Raul’s Report: Shake things up & get involved

Raul Cardenas, Ph.D.
CU Denver Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Be a part of CU Denver’s club sports

When’s the last time you explored something new? Got out of the familiar? Did something you wanted to do instead of something you had to do? We all get stuck in our routines. Attend class, study, take an exam. But college is so much more. For example, CU Denver has more than 100 student organizations and 17 club sports.

There are lots to choose from with lots of new people to meet. And you never know what doors the new adventure will open nor where it might lead.

My oldest son is a junior at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins. He transferred there from Arizona State University, and club sports had a lot to do with it. Playing on a flag football club team at ASU ignited his interest in playing the sport at a higher level, leading him to transfer and make the Rams football team as a walk-on player. Not only that, but the club sports experience also sparked a new career interest in coaching.

Personally, my life has been enhanced by the Young Democrats Club I joined in college. It exposed me to new ways of thinking, gave me a sense of curiosity and an understanding of others that continues to guide me today. I can still see myself sitting around the fountain on campus, having those sometimes heated discussions with my classmates, gaining a sense of respect and civility together, and growing and learning outside the classroom.

Both my son and I had to be willing to get out of our comfort zones to try something new. When we did, the reward was bigger than we ever imagined.

Maybe that’s why more and more CU Denver students are getting involved. Club sports has grown from just one team to 17 in just five years, and the number of students playing increases by about 10 percent each year. New student organizations are constantly being formed with 20 new ones about to launch.

There are lots of statistics out there supporting the fact that participation in activities outside the college classroom helps students get to their graduation finish line. For instance, we find that around 85 percent of our students who play club sports in the fall will enroll for spring semester.

Most of all, though, participating is fun. So, I encourage you to jump in and see where it takes you!

To get started and learn more, just check the web pages. You’ll find club sports at ucdenver.edu/wellness and student organizations at ucdenver.edu/studentorgs.

Go Lynx!

Raul Cardenas, Ph.D.

CU Denver Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Vice Chancellor for Student Development Raul Cardenas, Ph.D., is devoted to student success, enjoys sharing a good laugh, loves commencement, and leads a staff committed to providing the best student experience possible. Raul invites students to schedule a conversation with him. Email Bonnie.Hixson@ucdenver.edu for an appointment.