conversation, be sure to ask your student about the activities they’re getting involved in, the relationships they’re forming with roommates and friends and what their overall experience has been like.

2. Allow room for disagreement

If this is your first time talking with your student about substance use, it’s important to be prepared for the fact that your student may initially be reluctant to engage with you. They may be afraid of getting in trouble or feel as though they’ve heard everything there is to hear about alcohol and other drugs. Stay open to what your student has to say and continue talking about substances. Your conversations will likely build and deepen over time.

3. Listen to understand

Being an open and active listener is an important part of any conversation, including those about substance use. As you’re talking with your student, remember to actively listen, be open to hearing their perspective, avoid debating and affirm their strengths as a person. This approach can help reduce some of the resistance they may initially feel when discussing substance use.

4. Familiarize yourself with policies, laws and resources

There are a lot of policies and laws regarding alcohol and other drugs that can be helpful for students and families to understand.

Drinking age: The state of Colorado and CU prohibit drinking for students under 21. If your student is of age living in a residence hall, they may only possess and consume alcohol within their assigned space with the door closed.

Amnesty Policy: To encourage students to help one another in the event of an alcohol- or drug-related emergency, CU has an Amnesty Policy. This means neither the person who calls for help nor the person who needs help will be subject to formal disciplinary sanctions from the university.

911 Good Samaritan Law: Under Colorado’s 911 Good Samaritan Law, a person is immune from criminal prosecution for an offense when they report, in good faith, an emergency drug or alcohol overdose to a law enforcement officer, the 911 system or a medical provider. This same immunity applies to persons who remain at the scene of the event until a law enforcement officer, or an emergency medical responder arrives, or if the person remains at the facilities of the medical provider until a law enforcement officer, emergency medical responder or medical provider arrives. The immunity described above also extends to the person who suffered the emergency drug or alcohol overdose event.

Smoking policy: CU is also a smoke- and tobacco-free campus. This policy applies to all vape products, marijuana and cigarettes.

Workshops: CU �鶹ӰԺ provides a variety of resources to help students. Health Promotion offers free substance use workshops that allow students to discuss substance use with a peer or professional staff member.

Collegiate Recovery Community: The Collegiate Recovery Community (CUCRC) provides a space for students who are in recovery or seeking recovery from substances to find community, attend meetings and attend substance-free events.

5. Discuss how drinking affects the body

There is a lot of misinformation about how alcohol can impact the body. You can support your student by providing accurate information about the following effects from alcohol:

Alcohol is absorbed from the stomach into the bloodstream.
At lower blood alcohol concentrations, alcohol can lead students to have a sense of relaxation and well-being in addition to impairments to their thoughts, judgment and coordination.
At higher concentrations, it can lead to feelings of depression, mood swings, unconsciousness and loss of control over basic bodily functions that can be fatal.

Talk with your student to see how familiar they are with this process and help provide additional information if needed.

6. Discuss what to do in an emergency

Whether your student chooses to drink or not, there is a possibility that they will be in a situation where they need to support another student in an emergency. At CU �鶹ӰԺ, we want every student to have the ability to help one another. Here are some skills you can share with your student to help them respond in an emergency situation.

Signs a student should watch for:	How they should respond:
Passed out or unresponsive Slow or no breathing Vomiting while passed out Involuntary peeing or pooping Pale/bluish or cool/clammy skin Pinpoint (small) pupils Making gurgling, wheezing or snoring sounds	Turn the person on their side and put them in the recovery position. Immediately call 911 and wait for help to arrive. Make sure the person is in a safe area to avoid injury. Administer naloxone if available (naloxone will not harm someone, even if they are not overdosing). Never leave a severely intoxicated person alone or with someone who is not a trusted friend.

7. Share your values and experiences

Continue to talk with your student about your family’s values related to alcohol and other drugs. This can include discussions about how substance use may impact their academic success and overall college experience.

When talking about substances and their impacts, your student may ask questions about what it was like when you were in college. Be honest with them about your experience but try to avoid stories that normalize or idolize substance use.

8. Correct misconceptions

Long before they step foot on campus, students may have assumptions or expectations around what the ‘college experience’ looks like. Most of these messages, whether from friends, movies or social media, normalize drinking, partying and hookup culture.

However, according to a 2023 National College Health Assessment survey of CU �鶹ӰԺ students, more than 66% of students reported either not using alcohol or not binge drinking within the past two weeks. Helping your student realize that most students aren’t drinking or using marijuana on a regular basis may help them feel more comfortable about making the decision not to drink. It can also help them realize that there isn’t a standard ‘college experience’ they need to live up to.

9. Understand why students use substances

There are many reasons that factor into why students do or do not use alcohol or other drugs. Talking through potential motivations can help guide your conversations, and it allows you to reinforce your student’s decisions to not use substances or use them in a safer way. It’s also important to understand the misconceptions your student may have about substance use. This can also be a good time to brainstorm other ways your student can have the experiences they want.

Alcohol use

Motivations for using	Motivations for not using
Enhance social interactions Facilitate interactions with a potential romantic or sexual partner Reduce stress Fit in Improve mood Address boredom Peer pressure Experimentation or curiosity Alter perception	Plan to drive Have other things to do Sleep problems Productivity or motivation issues Memory problem Don’t want to spend money Don’t want to lose control Avoid unwanted experiences Legal or conduct penalties, avoid fines Academic impacts Increased risk of sexual assault Physical injury

It’s important to remember that students may have different reasons for using substances, and it may depend on the substance itself. Keep in mind that substances that students use today may be different from the ones you remember from your experiences. For instance, cannabis is far more potent now than it was in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

We hope you’ll find these tips helpful as they are supported by expert research. You can find more information by checking out a free copy of Dr. Rob Turrisi’s Parent Handbook for Talking with College Students �鶹ӰԺ Alcohol. This resource has been proven to help reduce alcohol-related harms in college students through parental and family conversations.

Resources

Health Promotion	Collegiate Recovery Community (CUCRC)	Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)	Naloxone
Health Promotion supports students through a number of services, including free harm reduction supplies, party smart activities, free substance use workshops, nicotine cessation resources, recovery ally trainings and more.	The CUCRC provides community and support for students who are in recovery or seeking recovery from a variety of harmful behaviors, including substance use.	CAPS provides a variety of specialized services for students who are interested in addressing substance use issues, including screening appointments, evaluations and therapy.	Students can learn more about naloxone and how to use it through on-campus resources. All CU students can access free naloxone on campus. Having naloxone on hand can help your student feel more prepared to help a fellow Buff in a potential overdose situation.

Whether or not your student chooses to use alcohol or other drugs, talking with them about how substance use impacts their goals and how they can keep themselves and their friends safer can help support their well-being and success. Here are some tips to help you start the conversation.

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