Published: Aug. 17, 2017

Numerous activities await new CU Boulder students beginning Monday, Aug. 21, including the annual welcome convocation, Folsom Field pep rally and Taste of CU food and music fest.

The free events, which last through Friday, Sept. 1, give new students a chance to get acquainted with each other and life at college as they transition to campus, while also supporting students’ families.

People pitch in during move-in.

Chip gets a lift during move-in 2016.

Faculty and staff will notice a temporary disruption in parking on campus. City of Boulder residents and commuters, too, are likely to encounter an uptick in traffic and activity in and around campus. For students and families, it means figuring out residence hall assignments and saying goodbye to family.

For everyone, it’s a time of great excitement and new possibility.

Parking, traffic impacts

During move-in the week of Aug. 20 (with the heaviest days being Aug. 22, 23 and 24) campus parking permit holders, commuters and those using meter or pay station parking—including faculty and staff members—can expect traffic congestion and limited access to parking lots.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to plan alternate transportation options to get to campus or take advantage of alternate work arrangements.

Move-in

New this year, the schedule for students to move into their residence halls is organized by college and academic program. Students who arrive during their scheduled move-in periods will receive support at quick-drop stations, getting help unloading cars and transporting items to rooms. 

Volunteers ready to help

Once again, CU Boulder faculty, staff and administrators along with community members will be among many volunteers, including returning students and student-athletes, who will help welcome new students and their families to campus.

They will help get residence hall students and their belongings where they need to be. They also will pitch in at numerous events. People interested in helping should sign up to volunteer through the Volunteer Resource Center.

Fall Welcome

Students attend convocation.

Convocation attendees stretch across a section of campus.

Among the countless activities planned for students and the campus community, key events include:

Aug. 24

  • CU Kickoff: New students gather at Folsom Field for a pep rally including an official welcome from the Division of Student Affairs, Colorado Athletics, the Residence Hall Association, CU Student Government and a special appearance by Ralphie.

Aug. 25

  • Convocation: Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano formally introduces students to the academic community at this mandatory event.
  • Taste of CU: Housing and Dining Services hosts the Buff community for food, live music and a chance to connect with others. 
  • Solo Cup Culture: Dynamic and humorous nationally-renowned speaker Jake Byczkowski guides a discussion about alcohol consumption and decision-making.

Aug. 26

  • Welcomefest: DRAM, Noname, Vanic and MTNMEN will perform at this one-night music festival for new and returning Buffs.

Aug. 30

  • Be Involved Fair: Students get a chance to discover the organizations that make up the CU Boulder community and find their niche.