University of Denver Winter 2024

4D IN ACTION Mentorship that matters

may be able to fulfill several of a student’s needs. But more likely, a student will rely on many people as their needs evolve and change.” The goal is for students to have 7–10 mentors by the time they graduate, a number that studies show makes it three times more likely that they consider college “rewarding.” A mentor can be almost anyone a student comes into contact with on campus, such as a faculty member, a wellness coach, a study abroad advisor, an alumnus, a career advisor or a peer. From the moment students step on campus, first-year seminar (FSEM) advisors help them get the support they need by having conversations about what they are thinking and doing to fulfill the dimensions of the 4D Experience— and connecting them to resources and people who can further help. Mentor experiences are tracked and facilitated through an online platform, CrimsonConstellation, which is integrated with the new My4D app. Anderson-Lehman says a number of initiatives are in the works to help faculty and staff hone their mentoring skills and strengths. “Our goal is for everyone to feel supported as we guide students in discovering who they are and inspire them to achieve, at DU and beyond.”

Ask any alum about their experience at DU, and you’ll likely hear about a professor or staff member who had a significant impact on their education, career or life. This is why the University is committed to ensuring all students have a “a constellation of mentors”—a group of individuals who support and nurture their growth and development during their time here. “Research shows there is a correlation between graduates’ overall opinion of their college experience and sense of whether college was ‘worth it’ and the number of relation ships they had with faculty and staff while in school,” says Sam Anderson-Lehman, associate director of 4D mentoring and planning. When the class of 2027 started this fall, they were assigned a core group of mentors and advisors, including a 4D peer mentor, their first-year seminar faculty mentor, an academic advisor and a residential peer mentor. As they continue on their academic journey, students add to their constellation a variety of people who provide feedback, emotional support, access to opportunities and professional development, accountability and a safe space to share their experiences. Most of those relationships begin organically, Anderson Lehman says. “In some cases, a single mentor or advisor

WINTER 2024 • UNIVERSITY of DENVER MAGAZINE | 7