The Office of Information Technology is happy to announce some exciting updates to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) review process that are designed to make the experience smoother and more efficient. The ICT review process is required for any product whose principal function involves creating, storing, managing or transmitting university information.

Visit the OIT website to learn more about this process, the improvements made, and where to start if you’re purchasing software for the university.

Graduate students, mark your calendars for these April 1 and April 2 graduation deadlines.

April 1

Graduate students who plan to have their degrees awarded in August but would like to be listed in the commencement program must apply online to graduate through Buff Portal on the “apply for graduation” card. Doctoral students must also enter their dissertation title as part of the graduation application. Though you plan to participate in the May ceremony, please select August 2026 as the semester of graduation if that is when your degree will be awarded. 

April 2

Doctoral students must complete the PhD dissertation defense or final examination by this date. Notice of the examination must be provided to the Graduate School using the doctoral final examination form two weeks before the exam, a minimum of two weeks (but no more than four weeks) before the exam. 

The CU Challenge Course offers a hands‑on way for faculty and staff teams to strengthen communication, trust and collaboration through guided activities. It’s a meaningful opportunity to connect, build shared skills and invest in a healthier, more effective team culture.

The Division of Arts and Humanities and the Art Buffs Collective (ABC) are offering a $5,000 stipend to undergraduate students in good academic standing who have a major in the College of Arts and Sciences and those currently in the Program in Exploratory Studies.

The stipend is offered to support students in their creative efforts during their summer internship, regardless of major, field or discipline. We aim to support them in demonstrating to campus and beyond how Boulder students know and create their “ABCs."

We'll also support the path to finding a summer internship if a student hasn't secured one yet, and they'll still receive the $5,000 stipend when they do.

Details

Who: All students who have a major in the College of Arts and Sciences and those currently in the Program in Exploratory Studies are encouraged to apply.
What: Art Buffs Collective Summer 2026 internship stipend
When: The application deadline is April 5. Apply now.

During campus portal maintenance, which is next scheduled for Sunday, March 29, you can still access Canvas and some other campus services through direct links (e.g., canvas.colorado.edu). Learn more from OIT.

The CU Challenge Course experience gives your student organization a chance to level up together through fun, safe and hands‑on team activities. Whether you’re a new group or looking to strengthen your crew, you’ll build communication, trust and leadership skills while tackling challenges, games and more. It’s a great way to bond, try something new and boost your team’s confidence.

CU Boulder scientists are conducting a research study comparing chemical concentrations between menstrual blood, circulating blood and urine. 

Eligibility requirements include:

• 18 years or older
• Not currently or trying to become pregnant
• A regular user of a menstrual cup; willing to use a study-provided cup to collect a menstrual sample

Participants will be compensated for their time and effort in the form of a $25 Amazon gift card. Please contact perio.studies@colorado.edu for more information!

Instructors have received ongoing email communications requesting book and course materials information for fall 2026 courses. As a reminder, campus policy states that departments are required to identify what books and other course materials are required for their classes—or if a course will have no required materials or will utilize open education resources (OER)—by the day of registration. 

Getting accurate information from instructors is critical to the success of the CU Book Access program, which provides degree-seeking undergraduate students access to their required course materials by the first day of class for a flat rate each semester, and also ensures the timely distribution of course materials for graduate students.

The CU Book Store also provides course material information to the University Libraries, allowing them to build collections and course reserves to support teaching.

The CU Book Store has designated a staff member to facilitate any faculty needs, Ryan Windle: ryan.windle@colorado.edu, 303-492-3421.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this faculty responsibility.

Tuesday, March 24, is the last day for undergraduate and graduate students to complete a class withdrawal or change pass/fail status for a full-semester Main Campus class.

The Division of Public Safety today launched a process of transitioning its social media channels from CU Boulder Police Department (@cuboulderpolice) to CU Boulder Division of Public Safety (@CUBoulderDPS). 

The renaming process is taking place across Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X. While the process for X, Facebook and YouTube are complete, the process for Instagram is still underway because of technical difficulties, with a resolution time potentially being lengthy. 

Current followers will automatically remain connected, and emergency alerts will continue to appear on X and Facebook, ensuring the community maintains uninterrupted access to fast, critical information during urgent situations. 

Read more on CU Boulder Today.

CollegeInvest is Colorado’s official 529 savings program, designed to help families plan for future education costs. These savings plans offer tax-deferred growth and tax-free qualified withdrawals for education expenses such as tuition, books and housing.

Contributions are flexible, can be adjusted at any time and offer potential Colorado state income tax benefits depending on your circumstances. Additionally, through CU’s voluntary benefit, employees also have the option to set up payroll contributions, making it easier to save consistently throughout the year.

With new programs like First Step and upcoming educational webinars, there’s never been a better time to explore what a 529 plan can do for you.

Wildfires can happen at any time of year in Colorado, which makes fireworks particularly dangerous in the Boulder area. Setting off fireworks also negatively impacts the health and wellness of your neighbors and our community.

The city of Boulder’s firework laws are more restrictive than other areas of Colorado. Laws prohibit items like sparklers, snaps, snakes, bottle rockets, Roman candles and smoke bombs, in addition to fireworks that leave the ground or explode. You may also be held responsible for fireworks used by roommates and guests.

Possible legal penalties include:

• Fines up to $2,650
• Court fees
• Possible arson charges
• Possible jail time
• Liability for property or personal injury damages

You will also be referred to Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution at CU Boulder.

Unused fireworks can be brought to the city of Boulder Public Safety Building at 1805 33rd St. without penalty. Connect with ⁠Student Legal Services or visit ⁠Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations to learn more about common citations and Boulder ordinances.

The Digital Humanities Graduate Certificate is an interdisciplinary certificate program open to all CU Boulder graduate students. The certificate fosters computational and digital approaches to humanities inquiry and the development of humanities perspectives on technology.

The certificate's core course, DHUM 5000: Introduction to Digital Humanities, will be taught during the fall, so this is a great time to join in!

For details, visit the program webpage or contact the program director at digital.humanities@colorado.edu.

The Office of Information Technology is excited to announce that Dedicated Desktop Support has a new name. The service will be known as Buff Techs Pro—a name that reflects our team's internal cohesion and affirms OIT’s commitment to providing professional, responsive and high-level support to our community.

We’re also launching a redesigned support portal to make it easier than ever to get the help you need. You’ll still be working with the same knowledgeable and friendly support staff, but with a new portal that offers a streamlined experience for requesting support. Whether you're troubleshooting a device, setting up new software, or just need expert advice, Buff Techs Pro is here to help.

Visit the OIT website for more information about this transition.