Buff Family News

5 ways to prepare for your student to come home this summer

Emily Sampl — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:21:46 +0000

5 ways to prepare for your student to come home this summer Emily Sampl Fri, 04/11/2025 - 09:21

Having your student home over the summer can be a source of joy and stress.

It’s important to remember that you and your student are both making this transition. They are likely used to being more independent and it may take time for you both to figure out how to live together again over the summer.

If your student is planning to spend time at home this summer, here are some tips you can use to help them make a smooth transition.

1. Talk through their experience at home

Take time to talk with your student about their life at CU. Try to understand the level of independence they’re used to and what skills they’ve been building on campus.

Keep in mind that your student’s expectations for their time at home may differ from your own. For instance, they may not know that you expect them to follow a curfew, help with chores or take on certain responsibilities. If you have differing perspectives, try to come to an agreement or compromise when possible. Talking about and working through disagreements can help you and your student avoid unwanted conflict when they arrive. It can also be helpful to think through and discuss what types of boundaries or expectations are necessary, versus ones that you’d prefer to have in place.

Maintaining open communication with each other can also stave off conflict. Remember that they may not be in the habit of keeping others updated on their plans. Let your student know if you’d like to hear about what they have planned while they’re home. For instance, you may ask them how long they plan to stay, how much time they plan to spend with family or friends and if there are any specific events or activities they plan to attend. You should also be open about your own plans and let your student know in advance if they’ll be expected to attend family gatherings, events or other activities.

2. Prepare for tough conversations

This summer you may find yourself talking with your student about their grades, major, relationships, substance use, differences in points of view and other potentially difficult topics. If these types of topics come up, it’s best to be prepared in advance.

Check out these tips to learn how to make the most of tough conversations.

3. Get into a routine

Transitioning home may be difficult for some students, especially if their responsibilities, routines and schedules have changed significantly since leaving campus. You can help set them up for success by asking them about what daily routines might be helpful.

Here are some questions you can ask them:

How can I support you in developing some routines that help you feel balanced?
How much sleep do you need and what do you want your sleep schedule to look like this summer?
Do you have a schedule you are building for your summer?
What activities do you want to do each day?
Who do you want to hang out with? What family or friends would you like to spend time with?
Are you able to get enough alone time?
What would you like to do this summer? Are there any special things we can do together while you are home?

4. Find healthy ways to cope

Spending time with family can be as stressful as it is enjoyable, especially if your student is home for an extended length of time. If you or your student are feeling stressed about your new arrangements, it’s important for both of you to find healthy ways to cope.

Here are a few strategies you can both try:

Have an open conversation about how you’re both doing
Seek support from family or friends
Be open to compromises
Get at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night
Stay physically active
Spend time with people you love and care about outside of your family
Make time for hobbies and activities you enjoy
Accept that no family is perfect (you can still love someone even if you don’t like them all the time)
Allow each other to make mistakes and make amends if needed
Ask about potential coping strategies

5. Connect with resources

If your student is struggling over the summer, there are resources available to help. Be sure to check out all our Health and Wellness summer services.

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
Students in Colorado can get support with general mental health concerns, anxiety, depression and more.

AcademicLiveCare
All students can access free virtual counseling, psychiatry, nutrition and medical appointments through AcademicLiveCare using their CU IdentiKey.

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)
Students can receive free and confidential support, consultations, advocacy and short-term trauma counseling if they have experienced or witnessed a traumatic, disturbing or life-disrupting event. OVA also offers support for families, friends and others.

Moving home for the summer can be joyous and difficult for families and students. Check out these tips to help you both make a smooth transition.

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Ways for students to manage stress and anxiety

Emily Sampl — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 18:38:38 +0000

Ways for students to manage stress and anxiety Emily Sampl Tue, 04/08/2025 - 12:38

Stress can impact your student’s academic performance, mental health and overall well-being. Here are some tips to help your student manage stress and anxiety in the moment and long-term.

1. HALT

The HALT method reminds us to check if we’re feeling hungry, angry, lonely or tired—common triggers that can amplify stress and anxiety. If your student is feeling overwhelmed, encourage them to check in with themselves by asking:

Hungry: Are you feeling hungry? If so, take a moment to grab a bite to eat. This can help relieve any “hangry” feelings and give your student an energy boost.
Angry: Are you angry? Encourage your student to take a moment to think through their emotions. Remind them to give themselves the space and time to calm down and find ways to address it in a healthy way.
Lonely: Are you lonely? This doesn’t necessarily mean your student is alone, but they may feel distant, isolated, withdrawn or disconnected. This can be a clue that it’s time to for your student to reconnect with people they care about, or people who care about them. Try scheduling a time to catch up with your student, especially during stressful times of the year.
Tired: Feel fatigued physically or mentally? Encourage your student to take more breaks throughout the day. Whether they meditate, stretch, lie down or close their eyes for a few minutes, short periods of rest in their daily routine can help prevent burnout.

2. Attend workshops

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides free workshops for all students that can help them develop tools and skills to manage anxiety long-term. Some workshops that can help address stress and anxiety include:

Anxiety Toolbox: Students learn practical and effective skills for managing stress and anxiety related to school, relationships, life and more.
Feel Better Fast: Students learn how to regulate emotions, improve their distress tolerance and practice mindfulness.
Feel Good Friday: Students can join a meditation session at the CU Art Museum to practice mindfulness and take a break from the day.

3. Reframe negative thoughts

The way we talk to ourselves can have a huge impact on how we feel and how we cope with different situations.

Encourage your student to pay attention to when a negative thought pops into their head. It could be about a class, internship or job, themselves or other people. If they’re experiencing negative thoughts, remind them to pause to take a deep breath. Next, encourage them to question those thoughts. It can be helpful to ask questions like “Is this helpful?” Finally, try to help your student reframe these thoughts. It’s not always possible to turn negative thoughts into positive ones, so it may be more helpful to aim for something neutral instead. Here are some examples of how your student can reframe these unhelpful thoughts:

All or nothing thinking:
- Original thought: “If I don’t get perfect grades, I’m a failure.”
- Reframe: "Success is more than just my grades.”
Catastrophizing:
- Original thought: “I made a mistake at work and now I’m going to get fired.”
- Reframe: “Mistakes happen. I just need to be honest and see what I can do to make it better.”
Overgeneralization
- Original thought: “Nobody likes me.”
- Reframe: “I haven’t met people I really click with yet, but I will. I just need to give it more time.”

4. Practice self-care

Creating lasting resilience to stress requires consistent self-care habits. While these practices take time to develop, they provide the foundation for sustainable well-being:

Physical activity: Regular activity releases endorphins and can help reduce stress. Encourage your student to find and spend time doing activities they enjoy. Remind them that they don’t have to do high intensity or traditional workouts to stay active. A daily walk around campus can help, and the Rec Center can be a great place to explore different forms of activity that they may enjoy.
Quality sleep: Encourage your student to get seven to nine hours of sleep nightly by maintaining a consistent schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine and optimizing their sleep environment (cool, dark and quiet). If they need a nap during the day, you can let them know that there are nap pods on campus.
Social connection: Encourage your student to maintain social relationships even during busy periods. Encourage them to spend regular time with friends, join campus organizations, form study groups and attend student events to meet new people.
Professional support: Let your student know it’s okay to seek help when needed. Campus counseling services, healthcare providers and peer support programs are valuable resources that can provide specialized guidance.

Resources

If your student is still struggling to manage feelings of stress or anxiety or is feeling overwhelmed, there are resources on campus that can help.

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
CAPS offers workshops, drop-in hours, screening appointments and referrals to help students address mental health concerns and feel their best.

AcademicLiveCare
All students can access free medical and mental health support, including psychiatry, virtually through AcademicLiveCare. Simply sign up using your IdentiKey.

Peer Wellness Coaching
Students can meet with a trained student to explore how they can improve study skills, enhance time management, meet new people, create routines and more.

Acupuncture (acudetox)
Did you know acupuncture can help relieve stress and improve your overall well-being? Free sessions are available to students through the Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) and Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS). Check the online schedules to learn more.

Stress can impact your student’s academic performance, mental health and overall well-being. Here are some tips to help your student manage stress and anxiety in the moment and long-term.

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Move-out tips and reminders

Lynia Herrington — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:26:40 +0000

Move-out tips and reminders Lynia Herrington Tue, 04/01/2025 - 08:26

If your student plans to move out of their residence soon, this is a great time to prepare. Whether they live on or off campus, here are some tips and reminders to share with them as they wrap up the end of the year.

Transport items

If your student plans to visit home before the end of the semester, you can encourage them to bring items with them, so they have less to move at the end of the semester.

Your student can also set up shipping service through the UPS locations at CU �鶹ӰԺ.

Donate items

Your student may have items they no longer need or want as they prepare to move out. Donating these things means they will have less to move, and they can give the items a second life.

If your student lives on campus, they can participate in the Give and Go Donation Drive. Students can donate the following items:

Clothing and shoes

Usable home goods

Unopened non-perishable foods

Books

School supplies

Toiletries, hygiene products and cleaning supplies

Items like bedding, pillows and towels are not accepted. Broken items are also not accepted.

If your student lives on or off campus, there will be drop-off locations on the Hill at key times this summer where they can get rid of hard-to-recycle items like furniture, mattresses, electronics and more. There are also various locations in �鶹ӰԺ where your student can donate usable items in good condition.

Store items

It may feel easier to throw items out or donate them, but your student has another option. The UPS Store at CU �鶹ӰԺ offers summer storage for students living on and off campus.

The service is simple and affordable, and students can choose customized storage solutions. For the basic storage program, they can pick up a box at the on-campus UPS Store and return it with the items inside. They can also store larger and specialty items through this program.

Donate or store bikes

If your student no longer needs their bike, they can donate it at the Folsom and TLC bike stations. Bikes will be refurbished and sold at the annual fall Bike Sale.

The CU Bike Program can also store your student’s bike for $20 over the summer. Storage is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more about summer bike storage.

Bikes left on campus that appear abandoned will be flagged and removed starting in May.

Properly dispose of items

Sometimes your student may have items that can't be thrown away or donated, like electronics, cleaning products or fluorescent bulbs. Here are tips for how your student can handle these:

Get rid of expired or unwanted medications at the take-back box in the main floor lobby of the Parking Services and Police Department building.

Dispose of vape and other hazardous tobacco products at designated locations in the UMC and the Village Center.

Donate usable electronics to thrift stores. Recycle unusable electronics at Eco-Cycle’s Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials, Staples or Best Buy. In Colorado, it's illegal to throw electronics in a dumpster.

Learn how to dispose of hazardous waste—common household hazardous waste includes fluorescent bulbs, cleaning products, motor oil, antifreeze, paint and yard care products.

Visit the Environmental Center website to learn about disposing of hard-to-recycle items like cell phones, batteries and toner cartridges.

Your student can connect with the Environmental Center for more sustainability tips and resources on recycling.

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Spring break in �鶹ӰԺ

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 14:52:33 +0000

Spring break in �鶹ӰԺ Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 03/04/2025 - 07:52

While some students may take trips over spring break, many Buffs look forward to a low-key week off from classes. If your student is staying in the �鶹ӰԺ area and looking for things to do over spring break, here are some ideas.

Plan a staycation

Not every student will be traveling for spring break. If your Buff is staying in the �鶹ӰԺ area, suggest some of these activities:

Try a new restaurant—check out �鶹ӰԺ’s Bites on a Budget list.
Catch a show at the �鶹ӰԺ Theater or Fox Theatre.
Take a hike or snowshoe on one of �鶹ӰԺ’s many trails.
Visit a local museum, such as the �鶹ӰԺ Museum of Contemporary Art or Museum of �鶹ӰԺ.

Suggest a day trip

Colorado offers many beautiful destinations within driving distance or use of public transportation. Here are some ideas:

Go skiing—your student can catch a ride to and from Eldora Ski Resort.
Visit Denver using RTD public transit with their Buff OneCard. They can explore restaurants, museums, shops, and other attractions.
Visit Rocky Mountain National Park. While many trails and activities are closed until early summer, there are still winter recreation activities to enjoy.

Start their summer job search

If your student is seeking a summer job or internship, encourage them to use this downtime to get a head start on their to-do list. This can help reduce stress and prepare them for the end of the semester. They can:

Create or update their profile on Handshake.
Update their resume.
Prepare for career fairs.
Search for job and internship opportunities.
Practice for interviews.

Making the most of spring break

Remind your student that their spring break doesn’t need to be extravagant to be enjoyable. Sometimes, simple activities like spending time with others or just resting can significantly enhance their well-being and give them the boost they need to finish the semester strong.

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From Vice Chancellor Mull: Making a difference

Emily Sampl — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:11:28 +0000

From Vice Chancellor Mull: Making a difference Emily Sampl Wed, 02/26/2025 - 09:11

Hi Buff families,

As warmer weather returns and flowers will soon start to bloom, spring in �鶹ӰԺ brings with it a sense of renewal and energy. It is a season of transformation, where CU �鶹ӰԺ comes alive with anticipation and enthusiasm. This is the time of year when our campus buzzes with activities and events that highlight the spirit of giving and the power of community.

March is Student Philanthropy Month at CU �鶹ӰԺ, a time to celebrate and give back. Philanthropy is not just about monetary donations—it is about how we can all contribute in small ways to make a big difference. Whether it is giving our time, talents or treasure, every little bit counts. These small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect that inspires positive change for years to come.

This Student Philanthropy Month, I encourage our students to think about how they can give back. Their involvement can make a meaningful impact on the lives of others and support the success of fellow Buffs.

On March 6, CU �鶹ӰԺ will host its third Buffs All In, a day of giving that fosters a sense of community and collective action. I invite you to join my challenge with a gift of any amount toward student affairs funds. When 100 students and families join me in giving to student affairs funds, we unlock a $500 gift that will increase to $1,500 when these funds receive 250 donations. This gift will go toward the Student Affairs Discretionary fund, which supports essential student services and gives us the opportunity to innovate to meet the needs of students today.

If your student is looking for other ideas to start:

Donating time: Even with a busy schedule, your student can make a difference. Whether your Buff has a couple of hours, an afternoon or a day, volunteering is a great way to support their local community. There are plenty of opportunities on campus, like helping with Ralphie’s Green Stampede or the Basic Needs Center. Encourage them to connect with the Volunteer Resource Center to learn more.

Sharing talents: Your student's unique skills and strengths can greatly benefit others. For example, if your Buff loves music and live entertainment, they could consider joining Program Council’s Street Team. Ask your student to consider their strengths and how they might apply these abilities to assist others.

Getting involved

Every day, I see students passionately involved on campus, participating in multiple organizations, programs and events. Your Buff can join the Herd Leadership Council at Farrand Field on Thursday, March 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for games, giveaways, food and an opportunity to learn more about how to get involved.

This March, I look forward to our community embracing the spirit of philanthropy and the power of collective effort. By supporting each other and contributing in meaningful ways, we can create a lasting impact. Whether through time, talent or resources, every act counts and brings us closer to a brighter, more supportive environment for all. Thank you for being an integral part of the Buff family and for your unwavering dedication to making a difference.

Warmly,

Dr. D'Andra Mull
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

This is the time of year when our campus buzzes with activities and events that highlight the spirit of giving back. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. D'Andra Mull shares more about Student Philanthropy Month and how Buffs can get involved.

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5 ways your student can get involved this spring

Emily Sampl — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 22:37:30 +0000

5 ways your student can get involved this spring Emily Sampl Thu, 01/30/2025 - 15:37

Participating in campus activities is a great way for students to meet new people and make friends. It can also help them explore hobbies, stay active and discover career paths. Here are some ways your student can get involved this spring.

1. Join a student organization or program

Your Buff can find student organizations that match their interests on BuffConnect. Here are a few other options they could consider:

Fraternity and Sorority Life: Students can make lifelong friendships, gain leadership skills and give back to their community.
Intramural sports: Students can join a team or register as a free agent.
Sustainable Buffs Community: Students can get involved with sustainability and climate action at CU �鶹ӰԺ.

2. Attend student events

Encourage your student to explore various events, workshops, and opportunities to meet others, including:

3. Take advantage of leadership opportunities

There are plenty of opportunities on campus for students to build new skills and meet fellow Buffs. Your student could consider joining a leadership program, like CU GOLD or Journey Leaders, or participating on a student board.

4. Volunteer

Volunteering is another great way for students to meet others on campus and in the �鶹ӰԺ community. Encourage your student to connect with the Volunteer Resource Center to find opportunities to fit their schedule. They could also check out CU in the Community for one-time service events or search CUServes for options within �鶹ӰԺ.

5. Work on campus

In addition to earning money, working on campus is a convenient way for Buffs to meet new people and gain work experience. One of the major perks of working at an on-campus job is flexibility. Most on-campus jobs and paid research studies offer flexible scheduling to fit with your student’s classes and other commitments. They can explore on-campus job opportunities on Handshake.

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5 ways to support your student if they’re feeling lonely

Emily Sampl — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 22:16:45 +0000

5 ways to support your student if they’re feeling lonely Emily Sampl Thu, 01/30/2025 - 15:16

Social connection is an important part of college and adulthood. However, many students may experience feelings of loneliness and isolation during their time at CU. As parents and family members, you can play a key role in helping them navigate these feelings and find ways to gain a sense of belonging both on campus and at home.

Here are a few ways you can support your student if they’re feeling lonely.

1. Validate their feelings

Let your student know that making friends in adulthood may feel more difficult than it was when they were younger, and that’s okay. Loneliness is a common experience among many college students and young adults, especially in our digital age.

If your student shares that they are going through a difficult time, feeling homesick or experiencing loneliness, validate their feelings and allow them to talk openly with you about what they’re going through. Help them acknowledge that feeling lonely doesn’t mean they’re doing something wrong or that there is something wrong with them. It can also be helpful to remind them that building meaningful friendships takes time, and feelings of loneliness are temporary, even if they don’t feel that way in the moment.

2. Listen without rushing to solve

If your student shares their feelings or experiences, resist the urge to immediately jump in and offer solutions to their problems. Instead, create a safe space for them to freely express their emotions without judgment. Simple responses like, “That sounds really hard” or “I can tell how difficult this is for you” are often more comforting than unsolicited advice.

3. Stay meaningfully connected

Maintain regular contact with your student while allowing them to guide the frequency and duration of your chats. Be sure to let them know that they are not a burden, and you enjoy hearing from them.

Keep in mind that talking over the phone or through video chat is often more helpful and comforting than texting or messaging. Sometimes even a quick call can make a significant difference in your student’s day. If your student feels awkward or uncomfortable asking for help directly, you can come up with a code phrase or image to indicate when they’re having a bad day or may need some additional support. For instance, your student may send you a text that says, “Do you have 10 minutes?” or “Today has been tough” to let you know they need a sense of connection.

4. Encourage small steps toward connection

If your student feels lost or isn’t sure how to make friends, you may suggest manageable ways to meet people on campus, such as joining a club, attending an event, sitting next to someone in class or exploring volunteering opportunities through the Volunteer Resource Center.

It can be helpful to frame these activities as experiments rather than obligations. This may relieve some of the pressure your student feels and help them figure out what approaches work best for them. Let them know that it’s okay if it feels uncomfortable approaching people in these ways. Learning to tolerate distress and express vulnerability are important tools to develop when forming any relationships.

Not sure where to refer your student? Here are some options you can share:

Student events: Each semester, Student Affairs and Health & Wellness Services host 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: If your student transferred to CU, they can connect with resources, events and opportunities to build community with fellow 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.
Center for Student Involvement: Encourage your student to get involved through student organizations, leadership and volunteer opportunities, events and more.
First-Generation Students Program: Is your student the first person in your family to attend college? They can connect with a community of first-gen students to socialize, learn about campus resources, find support and more.
Student organizations: No matter what your student is into, there’s probably a student organization that fits their interests. Organizations can be a great way to get involved, find support and make lifelong friends.
Residence hall events: Residence halls on campus host events to help students meet their hallmates. Encourage your student to talk with your RA to learn about upcoming events.
Campus jobs: Students can build their resume, learn valuable leadership skills and meet new people by applying for a job on campus!
Recreation Services: The Rec Centers on campus are a great way to meet people, practice hobbies, stay active and try new things. They offer something for everyone from outdoor trips and fitness classes to team sports and free events.
Pride Office: The Pride Office supports LGBTQ+ students through community events, social spaces, resources and more.

5. Support their self-care

Encourage your student to continue taking care of themselves. This can include things like maintaining their routines, getting enough sleep, staying active and moving their bodies or finding comfort in familiar spaces or activities. These habits can offer structure, comfort and stability, which can be particularly helpful when going through stressful periods.

If your student needs help creating a routine, finding connections on campus or connecting with resources, they can make a free appointment with a peer wellness coach. These students are trained to support their fellow Buffs through a variety of situations, and they are aware of the challenges and opportunities that exist on campus.

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) offers a robust group therapy program. Group therapy can be beneficial for students who are looking to build community, connect with students who hold similar identities and/or work on those skills needed to form relationships. If your student needs more support with their mental health, CAPS also offers individual mental health and psychiatric services to address concerns related to academics, anxiety, depression, relationships, substance use and more. They also provide information and support for family members and loved ones.

Many students may experience feelings of loneliness and isolation during their time at CU. Here are a few ways you can support your student if they’re feeling lonely.

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4 tips for Transfer Buffs

Valerie Padilla — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:55:46 +0000

4 tips for Transfer Buffs Valerie Padilla Wed, 01/15/2025 - 12:55

As a Transfer Buff, your student belongs to CU �鶹ӰԺ's Transfer Student Community, which offers events, resources and support for a smooth transition. Here are tips to help your student make the most of their first semester here.

1. Attend transfer student events

Each semester features events for transfer students to meet new people and get involved. Encourage your student to check out other student events, too! They can sign up for the Transfer Buffs newsletter for monthly updates.

2. Meet with a transfer peer mentor

Transfer peer mentors can offer guidance and connect your student to campus resources—they can email transferbuffs@colorado.edu to schedule a meeting.

3. Get involved on campus

There are many ways for transfer students to get involved on campus and meet others. They could:

Join student organizations through BuffConnect or start their own.

Explore volunteer opportunities on CUServes.

Find an on-campus job or join community programs through the Center for Inclusion and Social Change, the Sustainable Buffs Community and Rec Center.

To learn about opportunities, encourage your student to follow @CU�鶹ӰԺLife on Instagram, Facebook and X, and download the CU �鶹ӰԺ Life app.

4. Find support

Numerous resources are available to help your Transfer Buff with their overall well-being. Your student can reach out to the Transfer Student Community for assistance.

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Winter Break: Tips for the transition home

Valerie Padilla — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 22:36:29 +0000

Winter Break: Tips for the transition home Valerie Padilla Wed, 12/04/2024 - 15:36

Break can be a great time to catch up and reconnect with your student. It can also be an adjustment (for everyone).

Here are some tips and things to keep in mind when your student comes to visit.

1. Get to know them again

While it may not feel like your student has been away for that long, things can change as they navigate college, explore their identities and form new relationships. That’s why it’s important to take some time to get to know your student again, even if it feels like things haven’t changed.

Ask open-ended questions about their classes, major, what they’ve been up to, what their friends are like and how they’re doing overall. Keep in mind that some students may be struggling more than others. Catching up and finding out more about their experiences can help you determine whether or not your student could benefit from additional support at home or on campus.

2. Talk about expectations at home

Your student has likely gotten used to living independently and operating on their own schedule. Because of this, your student may not know what is expected of them when they return home over break. Share your expectations with them in advance, so they aren’t caught off guard. Consider things like curfews, chores, commitments and other factors.

It’s also a good idea to talk with your students about their own plans. They may have different ideas of how they’d like to spend their break, and this can be a good time to share awareness and come to a compromise if necessary. For instance, you may need to talk about how much time you think your student may spend with you, their friends or on their own. Remember that it’s okay if your student wants some time to themselves—they may need some time to decompress from a busy semester.

3. Discuss any changes

Has a sibling moved into your student’s room? Is there a new pet in the family? Are there any changes that may take your student by surprise? Talk through any changes that may have happened while your student was away. This can help them prepare for the adjustment and reduce potential stress when they arrive.

4. Prepare for important conversations

You or your student may need to engage in an important conversation, whether it’s related to school, employment, emotional difficulties or other concerns.

Here are some things you can do to have more effective conversations around potentially tough issues:

Allow your student to share their experience and point of view without interruption. Try to listen openly without judgment.

Think about the intent and the impact of your message—sometimes what you mean to say isn’t always what the other person hears. It’s important to ask for clarification throughout the conversation to make sure everyone is on the same page.

If an agreement isn’t possible, allow for multiple truths. Try to see things from your student’s perspective and express your side using your perspective.

If you’re concerned about alcohol or substance use, check out these resources for families.

Tackling tough conversations can feel uncomfortable, and you may not always know where to start. Check out additional tips for having tough conversations, navigating disagreements and moving forward.

5. Schedule check-ups

If possible, encourage your student to schedule doctor and dentist appointments while they're home over break. Now is also a great time to make sure your student has gotten a flu or COVID shot (they’re free on campus or locally with most insurance plans).

Students with the CU Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) can find local providers through Anthem or use their insurance for telehealth visits with Medical Services on campus.

6. Prepare for winter

Colorado winters can be unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared for the unexpected. Break is a great time to check in with your student to see if they are ready for winter before returning for the spring semester. Students should have plenty of warm clothing layers, a winter coat, gloves, a hat and scarf, winter boots that are waterproof and extra blankets. If your student drives, make sure they are equipped with snow tires or chains.

Support resources

If your student needs additional support while they’re at home, there are resources available to help.

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) If you are concerned about your student’s mental health, CAPS provides a variety of mental health services for all students. They can also help family members who are concerned. If you believe your student is experiencing a mental health crisis or needs urgent, same-day support, please call 303-492-2277.	AcademicLiveCare AcademicLiveCare is a free telehealth platform that allows students to attend free counseling, psychiatry, medical and nutrition appointments from anywhere, regardless of their insurance plan.	Collegiate Recovery Community (CUCRC) If you think your student may be struggling with substance use or other harmful behaviors, the CUCRC can help. They offer free weekly support meetings, coaching and other resources to support students in recovery or seeking recovery. Learn more about what it means to be in recovery.	Office of Victim Assistance (OVA) OVA provides free and confidential information, consultation, support, advocacy and short-term, trauma-focused counseling services for students who have experienced and/or witnessed a traumatic, disturbing or life-disruptive event. They are familiar with a wide range of topics, including sexual assault and harassment, discrimination, microaggressions, identity-based trauma, abuse, intimate partner abuse, stalking, crime and more.
Medical Services Medical Services provides a variety of services on campus, including primary care, sexual and reproductive health, vaccinations, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, behavioral health and more. Students can also visit their full-service pharmacy to pick up or transfer prescriptions.	Red Folder Family members may notice that their students are struggling or need additional support during their time at CU �鶹ӰԺ. Red Folder is designed to help you recognize signs of distress, talk with students about your concern and help them connect with support resources on campus.	When to seek mental health support Knowing how (and when) to seek out mental health support is important, especially if you’re concerned about your student. Here are some guidelines you can use to determine if your student may need emergency, urgent or general support for mental health concerns.	WellTrack WellTrack is a free app with online tools and courses to help students identify, understand and address issues like stress, resiliency, anxiety and/or depression. WellTrack is a self-guided and interactive way for your student to manage their mental well-being.

Check out tips and things to keep in mind when your student comes to visit.

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From Vice Chancellor Mull: Tips for the end of the semester

Valerie Padilla — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 16:22:08 +0000

From Vice Chancellor Mull: Tips for the end of the semester Valerie Padilla Mon, 11/18/2024 - 09:22

Hi Buff families,

It is hard to believe we are almost at the end of the fall semester! With students on break this week and the season slowly transitioning to winter, this is a great time for Buffs to center themselves before returning for the last few weeks of classes.

Time with family and loved ones can help students recharge and strengthen their connection to community. I hope you get the chance to talk or be with your student this week and check in on how they are doing. After fall break, know that the Division of Student Affairs is here to provide support and offer opportunities for students to gather with peers and find community.

To prepare for the end of the semester, your student can visit colorado.edu/finals to find everything they need, including the final exams schedule, student events and campus resources. Please encourage your student to stop by Late Night Breakfast in the University Memorial Center (UMC) on Dec. 11. They can get ready for final exams with a free, nourishing meal provided by Student Affairs staff. I will be at the event to wish our Buffs good luck on finals, and I hope to see your student there! There will be additional events happening around finals to help students take breaks, stay connected and finish strong.

Over the next few weeks, I encourage you to stay in touch with your student. You can support them by listening and helping them come up with a strategy to better enable their success. Additionally, help your student reflect on and celebrate their achievements. Whether they are finishing their first or final year at CU �鶹ӰԺ, your Buff has worked incredibly hard and deserves a moment of recognition. Encourage them to be proud of their accomplishments and to treat themselves!

Take care, Buff families. I wish your Buff good luck on finals and a wonderful winter season.

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

With final exams coming up soon, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs D’Andra Mull has advice for families to help students finish strong.

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