DOS

Being a Buff and participating in campus traditions

Anonymous — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 15:07:41 +0000

Being a Buff and participating in campus traditions Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 09/13/2023 - 09:07

I’ve had the honor of being a Buff for the past 13 years, and I’m so grateful to be a part of such a special community here at CU �鶹ӰԺ.

Being a Buff can mean a few different things for campus community members. For some, it means living in alignment with our Colorado Creed and acting with honor, integrity and respect. For others, it may mean giving back and participating in service opportunities. And for many of us, being a Buff means supporting each other—in the classroom, at athletics games or off campus.

With a new academic year underway, take time to reflect on what being a Buff means to you. To help you get started, here are a few defining characteristics of being a Buff and traditions to participate in this year.

Buffs are involved

I’ve worked in various roles during my time at CU �鶹ӰԺ, and each year I’ve observed something significant regarding students who have positive experiences on campus. I’ve noticed that students who found ways to get involved often have better experiences and have a better sense of belonging on campus.

Involvement can look different for everyone, and it’s never too late to join that group or try something new—there are always opportunities. As we move further into the fall semester, I encourage you to think about how you’re getting involved and explore your options this year. Whether you just started at CU or you’re in your final year, no matter your interests or academic program, I guarantee that there is something here for you.

Buffs are proud

One strong characteristic of our Buff community is our pride—how we celebrate each other and recognize each other’s accomplishments. From academic to athletic achievements, being a Buff means lifting each other up and cheering each other on.

A new Buff tradition that I hope to see you at is the Student Gameday Huddle this football season. Come join the new tailgate tradition before home games to cheer on the Buffs, enjoy free food and giveaways, and enter for a chance to be named the Student Fan of the Game . I hope to see you there!

Buffs take care of each other

Being a Buff means being part of the CU �鶹ӰԺ community. Being part of this community means looking out for one another.

Stay in touch with your friends and classmates and check in to see how they are doing, especially during stressful times. If you notice a fellow Buff who may be struggling—whether it’s with academics, mental health or other needs—please share campus support resources or reach out to Student Support and Case Management.

Whether it’s situations in the classroom, in the residence halls or off campus, do your best to look out for your fellow Buffs. If you’re ever concerned about your safety or someone else's, keep an eye on the situation and don’t hesitate to call for help. Review more information about how you can be an effective bystander and look out for other members of the community. Take safety precautions when you can, like using the buddy system and getting home safely by using CU NightRide, and take care of each other.

As your acting dean of students, I look forward to advocating for you and supporting you during this academic year. I hope you all have a great fall semester!

Devin Cramer
Acting Dean of Students and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Dean of Students Devin Cramer invites students to participate in Buff traditions, including the Student Gameday Huddle events this fall.

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From the dean of students: Celebrating your achievements and contributions

Anonymous — Mon, 08 May 2023 06:00:00 +0000

From the dean of students: Celebrating your achievements and contributions Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 05/08/2023 - 00:00

Buffs, finals are nearly over and it’s almost time for summer break. As I reflect on the past academic year, I’m so proud of your work, accomplishments and contributions to our community. On our campus, we have a great tradition of end-of-semester events that I have had the privilege of attending. To highlight a few, Phi Delta Theta, a member of the CU IFC, hosted a wonderful fundraiser for ALS on a beautiful Friday afternoon. It was great to speak with the men of that chapter and hear about their successes. CUSG hosted its second annual sexual assault awareness 5k, and I enjoyed running with students, staff and faculty alike to raise awareness and money for this important issue. And of course, I served food to students at the Late Night Breakfast, which is my favorite way to commemorate the last day of class! To celebrate, I’d like to share some key events and highlights from this year that demonstrate how important students are to our success.

Student-led programs host speaker events, concerts and more

Students in Program Council, the Distinguished Speakers Board and the Cultural Events Board are responsible for many notable events that took place this year, including:

Talks with singer and actress Rita Moreno, best-selling author and former actress Jennette McCurdy, and actor Kal Penn.
This year’s Homecoming concert featuring Evan Giia and Chet Porter, and the Spring Show featuring Cordae and N3ptune & Rusty Steve.
An evening of comedy with John Mulaney.
Free movies and advance screenings of new releases during the Friday Night Film Series.

If you’re looking for new ways to meet others and gain professional work experience next year, consider joining a student-run program.

Student employees contribute to our success

Thousands of students work part-time jobs on campus. The work of our student employees directly contributes to the success of our campus community, and we would not be successful without them.

Each year the university recognizes students who have demonstrated exemplary work, choosing one Student Employee of the Year. Congratulations to Student Employee of the Year Monserrat Estrada Martin, first runner-up Xavier Cisneros and the rest of the 2022-23 Student Employee of the Year nominees.

Many Student Affairs departments are hiring students for the summer and fall 2023. If you’re looking for a part-time job, consider working on campus.

Students give back through CU in the Community

CU in the Community is a series of student-led volunteer projects in collaboration with local nonprofit organizations. This year, students volunteered with:

The Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: Volunteers worked to beautify the center’s grounds and help maintain a safe space for the wild patients in their care.
Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary: Volunteers helped with cleaning resident living areas, replenishing food and water, and giving the animals some love and attention.
A Precious Child: Volunteers made no-sew fleece blankets that were donated to this organization.
Flatirons Habitat for Humanity: Volunteers helped build homes in the Ponderosa neighborhood.
The Lockwood Foundation: Volunteers supported those with limited mobility in a “trail trial” up short trails at NCAR in �鶹ӰԺ, led by Lockwood Foundation trail leaders.

In addition to giving back to your community, volunteering allows you to meet new people, build professional skills and gain experience for your resume. Connect with the Volunteer Resource Center to find opportunities this summer and next year.

Students donate over 4,000 emergency meal cards to help fight food insecurity

Swipe It Forward donation events allow students with meal swipes to ‘pay it forward’ and support their fellow Buffs. Donated meal swipes become available as emergency meal cards to students in need of extra support. 2,472 meal swipes were donated in fall 2022, and 1,966 swipes were donated in spring 2023—giving us a total of 4,438 donated meal swipes for the academic year.

New organizations, events with Fraternity and Sorority Life

Three new organizations joined Fraternity and Sorority Life this year, including a Latina-founded sorority and the first historically Black fraternity to return and officially register at CU �鶹ӰԺ.

I also had the opportunity for the second year in a row to be a judge for Songfest. This event is a themed dance competition between different teams and the grand finale of Greek Week. Additionally, the Multicultural Greek Council hosted Stomp Your Heart Out, a yard show to honor and celebrate stepping and strolling, which was a lot of fun to watch. These high-energy events showcase the talents of our students in fraternities and sororities, and are something I look forward to each spring semester.

Students lead sustainability efforts

This year, CU NightRide added new electric vehicles to its fleet to transition away from fossil fuels. As another student-led program, the changes in the CU NightRide fleet reflect the concerns of students regarding climate change.

Students also participated in the fourth annual President’s Sustainable Solutions Challenge this April. This event allows students to pitch their ideas for sustainable innovations and solutions on campus, with the chance to win a monetary prize. All proposals are considered for implementation review and funding after the competition ends.

These highlights are only a fraction of your accomplishments and contributions to our campus community. You should be proud and have much to celebrate as the academic year comes to a close.

If you are graduating this week, I wish you the best of luck in the future. Your hard work has paid off and I hope you take some time this week to celebrate your academic achievement. I also hope you’ll stay connected with your Forever Buffs community.

Have a great summer, and remember—you are Buffs wherever you are!

Devin Cramer
Acting Dean of Students and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

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The dean’s list of advice: How to advocate for yourself

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 17:07:19 +0000

The dean’s list of advice: How to advocate for yourself Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 04/04/2023 - 11:07

With finals coming up in a few weeks, some students may be feeling overwhelmed or more stressed than usual. This is common around this time of year, and it’s never too late to advocate for yourself if you need help.

Learning how to advocate for yourself and seeking out resources can help you grow and succeed not just at CU �鶹ӰԺ, but in life after college as well. Asking for help is not always easy, but I encourage you to take that step and find support. Here’s some advice for how to ask for help as we wrap up the academic year.

Identify your needs

Take a few moments to think about how you’re feeling and what you may need help with. Sometimes this can be easier if you write things out with a pen and paper, or talk it out with a trusted friend or family member.

Needs you may identify could relate to academic support with finals coming up—maybe you’re struggling with a final project, not getting along with a classmate on a group project or need help with time management to get things done. Other things may include seeking support with health and wellness, resolving roommate conflict, finding a summer job or other needs. Clearly identifying these areas can help with figuring out your next step.

Use your resources

Once you’ve identified your needs, think about the tools and resources that are available to you. In addition to support resources on campus, there are many people in our campus community—myself included—who are here to support you and want to see you succeed. This can include your RA or hall director, TAs, faculty, staff, supervisors and more.

Academic support

Check out academic resources, like the Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP), other tutoring resources, the Writing Center and University Libraries.
Visit your professor’s office hours to ask questions.
Set up a study group with your classmates to help prepare for finals.

Health and wellness support

Try Let’s Talk—a free service where CU �鶹ӰԺ students can check in for an informal, brief and confidential consultation with a counselor.
Peer Wellness Coaching allows you to meet with a trained peer coach to set wellness goals, learn about resources and create personalized self-care plans.
Attend events to connect with others and practice self-care, like Wellness Wednesdays or Free Friday Power Hour at The Rec.

Financial, career and basic needs support

The Buff Pantry is an on-campus food pantry to support students experiencing food insecurity. Clients can visit the pantry once per week to receive food and personal care items.
On-campus student jobs offer flexibility and convenience. They are a great way to meet fellow Buffs and gain professional experience. Many campus departments are hiring student employees for the summer and fall 2023—check out current job openings.
If you’re seeking an internship or full-time job, Career Services has many resources for each step of your journey including resumes, searching and interviews.

Conflict resolution support

Take the conflict style quiz to learn more about how you personally approach conflict and work toward solutions.
Get help with managing and resolving conflicts through the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution.

Be considerate

This is a busy time of year for many of us on campus. If you need to reach out to someone for help, like your RA or one of your professors, I encourage you to be considerate when you’re advocating for yourself. Sometimes written communication (like emails or text messages) can be misinterpreted because it lacks the context of tone and body language, and your message might come off as more hostile or harsh than you intended. Depending on your need or request, be mindful of your message or consider setting up a time to speak in person instead.

As we near the end of the academic year, visit colorado.edu/finals to learn about events, resources and additional support. Finish strong, Buffs—you got this!

Devin Cramer
Acting Dean of Students and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

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Students talk summer plans, learning outside the classroom

Anonymous — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 17:08:04 +0000

Students talk summer plans, learning outside the classroom Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 03/15/2023 - 11:08

Summer break is coming up soon, and there are a variety of options for students who may have some extra downtime to fill. It can be a time for relaxation, connecting with friends and family, working a part-time job or internship, taking classes or spending time on a favorite hobby. However you choose to spend your summer, many of these activities offer a chance to learn more about yourself and learn outside of the classroom.

I recently connected with Aliya Trapp, a senior studying internal affairs and ethnic studies with a minor in Spanish, Caden McVey, a junior studying computer and electrical engineering, and Mallory Palizzi, a junior studying chemical engineering, to talk about their various experiences over summer break. They share some lessons learned and advice for students who are looking to take advantage of their time over summer to accomplish goals. Here are some takeaways from our conversation.

Q: How have you spent your summers since being at CU �鶹ӰԺ?

Aliya: The summer going into junior year was one of the most magical summers of my life. I worked as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion intern consultant for a bank in Denver where I learned an immense amount about what it means to work in the corporate world. It was one of the first times I was able to apply my knowledge from my studies to real world situations and put theory into practice. It was incredibly fulfilling to put my passion to work in a way where I felt like I was truly making a difference. However, this was not without learning to deal with setbacks. I learned a lot about the politics of the corporate world as well as the battle of encouraging people to overcome performativity regarding DEI and putting that into practice. It was a challenge, but I learned so much from that challenge and responded to it with everything I could. I talked more about that experience on the College of Arts & Sciences podcast Ampersand.

I also spent an immense amount of time working in the garden with my two favorite people, Carl and Mary. Carl is an 84 year old man who is one of the most intelligent and hilariously sarcastic people I know. His knowledge of gardening is incredible, and I learn something new every time I go over, which is a lot. When he has time between telling some silly jokes, he will give me a history quiz or drop a life lesson that only an 84 year old man could give you. Mary has been one of my best friends since I started �鶹ӰԺ, and I have spent every summer and school year working with her in her house and her garden. She hired me to help her with things that she was unable to do any longer, and we immediately hit it off. She has traveled the world and you wouldn’t believe the amount of ‘best friends’ she has that have accomplished the most incredible things. She has such an incredible garden and we share such a love for plants and providing them with love and care. Both Carl and Mary have become incredibly important and influential members of my �鶹ӰԺ family, and I could not imagine summers without them.

This was also a summer of hiking for me as well. I committed to hiking two new trails a week, and boy does �鶹ӰԺ and Golden have so much to offer! I made sure to jump in the creek pretty much once a day, and my friends and I made picnicking outside a priority.

Caden: During my first summer as a freshman at CU, I applied to a couple of internships and contacted some professors about research opportunities, but to no avail. Most people responded that I needed more experience in the respective fields. Instead, I helped my dad on job sites for his cabinetry business. Luckily, my sophomore year summer turned out much better as the Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) offered me my top research choice to join the CU Bioastronautics Matrix Mission. This spring, I also got an extension on my current internship at Tesla for my junior year summer.

Mallory: My most recent summer consisted of working in the �鶹ӰԺ Experimental Electronics and Manufacturing (BEEM) Laboratory on east campus conducting research with a graduate student. I got this position through the SPUR program and the lab decided to keep me on into the academic school year and I still work for them today! I definitely still had time to travel and spend time with family and friends which helped balance the hours spent in the lab.

Q: What have you learned during summer activities that you wouldn’t have learned in the classroom?

Aliya: A lot of the summer activities I participated in taught me about capabilities I had that I didn't even know. I have always been a pretty rigorous student, and I think it became easy to base all of my capabilities and success on how I was doing in school. However, every single one of my summers has taught me different things about myself and what I am able to do in the real world. I have learned about my ability to connect with others. I have learned about my ability to carry myself and take care of myself in new places and situations. I have learned that who I am is not determined by my educational successes.

Caden: Classrooms do a good job teaching organization and critical thinking skills in addition to the respective course's content. However, after trying out research and industry, I have learned that interpersonal skills and attention to detail are valued above all else. Establishing a strong connection with colleagues and delivering STEM-related information concisely and accurately are skills that workplace professionals have perfected. Only answer a question if you have tested and proven your findings. Most importantly, asking questions whenever you have an ounce of doubt is the best action any engineer can take.

Mallory: Working in a lab opened my eyes to how research actually works. Being in the lab as part of a class does not show the unpredictability of real research. Things are never cut and dry as they typically are in a lab class. I was forced to apply knowledge I have gained in the classroom and then, take it a step further. I was tasked with real problem solving situations that required creative solutions and I don’t think I could have learned that in any classroom. I also learned the hard truth that sometimes—things do not work out quite the way you think. I had to come to terms with the fact that the hours I spend working through a problem may turn out to have no answer. But the most valuable part of that is being able to take what you did learn and adapt the next experiment.

Q: How do you plan to make the most out of this upcoming summer?

Aliya: I recently had an amazing opportunity fall into my hands to work with a vineyard who farms in Napa. They practice sustainable farming and create beautiful, organic and sugar free wine, which can be hard to find in the states. Their mission is to create connections through wine. They want to move away from the pretentious nature of the wine industry and create spaces for every person and every community to be a part of good food and wine. They are incredibly passionate about working with organizations they believe in. They specifically want to help bolster those organizations and people that are doing incredibly important work in the South. I am excited to be a part of the movement to create change and progress through food and wine, two of my favorite things!

Caden: I am fortunate to have received another internship offer from Tesla for this upcoming summer. Although I have to take two summer classes to stay on track with my degree plan, Tesla has agreed to a part-time internship, so I can learn from both school and them. I am currently on the electrical engineering team. However, I will join their software engineering team in the summer to better understand which computer engineering branch I'd like to pursue.

Mallory: I plan on reaching out to the companies I talked to last year and asking about internship or career opportunities for the summer. I plan on taking the skills I have learned in the lab and broadening my knowledge to a more industry centered position. My plan B is to travel to Dublin and take a few classes through CU’s Study Abroad program.

Q: Any advice for other students on taking advantage of the summer months?

Aliya: Get outside! I cannot emphasize enough how my experiences in nature and the outdoors have enforced humility upon me in ways I could never have imagined. Start to brainstorm what you think you may want to do with your future and experiment with those ideas during the summer. It will help you discover what will work for you and what will most likely not. I think in college it can be difficult to prioritize your own health and happiness over outside pressures. Summer is a time where you can take advantage of opportunities you may not have during the school year. Explore your passions in the summer as it will help you find your balance for the future. Ground yourself in something that speaks to you, and continue to work with that. I know personally, as I progressed through my college years, the fear that I would be ‘stuck’ with a job that did not make me happy only grew. However, my experiences in the summer, learning about all of my different capabilities, helped me put myself out there. As cheesy as it sounds, once I learned that if I kept working hard and stayed true to myself, things really began to fall into place. One of my best friends always tells me, “Future Aliya already has it all figured out.” I try to live by that these days. Live in your present, constantly work toward growth and achieving happiness, take the storms as they come and hopefully life will fall into place. Also, find a garden or grow your own in the meantime!

Caden: Try always to have something going for you that not only looks good on your resume but benefits you as an academic. If you find yourself out of luck when looking for summer opportunities, self-teach yourself a skill or pursue an interest you otherwise wouldn't have had time for. Not all activities have to be academic either; if you are passionate about something and wish to pursue it, then chase what you're going after. Interesting hobbies create exciting people.

Mallory: I would highly advise others to take advantage of all of the opportunities CU has to offer for the summer. Reaching out to Career Services or talking to professors is a great way to find out about all of the positions available to students. I know it may feel overwhelming but stay persistent and contact as many people as you can.

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The dean’s list of advice: 3 ways to enjoy the start of spring

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 21:27:39 +0000

The dean’s list of advice: 3 ways to enjoy the start of spring Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 03/01/2023 - 14:27

With midterms in full swing, and incidents occurring both locally and nationally, some students may be feeling more stressed than usual. We have shared support resources to help during this time, but today I hope to get back to the basics and talk a little bit about the academic stresses that may naturally arise this time of year. We’re about halfway through the semester—and fortunately, you have a well deserved break coming up in a few weeks. While we count down the days until spring break, here’s some advice to make the most of the season.

Take intentional breaks

There are many ways to help relieve stress, with some choices being more helpful than others. When things feel stressful, I encourage you to find positive ways to cope, relax and recharge.

Taking study breaks and time to practice self-care are habits that are always encouraged. This month, I also encourage you to be intentional with how you spend your breaks and free time. Be mindful of the activities you do and consider what helps you relax. Do certain activities help you decompress or do they end up causing you to feel more drained or distracted? Be intentional with how you spend your time to set yourself up for success.

Get outside

March brings us the first official day of spring, more hours of daylight and warmer weather. Whether it’s a short walk around campus, visiting a park with friends, biking or studying at a picnic table, find ways to get outside and enjoy the sunny days this month.

As you spend more time outside, remember that you’re a Buff wherever you are. Whether you’re at a friend’s house, a public park or a hiking trail, be considerate and respectful to those around you and your surroundings. If you’re off campus in �鶹ӰԺ, be mindful of noise levels. Excessive noise at any time of the day can result in a nuisance ticket—a common citation that can be avoided.

Connect with others

A great way to relieve stress is to stay in touch with friends and family. Make time this month to catch up with your friends and connect with those in your community.

There are many student events happening in March that allow you to spend time with fellow Buffs and have fun:

Participate in an 80s-themed murder mystery party or learn salsa dancing at upcoming Buffalo Nites.
Visit The Connection for live music presented by Program Council.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with free ice skating, silent disco and food at Buffs After Dark.
Watch a free screening of M3GAN as part of the Friday Night Film Series.
Join the next CU in the Community event and help make adventure accessible with the Lockwood Foundation.
Take a free fitness class during the Rec Center’s Free Friday Power Hour—this month’s free classes include stability and conditioning, lower body building and power barre.

If you choose to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this month, please be safe and responsible. Buffs look out for each other and take care of each other.

If you are concerned about your safety or someone else's, keep an eye on the situation and don’t hesitate to call for help.
Review the Amnesty Policy to learn more about what to do if you need to call for help in an alcohol- or drug-related emergency.
Review more information about how you can be an effective bystander and look out for other members of the community.
Take safety precautions when you can, like using the buddy system and getting home safely by using CU NightRide.
Remember that you’re a member of the larger �鶹ӰԺ community. Be considerate and respectful to your neighbors and those around you.

Buffs, I hope you have a great month and a relaxing spring break. Please take care of yourselves and each other.

Devin Cramer
Acting Dean of Students and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

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Students share how they found their place on campus

Anonymous — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 21:16:26 +0000

Students share how they found their place on campus Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 02/20/2023 - 14:16

Whether you’re in your first year or final year at CU �鶹ӰԺ, it’s never too late to get involved with something new. Getting involved with new opportunities can help you make new friends, grow your professional network and feel more comfortable on campus.

I recently connected with Sophia Stadler, a second-year student studying ecology and evolutionary biology, Emily Reynolds, a senior studying anthropology and linguistics with a Spanish minor and writing certificate, Seth Wells, a senior studying ecology and evolutionary biology and anthropology with a classics minor, Vaishnavi (Vee) Prabu, a first-year full-time MBA student at Leeds School of Business, and Bodhi Rubinstein, a first-year student studying chemical and biological engineering, to talk about campus involvement. We discussed how they are involved on campus, challenges they experienced and advice for other students.

Here are some takeaways from our conversation and resources to help you find your place on campus.

How are you involved on campus?

Sophia: I am an employee at the campus Recreation Center, working at the FitWell desk. I do various tasks such as checking in classes, helping set up for special events and whatever else needs to be done at or around the desk. I am also a member of Delta Gamma, and I am living in the house this year! I absolutely love the girls, and living in the house has made us all even closer. I’m hoping this year I can get involved with some more clubs, such as the EBIO club, just because I feel that getting more involved opens more doors and gives one access to super cool opportunities, and you get to meet all types of people.

Emily: Most of my involvement has been through undergraduate research in linguistics, anthropology and cross-disciplinary work in computer science. Currently, I do research through the anthropology department and the STUDIO Research Lab where I record and transcribe stories of people’s experiences during and after the Marshall Fire. I’ve found that to be really rewarding work, and it has heavily influenced my career goals. I’m also a co-president of the Undergraduate Linguistics Association and a peer tutor at the Writing Center, and I volunteer on campus through a few different organizations.

Seth: I am the president and one of the captains of the Men’s Ultimate team (Mamabird). This is my fourth year playing on the team, my first year as a captain and my second year as a part of leadership. I started playing ultimate in high school and loved it so I wanted to continue in college.

Another way I am “involved” on campus is working in the Smith Lab. I work with a lab partner to score morphological traits of plants within the Solanaceae family. I got hired by Dr. Smith at the end of the spring 2022 semester. I found out that she needed a lab assistant from a forwarded email from my favorite professor, Stephanie Mayor, who taught EBIO classes focusing on plants. So I emailed Dr. Smith, she interviewed me over the phone and I started working with her and one of her grad students in June 2022.

The final way I would say I am involved on campus is by volunteering at CU Sports Performance and Medicine Center, which is a sports medicine clinic behind Folsom Stadium. I was a patient for five months and grew very close to the PT I worked with and am happy to say we became really good friends. The following summer I reached out to him about coming into the clinic as a volunteer and shadowing him. So, after completing all the required paperwork, I started going in once a week to volunteer. One of the reasons I wanted to do it is because I am considering going to medical school after graduating and need volunteer hours at a clinic to get into most schools.

Vee: As an MBA student focusing on real estate and sustainability, one key element of CU �鶹ӰԺ that drove me here was the unique clubs and centers which provide experiential learning by connecting you with industry professionals in various fields of interest. The various boot camps were a huge platform to help me navigate a new field and if that piqued my stimulus on the subject or career path. This not only is helpful to students who are seeking opportunities for career advancement but also exploring a pivot in careers. I actively take part with the CU Real Estate center – which is one of the best in the country. I have personally benefited from their workshops and networking with well-established industry experts.

Bodhi: I am an undergraduate researcher and current Biological Sciences Initiative scholar at Root Lab where I work on both behavioral neuroscience and computational neuroscience (brain rendering) projects. I’m also a Norlin scholar, part of the Undergraduate Enrichment Program (UEP). Finally, and certainly most importantly, I started my own knitting club!

Why did you get involved in that job, club or activity and what do you like best about it?

Sophia: Coming up to Colorado for school was very stressful for me, because I did not know a single person here. I wanted to get involved, but in all honesty I had no idea where to begin, and no one to do it with. I decided to rush because I had heard great things about it, and they all proved true!

Once I was more comfortable with the school and felt a little more sense of home in Delta Gamma, I began to branch out more. I had been looking for an on-campus job, and my friend recommended I look at The Rec because she thought I would enjoy it. Ever since getting hired, I knew I made a good choice listening to her. My boss is incredibly supportive, and makes sure we put being a student first. I feel like I have developed a sense of community working among my peers, and I know I have made some lifelong friends. Working around an active environment is something I enjoy, and The Rec is perfect for that.

Emily: I think my idea of 'involvement' before coming to college was limited to student clubs and sports, but being involved in research, on-campus work and volunteering feels a lot more true to my personality. I’m lucky that my jobs, research and volunteer commitments are all aligned with what I’m naturally curious and passionate about, which makes all the difference once my schedule starts to fill up. Even when I’m busy, I’m so grateful to be spending my time the way that I am. I really feel like I've found my niche!

Bodhi: I was drawn to Root Lab because of my interest in neuroscience and my high school research at a similar lab. What I enjoy most about this experience is being a part of something innovative and meaningful. The feeling of contributing to the generation of new knowledge is incredibly satisfying. I feel like I am making a difference and that my contributions are valued. Being part of the Root Lab team has been a wonderful opportunity to connect with others who share my passion and to learn about and use cutting-edge technology and techniques: a truly invaluable learning experience for an undergraduate.

I also started my own knitting club because I wanted to connect with others who share my passion for this hobby. Knitting has always been a source of creativity and stress relief for me, and I wanted to share that with others on campus. It's a space where I can connect with others who have similar interests and share ideas, tips and finished projects.

Did you find it hard to find your place on campus? If so, how did you get through that?

Emily: I did find it difficult to find my place on campus, especially as a freshman coming from a small, rural town. Instead of jumping right into several activities, I spent most of my first year introspecting about who I wanted to be, what my values were and how my choices could reflect those things. One thing that I knew right away was that it was really important to me to be a volunteer in my community, and I think volunteering is a great way to make meaningful connections with others based on shared values. I've worked with Reading Buddies, the Buff Pantry, Alternative Breaks and several other organizations on campus, and I've met some really delightful people that way! I've also learned a lot about myself and how I can use my strengths to be a good community member.

Seth: My first two years on campus I struggled to find "my place." I was the last pick for the roster of the ultimate team. I spent the first month of two semesters as a temporary employee at the CU Book Store without being fully hired. Then Covid-19 hit and the campus was closed. When it fully reopened I didn't have a job. I was still at the bottom of the roster on the ultimate team. To fill my time, I dove entirely into ultimate. I watched film of games during my free time, I lifted at one of my coach’s houses, and worked with the captains on improving my play. When we competed at fall nationals in 2021 with the same roster I was picked last to be on, I was now a starter (this is different then starting in basketball/soccer games but has a similar connotation). And by this time other opportunities for me had popped up and I had taken advantage of them.

Vee: Being an international student in �鶹ӰԺ has been an interesting transition and the university has played a vital role in easing into the transition. Being proactive and exploring the campus filled with people from various ethnicities, indulging in conversations and following the social media pages of the university were helpful to find interesting events that were happening in various nooks and corners of the campus. This stimulated my appetite for venturing into untrodden paths and gallivant into the domains of my interest. For example, taking advantage of the Taekwondo classes or rock climbing to see if it intrigued me, and shockingly those were amazing. This paved way to find myself and people who share similar interests.

What advice do you have for students who haven’t found involvement opportunities on campus yet?

Sophia: Just try everything! Even if you have to go do it alone, that's how I found some of my favorite extracurriculars. Another thing I would say is take advantage of all the flyers on the bulletin boards in the buildings. I have found so many cool opportunities just by taking a peek, from rave club to research positions.

Emily: Another piece of advice I would offer to students is to muster up a little bit of courage and try cold calling. I'm sort of an anxious person, and that was advice that I really didn't want to take as an underclassman, but it ended up being the most effective thing I've done to get involved in research. It never hurts to send a quick email to a researcher you admire to ask if they could use an assistant—they might say 'no,' and that's ok! This is a huge campus with lots of opportunities, and oftentimes, people will refer you to someone else. Or they'll keep you in mind for later.

Seth: What I would recommend to students who haven't found involvement opportunities on campus is pick one aspect of your college experience that you love and dive into that. That could be studies, a club sports team, a different type of club or anything else that happens on and around campus. For me, that was the ultimate team and my EBIO classes. Those two things provided me with all of my current extracurricular activities.

Vee: One key takeaway from my experience here is just push yourself out of your comfort zone. The mountains are a sprint away—go for a hike, or take a leap of faith and enroll yourself in a finance class or a kickboxing class that might be daunting. And have random conversations, show up on campus and hang around as the campus is bustling with hustlers 24/7 and you can bump into a friendly face now and then. I always had the approach that a friend is just one conversation away from a stranger, and that has made me a happy go lucky person. Go Buffs!

Bodhi: My advice to students who haven't found involvement opportunities on campus yet is to be proactive and take the initiative. One of the best ways to do this is by reaching out to your teachers and professors. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience and can often provide valuable insights into potential opportunities in your field of interest. And while it may seem daunting at first, don't be afraid to initiate these connections. Even if you don't get a response right away, persistence is key. By continuing to reach out and make connections, you'll eventually find individuals who want to see you succeed and can provide opportunities to help you do so.

Another way to get involved on campus is to be open to new experiences and embrace the possibility of failure. This can mean attending campus events, club fairs, and student organization meetings, or even starting your own club or organization. By being open to new experiences and taking risks, you'll have the chance to learn new things, make connections, and discover your passions.

When it comes to finding opportunities that you want on campus, connections are crucial. Building relationships with other students, teachers, and professionals in your field can provide valuable insights and open up new doors. That's why informal opportunities are so important. Whether it's attending a campus event, reaching out to someone in your field, or simply starting a conversation, these informal opportunities can break down the barrier to participation and lead to bigger and better opportunities.

Learn more about getting involved at CU �鶹ӰԺ

Follow @CU�鶹ӰԺLife on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to learn about opportunities.
Check out ways to meet Buffs with similar hobbies and interests.
Review options for how you can spend your free time this semester.
Attend upcoming student events and download the CU �鶹ӰԺ Life app.
Consider working on campus.
Check out research opportunities with the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP).
Ask your professors about academic opportunities specific to your college, school or program.
Connect with the Center for Student Involvement, Volunteer Resource Center, Center for Inclusion and Social Change, Recreation Services or the Environmental Center.

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The dean’s list of advice: How small acts can help us take care of ourselves and others

Anonymous — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 17:49:05 +0000

The dean’s list of advice: How small acts can help us take care of ourselves and others Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 02/03/2023 - 10:49

February can be a tough month for many of us. Winter is still here, midterms are starting and it may feel like stress levels are rising. If you're feeling overwhelmed right now, you aren’t alone. Here are some tips and advice to help you through the month.

Express gratitude

During stressful times, taking a few minutes to express gratitude can often help me feel better. Sometimes we tend to focus more on what may be going wrong rather than what’s going right. Writing out a few things I’m grateful for in the moment can help release frustration and put things in perspective.

This month, I encourage you to find simple ways to express gratitude. Show appreciation for yourselves and those in your community. Connect with fellow Buffs and share gratitude at events like Health Huts: Days of Gratitude on Feb. 14 and Wellness Wednesday: Three Good Things on Feb. 15.

Be kind to yourself and others

A small act of kindness can go a long way. With many students feeling overwhelmed this month, you may never know how your actions could affect someone else.

Random Acts of Kindness Day is recognized on Feb. 17, and completing small acts of kindness can help spread joy and positivity in our community. Consider different ways you can share kindness with others this month. Random acts of kindness don’t have to be big or extravagant. You could pay it forward in line at the coffee shop, make dinner for your roommate or spend an afternoon volunteering for a cause you care about.

Remember to also show kindness toward yourself. When life gets busy with classes and other responsibilities, spending time on our interests can become a low priority. This month, I encourage you to find time to do a favorite activity or hobby that brings you joy. Balancing self-care with your other priorities can help you feel better.

Ask for help

If you’re struggling with something—maybe it’s your coursework, finding an internship or making friends—ask for help. This is not always easy, but is one more way you can take care of yourself and show kindness toward yourself.

There are many people in our Buff community who are ready to offer support and guidance. Use campus resources to help you with whatever you may need:

If you’re looking to connect with others, check out the Center for Student Involvement, Rec Center and Center for Inclusion and Social Change.
If you’re looking for a summer job or internship, connect with Career Services.
If you’re looking for academic help, use the university’s academic support resources. The Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP) is also available if you live on campus or are a first-year commuter student.
If you’re looking to improve your wellness, review the range of services offered by Health and Wellness Services to support your health and well-being.

Hang in there, Buffs—you got this!

Devin Cramer
Acting Dean of Students and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

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The dean’s list of advice: New semester, new opportunities

Anonymous — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 18:23:16 +0000

The dean’s list of advice: New semester, new opportunities Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 01/17/2023 - 11:23

Whether you’re returning to campus or you’re just starting your journey as a Buff, I hope you’re having a great start to the spring semester.

A new semester brings new opportunities, and this time of year offers a chance to consider your goals.Take time this week to think about what you’d like to accomplish over these next few months. Maybe it’s finding a summer internship, or joining a new student organization. Perhaps you’d like to focus on your studies and improve your GPA. Whatever your goals may be, here are a few tips to help you have a positive spring semester.

Try something new

One of the best ways to grow is to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. This may take some effort, but trying new things can often lead to new experiences, skills and even friendships.

This spring, explore opportunities that can help you both accomplish your goals and step outside your comfort zone. For example:

If you want to focus on your academic program, consider becoming a TA or an ASAP tutor mentor.
If you’re looking for internships, plan to attend career fairs and events this spring to meet and network with others.
If you’re looking to make new friends, check out spring recruitment events through Fraternity and Sorority Life.
If you’re looking for a way to spend your free time outside of class, consider volunteering. This is a great way to meet new people, gain experience for your resume and support a cause you care about. Check out the Spring Volunteer Fair on Feb. 7 to meet with local organizations and learn about opportunities.

Stepping out of your comfort zone is not always easy, but it’s often worth it.

Make time for fun

While it’s great to focus on goals and achieve new things this semester, it’s also important to have balance. As you plan around your goals, don’t forget to make time for fun and connection with others a priority as well.

Whether you’re in your first year or final year at CU �鶹ӰԺ, student organizations and campus events are options to add fun to your days and meet new people. I encourage you to visit the Involvement Fair on Jan. 25 to see what’s out there for you. You can also download the CU �鶹ӰԺ Life app or follow @CU�鶹ӰԺLife on Instagram to learn about upcoming events and opportunities.

Use your resources

As you explore, there are campus resources here to help you meet your goals, try new things and find what’s right for you:

I’m here for you as well and can help connect you to the right resources and opportunities based on your goals. Take care, Buffs, and let’s make this a great semester!

Devin Cramer
Acting Dean of Students and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

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From the dean of students: Congratulations!

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 20:55:17 +0000

From the dean of students: Congratulations! Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 12/07/2022 - 13:55

To each of our Buffs who are graduating this semester—congratulations!

There may have been ups and downs over the last few years, but you have worked hard and made it through. You’ve shown resilience and persevered through challenging times. I am proud of you, and you should be extremely proud of yourselves.

You are part of the Buff family wherever you are and I hope you’ll stay connected. As you begin this new chapter in your journey, know that there are still resources here to support you.

As a Forever Buff, you’ll continue to have access to career management resources through Career Services. The skills and experience you have gained as a CU �鶹ӰԺ student will make you an asset to any organization as a part of their program or team. Whatever your plans are for the future, Career Services can help you determine how to promote yourself and establish a personal brand to help you stand out from other candidates. I encourage you to check out their events and webinars focused on career development, and use the services available to you.

Congratulations again on your academic achievement, and I wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Devin Cramer
Acting Dean of Students and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

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The dean’s list of advice: 3 ways to make the most out of winter break

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 20:39:50 +0000

The dean’s list of advice: 3 ways to make the most out of winter break Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 12/07/2022 - 13:39

Finals are almost over and I’m excited for you to get four weeks off for a well-deserved break. This is a time to rest, recharge and do things you enjoy before getting ready for the spring semester. Here are a few ways to make the most of your winter break.

Navigate the transition

When you’re used to living on your own and being more independent, sometimes it can be a big transition when you go home for some time. If you can, communicate with family members about any expectations or plans over winter break. This could include helping with chores or other responsibilities while you’re at home, or letting family members know in advance when you have plans with friends.

Sometimes there may be a need to have important conversations with family members. Whatever the topic may be, review these tips to help make the most of a tough conversation.

Do something you enjoy

For many of us, winter break is a time to slow down and rest after a busy semester. In addition to rest, I encourage you to do things that you enjoy and don’t always have time for during the semester. Maybe that’s spending more time with family and friends, catching up on books or TV shows, baking, getting outside or doing craft projects. You could also take the opportunity to work some extra hours at your part-time job or work on a passion project. Whatever you choose to do, be intentional with how you spend your time.

Get ready for spring

After you’ve taken time to rest and recharge, start to reflect on your fall semester. First, celebrate your accomplishments and consider what went well for you—both in and out of the classroom. Maybe you received an excellent test score on a subject you found challenging to learn. Or perhaps you tried something new and stepped outside of your comfort zone. Maybe you made a few new friends or found a new stress-relieving hobby you enjoy. I encourage you to take pride in your accomplishments, whatever they may be.

As you reflect on your experiences, I also encourage you to think about what was challenging or what could have been better. What lessons can you learn from those experiences? Additionally, begin to think about some goals for your spring semester. Maybe that’s figuring out a new study schedule to avoid procrastination, finding new ways to get involved on campus or landing a summer job or internship. You can use time over winter break to start putting together a plan to help you achieve your goals and get in the right mindset.

Buffs, I hope you have a great winter break and I’ll see you in the new year!

Devin Cramer
Acting Dean of Students and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

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