Published: March 30, 2016
 Students pushing carts of their belongings for move in day

Last fall, CU-Boulder implemented a new move-in process to reduce traffic and impact on the community while ensuring the first experience incoming families and students have at the university is a positive one. CU-Boulder Today talked with the campus professionals who are planning this year’s event, scheduled to begin the evening of August 16, and continue through Aug. 17 and 18.

The planning team – representing academic, student and administrative units - reported that the successful reduction in traffic impacts resulted in rave reviews from students, their families, city government and the surrounding community.  

Key among the process updates this year is a much longer notification timeline to the campus and clear communication of options for campus parking permit holders. This fall, campus permit holders will have a variety of parking options.

First, please note, any events that require parking for attendees should be scheduled outside of the move-in dates. Departments can plan ahead for personnel and parking, by coordinating any mandatory events with the Move-In and Fall Welcome teams to avoid scheduling conflicts. Contact them at welcome@colorado.edu.

Once again, campus community members are encouraged to take advantage of alternate work arrangements during the affected days. The university offers many support platforms for remote work, and supervisors are encouraged to facilitate alternate work arrangements including flex time and granting leave when possible.

The campus community should expect the majority of the main campus parking lots to be closed on the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 16 through Wednesday, Aug. 17 and Thursday, Aug. 18.

Lots on East Campus will be open, and all current permit holders may use these lots on a space-available basis. Both the Discovery Express and the Stampede will be running, and the transportation schedules will be coordinated with major events to ensure maximum transportation support of faculty and staff involved in welcoming our incoming class.

Individual permit holders will receive information specific to their lot and their parking options - which will include some limited openings of main campus lots - over the summer. Updates will be posted on a move-in specific website in May.

While the reduction in traffic was a huge factor in parents and students having a positive experience last year, what really impressed them were the faculty, staff and senior administrators who were there to greet them personally. The Volunteer Resource Center will again issue a call for volunteers as the new academic year approaches, and all campus community members are encouraged to participate. Fall Welcome will be held Aug. 15 through Sept. 2.

The Move-in and Fall Welcome teams invite you to share your feedback and ideas via email to welcome@colorado.edu.