On the Record with Raul (Feb. 2016)

I don’t know about you, but I’ve got to say I like the new name and new focus of our student newspaper. Starting last month, following input from students, the Advocate is now the CU Denver Sentry featuring more campus-based news and information. The re-branding was a great initiative by the student editorial staff and luckily for me, that new emphasis has provided me with the opportunity to write this column once a month!

What’s on your mind?

This is my chance to fill you in on what’s going on around campus from a leadership perspective and to also ask what’s on your mind. What’s working for you here at CU Denver and what can we do to enhance your experience?

Let’s start with that—your feedback and opinions. As you may know, my area of the university is student affairs. That means your student experience is the top priority for me and my staff. The only way we can know how we’re doing is to talk and listen to you, which is why I’m setting up some old-fashioned office hours dedicated exclusively to conversations with students.

Schedule a conversation

We’ll have morning and afternoon times available each month, so schedule your appointment and let’s sit down and chat. Our first conversation dates are Feb. 18, 1–3:30 p.m. and March 1, 9–11:30 a.m. My terrific Executive Assistant Bonnie Hixson is already scheduling 15 minute sessions. Just confirm your appointment with her at bonnie.hixson@ucdenver.edu or (303) 315-2110.

I look forward to talking to you soon about whatever’s on your mind. And, if a one-on-one conversation doesn’t fit into your schedule, my contact information is listed below.

Happy birthday, Milo!

Now, as far as what’s going on around campus, let’s all wish everybody’s favorite furry mascot Milo the Lynx a happy birthday! The celebration was highlighted by a new campus tradition, the Milo Mile fun run. The big cat himself was there to cheer on the runners, silently of course, and the hot breakfast provided at the end was better than any birthday cake.

Quick impact

As you may know, it was students who advocated for creating a CU Denver mascot, and it’s been amazing to see the impact Milo has had on this campus in just three short years. Those students were hungry to create an identity and new feeling of community, and their success is evident wherever Milo shows up. I consider him an energetic unifier, he’s relevant and he’s a positive representation of our students. Every time I see him, I can’t help but smile.

Internship and Job Fair

You’ve probably seen the fliers around campus about the upcoming Internship and Job Fair. Any of you who’ve taken advantage of the Career Center’s services already know how helpful they can be, but if you’ve never been to the fair, you’re missing out!

Last fall, the fair broke all sorts of attendance records including the number of employers who attended. Word’s out that CU Denver has quality students and employers are scrambling to be included.

The spring fair is set for Feb. 25, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. in the Tivoli Turnhalle. And, from my own experience, I encourage you to do everything you can to be there.

If I could do it over again…

Back when I was an undergraduate, I didn’t think about the future the way I should have. I didn’t take advantage of all the opportunities available to help me transition into the job force. I didn’t attend the job fairs and learn about interviewing techniques and resumes.

Once I graduated, it took me eight months to find a job, but I had bills I had to start paying right away, job or no job. Times were tough. Then, when I finally did get hired it was for a part-time position that wasn’t going to lead to a career.

rust me, you need to attend the Internship and Job Fair. You’ll be glad you did.

Let’s talk soon

Thanks again to the Sentry editorial staff for providing me with this space. I look forward to hearing what’s on your mind in the weeks and months ahead.