Getting Involved

The best commencement photo op spots on campus

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 19:55:33 +0000

The best commencement photo op spots on campus Megan M Rogers Thu, 03/26/2026 - 13:55

Graduating soon? Capture memories that will last a lifetime by taking advantage of the beautiful photo opportunities across campus.

Traditional

White

Save big after graduation with Forever Buffs discounts

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 19:22:50 +0000

Save big after graduation with Forever Buffs discounts Megan M Rogers Thu, 03/26/2026 - 13:22

Graduating from 91��ý is more than a diploma—it also comes with perks and discounts. Here's a list of some of the awesome deals available to you as a new Forever Buff.

Traditional

White

Get involved with Graduate Student Appreciation Week, April 6–10

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:01:24 +0000

Get involved with Graduate Student Appreciation Week, April 6–10 Megan M Rogers Tue, 03/24/2026 - 15:01

Join faculty, staff and students in celebrating Graduate Student Appreciation Week, a national event that recognizes graduate students' many contributions to the university's community and academic excellence.

Traditional

White

Get a little bit of everything—A Boulder bucket list

Emma Holst — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:17:43 +0000

Get a little bit of everything—A Boulder bucket list Emma Holst Tue, 03/24/2026 - 08:17

Boulder is home to a vibrant local culture, from outdoor enthusiasts to artists and scholars and everyone in between. Whether you’re planning to graduate this spring or have several more years on campus ahead of you, be sure to take advantage of what Boulder has to offer.

This list will help you get started, featuring a little bit of everything from outdoor activities to locally owned restaurants. Take Boulder by storm before you fly the nest!

Outdoor activities

Sunset at Lost Gulch Overlook

Located off Flagstaff Road southwest of Boulder, the Lost Gulch Overlook is one of the most scenic spots along the Flatirons. Watching the sunset (or sunrise, if you want to wake up nice and early) along the mountains will take your breath away.

Learn more about accessing the overlook here.

Hike to the Royal Arch

If hiking is your style, the Royal Arch trail is a must. The trailhead is accessible from Chautauqua Park but know that this popular trail is quite rugged with steep steps, making it a moderate to difficult hike. Once you reach the Royal Arch itself, a natural stone arch surrounded by trees and a panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains, the hike is well worth it.

Learn more about hiking the Royal Arch trail here.

Pack a picnic for North Boulder Park

The grassy expanse in North Boulder Park is the perfect spot to relax on a warm spring day. Take a break from campus and do some people watching for an hour or two, made even better by a delicious picnic lunch and friends.

For some picnic lunch recommendations, stop by Snarf’s, Le Frigo or the Boulder Farmer’s Market, which starts in early April.

Attend a city of Boulder nature program

The city of Boulder regularly hosts free learning opportunities, programs and hikes. These range from stargazing to trivia nights to sunrise yoga. Part of living in Boulder is getting involved, and these free, open to the public activities are an excellent entry point—and fun!

Learn more about the nature programming here.

On campus

Stargaze at the Sommers-Bausch Observatory

Located next to Fiske Planetarium, the Sommers-Bausch Observatory hosts free open houses nearly every Friday evening when the skies are clear. Look through a telescope on the observing deck and be immersed in our starry skies.

Check out the open house schedule here.

Attend the Colorado Shakespeare Festival

While this is a trickier one to accomplish for out-of state students, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival is one of the longest-running programs on campus and the second longest-running Shakespeare festival in the nation. Hosted by CU Presents at the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, the festival takes place from May to August.

Browse this year’s festival offerings here.

Play games at the Media Archaeology Lab

Did you know 91��ý has a Media Archaeology Lab, home to classic games and gaming consoles? Located on the northwest side of campus, swing by to take a look at “vintage” technology and maybe play a game on the original Nintendo Entertainment System console from 1985.

Review the Media Archaeology Lab’s hours before visiting.

Listen to your professors jam

On most Tuesdays during the academic year, CU Presents hosts Faculty Tuesdays at the College of Music, where faculty members perform chamber music recitals alongside students and colleagues. This free series is available in person at Grusin Music Hall or via livestream.

See the Faculty Tuesdays schedule here.

Sunbathe on Farrand Field

This is a classic activity among 91��ý students, and these upcoming spring months are the best time to partake. Bring a blanket, some snacks and your homework and spend some of the afternoon soaking up the sun.

Explore the town

Tour the Celestial Seasonings Factory

Celestials Seasonings, known for their delicious teas, is based in Boulder. Factory visitors can partake in a fun and informative tour of the facility and taste test a variety of tea. Even if you aren’t interested in the tour, the Tea Bar and gift shop are open to everyone.

Learn more about Celestial Seasonings here.

See a Friday Night Weird film at the Dairy Arts Center

The Dairy Arts Center hosts a weekly program to spotlight the best in new and classic films, especially from marginalized voices. Catch a Friday Night Weird film and expand your cinematographic horizons. Plus, student tickets are only $11.

See the Friday Night Weird schedule here.

Peruse Boulder Bookstore

Boulder Bookstore has been a Pearl Street staple since 1973. This massive literary hub is filled to the brim with books, informative staff, author events, book clubs and more. Spend a couple hours selecting your next read, then maybe take it with you to North Boulder Park for that picnic.

Learn more about Boulder Bookstore here.

Take a bite

Enjoy teatime at Dushanbe Tea House

Every day between 3 and 5 p.m., Boulder Dushanbe Tea House hosts afternoon tea. Slip into this timeless ritual with a delicious, curated meal accompanied by freshly brewed teas. Alongside your sandwiches and treats, you can admire the gorgeous interior of the tea house, created by more than 40 skilled artisans in Tajikistan.

Learn more about Dushanbe Tea House here.

Dine at a local favorite restaurant

Boulder has a strong foodie culture and is even home to a few Michelin distinguished restaurants, like Frasca Food & Wine and Basta. To dine like a local, check out some of these favorite spots, especially among students: Aloy Thai, Zoe Ma Ma, Cosmo’s Pizza and Mustard’s Last Stand.

Lastly, senior year at 91��ý isn’t complete without a stop at The Sink.

Do a tour of local coffee shops

Boulder is host to a plethora of tea and coffee shops—there’s one on practically every corner. If you’re a caffeine fanatic, you could spend each weekend visiting a new coffee shop throughout the academic year. Some must-visit stops include roasteries like Verb, Ozo and Boxcar, and local shops like Beleza, Trident and Alpine Modern.

Make a day of it at The Rayback

Boulder’s only food truck park is also a hub for community events, people watching, puppy playdates and more. You could spend an entire afternoon relaxing in the sun with a great meal, a drink and some friends.

Learn more about The Rayback here.

Whether you're planning to graduate this spring or have several more years on campus ahead of you, be sure to take advantage of what Boulder has to offer.

Off

Zebra Striped

White

CU Beyond 1: Make it meaningful

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 20:40:36 +0000

CU Beyond 1: Make it meaningful Megan M Rogers Mon, 03/23/2026 - 14:40

CU Beyond 1 is a new program for students beyond their first year. It includes exclusive programs, events and experiences to help you connect, build skills and shape your college journey. Sign up and take your CU experience to the next level.

Traditional

White

Celebrate your way: Don't miss your cultural commencement celebrations

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 20:07:06 +0000

Celebrate your way: Don't miss your cultural commencement celebrations Megan M Rogers Mon, 03/23/2026 - 14:07

Register now for Cultural and Affinity Commencement Celebrations to be part of these meaningful graduation traditions. Everyone is welcome to celebrate the accomplishments and the communities that supported you along the way.

Traditional

White

Do you have an innovation that could make a difference?

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:44:13 +0000

Do you have an innovation that could make a difference? Megan M Rogers Wed, 03/18/2026 - 12:44

Whether a researcher, entrepreneur, inventor or problem-solver, the Starting Blocks Customer Discovery Workshop at Venture Partners can help you transform your concept into a successful venture. All are welcome—CU affiliation is not required.

Traditional

White

Celebrate Buffs Big Birthday March 24

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:22:06 +0000

Celebrate Buffs Big Birthday March 24 Megan M Rogers Wed, 03/18/2026 - 10:22

Get ready to celebrate 91��ý's 150th anniversary! Take photos with Chip and enjoy cupcakes at several locations across campus including the Rec Center, the Visual Arts Complex plaza, the Norlin Sundial plaza and the Center for Community.

Get ready to celebrate 91��ý's 150th anniversary! Take photos with Chip and enjoy cupcakes at several locations across campus.

Traditional

White

Vote in the CUSG spring elections

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:50:50 +0000

Vote in the CUSG spring elections Megan M Rogers Wed, 03/18/2026 - 09:50

Voting for the 91��ý Student Government spring elections will take place March 23–April 3. This election is your chance to choose student leaders and ballot items that shape life at 91��ý.

Traditional

White

3 takeaways from the Second Nature Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:40:57 +0000

3 takeaways from the Second Nature Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit Megan M Rogers Wed, 03/11/2026 - 13:40

On March 9, Chancellor Justin Schwartz spoke on the opening plenary panel, “20 Years In: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going?”, at the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit in Chicago. Hosted by Second Nature, with support from the Intentional Endowments Network, the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit is the premier annual gathering of higher education leaders committed to addressing the climate crisis.

Here are three key messages from Schwartz.

Climate goals are being infused into everything in higher education, not just campus operations.

Twenty years ago, a campus sustainability office was considered innovative. Today, sustainability is increasingly embedded across the entire university system, from curriculum and research to campus operations and community partnerships.

Chancellor Justin Schwartz speaking at the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit in Chicago.

At 91��ý, that means integrating sustainability across academics, operations, research and community impact. The university’s first vice chancellor for sustainability, Andrew Mayock, is building on decades of campus leadership in sustainability to expand sustainability-focused degrees and programs and embed climate-related courses across the curriculum. Sustainability is also visible across campus operations, from energy-efficient building renovations to eliminating single-use plastic beverage containers and transitioning campus transportation toward electric buses.

Students are also driving this change. Surveys show sustainability is a major factor in where students choose to enroll, and today’s students expect clear climate targets, transparency and measurable progress.

Despite the current federal context, higher education institutions are stepping up on climate.

Universities have long operated across shifting political environments, but their core mission—to pursue knowledge and follow scientific inquiry—remains constant. Institutions continue to advance climate research and education, even amid policy uncertainty or fluctuating federal funding.

At 91��ý, climate and environmental research remain central strengths, supported by world-class research institutes and partnerships with industry, government and local communities. These collaborations reinforce that climate research is not a political issue but one tied to workforce preparedness, innovation, resilience and economic opportunity.

New partnerships are accelerating climate innovation.

While funding disruptions and policy shifts create challenges, they are also prompting new partnerships and models for impact. Universities are increasingly collaborating with states, industry and philanthropy to accelerate innovation and collaborate on solutions to the most pressing challenge of our time: climate change.

At 91��ý, for example, the university is working with partners across Colorado to support emerging industries like quantum technology and to help communities transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. Programs such as Boulder Climate Ventures are also helping students launch startups focused on climate solutions.

Ultimately, solving the climate crisis will require collaboration across institutions, sectors and disciplines. No single university can solve it alone, but by working together, higher education can help build the solutions and prepare the next generation to lead them.

Announcing the Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability

The chancellor also announced the opening of applications for the inaugural Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability, of which 91��ý is the host institution.

The Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability is designed to recognize and celebrate higher education institutions that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and climate action as integral to their academic missions. The classification provides a rigorous framework for assessing and advancing sustainability efforts across curriculum, research, operations and community engagement.

As host institution, 91��ý provides the operational home for the initiative, supporting program management, application review and the development of a nationwide community of practice around sustainability in higher education.

Applications are now open, and all institutions can submit applications to elevate their sustainability efforts. Learn more about the application process.

On March 9, Chancellor Justin Schwartz spoke as part of the opening plenary panel, "20 Years In: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going?" at the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit in Chicago.

Zebra Striped

White

Getting Involved

The best commencement photo op spots on campus

Related Articles

Save big after graduation with Forever Buffs discounts

Related Articles

Get involved with Graduate Student Appreciation Week, April 6–10

Related Articles

Get a little bit of everything—A Boulder bucket list

Outdoor activities

Sunset at Lost Gulch Overlook

Hike to the Royal Arch

Pack a picnic for North Boulder Park

Attend a city of Boulder nature program

On campus

Stargaze at the Sommers-Bausch Observatory

Attend the Colorado Shakespeare Festival

Play games at the Media Archaeology Lab

Listen to your professors jam

Sunbathe on Farrand Field

Explore the town

Tour the Celestial Seasonings Factory

See a Friday Night Weird film at the Dairy Arts Center

Peruse Boulder Bookstore

Take a bite

Enjoy teatime at Dushanbe Tea House

Dine at a local favorite restaurant

Do a tour of local coffee shops

Make a day of it at The Rayback

Off

CU Beyond 1: Make it meaningful

Related Articles

Celebrate your way: Don't miss your cultural commencement celebrations

Related Articles

Do you have an innovation that could make a difference?

Related Articles

Celebrate Buffs Big Birthday March 24

Related Articles

Vote in the CUSG spring elections

Related Articles

3 takeaways from the Second Nature Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit

Climate goals are being infused into everything in higher education, not just campus operations.

Despite the current federal context, higher education institutions are stepping up on climate.

New partnerships are accelerating climate innovation.

Announcing the Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability

Related Articles