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University of Colorado Denver

Veteran Student Services
 

Veteran Student Mentor Program

Peer-to-peer support for the transition from military to university
Student Veterans
​Making the move from soldier to student can be tough—but the Veteran Student Mentor Program (VSMP) can make it a lot easier. Through this program, administered by the Office of Veteran Student Services at the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, incoming student veterans get support, tips, advice and guidance from others who’ve been there, done that and know how to navigate the transition from military to university.
 
 
If you’re a new or transfer student, you’ll have someone to answer your questions, guide you through paperwork, ease your nerves and help you make the right choices for your education and your future career.
 
If you’re an upperclassman or graduate student, you can use your first-hand knowledge and experience to help a new student veteran through the ups and downs of adjusting to college life and planning for the future.

For information on the VSMP, contact the Office of Veteran Student Services at vaoffice@ucdenver.edu or 303-556-2630. 
 

The main goal of the VSMP is to share the experiences of returning students with new students who are unaccustomed with academic life, in this way:

• Junior, senior and graduate-level student veterans apply to be mentors and receive training to prepare them for the role.

• Incoming student veterans are matched with mentors according to area of study, extracurricular interests and other criteria.

• During monthly in-person meetings and semi-monthly additional contact, mentors discuss issues with mentees, answer questions, supply information, offer advice and provide support.

​VSMP mentees must be freshmen or incoming transfer students and benefit  from:
  • Improved study skills
  • Time management techniques
  • Campus engagement
  • Community involvement
  • Healthy choice guidance
  • Decision-making support
  • Communication counseling
  • Conflict resolution training
  • Identity exploration
To become a VSMP mentee, contact the Office of Veteran Student Services at vaoffice@ucdenver.edu or 303-556-2630.
VSMP mentors are expected to: 
• Provide guidance and support to mentees areas, such as:
  • Study skills
  • Time management
  • Life balance
  • Campus engagement
  • Community involvement
  • Healthy choices
  • Personal decision-making
  • Assertive communication
  • Conflict resolution
  • Identity exploration
• Serve as a liaison between mentees and CU Denver facilities, programs and departments.
• Work closely with the CU Denver Office of Veteran Student Services and the Office of Student Life to enhance the advising and adjustment process for new students.
• Follow through on all Veteran Student Mentor time commitments.

 

Mentors must:
• Be a full-time CU Denver upperclassman or graduate student, in good standing with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Have a strong desire to assist first-year students with their personal and academic adjustment to CU Denver.
• Possess a thorough knowledge of veterans’ benefits, programs, points of view and concerns—though veteran status/military experience is not mandatory.
• Display a positive attitude, pride in the CU Denver experience and a willingness to learn and grow.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic and high level of professionalism.
 
Mentors should:
• Have a desire to work with first-year and transfer student veterans, as well as faculty and staff members from across campus.
• Be committed to working with diverse populations, identities and experiences.
• Be able to serve as a role model and mentor for new students by modeling integrity and inclusivity.
• Have exceptional interpersonal, organizational, teamwork, leadership and communication skills.
• Have flexibility, creativity, dedication and a sense of humor.
​​VSMP mentors must be juniors, seniors or graduate students and are selected via an application process, which includes a minimum Grade Point Average qualification and a review of applicants’ judicial and/or honor records. Accepted veteran student mentors will be required to participate in a brief training session and to sign the Student Mentor Contract pledging their commitment to fulfilling their obligations to their assigned mentees.
 
Your application to be a veteran student mentor consists of:
• Your resume
• A cover letter
• Names and contact information of two faculty references
• A one-page, double-spaced essay on why you want to be a veteran student mentor

Submit your completed application materials to: Cameron Cook, Veteran Student Services Manager, Cameron.Cook@ucdenver.edu.
 

Office of Veteran Student Services

Phone: 303-556-2630 or 303-556-2745

Street Address: Tivoli Student Union, Suite 124, 900 Auraria Parkway, Denver, CO 80204 • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 173364, Campus 155, Denver, CO 80217-3364

E:mail: vaoffice@ucdenver.edu

University of Colorado Denver

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