As part of the campus and wider Boulder communities, we all play a role in keeping each other safe. Here are some tips and reminders before fall semester begins.
From the Division of Student Affairs: Being a Buff
As the fall semester gets underway, it’s a great time to reflect on what it means to be a Buff. A big part of that is role modeling our shared values within the campus and community beyond.
The Colorado Creed is a social responsibility code started and run by students. It is a way of life and reminder to act with honor, integrity and respect for our campus and Boulder communities.
Additionally, being a Buff means:
- We keep each other safe and look out for one another.
- We respect and appreciate our neighbors.
- We understand how our choices may affect others.
We live by these shared values wherever we are—both on and off campus.
Use student resources like CU NightRide, which allows you to request free evening transportation to and from any location within Boulder city limits. Whether you need to travel across campus or to a neighborhood in Boulder, CU NightRide student drivers can get you there.
Be sure to introduce yourself to your neighbors this week, and throughout the year, be considerate and respectful to those around you. Be mindful of loud noise, trash or large gatherings at your residence. If you have plans to host a party, let your neighbors know, register your party and follow city and county ordinances.
During your time in college, you might make some mistakes—and that’s okay. We can help you learn and grow from your mistakes, and the Division of Student Affairs is here to support you every step of the way.
From the CU Boulder Police Department: Campus safety
At the CU Boulder Police Department, which is part of CU Boulder’s Division of Public Safety, your safety is our top priority. While our campus is both beautiful and safe, no campus is immune to crime.
Please bookmark and become familiar with the CU Boulder Alerts website. CU Boulder has three levels of emergency notification. Learn how, when and why officials alert our community about emergencies and other situations.
When the health and safety of a fellow Buff is at risk, calling for help is always the right thing to do. Simply call or text 911 to be connected to a CU Boulder police or Boulder police dispatcher, who can help. Not sure if what you’re seeing is an emergency? Call anyway and let the professionals evaluate the situation.
CU Boulder has a robust approach to identifying and sharing concerns. When in doubt about others’ safety, share your concerns and seek out referrals and resources so that others can provide assistance and support. CUPD promotes Safe2Tell as an anonymous option to share information.
Living in a residence hall? CUPD’s residential service officers (RSOs) are another point of connection for students. RSOs support safety, providing education and appropriate enforcement of lower-level violations. If you receive an administrative citation or warning, use that as an opportunity to consider safer, more considerate behavior choices and to reflect upon how your decisions impact yourself and the community.
From the Boulder Police Department: Living in Boulder
People often refer to the university as a ‘city within a city,’ and that is very true. The Boulder Police Department strives to be a premier law enforcement agency and a model of excellence in policing by creating partnerships, building trust, reducing crime and improving the quality of life for our community.
If you live off campus and experience an emergency at home or anywhere in the city, we are your first responders. As always, call 911 to be connected to our emergency dispatch center.
We encourage all members of the Boulder community to opt-in to receive alerts for city and countywide emergencies or disasters.
In addition, please remember to avoid illegal fireworks, which pose a real threat to life and property, especially since fire danger has become a year-round problem in Colorado. Setting off fireworks can also negatively impact the health and wellness of your neighbors and our community. Possible legal penalties include fines and possible jail time.
Boulder would not be the fabulous city it is today without the university. Welcome to campus and to town!
You’re a Buff wherever you are
Please remember, we are here to support you and want to see you succeed. Your experience at CU Boulder will not be defined by one moment. Your time here will be a culmination of experiences both in and out of the classroom—it’s up to you on how you choose to get involved and be in community with others. And however you define your experience, it’s on all of us to uphold what it means to be a Buff in everything we do.
We hope you have a great start to the fall semester. Take care of yourselves, look out for each other and remember that you’re a Buff wherever you are.
Here’s to a successful and safe fall semester!
D’Andra Mull
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
CU Boulder
Doreen Jokerst
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Safety
Chief of Police
CU Boulder
Stephen Redfearn
Interim Chief of Police
Boulder Police Department