Published: Aug. 11, 2016
Students helping during move in day

The University of Colorado Boulder is a hive of activity this week as thousands of new and returning students come to campus and prepare for the launch of a new academic year.  

For faculty and staff, it means a temporary disruption in parking on campus. For residents of Boulder and commuters, it means potentially more traffic and activity in and around campus than normal. 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

CU parking lot permit holders, commuters and those using meter or pay station parking should plan for impacts on parking beginning Tuesday evening, Aug. 16. Faculty and staff should also be aware that many campus parking lots will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 17 and 18. Faculty and staff are encouraged to use alternate transportation options to get to campus or take advantage of alternate work arrangements.

Regent Drive will be open only to vehicles displaying ‘MOVE-IN' permits from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Wednesday and Thursday.

Move-in

Most students move into campus residence halls from Aug. 16 to 18. During move-in, “Quick Drop Stations” will be designated around the residence halls where families can temporarily park while student and staff volunteers unload the vehicle. While their vehicle is being unloaded, students can check in with a photo ID at a check-in tent by their residence hall. Families with their vehicles will be directed to extended-term parking lots once everything is unloaded and the student has checked in. 

Find an overview of the move-in process indicating where to check in, where to park while dropping off belongings and where to park after unloading.

Volunteers helping out

Once again, CU Boulder faculty, staff and senior administrators along with community members will be among many volunteers who will help welcome students to campus and get them and their belongings where they need to be. (People interested in helping students move in should sign up through the Volunteer Resource Center.)

Fall Welcome

Fall Welcome events begin Monday, Aug. 15, and run through Sept. 2. Family programs are repeated on Wednesday, Aug.17, and Thursday, Aug. 18. Highlights include:

  • Bystander training Most everyone in the campus community will witness situations where help is needed, and what a bystander does may make all the difference. In this required, interactive session, students will explore the factors that hinder and promote helping and practice the range of skills for intervening effectively. Students must sign up to attend.
  • CU Kick-Off The Division of Student Affairs and Colorado Athletics jointly host the “CU Kickoff” at Folsom Field at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18. The event includes an official welcome from Residence Hall Association, CU Student Government, and Student Affairs, followed by a pep rally featuring CU coaches and the running of Ralphie. 
  • Fall Convocation The rite of induction into the CU Boulder academic community will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at the Coors Event/Conference Center. All new students are expected to attend. Students will hear from Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano, faculty, staff and student leaders, and will learn about the meaning and responsibilities of becoming CU Boulder students. 
  • Taste of CU This signature event hosted by Housing & Dining Services will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, on Farrand Field. It will feature food, music and a chance to connect with other new Buffs. Faculty and staff are also welcome.
  • Welcome Fest Illenium will headline the ever popular Welcome Fest from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at Farrand Field. Also joining the Welcome Fest bill is female rapper K.Flay.
  • Be Involved Fair Formerly the Student Involvement Fair, Volunteer Resource Fair and Campus Resource Fair, this event presents an opportunity for students to discover the organizations that make up the CU Boulder community. Campus partners, community organizations with volunteer opportunities in the Boulder area, and more than 400 student organizations are invited to meet new and returning students, showcase their involvement opportunities, collaborate with other student organizations, and network with partners in the community. The event runs from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24.

Get more information on the array of events happening every day during Fall Welcome and download the Guidebook mobile app, which includes event details, campus map and important campus contacts.