Boulder County has shifted from medium to low community level for COVID-19 transmission, per guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To be considered low, the county must report fewer than 200 COVID-19 cases per 100,00 people in the past seven days, less than 10 new COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 people in the past seven days and less than 10% of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients.  

The shift to low indicates that, although COVID-19 is still being transmitted in Boulder County, the risk of COVID infection has decreased. Prevention measures––such as getting vaccinated, getting tested and staying home when sick––are the best ways to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy.  

As part of a recent NSF grant awarded to CU Research Computing to support the “ACCESS” project, the new CSSN Community Engagement Program offers free conference travel support for all students, faculty and staff. This is a wonderful program for free travel funding to any conference of your choosing.

We are very interested in a wide variety of disciplines contributing to our effort, so if you have any questions at all about how you might fit in or would like guidance on your submissions, please feel free to contact Alana Romanella at alana.romanella@colorado.edu for assistance.

Help CU brainstorm name ideas for our two new electric Buff Buses! The top name ideas will be selected by the transportation committee, and then the community will be asked to vote to determine the two winning names.

The deadline to submit name ideas is Feb. 1. Voting will run Feb. 8–10, and the winners will be announced the week of Feb. 13. Get details and submit.
 

Welcome back, Buffs! Find the software you need for classes at no cost or specially reduced rates in OIT’s Software Catalog.

During maintenance that affects the portals, such as the maintenance scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 22, remember that you can directly access Canvas and some other services that are provided through the portals.

The world awaits! Get credit abroad with CU faculty over three to six weeks this summer. The deadline to apply has been extended to Feb. 1. (All students with financial need will receive a Buffs Abroad Scholarship.)

Underground Paris (FREN 3450)

Paris, France | May 15–June 3
Learn about the figurative "underground" of Paris' forgotten/hidden history while exploring its physical underground of catacombs, jazz caves and metro. Delve into contemporary uses of memory and memory politics.

Exploring Ancient Mexican Peoples & Ruins (ANTH 4300)

Oaxaca, Mexico | May 15–30
Explore the history of Mexico prior to colonization by visiting ancient archaeological sites, including ongoing excavation of a 1,200-year-old city. Discover the diverse cultures of the Zapotec, Mixtec and Chatino peoples.

Filmmaking Abroad: Acting & Directing (THTR/CINE 3020)

Edinburgh, Scotland | May 21–June 10
You’ll get hands-on experience with all aspects of a film shoot on location. Learn from professional filmmakers and visit film-specific sights in a city with a very vibrant arts community.

Culture, History & Literature (SPAN 3260, SPAN 3290)

Rosario & Buenos Aires, Argentina | May 27–July 1
Study in part of the Mercosur, one of the most important emerging economic markets. Live with a host family that is only Spanish-speaking to enhance your language skills, and enjoy tango and cooking classes.

Voices of Vienna (ENES 3720)

Vienna, Austria | May 30–June 14
Attend the opera, tour palaces, visit Freud’s favorite coffee shop, and retrace Beethoven’s footsteps. Learn about the region’s history by visiting Mauthausen Concentration Camp and seeing the spectacular Melk Abbey.

Sex, Religion & Politics in a Modern Viking World (SCAN 3101)

Oslo & Bergen, Norway | May 31–June 15
Explore Norwegian culture and history through museums, concerts and castles. Experience stunning geography in a cross-country train ride and participate in the famous Bergen International Festival.

The Athlete as a National Symbol (ETHN 3704)

Athens, Greece | June 3–25
Examine sports and the role of the athlete in the birthplace of the Olympic games. Activities range from guided tours of Athens' most famous spots to an optional surfing class and excursions to Naxos and Santorini.

Writing in Ireland (WRTG 3020)

Dublin, Ireland | June 5–23
Use archival research, personal journaling and ethnographic research to build your own “Irish Odyssey” digital story. You'll explore both Dublin and the Irish countryside, including taking part in the exciting Bloomsday Festival.

Literary London: Shakespeare On-Site (ENGL 3300)

London, England | June 5–27
Study the world’s greatest playwright in one of the world’s greatest cities. See four live Shakespeare plays at the Globe Theatre and other locations, and visit Stratford-upon-Avon and Hampton Court Palace.

Primates of Vietnam (ANTH 3770)

Ho Chi Minh City, Cat Tien, Da Nang, Vietnam | June 7–28
Experience biodiversity up close by exploring the flora and fauna of national parks. Meet Vietnamese researchers and students who work in conservation organizations, and enjoy Vietnam’s world famous street food and coffee culture.

Conservation & Indigenous Peoples in Tanzania (ANTH 4020)

Arusha, Tanzania | June 9–25
Explore remote conservation areas around the Serengeti as well as coastal communities. Study political ecology and development while living amongst indigenous groups such as the Maasai and Hadzabe people.

The following four programs offer an automatic $500 scholarship in addition to Buffs Abroad need awards!

Urban Geography, Society & Culture (GEOG 3842)

Prague, Czech Republic | May 15–June 2
Examine the impact of history, migration, gender, race and sexuality on the urban landscape of contemporary Prague. Explore castles, picturesque Czech towns, and visit the world's oldest functioning glass factory.

Lisbon as a Global City: Cosmopolitanism, Diversity & Innovation (PORT 3170)

Lisbon, Portugal | June 1–30
Experience different backgrounds in order to promote social awareness and inclusiveness. Complete your Global Diversity requirement while exploring the differing neighborhoods of a multicultural city.

Exploring Social Justice through Teaching English (LING 4640)

Yerevan, Armenia | June 11–July 1
Explore one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with close proximity to stunning monasteries, great hiking, temples, lakes and Dilijan National Park. Interact with English language learners during practicum in an Armenian classroom with local teachers.

Expeditions & Adventure in Ecuador (LAMS 3000)

Quito, Ecuador | July 16–30
Retrace the expeditions of La Condamine, Humboldt and Darwin from a cultural perspective. Visit iconic places around the country like the Galapagos Islands to learn about Ecuador's scientific and cultural richness.

Get in touch with Ed Abroad to open an application. It only takes a few minutes, no commitments, and many scholarships are available!

The University Libraries welcomes students back to campus after winter break. We've got all your needs covered, from access to our collections, answers to your research questions, study rooms and more. 

CU Anschutz researchers in the Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes are looking for healthy men and women to study the effects of sleep disruption on bone health. 

You may qualify for this study if you:

• Are 20–40 years old 
• Habitually sleep 7–9 hours per night  
• Have not done night-shift work in the past year  
• Do not currently smoke 
• Are fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2

Involvement includes:

• Measurements of bone mineral density
• Completion of sleep questionnaires/assessments
• Sleep with a simulated night-shift schedule or normal sleep schedule
• A general physical exam
• Activity monitoring with a wrist monitor
• Blood/urine collection
• Arterial line placement
• Two inpatient stays (four nights each)

The total study duration is up to six weeks of participation. You will receive up to $1,500 and a FitBit for your time. 

If interested, email spotlight@cuanschutz.edu for study details, or complete the prescreening survey.

The UMC Board knows that CU’s student leaders make a difference. We encourage you to apply for the James E. Schafer Scholarship for student leaders. Each award is for $1,000.

If you have been involved in a CUSG-recognized student group or organization for at least one full semester and meet the other criteria, you are eligible to apply!

The deadline is Sunday, Feb. 12. Applications are available on the UMC website.

The UMC is accepting applications from student organizations for free office space or lockers for fall 2023. 

A central office is a fantastic way for your recognized student organization to become more accessible and productive, which will help you grow membership, promote your message and fulfill your mission. In addition, the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) has lockers available for student organizations to use.

Groups that currently have space must reapply! Applications must be submitted by Feb. 12 at noon. Apply online. 

Looking for an ongoing volunteer experience that will challenge you to grow and learn as an active member of the Boulder community? Apply for the Volunteer Placement Program!

Here’s how:

• Apply for the program by noon Feb. 19.
• Get matched with a community partner based on your interests and skills.
• Accept a placement.
• Commit to direct service for 30 total hours during the semester.

Learn about the community you are serving. Make a direct impact, expand your network, learn new skills and make friends! Applications open Jan. 2.

Would you like some added support as you prepare to move into private-sector work? Salute Colorado, a local non-profit, offers mentors, networking events and educational programs to support your transition from military service to civilian career. 

As a veteran student, you are a candidate for FREE support, networking and mentorship in Salute Colorado's 2-year “Valor Journey” program. The program can continue after graduation; it’s not limited to your time enrolled in classes.  Act now since the deadline for applications is Feb. 15.

If interested, complete the expression of interest form to learn more. More information can be found at the Salute Colorado website. 

For immediate information, contact Annette Kissinger, program director. She would be more than happy to answer any questions for you.

Email phishing attacks often come during holidays when campus IT support has reduced hours. Even when you can’t contact the IT Service Center, there are still clues to help you figure out if an email is legitimate or a phishing attempt.

The CU Boulder campus will have reduced services and operations Monday, Dec. 26, through Friday, Dec. 30. During these days, all academic and administrative offices will be closed. However, areas providing essential services will remain open. CU Boulder will resume normal weekday operations on Monday, Jan. 2.

Frequently used campus resources

• Campus Events Calendar: A comprehensive listing of events and deadlines at CU Boulder.
• Campus news: CU Boulder Today shares the life of the campus.
• University Libraries: Peruse this vast resource, including online collections and more.
• Apply to CU Boulder: Be here. The 2023 application is open.

While on winter break

• 4 tips for finding joy over the holidays
• University Libraries media recommendations for winter days
• 9 things to do in Boulder over winter break
• 5 winter break survival tips

The University Libraries will have limited hours during the winter break, and we will be closed Dec. 23–30 with the university to allow employees time off during the holiday season.