Getting Involved

How to get ready for game day

Megan Maneval — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 11:21:21 +0000

How to get ready for game day Megan Maneval Wed, 09/03/2025 - 05:21

The Buffs take on Delaware at Folsom Field on Sept. 6. Whether you’re on campus for the game, attending a watch party or cheering from home, here are some tips to get ready for game day.

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What to do after the Be Involved Fair

Megan Maneval — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

What to do after the Be Involved Fair Megan Maneval Wed, 09/03/2025 - 00:00

Whether you were able to attend the Be Involved Fair or not, there’s still plenty of time to meet people and create your own campus experience. Getting involved opens doors to fresh opportunities, unforgettable adventures and new friends—discover everything �� has to offer!

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Unlock your leadership potential

Megan Maneval — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 16:37:10 +0000

Unlock your leadership potential Megan Maneval Tue, 09/02/2025 - 10:37

There are many ways to be a leader in your community and plenty of opportunities on campus to build new skills. Here are a few ways to gain leadership experience this semester.

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20 things to do: Enjoy Bike Fest, clothing swap, more

Megan Maneval — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:17:14 +0000

20 things to do: Enjoy Bike Fest, clothing swap, more Megan Maneval Tue, 09/02/2025 - 08:17

This week brings to campus a gaming takeover of the UMC, the Education Abroad Fall Fair, a grad student bowling party, the campus used bike sale, a natural sciences open house, live music and more.

Wednesday, Sept. 3

Deming Center Presents: Spark CU!

2–5 p.m. Koelbel Building (Leeds School), Olson Atrium
Stop by this event and get help transforming your early-stage ideas into real business ventures. Join the Spark CU Community Kickoff to learn more and sign up!

CUBE Open House: Step into the Natural Sciences

3–5 p.m. Gold Biosciences Building, Room A2B60
Whether you’re looking for guidance in classes, tips for getting involved on campus, or want to build connections with other science majors, this is the perfect chance to start making those connections.

Garden Workday: Table Mesa Community Garden

4–5:30 p.m. Table Mesa Community Garden
Looking to get your hands in the dirt? Work off some of those back to school jitters in this community garden! Registration is required.

Startups2Students

5–7 p.m. CASE building, Chancellor’s Lounge
Are you looking for a job or internship? Explore the exciting world of startups! At Startups2Students, you will have the opportunity to hear startups pitch their companies and learn about open projects, internships and jobs.

Grad Student Connections: Bowling Party

6:15–8:30 p.m. UMC, first floor, The Connection
Calling all graduate students! Join the Center for Student Involvement for the first grad student meet-and-greet of the semester. Enjoy free bowling, pool, pizza and more while getting to know other grad students on campus!

Thursday, Sept. 4

Career Services Open House Extravaganza

11 a.m.–3 p.m. C4C S440
Get expert tips on landing a job or internship, learn about upcoming career fairs, workshops and employer events, play games and win awesome prizes at the Career Services open house. Bonus: The first 200 students to attend get a shot at taking home a grand prize!

Education Abroad Fall Fair

10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. UMC Arcade
Learn how to have the adventure of a lifetime and grab some swag at the Education Abroad Fall Fair. You can choose from hundreds of programs in 70 countries that work for all majors.

1 thing to check off your to-do list

Register for intramural sports: Whether you are new to a sport or experienced, or whether you join a team of friends or register as a free agent, there's a place for you. By purchasing an Intramural Sports Pass, you can play in any leagues you'd like throughout the semester including tournaments. Register by Sept. 11.

CU Bike Fest and Used Bike Sale

2–5 p.m. Farrand Field

Get ready to roll at the eighth annual CU Bike Fest! Swing by for an afternoon packed with:

Free food and games

Bike program info

Local bike industry vendors

A reverse steering bike challenge (win a prize!)

Pedal-powered fruit smoothies

Stick around for the annual Used Bike Sale—there will be two rounds to fit class schedules:

First sale: 3:30 p.m.

Second sale: after 5 p.m.

Native Fall Foraging

3–5 p.m. C4C Abrams Lounge
Curious about edible plants growing right in your backyard? Join us for a hands-on, two-part foraging experience that blends cultural wisdom with practical skills. First up, Arapaho Elder Ava Hamilton will share invaluable first-hand knowledge about the significance of foraging from our land. Then, get ready to experience the thrill of foraging chokecherries and coneflower (echinacea) yourself! Can't make it this week? The event will be held again Sept. 11.

DSCC Open House

3–5 p.m. UMC 457
Stop by to learn what the Dennis Small Cultural Center (DSCC) has planned for this fall and how you can get involved! Free food and beverages provided.

Free Fiske Thursdays

7–8 p.m. Fiske Planetarium
Grab your Buff OneCard and head over to Fiske Planetarium to enjoy Free Fiske Thursdays! All 7 p.m. shows and star talks are free for �� students on Thursdays.

Summer Bedhead, Melodia and the Kudu Moons: Program Council show

8–10 p.m. UMC The Connection
Come on down to Club 156 for live music from Summer Bedhead, with support from Melodia and the Kudu Moons.

Friday, Sept. 5

Feel Good Fridays

12:15–12:45 p.m. CU Art Museum
Join this weekly hybrid workshop to learn about a work of art and then participate in a related mindfulness practice. Please arrive a few minutes early—doors to the meditation close at 12:15 p.m.

Press Start

5–10 p.m. UMC, various locations
Press start on the year with a gaming takeover of the UMC! Celebrate gaming culture on campus and meet CU’s gaming student organizations. Enjoy an evening of video games, esports tournaments, tabletop RPGs, board games and trading card games. Meet Team Liquid and try your best to beat the pros! Activities will take place in the UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom, Room 235, West Dining Room and the Alienware Buffalo Esports & Gaming Lounge.

Program Council Friday Night Film: 'Friendship'

8 p.m. Cristol Chemistry and Biochemistry, Room 140
Join Program Council to watch "Friendship" on the big screen, and enjoy free popcorn and concessions!

Clothing Swap

8–10 p.m. Village Center, Wellness Suite
Need a wardrobe update for the new semester? Bring clothes you no longer wear and swap them out for something new. Enjoy free pizza, learn how to mend and remove stains, and keep your clothes looking fresh all semester long!

Observatory Open House

8–10 p.m. Sommers-Bausch Observatory
Stop by the observatory for free telescope viewing of the moon, planets, galaxies, nebulae and other celestial objects. Sessions typically last from one to two hours and are only held on clear nights.

Saturday, Sept. 6

Campus map

Use ��’s campus map to find the best routes for getting around campus. You can save a link to the map on your smartphone home screen and use it like an app.

Student Game Day Huddle

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Farrand Field
Come cheer on the Buffs at the student tailgate tradition, hosted by the Division of Student Life and the Dean of Students. There will be free food, games, music and a chance to be chosen as the Student Fan of the Game. The selected student fan will have the chance to walk onto Folsom Field during the game!

Mindful Market Morning

11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Boulder Farmers Market
Start your day with a relaxed stroll through the farmers market! Join the Collegiate Recovery Center for fresh food, good vibes and a chance to connect with community in a relaxed setting.

Buffs vs. University of Delaware

1:30 p.m. Folsom Field
Come cheer on the Buffs as they take on the University of Delaware Blue Hens in this Saturday afternoon showdown!

This week brings to campus a gaming takeover of the UMC, the Education Abroad Fall Fair, a grad student bowling party, the campus used bike sale, a natural sciences open house, live music and more.

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Do you have a therapeutic innovation that could improve lives?

Megan Maneval — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:56:58 +0000

Do you have a therapeutic innovation that could improve lives? Megan Maneval Fri, 08/29/2025 - 09:56

Explore how to commercialize your therapeutic innovation in this five-week program using NSF I-Corps methods and expert guidance tailored to life sciences.

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Students called to participate in Student Flourishing Initiative

Megan Maneval — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 23:47:14 +0000

Students called to participate in Student Flourishing Initiative Megan Maneval Thu, 08/28/2025 - 17:47

��’s Student Flourishing Initiative is encouraging students to apply to participate on the Student Voice and Leadership Council, a group that will play a vital role in co-designing the initiative and shaping its outcomes.

Why student participation matters

Chancellor Justin Schwartz announced the new initiative in the spring with an aim at strengthening ��’s ongoing commitment to student mental health and wellness. �� is partnering on the effort with The Jed Foundation (JED), a nonprofit that seeks to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults.

Renée Crown Wellness Institute Director Sona Dimidjian, Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives Ann Schmiesing and Vice Chancellor for Student Life D’Andra Mull are co-chairing a cross-campus advisory committee that was formed over the summer and that includes student representation. The next step is forming the Student Voice and Leadership Council to further uplift the voices of both undergraduate and graduate students in advancing the initiative, which is expected to result in a set of recommendations for specific implementation actions and a collaborative plan for assessing impact over time.

The goals of the initiative are to strengthen collaborative, comprehensive, inclusive and effective programs and policies that mitigate risk and promote flourishing for all students.

“Student success is one of our core priorities as a campus, and I am grateful for the leadership of Sona, Ann and D’Andra in this initiative and all of our faculty, staff and students who are participating in this vital work,” Schwartz said. “Ensuring student voices help shape our future plans is absolutely critical to creating an environment on campus where students are not only well but can flourish in their academic pursuits and personal lives.”

How students can apply—faculty and staff can help

Students can apply by visiting the Student Voice and Leadership page and filling out the application form.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to highlight this opportunity for students in their classes or with whom they work to help drive interest.
Applications are due by Sept. 9.

Flourishing initiative work to date

The cross-campus advisory committee co-chaired by Dimidjian, Schmiesing and Mull includes deans, faculty and other leaders from across campus.

Baseline assessment: The group has spent the summer working through a baseline assessment from JED to help assess campus strengths and opportunities.
Healthy Minds Study Student Survey: Members of the advisory committee have also been working with JED and the Healthy Minds Network to administer the Healthy Minds Survey, which will examine mental health and wellness, service utilization and related issues among undergraduate and graduate students across campus.

Next steps

Establish Student Voice and Leadership Council: Students selected for the council will be notified by Sept. 19 and begin meeting the week of Sept. 29.
Launch Healthy Minds Study StudentSurvey: The survey will be sent to 24,000 randomly selected �� undergraduate and graduate students on Sept. 25 and remain open through Oct. 23. The survey will provide information about student mental health, service utilization, knowledge and attitudes about mental health, upstander/bystander behavior, mental health climate, resilience and coping, campus culture climate, and academic persistence, retention and competition. The results of the survey and comparisons to results from peer institutions will be critical to informing the Student Flourishing Initiative’s strategic planning efforts during the spring semester.
Campus community engagement: After baseline assessments and the Healthy Minds Survey is completed in the fall, JED will visit campus in the spring for campus listening sessions.
Strategic planning: The Student Flourishing Initiative, in partnership with JED, will begin drafting a three-year strategic plan in the spring. That plan will be communicated out in late spring/early summer, along with goals for year two and a plan for implementation. The process of becoming a JED campus is a four-year process that includes further student engagement, data collection and implementation efforts in ensuing years.

The Student Flourishing Initiative is encouraging students to apply to participate on the Student Voice and Leadership Council, a group that will play a vital role in shaping ��'s ongoing commitment to mental health and wellness.

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New beginnings: Welcoming ��'s new faculty and leaders

Megan Maneval — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 17:18:18 +0000

New beginnings: Welcoming ��'s new faculty and leaders Megan Maneval Fri, 08/22/2025 - 11:18

As the 2025–26 academic year begins, the Office of Faculty Affairs (OFA) welcomed new faculty and academic leaders with orientations designed to provide support, spark connections and create a sense of place at ��.

New faculty orientation: Building a foundation

On Aug. 14, OFA hosted ��’s annual New Faculty Orientation, bringing together 149 new tenure-track, teaching and clinical faculty.

Chancellor Justin Schwartz opened the day by outlining his vision for a campus grounded in collaboration and community, and highlighting the campus priorities for this year, which include the success of all of our students, a focus on excellence in research and creative work, sustainability and aligning our operations with our mission. Provost Ann Stevens expanded on this outlook, emphasizing the university’s commitment to fostering faculty success in teaching, research, creative work and service.

Vice Chancellor for Faculty Affairs Michele Moses highlighted the wide range of resources available to help faculty thrive, including a Canvas course that serves as an information hub and a “who’s who” directory of new faculty.

Attendees also joined a plenary discussion on shared equity leadership and Thriving at CU breakout sessions focused on teaching, research and creative work, and student mentoring. These sessions offered practical guidance while also encouraging cross-disciplinary connections and new networks of support.

Interactive elements added to the day’s spirit of community. The second annual Buff Besties session provided a lighthearted space for new faculty to get to know one another, and the Faculty Resource Fair showcased more than 20 campus offices offering assistance on everything from research computing to public and community-engaged scholarship to recreational and well-being resources.

The orientation concluded with small-group conversations with deans, followed by a welcome reception co-sponsored by Faculty SPACE, OFA’s signature community-building initiative.

Academic leaders orientation: Charting leadership journeys

Orientation also extends to those assuming new academic leadership roles. On Aug. 12, the Academic Leaders Institute (ALI) hosted over 40 department chairs, associate chairs, program directors and deans at the 12th annual New Leaders Orientation.

The day featured opening remarks from Stevens, who expressed her gratitude to the attendees for their dedication to advancing the university’s mission and supporting the work of their teams and units.

This was followed by discussions of what it means to be a leader and how the Professional Rights and Responsibilities (PRR) document supports a positive working environment, as well as reflections from experienced leaders. Waleed Abdalati, director of the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences; Sarah Jackson, dean of the Division of Social Sciences; and Pat Ferrucci, chair of journalism, shared their perspectives on the challenges and rewards of leadership, underscoring the value of learning alongside peers.

Presentations throughout the day offered practical tools and strategies to help new leaders guide their units with confidence, bolstered by ongoing support from OFA and other campus resources.

Click to enlarge images, see captions

Looking ahead

Both orientations celebrated new beginnings for faculty and academic leaders, fostering engagement, collaboration and stronger connections across campus.

“Whether you are beginning as a faculty member or stepping into a leadership role, the key to our thriving community is how we support one another and collaborate with colleagues to help make the campus a place that feels like home for our students, staff and faculty alike,” said Moses.

These sessions are just the beginning. More information about the resources OFA offers, as well as professional development and community-building opportunities, is available on the OFA website.

Questions? Email facultyaffairs@colorado.edu for more information.

The Office of Faculty Affairs recently hosted ��'s annual New Faculty Orientation, bringing together 149 new tenure-track, teaching and clinical faculty.

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20 things to do: Attend Be Involved Fair, score tickets and free breakfast, more

Megan Maneval — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 16:00:18 +0000

20 things to do: Attend Be Involved Fair, score tickets and free breakfast, more Megan Maneval Fri, 08/22/2025 - 10:00

Welcome to the 2025 fall semester, Buffs! This week brings to campus a bagel bar, free ice cream, an on-campus student job fair, soccer, football, a Buff Pool Bash and more.

All week

Connect at the Rec

Through Sept. 1 Rec Center
Stop by the Rec this week for free fitness classes, Buff Pool battleship, open bouldering in the climbing gym, skating and more. Come find your fit at the Rec, and be sure to bring your Buff OneCard!

Monday, Aug. 25

I Love Mondays: Bagel bar

2–3 p.m. UMC, North Dining Room and stage
Start your first Monday of the fall semester off right! Enjoy a snack and learn about ways you can get involved at ��.

Start your Semester Strong

2–3 p.m. C4C, N238
How you start your semester can make a huge difference in setting yourself up for success! Attend this workshop to learn strategies for organization, time management and other general tips for setting yourself up for a strong semester.

Tuesday, Aug. 26

On-Campus Student Job Fair

11 a.m.–2 p.m. UMC, Glenn Miller Ballroom
Looking for a job on campus? Stop by the on-campus student job fair to meet campus employers, explore opportunities and learn how to apply. The fair is open to all current undergraduate and graduate students, and there are hourly and work-study positions available.

Scoops for Sustainability

11 a.m.–4 p.m. Duane Physics and Astrophysics, lawn
Stop by the table outside of Duane Physics and make your sustainability pledge in exchange for some ice cream! Meet people from the Environmental Center and see how to get involved in campus sustainability, or just say hi!

2s-Days in the Gaming Lounge

2–5 p.m. UMC, first floor, Alienware Buffalo Esports and Gaming Lounge
Level up your Tuesdays! Drop by the Gaming Lounge for two free hours of gaming every week. Whether you’re into co-op, competition or just chilling with fellow players, our staff will be there to help you get the most out of your playtime. Bring your crew or make new friends—either way, it’s game on.

CUnity

4–7 p.m. Sewall Field
Drop in for some free food, games and music, while learning about campus resources, and student and multicultural Greek organizations. You'll also get to meet staff from the Center for Cultural Connections & Community and other campus units.

Wednesday, Aug. 27

4 things to check off your to-do list

Attend sports club informational meeting: �� offers 30 sport clubs for students. Informational meetings are happening now! Get started.
Elitch Gardens ticket giveaway: Adventure awaits! Get your free ticket to Denver’s premiere theme park, Elitch Gardens, valid for Saturday, Aug. 30. Pick up your ticket on Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Center for Student Involvement (UMC 330).
Volunteer with Ralphie’s Green Stampede: Help continue ��'s tradition of zero waste at CU football games! As a volunteer, you will play a key role in recycling and composting hundreds of thousands of pounds of material at home football games.
Colorado Rockies ticket giveaway: Watch the Rockies live at Coors Field in Denver! Pick up tickets on Aug. 28 between 10 a.m. and noon in the Center for Student Involvement (UMC 330). There are a limited number of tickets available for the following games:
- Sunday, Aug. 31 vs. Chicago Cubs
- Monday, Sept. 1 vs. San Francisco Giants

Publish, not Perish: De-mystifying the Submission and Peer Review Process

10 a.m.–11 a.m. Virtual
Why is the scholarly publishing and peer review process the way it is, and what exactly happens between submission and acceptance of a publication? This workshop will deconstruct submission and peer review by outlining disciplinary practices and discussing what to expect from different kinds of review. Registration is required.

Plant Propagating

11 a.m.–2 p.m. UMC, outside fountain area
Looking for new plants without the cost? Join the Environmental Center at the east entrance to the UMC to donate or exchange your plants and to learn how to propagate new ones!

Be Involved Fair

2–6 p.m. Farrand Field
Discover the organizations that make up our �� community and make new connections at the Be Involved Fair! Whether you join a student organization, get connected with a campus department, volunteer in your community for an issue you are passionate about or find a new hobby you would like to explore, getting involved gives you the opportunity to grow—and the opportunities are endless.

‘Highest 2 Lowest’ film screening

7 p.m. Muenzinger Auditorium (E050)
Don't miss this free screening of Spike Lee's newest film, "Highest 2 Lowest." This event will include a post-film Q&A with screenwriter Alan Fox and producer Jason Berman, moderated by Lionsgate President of Worldwide Television & Digital Distribution (and CU alum) Jim Packer!

Thursday, Aug. 28

Spirit Day

11 a.m.–2 p.m. Norlin Quad
Stop by for free breakfast burritos and giveaways!

Buffs vs. New Mexico State soccer

7 p.m. Prentup Field
Cheer on the women's soccer team as they take on the New Mexico State Aggies under the lights at Prentup Field.

Free Fiske Thursdays

Boulder Cruiser Ride

7:30–9 p.m. Greenleaf Park
The Thursday Boulder Cruiser Rides are back! Every Thursday until Halloween, the Boulder Cruiser Ride meets at Greenleaf Park at 7 p.m., and the ride begins at 7:30 p.m. These are free, weekly, slow-moving bike rides with lots of lights and music hosted by community members. Get on your bikes and ride!

Buffalo Nites: I Heart Female Orgasm

8–10 p.m. UMC, Glenn Miller Ballroom
Whether you want to learn how to have your first orgasm, how to have better ones or how to help your partner, it’s all covered with lots of humor, plenty of honesty and an underlying message of sexual health and women’s empowerment. This program is inclusive of people of all genders, gender identities and sexual orientations. Brought to you by the Center for Student Involvement.

Friday, Aug. 29

Student Game Day Huddle

3–5 p.m. Farrand Field
Come cheer on the Buffs at this student tailgate tradition, hosted by the Division of Student Life and the dean of students. There will be free food, games, music and a chance to be chosen as the Student Fan of the Game. The selected student fan will have the chance to walk onto Folsom Field during the game!

Buffs vs. Georgia Tech

6 p.m. Folsom Field
Come cheer on the Buffs as they take on Georgia Tech in the kickoff of the 2025 football season!

Saturday, Aug. 30

Buff Pool Bash: Connect at the Rec

5–8 p.m. Rec Center
Make a splash and start the semester right! Buff Pool is the place to be—live DJ on deck, floaties, inner tube water polo, free treats and surprise giveaways.

Treat Yo’ Self

8–10 p.m. Village Center Wellness Space
Unwind at the Village Center’s Wellness Space with a relaxing evening of self-care. Enjoy time with a masseuse, try stress-relief activities, design your own tote bag and take home some self-care goodies.

Welcome to the 2025 fall semester, Buffs! This week brings to campus a bagel bar, free ice cream, an on-campus student job fair, soccer, football, a Buff Pool Bash and more.

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How will you lead? Ways to get involved with leadership at ��

Megan Maneval — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 13:11:27 +0000

How will you lead? Ways to get involved with leadership at �� Megan Maneval Fri, 08/22/2025 - 07:11

The Center for Leadership offers a variety of flexible, low-commitment pathways, including mentorship and workshops, plus over 40 affiliated leadership programs, academic credentials, experiential opportunities and events to help you discover, develop and apply leadership in ways that suit your individual journey.

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3 paths to find your herd

Megan Maneval — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 19:32:38 +0000

3 paths to find your herd Megan Maneval Wed, 08/20/2025 - 13:32

Whether you’re stepping onto campus for the first time or returning with new goals, here are three paths you can take to help you meet new people this fall.

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Getting Involved

How to get ready for game day

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Unlock your leadership potential

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20 things to do: Enjoy Bike Fest, clothing swap, more

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How students can apply—faculty and staff can help

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Next steps

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