Whether you’re beginning your first year or your final year at CU Boulder, I’m excited to welcome you to a new fall semester!
My name is Dr. D’Andra Mull, and I’m honored to be your vice chancellor for the Division of Student Affairs. I have the privilege of leading an amazing team of 800+ staff members across 30 departments dedicated to student success and supporting you to engage and thrive throughout your time at CU Boulder. Ranging from housing and residence life, to dining and campus recreation, student involvement, Greek life, campus student centers, and onward to career services, student government, first-generation initiatives, volunteerism, social change, and beyond, Student Affairs has been eagerly preparing to make fall semester a diversely engaging experience for all of you.
At CU, we wholly believe in creating opportunities for you to learn, grow and thrive academically, personally and professionally. In the Division of Student Affairs, we recognize that you all have a variety of life experiences, cultures and identities and we are committed to helping you find the places you belong, as we connect and a variety of paths to accomplish your goals at CU Boulder and beyond. Your collegiate career will be robust, and we are dedicated to supporting you along every step of your journey. Whether you are living on or off campus, or commuting, know that the many services we offer have been crafted to help shape your co-curricular student experience.
While my summer has been great, the start of a new fall semester is easily my favorite time of year. As you all arrive back to campus and classes begin, for me, you bring an energy of excitement and a sense of new beginnings. It is always a refreshing and vibrant reminder of why I chose my career path. Every day, I get to work within a community of world-class students, staff and faculty and for that I am most appreciative. Like many of you, I’m new to CU Boulder and Colorado. I moved here in June after serving as vice president for student life at the University of Florida. I’ve enjoyed my time here so far and have spent the summer getting to know the community and checking out many unique restaurants, shops, trails and attractions. Boulder is a special place to be!
When I think about my time in college, moving into my residence hall is a moment that still stands out for me today. I was a first-generation college student—the first in my family to attend college—and I remember that fraternity members from Alpha Phi Alpha helped me move in when I arrived on campus. Meeting these fellow students and recognizing how they chose to spend their free time welcoming new students like me left a lasting impact, and really demonstrated the power of intentional community-building and service to others. I was also a part of an early arrival program, which introduced me to other new students. The students I met in that program had unique interests, but I found that we also had a lot in common. To this day, I am still friends with many of the classmates I met so many years ago.
It was these moments, before I even attended my first class, that helped reaffirm that I made the right choice in my university and programs.
As a Buff, you’ll experience significant moments throughout your collegiate journey. Some of these moments will be celebratory—getting good grades, landing an internship or part-time job, attending your commencement ceremony, etc. Some moments may be insightful—you might decide to switch your major, or you might recognize that you need to ask for help if you find yourself struggling. And others may be learning moments. You might make some mistakes, and that’s okay. We’re here to help you learn and grow from your experiences, just as so many helped us to do the same.
Defining moments in our lives are not always things that happen to us. We don’t have to wait and hope for moments to happen. We can help create and shape our own defining moments.
Whether you’re hoping to make new friends, travel, participate in exciting research, or find a meaningful job after college—you can make that happen, and you don’t have to wait for it to happen. There are many transformational opportunities and resources here to help you achieve your goals.
Creating and shaping your own defining moments may require you to step outside of your comfort zone. I know this is not always easy—leaving your comfort zone can be awkward and uncomfortable but is often worth it. No matter your goals, interests or needs this year, please remember that 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 you in every step of your journey.
As you get settled into new routines over these next few weeks, I encourage you to embrace the moments to grow, thrive, engage and even sometimes stumble. Start exploring opportunities that will help you fill your free time, connect with others and make progress on your goals.
Buffs, I wish you the best this year. Know that I’m here for you and the Division of Student Affairs is here to support you along the way. Welcome back—or welcome home, and Sko Buffs!
Warmly,
Dr. D’Andra Mull
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs