Spring 2025 New Students: Things to Do Before Classes Start
We sent this email at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, to domestic (not international) degree-seeking undergraduate students who were starting their CU Boulder career in Spring 2025.
Dear [first],
Welcome to CU Boulder! To help your first semester go smoothly, please make sure you've completed the following tasks.
___ Clear Your Holds & Complete Your To-Dos
Check your holds and to-dos in Buff Portal for specific action items.
___ Submit Your Final Official Transcript(s)
Final official transcripts should be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from the issuing institution by mail or to transcripts@colorado.edu as soon as they are available. Without your official transcripts, CU won’t be able to let you register or apply financial aid to future semesters.
___ Apply for and Authorize the College Opportunity Fund (In-State Undergrads Only)
The College Opportunity Fund (COF) is Colorado's way of financially supporting its in-state undergraduates. There's no limit to the number of eligible undergrads who receive it, and you never have to pay it back. If you haven't already, complete two steps to opt in: 1) submit the one-time COF application and 2) authorize the use of COF funds. Visit the COF card in Buff Portal to check your status.
___ Register with Selective Service (Males Ages 18–25 Only)
If you were assigned male at birth and are between the ages of 18 and 25, federal law requires that you complete a one-time Selective Service registration. See Register with Selective Service for more information.
___ Grant Parents Access to Education Records
Once classes begin, the university can no longer communicate with parents about your education record, including financial aid information because it’s protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Granting access is optional, but encouraged if your parent is helping you with financial aid. See FERPA Consent to Release for more information.
___ Complete any Required Loan Documents
If you accepted a federal student loan, be sure to complete the required entrance counseling and Master Promissory Note (MPN).
Have Questions?
Contact us remotely using the links below or visit us in person once you're on campus—our offices are located on the first floor of the Regent Administrative Center.