Are you a sophomore or junior seeking guidance on pursuing graduate school? Look no further than the McNair Scholars Program at CU Boulder—an opportunity designed to empower and support driven students like you. We support students who are first-generation college students with financial need or who come from an underrepresented background in preparing for competitive application to doctoral programs in their field. 

The McNair Scholars Program opens doors to a world of possibilities. Engage in hands-on research, benefit from personalized mentorship from CU faculty and graduate students, and access resources that will shape your academic and professional future. Learn about all our benefits at our website. 

Key program highlights

Research: Immerse yourself in cutting-edge research projects guided by experienced faculty.  

Mentorship: Receive one-on-one support to navigate the complexities of your academic journey and beyond. Become part of a close community of like-minded students who are navigating the same road to their academic goals. 

Funding: Receive funding to support your summer research project, travel to present your research at regional and national conferences and more.  

Why McNair?  

If you're a first-generation student from a low-income background who aspires to get a doctorate, the McNair Scholars Program is tailor-made for you. Join a community that celebrates diversity and fosters success. 

How to apply

Visit the program website to learn more about our federally defined eligibility criteria and the straightforward application process. Don't miss this chance to elevate your academic journey and become part of a community dedicated to your success. Priority application deadline is Jan. 30.

The McNair Scholars Program is not just a program; it's an opportunity to transform your academic experience. Apply now and embark on a journey of discovery, growth and achievement.

The New Venture Challenge (NVC)—a signature program of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative—is CU Boulder’s “flight simulator” for students and employees driven to create real-world impact through new startups, organizations and endeavors. 

The NVC Female Founders Competition is a multi-round entrepreneurial competition and signature program of CU Boulder’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative, led in collaboration with the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship. Teams with at least one female core team member can participate in this specialty competition and win up to $5,000! Registration closes March 13.

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 Feb. 5.
• 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 need you are serving. Make a direct impact, expand your network, learn new skills and make friends!

We invite nominations for UROP's Mentor Award from current undergraduates who have worked with the CU Boulder community on research or creative projects in any field of study (major).

Eligibility: Tenured/tenure-track research faculty, teaching faculty, postdocs and graduate students at CU Boulder and CU Anschutz are eligible for UROP's Mentor Award. 

Students are invited to nominate their mentors regardless of program funding, and we welcome submissions from early-stage researchers and creative practitioners. Students are able to submit group nominations by including a list of additional contributors on the form.

Nominations are due by 5 p.m. on April 12.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to take a brief survey to help Health and Wellness Services improve nutrition counseling services on campus. The survey closes Wednesday, Jan. 31.

Don't forget to submit your candidacy application for an advanced degree by Feb. 1.

Master's students are requested to submit to the Graduate School a candidacy application for an advanced degree. Students in a BAM or dual program are asked to meet this deadline. Applications follow a workflow process and must be approved by the academic department before they are directed to the Graduate School.

Do you know someone who exemplifies leadership? Nominate them for the CU Involvement Awards!

Each year the Center for Student Involvement and the Colorado Creed join together to recognize leadership and engagement across campus. We are seeking nominations of students, student organizations, faculty and staff who exemplify leadership and passion across the Boulder community.

Nominations are open Jan. 22–March 15.

The deadline for applying for DEI Impact Grant funding for the 2024–25 academic year is fast approaching, and faculty and staff interested in submitting proposals for their units are encouraged to do so by Feb. 13.

Prospective applicants interested in learning more about the program and how to apply for grants can register for virtual information sessions, including one taking place from 3 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 25. In addition, resources to support the development of seed grant proposals are available on the DEI Impact Grant SharePoint site.

The grant program is sponsored by the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Inquiries, questions and requests for additional support may be sent to DEI Program and Assessment Manager Lynda Duran at lynda.duran@colorado.edu. 

See a list of funded proposals for summer 2023 and the 2023–24 academic year, as well as the related resources page.

Remind your family to register for Family Day on Feb. 24. You and your family can spend time together, mingle with other Buff families and cheer on the men’s basketball team as they take on Utah! Learn more and register today.

Stay connected! Download the CU Boulder Life app to learn about upcoming events such as DIY nights, free movie screenings, trivia and so much more. Easily add events to your schedule, and find tips and resources to help in your academic journey.

From assistance with resolving legal issues to understanding your lease, Student Legal Services (SLS) has the expertise to help. Our attorneys provide high-quality legal services to eligible students at a fraction of the cost of a private attorney.

Services are available to all CU Boulder students who pay student activity fees. Learn how to schedule an appointment and what to expect.

During maintenance that affects the portals, such as the maintenance scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 21, remember that you can directly access Canvas and some other services that are provided through the portals.

Showcase your art in the heart of campus! The Student Arts Program collects original art created by the CU Boulder student community and displays it throughout the UMC.

Accepting art as: photography/film/technology, painting, drawing, sculpture or textile. Visit our website for a detailed list of acceptable media.

Awards will be given for top submissions. Artwork is reviewed by a panel of judges that decides which artwork is accepted into the program and where that artwork will be displayed. The UMC covers the cost of framing, hanging and securing the artwork.

The deadline to submit is Jan. 21.

The BFA Excellence Awards specifically recognize outstanding work and a concerted effort to make advances in the academy. The chancellor provides financial support for these prestigious awards, and a ceremony in the spring recognizes the winners and features a keynote by the Hazel Barnes Awardee for that year.

The BFA will select up to three winners in each category. Each winner receives a $5,000 monetary prize, along with a commemorative engraved plaque and gift bag. Nominations are open through the end of this month.

Faculty and staff have until Feb. 16 to nominate a student employee for the CU Boulder Student Employee of the Year Award, which recognizes and honors student employees for their contributions to the university community.