From the Dean’s Desk: March 2026
It’s hard to believe we’re almost at the end of the winter quarter. As we move into finals and spring break, I wanted to share a few reflections on our year together, beginning with the progress our faculty members are making toward offering 4D Fridays courses that integrate intellectual growth, character, well-being, and career readiness into every CAHSS degree.
I’d like to thank faculty members who have already created spring 4D Fridays courses designed to help students channel their passions into careers and lives of purpose, and those faculty continuing to do so. Director of the Socio-Legal Studies program, Professor Lisa Pasko's current 4D Fridays criminal justice practicum, for example, is giving students a real-world immersion courtroom experience. Our emerging CAHSS 4D Fridays curriculum offers professional exploration, hands-on experience, and for-credit classes and internships that prepare students to graduate as adaptive, skilled professionals ready to thrive in today’s evolving workplace.
I’m continually impressed by the mentorship in our College. This month, the CAHSS Newsroom is featuring stories about students receiving ongoing support and professional experience that enhances their resumes, thanks to outstanding faculty mentorship, creativity, and guidance. The University of Denver is peerless in its approach to mentoring, given the access students have to exceptional faculty members who are also enriched by their relationships with our remarkable students.
As we approach the end of the quarter, I’m proud of the resilience and adaptability our staff, chairs and directors, and faculty members have demonstrated to address ongoing and future challenges, as well as the hard work of our recruitment and enrollment teams. We continue to work together to communicate to current and prospective students the deep knowledge, creative and collaborative exploration, community-engaged, and career-readying experiences a CAHSS education delivers.
I joined the CAHSS community because I wanted to be a part of the exceptional depth, breadth, and quality of the education our students receive, and I continue to believe deeply in the enduring value of the disciplines we teach, research, support, and celebrate. All of you continually inspire and renew me with your genuine caring for each other and our students, your ability to adapt to serve the greater good, and your deep commitment to preserving the unique student experience we provide.
On a personal note, I’m grateful to Professor Kate Casanova for her lovely, whimsical sculptures that she generously installed on the shelving in my office (see photo). They uplift me daily and always make me and my visitors smile in appreciation.
Finally, the end of the quarter can be hectic and stressful for everyone. If you need academic, social, mental, or physical health support, or just need to talk, please remember the resources available for students through DU’s Health and Counseling Center and for faculty and staff through the Employee Assistance Program.
My family and I are excited to celebrate my husband’s birthday during spring break. Whether you’re staying home, visiting family, exploring new places, or enjoying a staycation, I wish you a refreshing, uplifting, and revitalizing break.
With gratitude,
Sahara Byrne
