Buff Family News

3 tips to help your student with resolving conflict

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

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

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

Communicate effectively

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

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

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

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

Be mindful of body language.

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

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

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

When agreement is not possible, allow for multiple truths.

Learn about conflict styles

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

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

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

Reach out for help

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hello Buff families!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go Buffs!

Chancellor Justin Schwartz

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Keep a hopeful outlook

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

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

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

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

2. Stay in touch

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

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

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

Here are some ways your student can stay connected:

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

3. Establish a routine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Connect with resources

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

Student events

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

Transfer Buffs

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

Beyond Campus Buffs

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

Peer Wellness Coaching

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

Center for Student Involvement

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

First-Generation �鶹��Ժ Program

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

Pride Office

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

Residence hall events

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

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

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A Note from the Bursar's Office

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

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

Dear Buff Families,

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

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

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

Bursar’s Office
colorado.edu/bursar

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

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

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

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

Hi Buff families,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How to talk to students about substance use

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

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

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

Here are some tips to help you start the conversation.

1. Start early and continue to stay involved

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

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

2. Allow room for disagreement

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

3. Listen to understand

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

4. Familiarize yourself with policies, laws and resources

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Discuss how drinking affects the body

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

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

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

6. Discuss what to do in an emergency

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

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

7. Share your values and experiences

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

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

8. Correct misconceptions

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

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

9. Understand why students use substances

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

Alcohol use

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

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

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

Resources

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

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

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Tips for living with roommates

Anonymous — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Tips for living with roommates Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 07/25/2024 - 00:00

Living with roommates, whether your student is in the residence halls or off campus, can be a great experience. It may also bring new challenges and responsibilities. This might be the first time your student will share a room or live with someone they’ve never met.

While many Buffs get along with their roommates, disagreements can happen. This is normal and working through conflict often leads to growth and stronger relationships. Here are some tips to share with your student to help them create a positive living environment and navigate conflict.

1. Communicate

Encourage your student to get to know their roommate the first few weeks of the semester. They can seek out things they have in common and allow space for differences. Even if your student already knows their roommate well, they should still take time to talk about the upcoming semester and routines. Communication is key to understanding each other’s habits, schedules and preferences.

2. Set ground rules together

As your student gets to know their roommate, this is a great time to establish ground rules to prevent misunderstandings later. Topics they could discuss include:

Guests: Is your student okay with overnight guests? Are there times of the day or evening that they would prefer to not have guests over?
Chores: Who’s responsible for cleaning common areas or taking out the trash, and how often? Will there be a schedule for completing chores?
Shared belongings: What items in your student’s space will be shared (electronics, appliances, supplies, food, etc.)? Are there certain items that your student prefers not to be shared?
Finances: If your student lives off campus and is responsible for rent and utilities, how will those be divided and paid?

Creating a roommate agreement is an easy way for your student to discuss and agree on expectations with their roommate. If your Buff lives on campus, their resident advisor (RA) will work with them during their first week on campus to set one up. If your student lives off campus, they can use this free roommate agreement template to get started.

3. Compromise

During your student’s discussion with their roommate, there might be preferences that could cause conflict or topics that they don't initially agree on. Encourage your student to be open to compromise. For example, if they like to study on Friday afternoons and their roommate likes to invite friends over at the end of the week, could your student study at the library instead of asking for quiet hours during that time? Finding areas of compromise and respecting each other’s preferences can help your student and their roommate both feel more comfortable in their living environment.

4. Respect each other’s space and belongings

Living in the residence halls or apartments can mean tight quarters, but your student and their roommate still have a right to privacy and boundaries. Encourage your student to:

Ask before they borrow items belonging to their roommate, including food, clothes and toiletries.
Share plans with their roommate that might affect them, like if they’ve invited guests over or if they’re going out of town for the weekend.
Respect the ground rules that they've set up together—quiet hours, responsibilities with chores, etc.

5. Address issues quickly and in person

It’s best to address roommate issues quickly before they fester. Encourage your student to discuss any important topics or reminders with their roommate in person, if possible. Bringing up issues through texting, social media or sticky notes might lead to miscommunication or increased frustrations. A simple reminder to “take out the trash” could become something more than we intended.

Here are a few other tips to share with your student when it comes to addressing issues:

Your student should give themselves time to think through how they can express their needs before approaching their roommate.
Using “I” statements to describe how the situation makes them feel is a helpful way to start. For example, “I feel frustrated when guests eat my snacks because it’s hard for me to make it to the grocery store.”
Respect goes both ways: they should listen for understanding and ask follow-up questions during the conversation.

If your student is nervous about talking with their roommate, suggest that they connect with their RA or Conflict Resolution to help mediate the conversation. Remind them that conflict can be a good thing. Even though it may seem daunting, talking it through can lead to a healthier relationship with their roommate.

6. Find support with campus resources

�鶹��Ժ have access to a variety of resources to help resolve roommate conflict. If your student is ever concerned about their roommate, they can reach out to Student Support and Case Management or Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution for guidance.

Resident advisors (RAs)

�鶹��Ժ living on campus can reach out to their RA for more support. RAs are a great resource to help mediate conversations and find common ground. Be sure to talk with your roommate beforehand and schedule a time with your RA to discuss potential or unresolved issues.

Residence Life

Residence Life helps students who live on campus build community, engage in leadership opportunities and make the most of their stay in the residence halls. They offer a variety of events, tutoring services, employment opportunities and more.

Conflict Resolution

All students can visit Conflict Resolution, regardless of whether you live on or off campus. They can help you navigate conflicts between roommates, significant others, professors, classmates, etc. They also offer free workshops, mediation and coaching sessions to help you improve your conflict management and resolution skills.

Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations (OCHNR)

OCHNR is here to help students with all aspects of living off campus, from searching for an apartment and roommate, understanding Boulder housing options and providing free lease reviews with our staff attorney, navigating roommate disagreements, understanding Boulder ordinances and advocating for tenant rights.

Peer Wellness Coaching

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

Center for Inclusion and Social Change (CISC)

CISC works with LGBTQ+ students living on and off campus. They can provide information on gender-inclusive residence hall programs, gender-neutral facilities and more. Their office can also help students find inclusive housing and roommates who will be welcoming and supportive.

Disability Services

Disability Services works with University Housing to provide reasonable on-campus housing and dining accommodations for students with disabilities. �鶹��Ժ interested in obtaining housing or dining accommodations will need to register with Disability Services and provide documentation before they can submit a new accommodations request.

Student Legal Services (SLS)

SLS helps students resolve or minimize their legal situations so you can focus on school. Consultations about landlord/tenant matters are free. Representation for other legal issues is available for a fraction of the cost of a private attorney to all CU Boulder students paying student activity fees.

Living with roommates, whether your student is in the residence halls or off campus, can be a great experience. It may also bring new challenges and responsibilities. Here are some tips to share with your student to help them create a positive living environment and navigate conflict.

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Tips to help students adjust to remote work

Anonymous — Thu, 09 May 2024 15:14:13 +0000

Tips to help students adjust to remote work Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 05/09/2024 - 09:14

Work is more flexible today than in the past, with many jobs and internships offering the option to work remotely or have a hybrid schedule (some days of the week are in the office, and other days are for working remotely). While flexibility can feel like a perk, it can also bring challenges, especially if it’s your student’s first professional position. Whether your Buff has a hybrid schedule or works remotely full-time, here are some tips to help them adjust.

Establish a routine

When working at home, your student doesn’t have the boundaries of a professional office to get them on a schedule. They will need to find their own routine.

First, encourage your student to consider how they like to start each workday. This could include checking email or making a list of priority tasks. Scheduling movement and mental breaks that fit within their designated work hours is also important. Establishing a schedule and routine can help your student balance their day and stay focused on work.

Create a workspace

Suggest that your student choose a dedicated work area in their home. It can be helpful to establish a separate space from the rest of their living space that they only use for work-related activities. They should ensure they have the necessary supplies to complete their work responsibilities including notebooks, pens, headphones and anything else they might need.

Maintain clear communication

Communicating regularly with managers and peers can help your student understand their goals, priorities and project timeframes. Your student should use email, their team’s preferred messaging platform (like Microsoft Teams or Slack), or other technology to stay connected.

Your student can ask their manager to set up regular meetings to check in and ask questions. Regular communication can also help their manager know their workload and help prevent burnout. When your student communicates often, they can address issues before they become problematic.

Understand technology

Remote work requires technology that works properly. Your student should ensure they have the proper hardware and software to meet their job expectations and stay up to date with any maintenance or system updates. Encourage them to talk with their manager about using technology and ask questions if they are unfamiliar with specific systems. While it can feel awkward for your student to not know how to use a tool and ask questions for help, it is better than pretending they understand.

Transition between home and office

If your student works a hybrid schedule, they should consider how they may need to adjust their schedule to meet the demands of each work modality. For example, do they need to get up earlier on the day they go into the office, or is it helpful to pack lunch the night before? Also, they could consider whether they are more productive when they work remotely or in the office and communicate that with their manager.

Find support

Career Services is here to help your student be successful in your transition to work, whether hybrid, remote or in the office. Your student can meet with a career advisor, connect to the Forever Buffs Network and review the Remote Work Toolkit.

Work is more flexible today than in the past, with many jobs and internships offering the option to work remotely or have a hybrid schedule. While flexibility can feel like a perk, it can also bring challenges, especially if it’s your student’s first professional position. Whether your Buff has a hybrid schedule or works remotely full-time, here are some tips to help them adjust.

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Things to do this summer in Colorado

Anonymous — Thu, 09 May 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Things to do this summer in Colorado Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 05/09/2024 - 00:00

Summer in Colorado offers many opportunities to get outside, enjoy the sunshine and make new memories. Whether your student is in Boulder for the summer or you plan to visit, here’s our list of fun activities to do.

Boulder events and activities

Buff Pool and Patio: All summer
As long as outdoor temperatures are 75+ degrees, your student can hang out and take a plunge in the Buff Pool at the Rec Center.

Boulder Farmers Market: Wednesdays and Saturdays
Your student can head to 13th St on Wednesday evenings or Saturday mornings for fresh food and other items from local vendors.

Boulder Creek Festival: May 24-27
Happening over Memorial Day weekend, your student can join this longstanding festival tradition with live music, food trucks, vendors and more.

Bolder Boulder 10K: May 27
This 10K is for everyone! Your student can participate by walking, jogging or running, or lining up along the route to cheer on others.

Bands on the Bricks: Wednesdays, June 12-July 31
From rock to reggae and everything in between, your student can visit Pearl Street on Wednesdays for free concerts.

Boulder Pride Festival: June 30
Boulder’s Pride Festival will be jam-packed with activities, information from community partners and items from local vendors.

Outdoor activities

Boulder offers plenty of options for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking and camping. If your student needs to rent equipment for camping, backpacking or other activities, encourage them to connect with Outdoor Pursuits.

If your student plans on hiking, they can get important trail information and regulations for the Boulder area by downloading the Trails App. They can also visit the city's Open Space and Mountain Parks page and Boulder County’s Open Space Parks & Trails Listing page.

Share these hiking tips with your student, and encourage them to follow all rules and regulations which are critical in protecting visitors, wildlife and our beautiful parks and trails.

Denver events and activities

Your student can use their Buff OneCard to take public transit and visit Denver. Encourage them to check out CU Night at the Rockies on Aug. 16, where they can cheer on the Rockies with fellow Buffs at this annual summer tradition!

Many attractions in Denver have days throughout the summer with free admission, including the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Denver Botanic Gardens.

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From Vice Chancellor Mull: Congratulations, Buffs!

Anonymous — Tue, 07 May 2024 19:59:24 +0000

From Vice Chancellor Mull: Congratulations, Buffs! Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 05/07/2024 - 13:59

Hi Buff families,

The end of the spring semester is here, and it is time to celebrate! Our students have worked incredibly hard, persevered and helped make this a year to remember. Whether your student is finishing their first or final year at CU, this is a significant milestone in their collegiate experience. Please encourage them to take time to acknowledge their accomplishments and treat themselves over the next few weeks. I also encourage you to do the same!

The day of our Commencement Ceremony is such an extraordinary day on campus. To those of you with a graduate this spring, I extend an extra special congratulations and round of applause. The class of 2024 is an amazing cohort, and I cannot wait to see what they do next as they start this next part of their journey.

This also marks the end of my first academic year here at CU, and I want to thank you for making it truly special. Our campus community has been so welcoming, and I am honored to be a part of the Buff family. Between campus events like Fall Welcome and Family Weekend, and just being out in Boulder, I have enjoyed meeting many of you this year. I look forward to celebrating and supporting our Buffs as they continue forward. For those who will be in Boulder this summer and returning in the fall, I am excited to stay in touch as we get ready to welcome a new class soon.

Take care and have a great summer, Buff families!

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

The end of the spring semester is here, and as Buffs prepare to depart for summer break and the next step of their journey, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. D’Andra Mull encourages students to celebrate their accomplishments this year.

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