Student Involvement

CU Boulder has over 500 student organizations. Whether your student is interested in politics, outdoor activities, artistic expression, social justice or athletic competition, there’s something for everyone. Encourage your student to visit BuffConnect and explore student groups. They can also attend the Be Involved Fair or Involvement Fair to meet student groups on campus.

If your student can’t find a group that matches their interests, suggest they start an organization of their own! The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) is here to support student groups with planning events, raising funds and growing their organization.

If your student feels like they don’t have time to commit to a group, encourage them to attend campus events. This is another great way to get involved and meet new people. The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) hosts many free events throughout the year, including:

• I Love Mondays
• Ralphie’s Cooking Basics
• Buffalo Nites
• Programs through the Dennis Small Cultural Center.

Your student can also find hundreds of campus events on the CU Events Calendar.

Fraternity and sorority life offers:

• Friendships
• Leadership opportunities
• Community service and philanthropy
• Networking
• Social events
• And more!

Learn more by visiting the Fraternity & Sorority Life website.

Volunteering is a great way to get involved, both on campus and in the Boulder area. Your student can meet new people and make a positive difference in their community. Also, there are many opportunities to fit their schedule. Encourage your student to visit the Volunteer Resource Center (VRC) to get involved.

There are many options for students to get involved and find their fit at the CU Student Recreation Center:

• If your student participated in high school athletics, encourage them to look into intramural sports leagues or sport club teams.
• With more than 90 group fitness classes to choose from, The Rec is a great place for your student to try new activities! All classes are free to try the first week of each semester (Free Week).
• The Rec’s Outdoor Program offers a variety of student trips, courses and equipment rentals. Experts are here to help your student make the most of Colorado’s great outdoors.

There are many free events at The Rec tailored to provide a more inclusive experience for all students.

Leadership experience is always something that looks great on a résumé! CU GOLD provides free leadership development opportunities to all students. Students can register for the Core Leadership Program to attend seminars on a variety of leadership topics.

The Center for Inclusion & Social Change provides support for students across multiple identities, including those who identify as:

• Ethnically and culturally diverse
• Trans and queer
• Women and femme
• First-generation college students.

At the Center, your student can participate in community-building programs, educational workshops and inclusive events.

The First Buffs program supports first-generation college students. Students have opportunities to meet fellow Buffs, and build strong academic and social foundations for their academic journey.

Attending athletics events is a great way to participate in fun CU traditions with fellow Buffs. CU Boulder Athletics has 17 varsity sports, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, football and more. Some events are free with your student’s Buff OneCard. Your student can attend football and basketball games by purchasing the CU Sports Pass.

Aside from earning money, working on campus is a way for students to meet new people and gain work experience. From paid research studies to part-time student employment, there are many opportunities to work at CU Boulder.