Getting Started at CU-Boulder
Student with parents on Move-In Day
Don’t be shy. I think a lot of new students are afraid to ask questions. They really don’t want to look unknowledgeable about campus, but it’s really okay to ask.
If you’re a new member of our campus community (or you just haven’t been paying enough attention), here’s a checklist that will help you get started on a great semester.
- Get connected
- Get advising and choose your classes
- Get financial aid and pay your tuition bill
- Buy books and supplies
- Make yourself at home
- Study hard
- Stay healthy
Get connected
Technology is such an important part of being a CU-Boulder student, it’s one of the first things you need to take care of when you arrive on campus.
Through Information Technology Services (ITS), the central IT provider on campus, you’ll be able to take advantage of the latest educational technology tools, wireless network access, and innovative information technology through ITS QuickStart.
Q: How do you make sure your e-mail, wireless, iPhone, Blackberry, laptop, etc. are all working properly on campus?
Go to www.colorado.edu/its/quickstart.
QuickStart will help you with a step-by-step guide called Getting Started with Campus Technology—as well as links to the vast number of technology resources you can take advantage of at CU-Boulder.
No laptop? No problem.
Computer labs and terminal stations where you can check your e-mail are located conveniently across campus. See map.
Get advising and choose your classes
I definitely wish I had known as an incoming freshman to use my academic advisor more officially and more accurately. My first semester I believe one class, 3 credits out of my 15, actually applied to my major.
Your progress at CU-Boulder depends on having a plan for the courses you take as you work toward your degree.
Q: How do you know what courses to take? You talk to an advisor.
It’s the best way to make sure you’re meeting your requirements—and more importantly, it’s required. Your orientation session will get you off on the right foot during your first semester; in future semesters you will sign up for advising by your college or school. Each college and school has its own process for advising, so contact them early to make sure you get the information and guidance you need.
Your academic advisor can help you*. . .
- Review your academic records and any Minimum Academic Preparation Standards (MAPS) deficiencies.
- Review degree requirements. You are responsible for knowing degree requirements.
- Review transfer credit issues.
- Discuss your goals and interests and develop a strategy for achieving your academic and career goals.
- Discuss courses for the upcoming semester. You should come prepared with a list of potential courses.
- Discuss your progress and performance.
- Discuss academic difficulties, how to prepare for final exams, etc.
*Remember that your primary advisor may have a large number of students. Please plan ahead and schedule your appointment well in advance of your deadlines.
Advising Contacts
College of Architecture and Planning
www.cudenver.edu/Academics/Colleges/ArchitecturePlanning
Environmental Design 168
303-492-7711
College of Arts and Sciences
www.colorado.edu/ArtsSciences/aacforstudents
Academic Advising Center
Woodbury 109
303-492-7885
Preprofessional Advising
www.colorado.edu/ArtsSciences/aacforstudents/prepro.html
Leeds School of Business
leeds.colorado.edu/Current_Students/interior.aspx?id=554
Undergraduate Student Services Office
Business 227
303-492-6515
School of Education
www.colorado.edu/education/students/advising.html
Teacher Education Office
Education 151
303-492-6555
EdAdvise@colorado.edu
College of Engineering and Applied Science
engineering.colorado.edu/students/undergraduate.htm
Engineering Center AD 100
303-492-5071
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
www.colorado.edu/journalism/services/advising.html
Armory 1B12
303-492-0631
College of Music
www.colorado.edu/music/classes/ugradadvising
Imig Music C-111
303-492-6354
Graduate Student Advising
The Graduate School
Regent 308
303-492-7401
Register for classes
If you follow the instructions carefully and complete each phase by the published deadlines, registration is easy!
There’s almost nothing more exciting than deciding what classes you’re going to take.
Getting advised and planning your schedule are the first steps in making progress toward your degree, but you can’t go any further without taking the biggest step, registration.
During orientation, we will guide you through registering for your first semester of CU-Boulder classes. Moving forward, you will register using the Office of the Registrar and CUConnect, our student web portal.
Office of the Registrar
registrar@registrar.colorado.edu
303-492-6970 (press 2 for recorded information)
Detailed instructions on how to register for fall and spring semesters is on the registrar’s website and in the Summer Session Catalog for summer sessions. Get all of the details at registrar.colorado.edu.
CUConnect
Through CUConnect, the student web portal, you can register for classes, add or drop classes, put yourself on a wait list, verify your registration eligibility, and find out your schedule before the semester starts. The registration system is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to midnight, and on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to midnight.
Personal Identification Number (PIN)
All new and readmitted students will find their PIN on the invitation to register. (It is the same PIN you used to check on your application status via the Web). It remains the same throughout your career at CU-Boulder. When combined with your student number, your PIN becomes your access code for various web services. The university provides reasonable physical and electronic security for this data, but it is up to you to keep your PIN confidential. If you feel that your PIN is not confidential, or you have a hard time remembering it, you can change it via CUConnect or at the registrar’s office.
For registration deadlines and other useful information, visit the Academic Calendar.
Get financial aid and pay your tuition bill
CU-Boulder’s priority deadline for full financial aid consideration is April 1.
The Office of Financial Aid scholarship application deadline is March 1.
While the value of your education is measured in more than dollars and cents, there’s nothing wrong with getting the most for your money. From financial aid opportunities to the ins and outs of tuition and fees, here’s some useful information that will help you make the most of your CU-Boulder investment.
Applying for Financial Aid
The process of applying for financial aid starts with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. When FAFSA processes your application, an index number called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will be calculated with the information you provide. Keep in mind that the EFC is not a dollar amount, rather an index number used to determine your financial aid award.
Remember that you need to resubmit your FAFSA each year in order to receive financial aid.
Once you’ve applied, you will receive an award offer describing your financial aid award(s), which you must formally accept. Different types of awards have different terms and conditions, so contact the Office of Financial Aid with any questions you have before you accept.
Scholarships
CU-Boulder offers access to a variety of scholarship opportunities. Many scholarships are need based, so you should submit your FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1. Award offers to continuing students are made by July 1. Written notices outlining the conditions of the awards are mailed to recipients. If you apply for scholarships and do not receive them, you will be notified via e-mail at your CU-Boulder e-mail address or the e-mail address on file in the Office of Admissions.
Get all of the details about financial aid and scholarships—including loan programs, work-study, applying for scholarships, private scholarships, graduate student aid, and much more—at www.colorado.edu/finaid.
Work-Study
Work-study is a need-based financial aid program that provides employment opportunities for eligible students.
- See if you’re eligible by applying for financial aid.
- View jobs at CUConnect.colorado.edu.
Complete details at www.colorado.edu/studentemployment
Paying Your Tuition
Tuition and fees certainly aren’t the most pleasant aspects of your college experience—but we’ve gone to great lengths to make paying the bill as convenient and easy as possible.
CUBill&Pay
CUBill&Pay is an electronic billing and payment system for students, parents, and/or other authorized users. Students automatically receive an e-mail notification stating when your tuition bill is available for viewing and payment. You can also give parents and other payers access to CUBill&Pay so they receive an e-mail notification when the bill is available. Parents and authorized users can then log in to CUBill&Pay to view the bill, print it, and/or pay it online in a secure setting.
Payment Methods
We accept a variety of payment methods, including cash (at our Bursar’s window only), e-checks through CUBill&Pay, checks, wire transfers, and the two-payment plan. At this time we DO NOT accept credit or debit cards for payment of tuition and fees.
Direct Deposit Refunds
After all tuition and fees are paid, any extra money is refunded to you through direct deposit. To receive your refunds, you are required to enroll in direct deposit through CUConnect. Refunds are then electronically deposited into your designated bank account.
Bill Estimator
You can use the online bill estimator to get an idea of how much you can expect to pay in tuition and fees.
Tuition Classification
You can get information about in-state tuition classification—including requirements, guidelines, and the petitioning process—by calling our automated phone service at 303-492-6868.
Colorado Opportunity Fund for Colorado Resident Students
Undergraduate in-state students are eligible for direct college funding from the state of Colorado. To receive the funding, you must apply once in your lifetime AND authorize payment each semester at registration.
Payment Deadlines
The entire balance of your bill is due on the published due date by the end of the business day if paid in person or mailed—and before midnight if paid using the e-check payment method. Failure to pay on time will result in late charges and registration stops, and past-due accounts are referred for collection.
Get complete tuition and fees details—including answers to common questions—at www.colorado.edu/bursar.
IMPORTANT!! Privacy Information and Parental Access
Your written permission is needed to release your account information to your parents. Authorizing a payer on CUBill&Pay grants this release, or you can sign the official FERPA Student Permission for Parental Access release form in the Registrar’s Office.
Buy books and supplies
I totally forgot that I needed school supplies.
Buying books is one those things you might not rate as importantly as things like advising, registration, and tuition—but how do you succeed without it?
There are many options available to you for acquiring your books and supplies, each of which can help you get the necessary textbooks and other materials you will need to keep up with your studies—in addition to all the apparel you need to show your CU Buffs pride.
CU Book Store
The CU Book Store is proudly owned and operated by the university, with service and product selection designed with you in mind. Conveniently located on campus in the University Memorial Center, the CU Book Store is ready to support all of your academic and apparel needs—from textbooks and buybacks, to gifts and CU merchandise, to school supplies and general books, to a complete range of computer hardware and software.
Colorado Bookstore (on the hill)
The Colorado Bookstore offers a wide selection of textbooks and general interest books. In addition, it sells school supplies, computer software, postage stamps, gifts, and other merchandise.
Make yourself at home
Questions about living on campus? Visit housing.colorado.edu for specific information.
Living on campus? We want you to feel comfortable in what—for most of you—is your first home away from home. With our combination of breathtaking mountain views, stunning architecture, and exciting residential academic programs and living and learning communities, we strive to deliver one of the best on-campus living experiences in the country. Here are some tips to help you make the most of it:
Q: Where will you live?
Depending on your preferences and room availability, Housing & Dining Services will place you in our central campus residential community, in the Kittredge community, or in Williams Village. If you’re registered for one of our Residential Academic Programs, you will be assigned to the corresponding residence hall. Each residence hall has its own unique character—and all of them include social events and other opportunities for you to make friends and get involved.
Q: What will you eat?
The CU-Boulder dining experience features variety, great service and an emphasis on organic, all-natural ingredients. We have dining halls and Grab-n-Go outlets located across campus, and we offer personalized meal plans to meet your needs.
Want to know when and where to grab a bite? Get complete dining center, Grab-n-Go, and convenience store hours at housing.colorado.edu/dining.
Roommates
If you did not indicate a roommate preference on your housing application, Occupancy Management will make efforts to assign you a roommate who is close to your age and has some common interests. If you requested a specific roommate, the department will make every effort to honor that request provided space is available, the request is mutual, the same hall is requested, and both requests are received early enough.
Room Changes
A happy and compatible roommate situation is an important aspect of college life. We hope that your assigned roommate turns out to be the perfect one. Because there are almost no vacancies early in the semester, no room changes can be made until after two full weeks of class, provided that space is available. Changes and moves can only be made with approvals from hall directors and/or occupancy management, and—though a limited number of room changes may be possible during the fall semester—changes to moves are best made at midyear.
How do I communicate housing concerns/problems?
- Maintenance issues – fixit.colorado.edu, 303-735-5555
- Customer service – marcie.tucker@colorado.edu
- Roommate conflicts – either your floor resident assistant or hall director
- Room changes within a residence hall – your hall director
- Room changes between residence halls – occupancy management, 303-492-6673
Study Hard
My first semester freshman year, I came in having high expectations for myself but plummeted right down into the academic probation area, which is bad news. I would recommend—even though class seems optional—to attend class as often as possible.
The transition to college-level academics is one of the biggest adjustments you will make at CU-Boulder. The combination of managing your own time and performing more challenging work can sneak up on you if you underestimate it. That said, there are plenty of things you can do to perform well in your coursework.
Manage Your Time
From making sure you attend all of your classes (and get to them on time), to planning study sessions and giving yourself time for meals, exercise, and relaxation, managing your time is probably the single most important skill to your success as a college student.
Get a Tutor and Join a Study Group
If you’re an on-campus resident, the Academic Support Assistance Program (ASAP) is dedicated to helping you in the transition between residence hall life and the classroom. ASAP works to build and support an academic community that gives every opportunity for each student in the residence halls to achieve academic success. ASAP offers a variety of small group tutoring, study sessions, and other support to connect you with the academic resources available to you.
The Student Academic Services Center (SASC) is a multicultural advocacy and academic program designed to help eligible students perform successfully at the university level. We will assist all students in locating a qualified and trained tutors in a variety of subjects. SASC’s referral service provides lists of qualified tutors in various subjects for the entire university community. Get the details at www.colorado.edu/sasc.
Use Campus Resources
Check with your individual academic departments for subject-specific academic support, and explore the many resources available to you through CU-Boulder University Libraries—featuring the largest library collection in the Rocky Mountain region. Visit ucblibraries.colorado.edu for branch locations and additional information.
Want to kick your academic experience up a notch? Explore study abroad, honors, and other enrichment programs at www.colorado.edu/academics/enrichment.html.
Stay healthy
In the event of a health emergency, always call 9-1-1.
A successful student is a healthy student—and CU-Boulder provides a wide range of resources to help ensure your ongoing health and wellness while you’re a student here.
Wardenburg Health Center
Wardenburg Health Center’s convenient on-campus facility specializes in the health care needs of college students. We provide primary care; women’s health; mental health; sports medicine services (including physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic); laboratory and x-ray services; community health education; and a pharmacy. All CU students may use Wardenburg regardless of insurance provider.
For a complete description of the services we offer—as well as details on immunizations and other health questions—visit www.colorado.edu/healthcenter.
Have you selected or waived your health insurance plan? Because of the university’s policy of Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage, you will “default” into the Student Gold Health Insurance Plan and your tuition bill will be charged the plan premium for the semester if no other selection is made by the deadline (fall 2009—September 2, 2009; spring 2010—January 20, 2010).
Want quality on-campus health care for just $165 a semester? Select the Wardenburg Campus Care Plan for access to quality health care services at Wardenburg Health Center
Questions? Visit www.colorado.edu/studenthealthplans.
Student Recreation Center
Regular exercise is one of the best ways to make friends, relieve stress, and stay healthy. The Student Recreation Center offers a complete range of activities, including aerobics, weight rooms, cardio equipment, handball/racquetball/squash courts, an indoor hockey rink, three indoor basketball courts, a swimming pool with diving well, a sunbathing patio, two multiuse gymnasium, an indoor running track, a Cybex fitness systems room, a climbing wall, a ropes course, and more. Our popular intramurals and club sports programs also operate out of the rec center, with over 15,000 students participating.
Take advantage of all the sports and fitness opportunities available to you at www.colorado.edu/rec-center.
Counseling and Psychological Services
Being a college student can be incredibly stressful at times. With this in mind, Counseling and Psychological Services offers confidential counseling programs and activities for all CU-Boulder students, including individual counseling and therapy, group counseling, and workshops on issues like stress management, multicultural support, and coping with trauma.
Get the details at www.colorado.edu/sacs/counseling.
