This week brings to campus a high-profile political debate, VolunteerFest, the Campus Sustainability Summit, a visit by Rebel Wilson, the Slavic Spring Festival and more.

Monday, April 13

Conference on World Affairs

  April 13–16   In person and livestream
From global perspectives to personal stories, the 78th annual Conference on World Affairs will bring together bold ideas and meaningful dialogue you won’t want to miss. Come ready for incredible speakers and timely conversations exploring the issues shaping our world today. Explore this year’s lineup and build your schedule.

Student Employee Appreciation Week: Paint Your Own Tote Bag

  1–4 p.m.   UMC 247
Paint, decorate and take home your own tote bag, while supplies last.

Landing a Job or Internship

  5–6 p.m.   Virtual
Don’t know where to start or feeling stuck in your job search? No problem! Join Career Services to learn about strategies for finding, applying for and successfully getting jobs and internships. Topics covered will be customized to students in the room but may include: where to search online, how to lean on your own network, attending fairs and virtual recruiting events, alternative ways to connect with employers, setting application materials ready, how to interview and any other questions on your mind.

VolunteerFest: The Grotto

  4–7 p.m.   Village Center, The Grotto
Make an impact at VolunteerFest! Join this hands-on service event where you will dive into quick service projects to create big change in our community. No experience needed; stay as long as you are able!

Guided meditation: Circling the Sun–Savoring Peace within the Planetary Dance

  5–6 p.m.   Fiske Planetarium
Join this fully-immersive, multi-sensorial guided mediation to cultivate ease of mind and profound peace before finals. Students, staff and faculty are all warmly welcomed. Guided by Matthew Tomatz, experienced meditation facilitator, yoga teacher and psychotherapist with Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS). Arrive on time so the meditation is not disturbed. No late admittance. Free admission on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 4:30 p.m. (30 minutes prior to the start of the event).

John Bolton and Susan Rice to debate America's superpower future at CU Boulder

  7–8:30 p.m.   UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom
Two former U.S. national security advisers will face off in this high-profile debate on whether the United States is "committing superpower suicide" at the 78th Conference on World Affairs.

Tuesday, April 14

Checkmate & Chill

  3–5 p.m.   C4C N320
Looking for a cool spot to relax, meet new friends and dive into the world of chess? Checkmate & Chill is the place to be! Whether you're a chess newbie, a seasoned player or just here for the good vibes, this series has something for everyone. Swing by to learn the game, challenge your buddies or simply enjoy some great company. Come for the strategy; stay for the fun!

Startups2Students

  5–7 p.m.   CASE Chancellor’s Lounge
Are you looking for a job or internship? Explore the exciting world of startups! At Startups2Students, you will have the opportunity to hear startups pitch their companies and learn about open projects, internships and jobs. What is a startup? A startup is a young company or organization founded to develop a unique product or service and bring it to market. Startups typically focus on innovation and aim for rapid growth. This event will focus mostly on companies less than 10 years old that are based in Colorado.

Pre-Law Tuesday Talk

  5:30 p.m.   Virtual
Hear from admissions deans at law schools nationwide about their schools and their admission process. Hosted by the Pre-Law Office and Phi Alpha Delta.

Poker Night

  7 p.m.   The Connection
Ready to raise, bluff and go all in? Join our free Texas Hold’em tournament—no pressure, just cards, competition and a shot at some sweet prizes. Free to enter; open to all skill levels; prizes for top finishers. Sign-up starts at 6 p.m. at the front desk.

Wednesday, April 15

Campus Sustainability Summit

  8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.   UMC
For the past 33 years, the Campus Sustainability Summit has been bringing together sustainability-minded community members to innovate, create impact and inspire collective action. Attend the summit to: discover how sustainability connects to your interests; connect with peers, faculty and campus leaders; explore ways to get involved with sustainability; and take action.

Native Spring Foraging: Outdoor Adventures

  3–4 p.m.   C4C Abrams Lounge
Ready to dive into the world of edible Native plants? The Native Foraging Series is back, and it's packed with exciting sessions you won't want to miss! This week, learn how to forage edible Native plants on an outdoor service-learning excursion to the High Plains Environmental Center. Transportation and food provided. Please wear comfortable shoes. Meet in C4C Abrams Lounge (third floor) before heading out. Registration is required and space is limited.

An Evening with Rebel Wilson

  7 p.m.   Macky Auditorium
Join the Distinguished Speakers Board for an evening with actress, comedian and producer Rebel Wilson.

Thursday, April 16

Handshake Help Center: Getting the Most out of Your Handshake Account at CU Boulder

  11–11:45 a.m.   Virtual
Looking for an on-campus job, internship or a full-time opportunity after graduation? In this workshop, learn how to make the most of Handshake to land opportunities that match your goals. Whether you’re just getting started or already using the platform, this is your chance to ask questions, get tips and connect with other students and alumni. It will cover: how to effectively use Handshake to find on-campus jobs, internships and full-time opportunities; tips and tricks to make your profile stand out to employers; utilizing additional Handshake features like job collections, networking and industry research; and Handshake resources like the Help Center and Student Blog.

Student Employee Appreciation Week: Wellness in the Backyard

  11 a.m.–2 p.m.   Koenig Alumni Center
Take a break with therapy dogs, chair massages, DIY glitter bottles and more!

Red Sunflower Seed Pickup: Grow Campus History

  1–3 p.m.   Norlin Library, east entrance
Pick up your red sunflower seeds and plant a piece of CU Boulder history in celebration of the university’s 150th anniversary. Seeds will be available April 16 and 22 inside the east entrance of Norlin Library from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Seed packets can also be picked up at the Ask a Librarian desk in Norlin and each of the campus libraries’ service desks starting April 16.

Opening Reception: Fairy Tales and Powers of Wonder: Here Be Dragons! Exhibition

  2–3:30 p.m.   Norlin Library, third floor, outside of N345
Attend the opening reception of Norlin Library’s new exhibition, "Fairy Tales and Powers of Wonder: Here Be Dragons!" Attendees will be able to chat with the curators and learn more about the exhibition. Light refreshments will be served.

Lug Your Mug

  2–4 p.m.   SEEC atrium
Stop by with your reusable cup/mug for free coffee and tea. Lug your mug and ditch single-use products! Milk, creamers and sugar provided.

Native Arts and Crafts Night

  5–6:30 p.m.   C4C N320
Join your fellow Buffs for Native arts and crafts. This is a casual makerspace to build community and work on projects. Some materials will be provided, and you can also bring your own projects to work on.

Free Fiske Thursdays

  7–8 p.m.   Fiske Planetarium and Space Center
Grab your Buff OneCard and head over to Fiske Planetarium to enjoy Free Fiske Thursdays! All 7 p.m. shows and star talks are free for CU Boulder students on Thursdays. 

Radio Prom! Wizard Edition

  7–10 p.m.   Junkyard Social Club
KVCU Radio 1190's annual Radio Prom is back and more magical than ever! Join your friends from Radio 1190 for a wizard-themed evening including live DJs, a costume contest, prizes, superlatives, the Junkyard playground and food from the Los Dos Bros taco truck. Free to all!

Philharmonia Orchestra: 'Homage and Reformation'

  7:30–9 p.m.   Imig Music, Grusin Music Hall   Livestream
The CU Boulder Philharmonia Orchestra presents “Homage and Reformation,” featuring composers inspired and influenced by great masters, themes and ideals of the past to help light their paths forward. 

Program Council presents: Club 156 Show

  8–10 p.m.   The Connection
Come on down to Club 156 for live music with the Music Industry Club! Presented by CU Boulder Program Council.

Friday, April 17

Student Employee Appreciation Week: Coffee Sips + Resume Tips

  11 a.m.–2 p.m.   C4C S350
Stop by for coffee and get quick resume feedback. We'll help you translate your job experience into strong, transferable skills.

Sidewalk Symposium

  11 a.m.–3 p.m.   Visual Arts Complex Plaza
The Arts and Sciences Honors Program and Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) invite undergraduate students to share their research and creative works on campus walkways using nothing but chalk. Projects at any stage are welcome. A professional chalk artist will be onsite to support students as they create their chalk presentations.

Roll with the Facts: Cannabis Trivia

  Noon–2 p.m.   UMC atrium
Cannabis is legal in Colorado for both medical and recreational use—but what are the risks? Test your knowledge about weed and learn more about safer cannabis use during this interactive 4/20 event. Explore common myths and facts, understand potential health impacts and pick up tips for making informed choices.

Spring Fling Climbing Night

  Noon–9 p.m.   Rec Center, Climbing Gym
Shake off those winter blues and welcome spring with fun climbing challenges and good vibes! Free for climbing gym members or with a day pass.

Afternoon Movie Series

  1–4 p.m.   C4C N238
Grab your friends and settle in for a relaxed afternoon exploring disability representation in film. From animated favorites like "Finding Nemo" to thought-provoking documentaries like "Asperger’s Are Us," dive into how disability shows up in pop culture and media.

Slavic Spring Festival

  4–6 p.m.   Varsity Lake
Don't miss the annual Slavic Spring Festival with a featured cultural performance by the local ethnic choir group: Planina: Songs of Eastern Europe. Traditional treats will be served.

FRESH: Spring 2026

  7:30 p.m.   Charlotte York Irey Theatre
Enjoy a potential mix of hip-hop, fusion forms and improvised offerings crafted by undergraduate and graduate dance students. Can't make it? The show will run again on April 18.