Here are few tips to help students who need help logging in to Buff Portal.

Buff Portal is sometimes unavailable for required maintenance. The easiest way to tell if the portal is unavailable is to visit the login page. You can also tell if the portal is experiencing issues by visiting the Office of Information Technology's Service Alerts .

New/Incoming Students: Have you received an email with instructions on how to claim your IdentiKey?

Incoming students (particularly those who have asked for access to the CU Boulder Scholarship Application as a prospective student and/or have been admitted) should receive an email with instructions on how to claim their IdentiKey .

  • If you have not received an email with IdentiKey instructions, but you are admitted to CU Boulder, IdentiKey help  is available.
  • If you have not received an email with IdentiKey instructions and are not admitted, but you believe you need access, contact Admissions at 303-492-6301 or admissions@colorado.edu.
  • If you have claimed your IdentiKey, followed the instructions for logging in, and are still unable to log in to the student portal, contact the IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 or help@colorado.edu.

Have you activated your IdentiKey?

To log in to Buff Portal, you must use your IdentiKey. Your IdentiKey account consists of your CU Login name and a password you created that is typically different from your email password. You will find instructions on how to activate your IdentiKey on the home page of Buff Portal.

Have you cleared your browsing history?

If you are having difficulty with your account, please try clearing your browsing history (also known as browser cache). You may also want to try using a different browser. We recommend Mozilla Firefox.

Are you having trouble with your CU Login and Password?

Navigate to the home page of Buff Portal. In the top right corner, click the profile icon. Under Account Settings, click the Identikey button, or click the Help icon from the home page.

You have received a financial aid award notification from our office, but you are unable to view your information in Buff Portal?

View step-by-step instructions on how to view your financial aid. If still unable to view aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 303-492-5091 or financialaid@colorado.edu.