Welcome Buff Families
We want every student and family to feel confident transitioning to CU Boulder. That starts with connecting to and understanding the resources you’ll use to register, pay tuition and complete orientation. You’ll find the information you need to help your student navigate academic and financial resources.
Orientation
Academic Advising
Academic advisors assist students in creating and achieving academic and career goals. Your student's advisor can help them:
- Develop a plan for course registration.
- Explore majors, minors and certificates.
- Understand degree requirements and degree audits.
- Learn how any AP, IB or transfer credit may count towards their degree.
- Provide support and guidance throughout their academic journey.
- Personalize their academic experience.
Advising for new students
Before your student schedules an academic advising appointment, they must complete their Online Experience. The Online Experience provides them with instructions for scheduling their appointment. Advising appointments can be completed via Zoom (an online video platform) or over the phone.
Course Registration
To enroll in classes, students use CU Boulder's online registration system. They do not need to be on campus in order to register. Students can enroll in classes during the following time frames:
- Their assigned enrollment dates.
- The schedule adjustment period.
- The open enrollment period through the add deadline.
Students can find their enrollment dates in their Buff Portal. We encourage students to register for classes as soon as their enrollment dates begin.
Registering for classes is a lot like shopping online. Students can search for classes and build their shopping cart using one of two systems: CU Boulder Class Search or Buff Portal. Learn more about instructions for class searches and enrolling in classes at the Office of the Registrar’s website.
Registration for New Students
Students need to complete their Online Experience before they are able to enroll in classes. Before choosing classes, students should:
- Complete any placement assessments that may be applicable. Your student will learn more about which placement assessments they should take in the Online Experience. If they have further questions after reviewing the Online Experience, they should ask their advisor.
- Schedule an appointment and meet with their advisor.
- Look at a sample 4-year plan. Students may be able to access this in their Online Experience depending on their college or school.
- Review their degree audit.
We encourage families to avoid registering for their students. Students should register themselves so they are prepared to do so independently when they are on campus. This is the first step in your student’s educational independence. It is important that they feel supported but free to decide.
Finances
The Bursar’s Office provides information about online billing, due dates, refunds and payment methods.
The Office of Financial Aid has information on applying for financial aid, scholarships and student job opportunities. Financial aid, including grants, loans and scholarships, will apply to the fall and spring tuition bills 10 days before the start of classes if all required paperwork is complete.
Safety
CU Boulder provides comprehensive safety resources for students and members of our campus community. We encourage students to learn about these resources and support a culture of personal responsibility to help us build a safe university community.
Student Privacy
Many parents and families are involved in their student's academic journey. However, once a student’s first semester begins, campus staff and faculty are legally required to follow the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA). This applies even when interacting with parents and families.
Your student has the option to sign a Consent to Release form. This form allows your student to decide which aspects of their education record they want to share and with whom it can be shared.