The Peer Advocate Leader (PAL) Program is part of CU Denver’s First-Year Experience (FYE) team and helps first-year and first-time transfer students feel connected, supported, and confident as they navigate their first semester. PALs are current CU Denver students who serve as peer mentors, offering advice, answering questions, sharing campus resources, and helping students find their place in the CU Denver community. Research on peer mentorship and student engagement has consistently highlighted the value of connecting students with peers who can provide support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Throughout the year, PALs put this into practice through FYE classroom support, one-on-one meetings, workshops, campus events, resource connections, and community-building activities. Whether they’re helping a student find a campus resource, leading a workshop, or creating a fun way for students to connect, PALs are here to help make CU Denver feel a little more like home.

If you’re enrolled in an FYE class, you automatically have a built-in PAL! If you are not enrolled in an FYE class, don’t worry, you can still reach out to the PAL program if you believe you could benefit from 1:1 peer support and mentorship. If you’re interested in learning more about the PAL program, visit our website. 

Speaking of connection, what better way to build that community than with a little spooky season fun? PAL-O-Ween is back! Get ready for a full month of spooky and fall-themed fun throughout October, brought to you by CU Denver’s Peer Advocate Leaders (PALs)! This October, PALs are bringing their community-building spirit to almost every weekday with PAL-O-Ween events—including returning favorites like DIY Slime, Monster High + Friendship Bracelets, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”, and Spooktionary, plus new activities, games, crafts, movie nights, and more!

And, of course, what’s PAL-O-Ween without prizes?! Throughout the month, we’ll have Halloween- and fall-themed giveaways at events, plus special prizes for students who attend the most PAL-O-Ween events. The more events you attend, the more chances you have to take home something spooky! Check MyLynx for the full October lineup and keep an eye on @cudenverpal on Instagram for updates!