As your new dean of students, it is my honor to welcome you to a new academic year at CU Boulder!
Like some of you, I just moved to Colorado in August. My last position was with the University of California, Irvine, where I held several Student Affairs leadership roles working with undergraduate and graduate student governments, student media and student organizations. I am very excited to be here and be a part of the Boulder community. Everyone has been so warm and welcoming, and I’m looking forward to a great year!
As I start my first year at CU Boulder, I recognize that most of us are experiencing a time of transition with the beginning of our fall semester. For some of you, this is your first week of classes at a university and maybe your first time living away from family. For others, this might be your first time in the country in addition to your first time in Boulder. Some of you are starting your last year here at CU. What we all have in common is that everyone is figuring out daily routines around a new schedule of courses.
During times of change, we may feel a mixture of excitement and anxiety, and even feel overwhelmed at times. These are completely normal feelings that many students are experiencing. If you feel uncertain about what the future holds, I encourage you to take a deep breath, and find a way to bring yourself back to the present moment. Your health and wellness are important to your success here at CU, and taking care of yourself should be a top priority this semester.
I also encourage you to take care of each other. We are all a part of the Buff family, which means we look out for one another and we support each other. The Colorado Creed really spoke to me when I arrived here, and I’m proud to be a part of a campus community that acts with honor, integrity, respect and accountability every day.
I am here to support you, advocate for you and connect you to the right resources to help you succeed. There are many resources available to help you navigate campus, stay healthy, find opportunities to meet new people and ultimately support you in your academic journey—I encourage you to use them.
Have a great, productive semester, and remember to stay safe and make good choices as you head into the year.
Go Buffs!
Sandy Jones
Dean of Students
