Published: Aug. 18, 2017

UVA & Charlottesville
In contrast with my excitement for the new academic year, I am deeply troubled by this weekend’s horrible events in Charlottesville.ÌýThe shock and horror are still with me as I try to understand how these dehumanizing acts have resurfaced.ÌýI have spoken with many of you and students who are also in disbelief. During these times it is important that we continue our work around creating a welcoming environment for all of our students. I also have to add that I am proud of our current CUSG leaders, who did not waste any time live-chatting with their peers across the nation to draft a .Ìý

Please join me in keeping the citizens of Charlottesville and the faculty, staff and students of UVA in our thoughts as they begin the healing process.

As we welcome our new and returning students back to campus, I ask all of us to support one another and access our campus resources should they be needed.Ìý

New Academic Year
I’d like to personally welcome everyone back for another academic year; it’s hard to believe students will be arriving on campus this weekend! At the beginning of fall, I like to think of our students who are both starting or continuing their journey on campus.Ìý Fall brings about a sense of new beginnings and fresh perspectives, and it’s invigorating to feel the energy of our campus community come alive as classes start. With the progress we’ve made this summer introducing our new three-year strategic plan and the forthcoming implementation of our innovative short experiments, we have much to look forward to this year.

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Welcoming our students to their new home during move-in is one of my favorite times of the academic year.Ìý Next week I will join you and other campus volunteers to not only assist our students with their luggage and boxes, but also ease their anxiety—and sometimes that of their parents.

As students arrive back on campus for the fall semester, it’s important to reflect and consider why we’re here and what we do to support students in Student Affairs.ÌýThe offices and departments that make up the Division offer valuable resources that deeply enhance a student’s experience here at CU Boulder. From new students transitioning to academic and residential life at a university to graduating students looking towards their future careers and life after college, coupled with the capricious nature of current events and affairs outside of the university, Student Affairs resources help immensely during every step of a student’s journey.

Sincerely,
Christina Gonzales