University of Colorado at Boulder Parent Guide
Life as CU Parents
- Published: January 14, 2012
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As our daughter completes the final semester of her undergraduate career at the University of Colorado Boulder, we look back on an amazing four-and-a-half years, both for her and for us. She has her own story to tell; here is ours.
We got a late start becoming engaged in university life, our only true regret. It was toward the end of our daughter’s sophomore year that we joined CUPA, the CU Parents Association, probably the most influential action of our CU experience. Had we recognized the value in this experience, we would have joined at the beginning of our daughter’s freshman year.
It has been through CUPA that we have met some wonderful people—faculty, staff, parents, and students. It is through CUPA that we began giving back to the university in terms of both energy and financial support. And it is through CUPA that we gained a greater knowledge and insight into university life.
Although we have lived in Boulder for well over 30 years, we seldom participated in CU events. However, in the past four years, we have been to concerts, presentations, workshops, sporting events, diversity related activities, recruiting events, away football games with the Marching Band, and more.
Our one general recommendation, especially to parents who are close geographically, is to join the campus, get connected, and get engaged. It will enrich both your own lives as well as that of your students.
One observation we have about the Honors Program and residential academic programs is that they provide an excellent opportunity for students to focus more closely with each other, with faculty, and with an academic subject. It is another way for students to engage in a small community.
The Honors Program also provides an opportunity for students to engage in a scholarly activity similar to what they would experience in graduate school—a taste of the future. Our daughter’s experience in the Honors Program was very enriching and well worth the extra effort and time involved.
By way of specific recommendations, we would say:
- Encourage your students to connect with their professors: sit in the front row, don’t miss class, and take the initiative to get to know your professors, such as meeting them at office hours.
- Join outside activities. Academic study—the “9 to 5” aspect of higher education—is important. However, what is beyond the classroom provides true enrichment. Whatever your student’s passion, there is a club, organization, or activity that provides a forum for them to pursue it. Our daughter’s four years in the Marching Band gave her a great experience in discipline, teamwork, and individual performance excellence, in addition to a family of more than 200 wonderful friends.
- The Study Abroad program is an excellent experience that every student should plan for. Our daughter’s summer in Bolivia studying film under an Oscar nominated director was an experience unparalleled in challenge, accomplishment, and enjoyment.
By Fred Gluck and Andrea Rhodes, CU-Boulder parents.
- Published: January 14, 2012
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