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4 ways to stay motivated during your job search

Emily Sampl — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 20:30:11 +0000

4 ways to stay motivated during your job search Emily Sampl Tue, 03/18/2025 - 14:30 Career Services

Searching for a job or internship can be stressful, especially if you’re not hearing back from employers. When you don’t get responses from your applications, it can feel like being ghosted. It is completely normal to want closure even if that closure is just a simple “no.”

There are many reasons you might not hear back. Recruiters may not have time to review every application, they may not be able to respond to every candidate or your application may not have made it past the applicant tracking system (ATS). Whatever the reason, it’s important to remember a lack of response does not define you or the quality of your work.

If you’re struggling with the uncertainty of the job search process, here are a few ways to prioritize your mental health and stay motivated.

Maintain perspective

The internship and job application processes take time and involve multiple steps, including searching for open positions, updating your resume, writing cover letters and creating online profiles. Depending on where you are in your career journey, you may feel the pressure to secure a job or internship quickly. Remember, there is no definitive timeline for how long it should take you to secure a job.

The best practice is to start your search six to nine months ahead of time. Create a plan from these recommended action steps and decide what you want to prioritize. You can also use this search tracker to streamline the process. Planning your approach to applying for jobs in advance can help with stress and make the process more manageable.

Create balance

Pursuing interests and hobbies outside of the application process can boost your morale. Incorporate activities into your routine that keep you motivated to work towards your personal and professional goals.

Volunteering: Volunteering is a great way to build new skills while also getting involved with initiatives you care about. CUServes is an online platform where you can find volunteer opportunities from campus and community organizations.
Learning: As a student, you have access to resources to help you learn new skills or explore topics that excite you. Enhance your skills with video courses on LinkedIn Learning, simulate what it’s like to work in different job roles with The Forage or earn a free Google Career Certificate in a field that interests you.
Networking: Networking is about building connections. It can help you learn about different industries, meet mentors who can support you in your job search or lead to job opportunities in the future. Check out these networking tips from Career Services.

Prioritize well-being

It’s important to give yourself grace throughout this process. Searching for a job or internship should not consume your entire life. Make time to hang out with friends, relax, go outside and enjoy your favorite pastimes. Taking a break can refresh your mindset and help you reenergize.

Tip: Take the time to celebrate small victories along the way, whether it’s updating your application materials, applying to a certain number of jobs or attending a networking event.

Find support

Although you cannot predict or control when an employer responds to your application, Career Services offers several tools to help you maximize your chances in the application process.

Artifical intellegence resource guide
Most employers use an ATS to manage the volume of applicants, often reducing the number of candidates by 70%. Use this guide to tailor your documents to ATS, increasing your chances of making it through the initial screening stage.

Assessments and activities
Gain confidence in yourself by better understanding your interests, values and personality through assessment tools and activities.

Career help on demand
Utilize online tools designed to help you explore different majors, prepare for your job search, discover different career paths, build professional skills and more.

Job search resources
Access a variety of resources, tools and tips on networking, salary negotiation, interviews, resumes and more.

Career fairs, workshops and industry events
Career Services helps you position yourself for success through workshops, events, panels and more. There is support you every step of the way. If you have questions about the first or next step in your job and internship plans, schedule an appointment to meet with a career advisor.

If you’re struggling with the uncertainty of the job search process, here are a few ways to prioritize your mental health and stay motivated.

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7 steps to secure a job before graduation

Emily Sampl — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 21:05:07 +0000

7 steps to secure a job before graduation Emily Sampl Mon, 03/03/2025 - 14:05

Career Services

While it’s normal for the job search process to take months, there is still time for you to secure a job that aligns with your career goals before graduation. Career Services offers resources, workshops and career development advisors to help you with your search. Here’s how to effectively plan for life after college, secure a job and graduate feeling prepared for your future.

Step 1: Set goals and deadlines

Your last semester in college can be busy, especially with the added pressure of finding a job. To manage your time effectively, make a detailed plan with specific action items and deadlines. For example, set deadlines for creating online profiles, updating your resume and reaching out to people in your network for recommendation letters and informational interviews. Having an organized plan will help maximize your time and resources and make a better impression on employers.

Step 2: List your key experiences and skills

Before updating your resume or online profiles, consider the vital information you’ll highlight. Remember, you should tailor your documents to each job description. If you can articulate how your skills and experiences match the job requirements, you may gain an advantage in the hiring process.

Request a Skills Report to learn which skills are in demand for the positions or industries of interest to you.
Experience doesn't have to be limited to formal jobs. Be sure to include any campus jobs, volunteer work, organization memberships and leadership roles.
Add other activities like participation in sports and the arts as well to show that you are well-rounded and bring diverse skills and perspectives.

If you’re looking to gain more experience, Career Services offers access to a variety of opportunities that will stand out on your resume as well as to exceptional resources for finding internships. In addition, review this list of foundational skills and ways to build them.

Step 3: Optimize your online presence

A well-developed profile takes time to create and it’s crucial for building a positive professional reputation. Sloppy or incomplete profiles can give employers a negative impression. Here are a few tools to help you build an effective online presence:

Handshake is the top way college students find jobs. Use these helpful steps to set up your profile.
Your LinkedIn profile allows you to establish a professional presence, search for jobs and connect with CU alumni groups. Follow Career Services for more tips for planning your future.
Build an online portfolio using BuffsCreate to highlight your work and projects.
Use the free photo booth in the Career Services office to get the perfect professional photo for your online profiles.

Step 4: Craft effective job search documents

Your resume and cover letter are often the first impression you make on an employer. Learn how to write an effective resume and persuasive cover letter.

Take advantage of virtual office hours to have a peer career advisor review your documents and answer any questions you may have about the job search process.
Attend programs and workshops on writing resumes and job searching to ask questions and get more tips.
Want instant feedback on your resume? Quinncia is an online resume AI tool that provides personalized feedback on your resume.
Once your resume is updated, remember to upload it to your online profiles.

Step 5: Utilize your network

During your time at CU ��Vlog�ƽ��, you’ve likely built an extensive network including professors, mentors, classmates, coworkers and more. Leverage these connections to uncover job opportunities—let them know you’re looking for employment in May and would love referrals to open job opportunities.

Join the Forever Buffs Network to start connecting with CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� alumni. They can give resume feedback, help with interview preparation and serve as mentors.
Use LinkedIn to expand your network, learn about different industries and join conversations related to your career interests.

Step 6: Start your job search

You may have a sense of urgency to find a job before graduation but remember to focus your search on positions that interest you and are a good fit.

Find job postings on Handshake, LinkedIn and Indeed. Set up saved searches on these sites to learn about new postings that match your criteria.
If you are looking for employment in Colorado, check out Andrew Hudson’s Colorado Job List. This online job board frequently shares jobs in marketing, communications, public relations and nonprofits.
Check out industry-specific sites like Built In Colorado, Work In Sports and Conservation Job Board.
Connect with recruiters at career fairs and employer tabling events to learn about open positions and hiring timelines.

Step 7: Improve your interview skills

You will also want to prepare for in-person and virtual interviews as you search for jobs.

Schedule a practice interview with a career advisor or utilize Quinncia, an AI mock interview tool. This tool records your responses for review or sharing with others for their input.
Follow these tips for mastering your interview and making a positive impression.

Career Services is here to help you every step of the way. Learn more about getting started and other tools you can use during the job search process.

Graduating this semester? Review these tips to learn how to effectively plan for life after college, secure a job and graduate feeling prepared for your future.

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How to lessen your chances of getting a nuisance ticket

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 17:53:34 +0000

How to lessen your chances of getting a nuisance ticket Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 02/27/2025 - 10:53

Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations

Students living off campus can get nuisance tickets from hosting parties that violate ��Vlog�ƽ�� ordinances. Party-related citations often include things like littering and excessive noise. Nuisance tickets can lead to fines and mandatory restorative justice courses. Review these tips to lower your chances of getting a nuisance ticket.

Get to know your neighbors

If you live off campus, introduce yourself to your neighbors and get to know them. Download and fill out these contact cards from Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations (OCHNR) to share with your neighbors or pick up hard copies at UMC 313.

Let your neighbors know in advance if you plan to host a party. This can give them the option to reach out to you with any concerns or issues before calling the police.

Invite people you know

As the host, you are accountable for your guests' actions, including those that could lead to a nuisance ticket. Invite only people you know to manage your party. This can help you communicate issues and take responsibility for your event.

Watch your noise

Police are often called to residences because of excessive noise. In the city of ��Vlog�ƽ��, you may be ticketed for unreasonable noise at any time of the day or night. Unreasonable noise is defined as amplified sounds that can be heard from more than 100 feet away between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. and more than 200 feet away between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Keep music or noise inside to avoid disturbing your neighbors and use a decibel app like Decibel X to check noise levels.

Clean up your trash

��Vlog�ƽ�� code enforcement begins early in the morning. Clean up any trash around your residence immediately after gatherings to avoid receiving a ticket. Secure your trash on your property in bear-proof containers or indoors, as leaving a trash bag next to the trash can or dumpster may result in a ticket. Properly dispose of trash in trash or recycling bins even when you’re not on your property. Free trash bags are available from OCHNR in UMC 313.

Register your party

When you register your party with OCHNR, the police will send you a warning text and email if they receive a noise complaint about your party and you will have 20 minutes to shut things down.

Registering your party doesn’t guarantee you won’t get a ticket, so you’ll want to take steps to ensure the police don’t get called. Learn more about party registration.

Review these tips to lower your chances of getting a nuisance ticket.

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Register your party, avoid potential drama and tickets

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations

Want to host a party without worrying about noise complaints or expensive tickets? Register your party with Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations (OCHNR) and the ��Vlog�ƽ�� Police Department. Whether you’re hanging out with a few friends or plan to have a larger event, party registration can help limit your chances of receiving a noise or nuisance ticket.

Here are three reasons to register your next party

1. Get a warning notification

Nobody wants the police to crash their party. When you register, you’ll get a warning text and email before the police arrive if a neighbor complains about noise. You’ll have 20 minutes to quiet down.

2. Registration is free

Party registration costs exactly $0. It's a free service to help you avoid expensive noise tickets and keep peace with your neighbors. Plus, OCHNR sometimes gives away swag bags or other prizes for students registering parties.

3. Be a good neighbor

You may not have to study for a test, go to work the next day or have young children who need to sleep, but your neighbors might. If things get too loud, you can fix it before it becomes a problem—and your neighbors will appreciate the respect.

Things to know about party registration

Registering your party is easy— here's a quick guide to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Size doesn’t matter

Having just a few friends over who might get loud? You can register that! There's no minimum party size—register any gathering where noise might be a concern.

Keep it legal

Just because you register doesn't mean you get a free pass to break rules. You'll still need to follow local laws and ordinances. But here's the good news: that warning call can help you avoid noise tickets by giving you a chance to quiet down first.

Quick orientation required

Registering for the first time? You'll need to attend an orientation with OCHNR staff. It's about 45-60 minutes, but here's the sweet part: do it once, and you're set to register parties for the whole school year!

Fraternities and sororities can register their parties through OCHNR as well, and there’s a Greek-specific orientation for these types of events. Members can make an appointment with OCHNR at partyreg@colorado.edu.

Learn more about how to register your party.

Find support

Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations

OCHNR is here to help you with all aspects of living off campus, from searching for an apartment and roommate to understanding ��Vlog�ƽ�� housing options and providing free lease reviews with our staff attorney. They can also assist with understanding ��Vlog�ƽ�� ordinances and advocating for your rights as a student and tenant.

Student Legal Services

Student Legal Services offers high-quality legal services for a fraction of the cost of a private attorney to all CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� students who pay student activity fees. If you get in trouble, Student Legal Services can help you navigate a wide range of legal issues.

CU NightRide

Help your friends get home safely. CU NightRide is CU ��Vlog�ƽ��’s student-operated safe-ride service that allows you to request free evening transportation to and from any location within ��Vlog�ƽ�� city limits. Download the CU NightRide app to request a ride.

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4 ways to avoid cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty

Emily Sampl — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0000

4 ways to avoid cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty Emily Sampl Wed, 02/12/2025 - 00:00

Rushing to finish assignments or study for tests can sometimes lead to academic dishonesty—where students engage in plagiarism, cheating or helping another student gain an unfair advantage. Whatever the intention, these actions violate the Honor Code and have consequences.

Here are four strategies to help avoid these issues.

Review your syllabus

Faculty include expectations for their course that you must follow in their syllabus. This information will likely be different for each class.

Check each of your class syllabi for specific course expectations. For example, some professors don't allow collaboration or use of AI for assignments. Ask your instructor for clarification if you have any questions about the expectations stated in the syllabus.

There are also campus-wide Honor Code expectations that apply to every class. For instance, resubmitting your own work without faculty permission is a violation of the Honor Code. You also cannot self-plagiarize your work⁠—meaning you must cite any previously written work you use while completing a new assignment. You cannot reuse your own work without that citation. Review the Student Honor Code & Procedures and ask your instructor questions.

Start coursework early

Avoid procrastination by starting assignments and studying early. Use a calendar or planner to track important dates and deadlines. This gives you time to ask for help if needed.

Complete work on your own

Academic dishonesty is any act in which a student gains or attempts to gain an unfair academic advantage over other students regardless of intention. Helping another student gain an unfair academic advantage is also considered academic dishonesty.

With every test, paper, project, lab and assignment, be sure to complete your own work unless the written directions specifically allow you to work with others.

You may be able to talk through your work with another student or a study group but don’t share your work. Once you send it to another person, you don’t have control over how it’s shared or used.
Don’t search for answers on the internet unless expressly permitted. Especially with online learning, be careful to use resources authorized by your instructors for help. If specific online resources are allowed, write your researched answers in your own words instead of copying and pasting what you found online.
Don’t use AI to write papers or answer questions on assignments unless you have permission from your professor. Talk with your professor if you have questions about if and how you can use AI. Learn more about AI and the Honor Code.
Nearly any assignment you submit online could be analyzed for similarity to other sources, so cite your sources when appropriate.
Exams, including online and take-home exams, should be completed independently unless your instructor states otherwise in the syllabus or exam instructions.

Find support

Whether you’re looking for help citing sources or struggling with a concept discussed in class, asking for help is okay. Attend your instructor’s office hours listed on their syllabus, or use academic and tutoring resources.

Learn more about the Honor Code.

Quiz: Is it cheating? Test your knowledge of the Honor Code

Did you know using someone else’s clicker in class is a violation? Or do you know what to do if you want to use a project from another course? Test your Honor Code knowledge with this quiz.

Take the quiz

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How to talk to others with a different point of view

Anonymous — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 17:25:24 +0000

How to talk to others with a different point of view Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 02/11/2025 - 10:25

It can be challenging to talk with people who do not share your point of view. However, talking through differences is an essential skill that can build trust and strengthen relationships. Acknowledging other’s perspectives can allow us to explore differing opinions, learn and grow.

Here are some ways to turn a difficult conversation into a thoughtful discussion.

Approach the conversation with an open mind

Living, learning and working on a college campus offers many opportunities to explore new ideas. We can empower ourselves to think critically about different points of view when we listen with authentic curiosity and give space for others to express their thoughts and opinions.

Start by recognizing that our cultural backgrounds and life experiences shape our worldviews. Work to understand how others’ beliefs and ideas have been formed and reflect on how you came to hold your attitudes and opinions.

Prioritize listening

In a dialogue, people often formulate their response while the other person is talking instead of fully paying attention to what’s being said. When trying to have a thoughtful conversation with someone, the goal should not be to debunk each other’s points or bombard someone with facts or opinions.

Instead of listening to respond, try listening to understand. Setting the intention to listen will help you approach the conversation more openly rather than coming to it with set points and arguments.

Give the person you are talking to your full attention when they are speaking. Ask clarifying questions and be genuine when inviting them to share more. This practice helps us become better communicators and makes others feel heard, which is vital for open conversations.

Ask them to reciprocate these actions when it is your turn to speak. We can create a space to share our views without judgment or jumping to conclusions. When we offer space to others, it helps them understand us in return.

Practice effective communication strategies

Having good communication skills can help direct the conversation in a healthy way. Here are skills to use when talking with someone with a different perspective:

Be mindful. Our passion for a topic may bring up strong feelings— we are only in control of what we say and how we say it, so our tone and demeanor matter. Arguing may feel satisfying, but it’s often an ineffective communication tool.
Ask open-ended questions. Get curious about where the other person is coming from and ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of how the person has come to their perspective.
Use reflections to clarify. Reflecting back to the person our understanding of what we think they are sharing can allow them to explain their meaning and correct misinterpretations. We don’t have to agree with someone to show that we are working to understand them.
Acknowledge different perspectives. Whether we agree with someone’s position or not, we can acknowledge or affirm what is important to them and the values that form their perspective. Recognizing a shared value (such as caring for others, autonomy, honesty or integrity) that underlies a viewpoint can be a way of bridging differences.

Before we share our perspective, we can summarize our understanding of where the other person is coming from. We can avoid dismissing them by using “and”—not “but”—when offering our ideas or opinions. For example, we might say, “I hear where you are coming from, and I see it differently. From my perspective...” This transition may help avoid putting the other person on the defensive.

We can always leave space to revisit an issue and end with an appreciation for the person willing to talk things through.

Find support

CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� offers programs and spaces for people to share their perspectives and learn skills to have thoughtful conversations.

Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution (SCCR)
SCCR helps students develop skills for having challenging conversations through conflict coaching, mediation and consultation services.

Center for Inclusion & Social Change (CISC)
CISC offers various events, programs and groups where students, faculty and staff can join fellow Buffs to share their experiences and learn from others in a safe space.

Center for Student Involvement (CSI)
CSI offers resources for student activism and guidance for Buffs looking to get more involved in civic engagement.

CU Student Government (CUSG)
CUSG, the official governing and representative body of the student population, provides a space for Buffs to bring attention to and respectfully discuss issues they are passionate about.

Office of Institutional Equity & Compliance (OIEC)
OIEC offers skills-based workshops for students, faculty and staff to effectively work across differences and build healthy workplaces, classrooms and relationships.

It can be challenging to talk with people who do not share your point of view. However, talking through differences is an essential skill that can build trust and strengthen relationships.

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Study hacks to help you ace your midterms

Anonymous — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 15:13:09 +0000

Study hacks to help you ace your midterms Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 02/07/2025 - 08:13

For many students, midterms are just around the corner. Here are some underrated study hacks to help you ace your midterms.

Practice the study cycle

The “study cycle” is an effective strategy that can help you be more efficient with your time. There are four steps to the cycle:

Before class, preview the material you’ll cover. Skim the chapter, note headings and bold words, review chapter summaries and have questions prepared for the lecture.
Attend class—take notes and ask questions.
Review your notes as soon as possible after class.
Schedule time in your week to study the material again. Review your notes, handouts or other readings.

Know your learning style

Are you a visual learner? Do you remember things more when you hear them? This learning style quiz lets you find the methods that work best for you to learn and study. Here are some strategies that may work for your learning style.

Visual: Underline or highlight your notes. Look for videos, graphs or charts to review information further. Create graphs or charts to organize information.
Aural: Read your notes out loud and record them on your phone to listen to later. Talk over concepts with a classmate or study group.
Read/write: Rewrite your notes. Look for other books or resources on the same subject to read.
Kinesthetic: Think of real-world examples when reviewing your notes. Try to use as many senses as possible when studying. For example, try taking a walk while reviewing your notecards.

Take breaks

Taking short breaks during study sessions can help you stay focused and retain information better. Try the Pomodoro Technique to build short breaks into your study sessions:

Choose a task to work on—maybe reading a chapter, writing the intro for a paper or solving math problems.
Set a timer for 25 minutes. Put your phone away and eliminate as many distractions as possible.
Focus on the task until the timer goes off.
Set your timer for five minutes and do whatever you’d like during this time. Check your phone, get a snack, stretch—whatever gives your brain a break!
Reset your timer for 25 minutes and repeat.

Get creative and try a new approach

Here are some other study hacks to try:

Pretend you're preparing to teach a class on the subject. Think of how you could explain the material to fellow students.
Think about concepts more critically and try to create examples or practice problems from the material to test your knowledge.
Rather than studying one subject for a long time, try switching between subjects to allow your brain to form connections and understand the content more deeply.
Study in testing conditions. Learning the content in a similar setting and with similar conditions to your testing environment can help you form associations between those conditions and the course content.

Ask for help

If you’re stuck on a problem or a concept discussed in class, ask for help and use your resources.

Talk to a classmate.
Visit office hours or a help lab.
Consider joining or starting a study group.
If you live on campus or are a first-year student, check out the Academic Success & Achievement Program for free tutoring support.
If you need help writing a paper, visit The Writing Center.
If you have a large research project, University Libraries offers consultations to help you get started.
Review more academic resources for students.

Sometimes, the hardest part is just getting started. Schedule time in your week to study and do your best to stay on track. Find a favorite place to study, like a coffee shop, library or community room in your residence hall. Establishing study routines and finding the right study spot can help you feel prepared for midterms.

Resources

Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP)
ASAP links all first-year students and students living on campus to study resources and free peer tutoring. ASAP also offers the Lending Library, allowing students to check out books for many general education and lower division classes.

Peer Wellness Coaching
Need help managing stress, creating a study routine or preparing for exams? Meet one-on-one with a trained peer wellness coach to learn effective strategies and connect with campus resources.

Let's Talk
Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides free drop-in services around campus during Let's Talk hours. Stop by to talk with a counselor about stress, anxiety, self-care, academics or other topics you need support with.

Center for Disability and Access
If you’re planning to use testing accommodations through Disability Services, make sure you’re on the same page as your instructors about how they’ll be administered. Your dedicated access coordinator can help answer any additional questions or concerns.

Free Friday Power Hour
Take a break from studying and blow off some steam at the Rec Center. They offer free fitness classes every Friday during Free Friday Power Hour.

Midterms are just around the corner. Here are some underrated study hacks to help you ace your midterms.

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Concerned about a friend? Here’s how you can help

Anonymous — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Concerned about a friend? Here’s how you can help Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 02/07/2025 - 00:00

During our college years, we can face many new experiences and challenges. These can range from mental health issues to hospitalizations and family emergencies. These challenges can be unexpected and may affect academic success and overall well-being.

If you notice a friend acting differently or struggling, know that you can play a part in getting them support. Here are options and resources to help you support your friend.

Find support for yourself

We do not have to be the sole support systems for our friends. It is OK to care for ourselves and seek support when deciding how to help a friend.

Staff in the Dean of Students office are here for you to ask questions and get support for you and your friends. The Dean of Students office can help you understand your options and connect you to appropriate resources.

Learn to recognize signs of distress

If you think a friend needs help, observe for signs of distress. These can be changes in behavior related to academic, physical, psychological or safety risk concerns. Here are some common signs to be aware of:

Academic

Sudden decline in grades
No longer attending classes
Classroom disruptions
Failure to study or work on school assignments
Academic assignments dominated by themes of extreme hopelessness, helplessness, isolation, rage, despair, violence or self-harm

Physical

Marked changes in physical appearance like poor grooming or hygiene or sudden changes in weight
Strange or bizarre behavior indicating loss of contact with reality
Visibly intoxicated or smelling of alcohol or marijuana
Rapid speech or manic behavior
Depressed or lethargic mood or functioning
Observable signs of injury like facial bruising or cuts

Psychological

Self-disclosure of personal distress like family problems, financial difficulties, assault, discrimination or legal difficulties
Unusual or disproportionate emotional response to events
Excessive tearfulness, panic reactions
Verbal abuse like taunting, badgering or intimidation
Expressions of concern from other friends

Safety risk

Verbal, written or implied references to suicide, homicide, assault or self-harm behavior
Unprovoked anger or hostility
Physical violence like shoving, grabbing, assaulting or use of a weapon
Stalking or harassing
Communicating threats or disturbing comments in person or via email, text or phone call

Start a compassionate conversation

When we notice changes in a friend or sense they may be struggling, it's normal to feel anxious about addressing our concerns. If you feel safe, you can take time to talk with your friend—which may increase the chances of them getting help.

Start the conversation privately to let them know you’re worried and genuinely care about how they’re doing. Take time to listen to what they have to say.

If there is an imminent danger to you, your friend or someone else, call 911. Rely on emergency personnel to expertly handle the situation if your friend’s conduct is reckless, disorderly, dangerous or threatening.

Refer them to Student Support & Case Management

If your friend needs additional support, shows clear signs of distress, or you are feeling uneasy after an interaction with them, refer them to Student Support & Case Management (SSCM).

Anyone can refer a student to SSCM. There are three ways to do so:

Fill out the online referral form
Call SSCM at 303-492-7348
Email the department at sscm@colorado.edu

SSCM is available to provide individualized support to students. SSCM case managers connect students with campus partners, community resources and support systems while building a trusting relationship and coaching them toward self-advocacy.

SSCM can even help students with financial challenges after unexpected situations, such as recovering from physical or mental health emergencies or traveling to support their loved ones in need.

If you are unsure whether to refer your friend, contact SSCM for guidance. Some of the more common reasons to refer a student to SSCM include, but are not limited to:

Concern for a student’s mental health
Hospitalization (physical or mental health)
Suicidal ideation
Harm to self or others
Loss of a loved one
Family emergency
Food insecurity
Housing insecurity
Financial concerns
Threatening behavior

Know that SSCM is a non-confidential service. This means if you disclose that you or someone else has been impacted by sexual misconduct, protected-class discrimination or harassment, intimate partner violence, stalking or related retaliation, SSCM is required to share that information with the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) for outreach regarding support and reporting options. You are not required to respond to OIEC. If you need support, OIEC provides a list of resources, including confidential assistance. If you have questions before you want to submit this type of information, please contact the confidential Office of Victim Assistance.

Additional resources

In addition to SSCM, CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� provides a wide range of campus resources for students facing challenges.

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)

CAPS is the primary mental health service on campus. They provide short-term counseling, community referrals, consultations, workshops, group therapy and more. CAPS is also available to provide insight and direction for friends or loved ones who want to support their peers.

Confidential resource

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

There may be times when a friend wants to speak confidentially or hypothetically about sexual misconduct, intimate partner abuse, stalking, discrimination or harassment. OVA is a free and confidential resource that supports students through traumatic or life-changing events through short-term counseling, advocacy and more.

Confidential resource

AcademicLiveCare (ALC)

AcademicLiveCare is a free telehealth platform that allows students to schedule medical and mental health appointments virtually. Students can use this program to see board-certified healthcare professionals from home, campus or anywhere they go. You only need a smartphone, computer, tablet or other mobile device.

Basic Needs Center (BNC)

The Basic Needs Center is a campus care collective for students seeking assistance accessing essential food, housing and resources. Plus, it provides support in emergencies. The center also offers education on navigating local and national food and emergency housing resources.

If you notice a friend acting differently or struggling, know that you can play a part in getting them support. Here are options and resources to help you support your friend.

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Make the most of office hours this semester

Anonymous — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Make the most of office hours this semester Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 02/07/2025 - 00:00

Attending your professors' office hours is a great way to set yourself up for success this semester. Office hours allow you to interact with your professor one-on-one, ask questions and get clarification about course information. Students may feel intimidated to meet one-on-one with their professors, but your professors are excited to see you. They want you to do well and appreciate when students take the time to attend office hours. It’s a great opportunity to get to know your professors as people and not just academic experts.

Visiting office hours early in the semester and working with your professors can build confidence as the semester progresses. Here are a few ways to make the most of meetings with your professors.

Identify your needs

Even if you don’t have an academic reason to attend office hours early in the semester, you can introduce yourself to your professor. Meeting your professor now can make it easier to go later in the semester if you have a question or need help. There are many reasons to go to office hours as the semester progresses:

You want clarification on an assignment or a grade you’ve received.
You’ve missed a class or classes.
You’re interested in a topic and want to do further research.
You want career advice.
You’re having issues with a classmate.
You’re looking for an academic mentor.
You’re more comfortable asking questions directly to the professor.

Be prepared

Find out when your professor’s office hours are by checking your syllabus. If you have time conflicts with office hours and other classes, contact your professor directly to request a meeting at a different time. Be sure to provide times you are available and ask what works best for them.

Come prepared with questions and concerns you have about the course. Office hours are helpful for a variety of reasons. You can ask questions and learn about their teaching style early in the semester. Here are some questions you could ask:

Do you have any tips on the best ways to study or understand the material?
Are there any major concepts I should prioritize learning?
Will you review a draft of papers before students turn in the final product?
How does a concept we discussed in class relate to the reading material?
Can we go over the material I missed during my absence?

Maximize your time

During your meeting, stay present mentally to get the most out of your professor’s time. Here are some things to try during your meeting:

Ask the most important questions first.
Bring any assignments with you that you plan to discuss.
Take notes that help you better understand your questions.
Be respectful and stay engaged.
Set up a follow-up meeting with your professor if you need additional help.

Follow up

After attending office hours, follow up via email and thank your professor for answering your questions. If you have unanswered questions from your meeting, include them in your follow-up email.

Don’t forget to compile the notes you took during office hours and add them to your study notes where necessary. Try to apply them to new practice problems to help internalize your learning.

Campus resources

Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP)

ASAP links all first-year students and students living on campus to study resources and free peer tutoring. ASAP also offers the Lending Library, allowing students to check out textbooks for many general education and lower division classes.

Tutoring resources

CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� offers various tutoring and learning resources to support you and your academic success. Some are specific to certain classes, departments or groups of students. Most are free, while some require a fee.

Embedded Programs

CU’s Embedded Program helps connect students with counseling, wellness and trauma services directly through their college or school. Students can access this program on their own or be referred by a staff or faculty member.

Peer Wellness Coaching

Peer wellness coaches are trained students who can help you meet new people, make friends, create study plans, practice self-care, set goals and more. Coaching sessions are free and open to all CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� students.

Faculty office hours are a space for you to interact with your professor one-on-one, ask questions and get clarification. Taking advantage of office hours early in the semester can help you feel more confident as the term progresses. Here are a few ways to make the most of meeting with your professors.

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Tips to manage your time

Emily Sampl — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 21:50:59 +0000

Tips to manage your time Emily Sampl Fri, 01/31/2025 - 14:50

ASAP

Between hanging out with friends, working and keeping up with classes, your schedule can get packed fast. But don’t worry! Here are some time management tips to help you stay on track this semester and still have time for fun.

Get organized

First, get yourself organized. Whether you prefer a calendar, planner or an app, use something to keep track of your schedule and responsibilities. Mark down things like exam dates, project deadlines, work shifts, club meetings, study sessions and any other commitments. Regularly check your calendar to see what’s coming up and prioritize what needs to be done.

Block out study times

Set aside specific times each week just for studying or reviewing class materials. Having a routine can help balance schoolwork with social activities and keep you prepared for midterms and finals.

Plan your study sessions

Break down big assignments like papers, projects or exams into smaller tasks with deadlines. This way, you can make steady progress and avoid last-minute stress. For group projects, discuss with your team how to divide tasks and who’s responsible for what. Having a plan helps prevent procrastination and keeps you on top of your work.

Fight distractions

While you're studying, try turning off your phone or leaving it out of reach to help you focus. Set a timer for a focused study session—maybe 15 or 20 minutes—then take a 5-minute break when the timer goes off. Stretch, check your phone or grab a snack. Repeat the process to stay focused and get your work done faster.

Ask for help

If you’re stuck on a problem or don’t understand something from class, don’t struggle alone. Text a classmate, visit your professor during office hours or join a study group.

You can also find support through the Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP), which is available to all first-year students, new transfers and students living on campus, and other campus academic resources. The sooner you ask for help, the less likely you are to fall behind.

Here are some time management tips to help you stay on track this semester and still have time for fun.

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Tips to manage your time

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