Buff Family News

Be prepared for the 2026 Commencement Ceremony

Lynia Herrington — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:06:14 +0000

Be prepared for the 2026 Commencement Ceremony Lynia Herrington Fri, 04/03/2026 - 08:06

Spring Commencement is just around the corner, and we’re so glad you’ll be joining us at �Ͼ�Ʒ�� to celebrate your Buff! The following information will help you plan ahead and enjoy a meaningful day on campus.

Planning your arrival

Expect traffic and arrive early

Commencement weekend brings a lot of excitement—and a lot of visitors—to Boulder and campus. Please plan for heavy traffic and allow extra time to park and get to the stadium.

All �Ͼ�Ʒ�� campus parking lots will be free and open to the public on a space-available basis during the commencement and recognition ceremonies.

Review campus parking options before you arrive

Early arrival will help reduce stress and ensure a smoother experience

Accessibility and accommodations

�Ͼ�Ʒ�� is committed to making commencement and recognition ceremonies welcoming and accessible for all guests.

Available accommodations include:

ADA‑accessible parking and drop‑off locations

Wheelchair seating and assistance

Real-time captioning and assistive listening devices

All-gender restrooms

Lactation spaces and additional support services

We encourage families to review the ADA and accommodations information in advance so everyone in your party can fully enjoy the celebration.

Commencement Ceremony details

What to bring (and what to leave at home)

Folsom Field has a clear bag policy that will be enforced during the commencement ceremony. All guests should expect to go through a security screening before entering the stadium.

Allowed bags:

Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”

One-gallon (or smaller) clear plastic freezer bags

Please note that backpacks, diaper bags and other similar bags are not permitted.

Several items are also prohibited inside Folsom Field, including balloons, artificial noisemakers, professional‑grade cameras and video equipment. Reviewing the prohibited items list ahead of time can help avoid delays at the gate.

Seating and ceremony timing

Stadium gates open: 7 a.m.

Recommended seating time: By 8:15 a.m. to enjoy watching the student processional

No tickets are required for the commencement ceremony. Seating is first‑come, first‑served, so arriving early is the best way to secure seats together and near your graduate.

Build your full celebration schedule

The main commencement ceremony is �Ͼ�Ʒ�� premier event honoring all graduating Buffs, but it not the only opportunity to celebrate.

The celebrations continue at the recognition ceremonies hosted by your student's specific college, school, department or program. Recognition ceremonies complement the commencement ceremony by recognizing the individual student in a smaller, more intimate setting.

We encourage families to view the full commencement celebrations schedule to make the most of this special milestone.

Have questions?

Many common questions are answered on the commencement FAQ page—this is a great resource as you finalize travel plans and prepare for the day.

We’re honored to celebrate this moment with your family and look forward to welcoming you to campus for Spring Commencement!

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Move out tips and summer storage

Lynia Herrington — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:26:40 +0000

Move out tips and summer storage Lynia Herrington Mon, 03/30/2026 - 08:26

If your student plans to move out of their residence soon, this is a great time to prepare. Whether they live on or off campus, here are some tips, reminders and summer storage options to share with them.

Donate items

Donating helps your community and cuts down on waste.

On-campus residents: Give and Go Donation Drive

If your student lives on campus, encourage them to take part in the Give and Go Donation Drive from April 27-May 1. They can donate:

Clothing and shoes

Usable home goods

Unopened, non‑perishable food

Books and school supplies

Toiletries, hygiene products and cleaning supplies

Items not accepted:

Bedding, pillows or towels

Broken items

Off-campus residents: Drop-off locations on The Hill

If your Buff lives off campus, they can use drop‑off sites on The Hill to get rid of hard‑to‑recycle items like furniture, mattresses and electronics. This program is a partnership between the Environmental Center, Off-Campus Life and the city of Boulder.

2026 drop-off dates will be May 4-5. Students can also use this form to request a pickup of unwanted items from your property between the dates of April 20 and April 24.

Drop-off locations:

11th St. & Pennsylvania Ave.

13th St. & Euclid Ave.

15th St. & Euclid Ave.

10th St. & College Ave.

Aurora Ave. & 12th St.

There are also donation centers around Boulder that accept usable items in good condition.

Is your student looking to donate their bike? Unwanted bikes can be donated at the TLC and UMC bike stations, where they will be refurbished and sold at the annual fall bike sale.

Store items

If your student plans to keep and use their items again next year, storage is a great option.

Summer storage

Students can check out our preferred storage partners in the area for convenient options. The UPS Store at �Ͼ�Ʒ�� offers packing, shipping and storage services to help make your student move easy, and there are several other local storage providers available for your Buff needs.

Bike storage on campus

The CU Bike Program offers secure, covered bike storage for the entire summer for $20. Bikes left on outdoor racks are often stolen, and abandoned bikes may be impounded—summer storage is a safer option.

When: April 27–29, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Where: CU Bicycle Warehouse (southwest corner of 3100 Marine St.) or the TLC bike station

Cost: $20 (credit/debit only)

How it works: No reservations—bikes are accepted first‑come, first‑served

If your student wishes to keep their bike for all of finals week, they can email bicycle@colorado.edu to discuss later drop-off options.

Dispose of items that can’t be donated

Some items need special handling and should not go in the trash.

Medications: Students can use the take‑back box in the lobby of the Parking Services and Police Department building.

Vapes and hazardous tobacco products: Students can dispose of them at designated locations in the UMC and Village Center.

Electronics: In Colorado, it illegal to throw electronics in the trash. Students can:

Donate usable electronics to thrift stores.

Recycle broken electronics at Eco‑Cycle Center for Hard‑to‑Recycle Materials, Staples or Best Buy.

Household hazardous waste: Students can learn how to dispose of hazardous waste items like fluorescent bulbs, cleaning products, motor oil, antifreeze, paint and yard care products.

Other hard‑to‑recycle items: Students can visit the Environmental Center website for guidance on disposing of batteries, cell phones and toner cartridges.

For more sustainability tips and resources on recycling and beyond, encourage your Buff to connect with the Environmental Center.

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4 fun ways to celebrate your graduate

Emily Sampl — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:00:44 +0000

4 fun ways to celebrate your graduate Emily Sampl Thu, 03/19/2026 - 09:00

With graduation just around the corner, it the perfect time to start planning how you’ll celebrate your student incredible achievement. They’ve put in so much effort to reach this milestone, and we’re here to help you honor their hard work and make their big day extra special!

1. Display signs, banners and posters

You can download ready-to-print signs, banners and posters to send to your printer. These are perfect for displaying on your lawn, at a graduation party or for other recognition of their graduation.

2. Attend commencement ceremonies

Honor your graduate by attending the university commencement ceremony at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Folsom Field. Your graduate may also be invited to participate in recognition ceremonies hosted by colleges, schools, departments and programs to mark their involvement and achievements at �Ͼ�Ʒ��.

3. Tag your social media posts

You can download graphics to post on Instagram, X, Facebook and LinkedIn. Add #ForeverBuffs wherever you post so we can celebrate with you!

4. Give alumni gear

Your student will soon be a �Ͼ�Ʒ�� alum. Recognize their accomplishments with a graduation gift from the CU Book Store, such as a frame for their new diploma or CU-branded alumni gear.

Connect to the Forever Buffs community

Remind your student to connect with the Forever Buffs community, which includes almost 300,000 alumni worldwide. By updating their contact information, your student can stay connected to the Alumni Association and resources to help them after graduation.

Graduation is around the corner, and this is a great time to start planning ways to celebrate your Forever Buff. From downloadable signs to graduation gifts, check out these ideas to help make commencement day special.

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Start planning for spring 2026 commencement

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:42:54 +0000

Start planning for spring 2026 commencement Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 02/24/2026 - 13:42

Spring commencement will be here before you know it, and now is a great time to start planning your trip to Boulder. Graduation is a special milestone for college students, and planning ahead can help you and your Buff enjoy the celebration. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for commencement.

Encourage your student to apply for graduation

Each student must officially apply to graduate. Encourage your student to review important deadlines and make a plan to apply for spring graduation. You’ll also learn more about preparing for graduation day, including purchasing a cap and gown and ordering graduation announcements.

Prepare for your visit to Boulder

Commencement weekend is a busy time in Boulder, so planning ahead can make your visit more enjoyable. Hotels and vacation rentals tend to fill up quickly, particularly in Boulder, so you may want to book lodging early or explore nearby areas.

Restaurants are also in high demand during graduation. Consider making reservations ahead of time. Downtown Boulder dining guide and events calendar are great places to find dining and entertainment options during your stay.

Commencement Ceremony details

The university commencement ceremony will be held 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at Folsom Field. The event does not require tickets or registration. This traditional ceremony celebrates the academic accomplishments of all our graduates.

The commencement ceremony lasts approximately 90 minutes and features a processional of the graduates, conferral of degrees, remarks from �Ͼ�Ʒ�� leadership and other celebratory elements. Learn more about the commencement ceremony.

Recognition ceremonies

Commencement includes two types of events:

A campuswide commencement ceremony

Individual recognition ceremonies hosted by colleges, schools, departments and programs

Students and families are encouraged to attend both.

Your student may be invited to participate in one or more recognition ceremonies. At these events, students are recognized individually as they cross the stage and receive a diploma cover. Diplomas are mailed to students after commencement. Learn more about spring recognition ceremonies.

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Supporting your student when they’re sick

Emily Sampl — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:44:24 +0000

Supporting your student when they’re sick Emily Sampl Fri, 01/23/2026 - 10:44

As the semester gets busy, it natural to worry if your student comes down with a cold, flu or another common illness. Even from afar, your calm encouragement can help them feel more supported and prepared. Here are some simple ways you can help guide them through getting sick while at school.

Encourage your student to stay home

If your student isn’t feeling well, remind them that it okay—and important—to stay home and rest. Staying away from others (including roommates when possible) helps prevent illnesses from spreading. Wearing a mask can also reduce the risk of passing respiratory viruses to the people they live with.

If they need to miss class or work, encourage them to:

Email instructors or supervisors to let them know they’re sick

Mention any assignments due and offer to make up the work

Discuss a plan with instructors if they expect to be out for more than a day or two

Contact Disability Services if they have a temporary condition like an extended illness, injury or surgery

Most students can return to normal activities after at least 24 hours of improving symptoms and no fever.

Help them monitor symptoms

Many illnesses share similar symptoms—fever, fatigue, headaches and sore throat can show up with colds, flu, strep throat, mono and COVID. Testing can help your student understand what they might be dealing with.

Your student can:

Schedule testing at Wardenburg Health Center or a local clinic

Pick up COVID or flu at‑home test kits at the Apothecary Pharmacy on campus or other local pharmacies

Wear a mask if they’re unsure what they have, especially around others

While sick, most students can care for themselves at home with basic remedies such as:

Drinking plenty of water, tea or electrolyte drinks

Getting extra rest

Using cough drops, saltwater gargles or honey for sore throats

Taking over‑the‑counter medications for fever, nausea or other symptoms

On‑campus resources for student:

Free illness‑care supplies at Wardenburg Wellness Suite (third floor) and Village Center Wellness

Free cold‑care kits delivered to residence halls through the Buff Box program

Test kits, OTC medications and prescriptions at the Apothecary Pharmacy

Help them know when to seek care

If your student is unsure what to do, encourage them to call their primary care provider or Medical Services at 303‑492‑5101. They can also schedule a same‑day nurse call through their MyCUHealth portal. A nurse can help them understand their symptoms and decide whether to stay home or visit a clinic.

For after-hours care, �Ͼ�Ʒ�� Medical Services has partnered with the TimelyCare mobile app to offer all students free access to telehealth medical support. Encourage your student to create an account at timelycare.com/cuboulder to get started.

They should seek emergency care right away if they have:

Trouble breathing

Chest pain or pressure

Sudden confusion

Difficulty staying awake

Blue or gray lips, face or skin

If they’re experiencing severe symptoms and aren’t sure where to go, they should contact a medical provider for guidance or call 911 in an emergency.

With your reassurance, and the resources available on campus, your student can feel more confident navigating illness and getting back to their routines when they’re ready.

As the semester picks up pace, it completely understandable to feel concerned if your college student faces common illnesses like the flu or a cold. Even from afar, your encouragement and support can make a meaningful difference. With a few caring tips, you can help your student feel prepared and confident if they get sick while away at school.

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Helping your Buff make the most of living in Boulder

Kyra Raye Loch — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:18:36 +0000

Helping your Buff make the most of living in Boulder Kyra Raye Loch Wed, 12/17/2025 - 10:18

Boulder is a beautiful place to live, with stunning scenery, great food and plenty of outdoor adventures. As a Buff family member, you can play an important role in helping your student make the most of their time here while being a responsible and considerate community member. Here are some tips and resources to share with your student.

Encourage outdoor exploration

Boulder often enjoys sunny winter days, perfect for outdoor activities. Suggest these options to your student:

Explore Boulder Creek Path: This is a great way to see the city. Students can sign up for a free BCycle student pass for unlimited e-bike rides.

Hiking or snowshoeing: The Rec Center Outdoor Pursuits program rents gear like snowshoes, boots and insulated clothing.

Skiing: If your student has an Ikon Pass, they can use the CU Ski Bus Program for transportation to the mountains.

Find budget-friendly winter gear

If your student needs winter essentials like boots or coats, remind them that thrift stores in Boulder offer affordable, sustainable options. Shopping secondhand saves money and supports the environment.

Prevent fines and property issues

Help your student understand local requirements:

Snow removal: Boulder requires sidewalks to be cleared within 24 hours of snowfall. Encourage your Buff to check their lease or ask their landlord who is responsible.

Prevent frozen pipes: Heat should stay at the lease-designated temperature or at least 55°F.

Be a considerate neighbor

Your student actions impact the community. Share these tips:

Introduce themselves to neighbors: Building relationships with neighbors fosters trust and communication.

Manage noise: Boulder enforces noise ordinances at all times. Students can register parties through Off-Campus Life for a courtesy warning before police respond.

Fire safety: Fireworks and open burning are prohibited due to wildfire risk.

Encourage your student to connect with Off-Campus Life to learn more about ordinances, avoiding citations and other helpful tips about living in Boulder. If your Buff receives a citation or finds themselves in legal trouble, Student Legal Services can help.

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Tips to help your student start the semester strong

Anonymous — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:09:41 +0000

Tips to help your student start the semester strong Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 12/10/2025 - 14:09

The beginning of a new semester is a great time for students to start fresh and reset. No matter where your student is in their academic journey, here are some tips to help them start the semester strong.

Get involved

In addition to Spring Welcome events, there are many ways for students to connect with others and get involved this semester. Here are some upcoming opportunities for students to check out:

Sko Serve Spring Break Program: Sko Serve sends teams of college students to engage in meaningful service during their breaks from school. Applications close Jan. 30.

Kickoff Week at The Rec: Students can enjoy free events and activities at the Rec Center during Spring Kickoff Jan. 8-19.

On-Campus Student Job & Professional Experience Fair: Is your student looking for resume experience? They can meet with campus departments who are hiring student employees and offering other professional opportunities at this fair on Jan. 15.

Be Involved Fair: On Jan. 21, Buffs can meet with hundreds of student organizations and learn about how to get involved on campus.

Volunteer Fair: Encourage your student to attend this fair on Feb. 3 to connect with local organizations that have volunteer opportunities and learn about getting involved in their community.

Spring career and internship fairs: In addition to these events, Career Services has online tools to support your student with their job or internship search, from finding opportunities to getting help with resumes, cover letters and interviews.

Go to office hours

Faculty members have office hours, where students can meet with them outside of the classroom. Office hours allow your student to meet one-on-one with their professor to ask questions, gain a better understanding of class material or express concerns.

Encourage your student to go to their faculty office hours during the first few weeks of the semester to introduce themselves. Getting to know professors early in the semester can make it easier to ask for help later if needed. Regularly attending office hours and establishing a rapport with faculty can also offer additional opportunities, like research projects or internships.

Find academic support

As the semester progresses, encourage your student to ask for help if they feel stuck on a problem, project or concept discussed in class. Students can use many tutoring and learning resources at any point in the semester, including the Writing Center and University Libraries. The Academic Success & Achievement Program (ASAP Tutoring) supports all first-year students and any student living on campus with adjusting to college life. This includes tutoring in many different classes and mentorship in being a successful student.

Encourage your student to learn more about resources and getting involved by following @CUBoulderLife on Instagram and downloading the �Ͼ�Ʒ�� Life app.

No matter where your student is in their academic journey, here are some tips to help them start the semester strong.

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6 tips for talking to students about suicide

Anonymous — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:54:59 +0000

6 tips for talking to students about suicide Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 12/01/2025 - 09:54

While college is often a time of growth and opportunity, it can also be a period of intense stress that heightens suicide risk for some students. Talking about suicide, even if the conversation is brief, can encourage students who are at risk to seek support.

Here are some things you can do if you are concerned that your student or someone you know may be struggling or thinking about suicide.

1. Know the warning signs

There are sometimes subtle or more obvious signs that precede suicidal behaviors. Knowing potential warning signs and ways to intervene can dramatically reduce the risks of suicidal behaviors.

Here are some signs to watch out for:

Significant behavioral or emotional change

Withdrawing from friends, family or peer groups

Difficulty with self-care (like changes in appearance or hygiene)

Changes in academic performance (like cutting class, missing assignments, etc.)

Acting recklessly or engaging in risky behaviors

Engaging in self-destructive behaviors

Increased substance use

Being unable to sleep or sleeping all the time

Irritability, agitation or lashing out

Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide

Expressing feelings that life is meaningless or there is no reason to live

Expressing feeling desperate or trapped, like there is no way out

Comments about being a burden on others

Expressing feelings of hopelessness

Giving away possessions

The above signs could indicate that someone is struggling and if you notice these comments or behaviors, there are ways you can support your student and help them connect with support services.

2. Share your concerns

If you’re concerned about your student, gently share what you’ve noticed and your desire to help. It can be helpful to provide concrete examples of behaviors that you’ve noticed. For instance, you may say “I’ve noticed you seem unhappy lately” or “I’ve noticed that you haven’t been spending as much time with your friends as you used to.”

Let them know that this comes from a place of care, not criticism. Acknowledging their distress can help open the door for conversation. Recognize that your student may be hesitant to share with you due to fear about upsetting you, adding to your stress, or out of concern that you will not understand. Let them know that it is OK to talk to you about these things, and helpful for you to know how they are really doing.

3. Ask the question

Don’t be afraid to ask your student directly about suicide or self-harm. Contrary to what we may think, talking about suicide directly isn’t going to plant the idea in their head. If they have been thinking about suicide or self-harm, asking them about it can be a relief and an opportunity for them to talk about it more openly.

When you ask, express your care by saying something like “I’m asking because I care. Are you thinking about suicide?” If they aren’t, they’ll let you know. Asking students about suicidal thoughts, even if they aren’t thinking about suicide, lets them know that it okay to talk about it in the future if things change. If they are thinking about suicide, it is time to start exploring resources that can help, including those on campus. Family members can call 303-492-2277 to connect with a crisis counselor at Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS). While CAPS therapists cannot confirm or deny if they are currently seeing your student due to privacy laws, they can consult with you generally about steps for supporting your student safety and discuss campus resources.

4. Manage your emotions

Talking openly about suicide can be challenging, especially if a student says they have or are considering it. It important to notice your own emotional response and seek support if needed. If students pick up on our own distress or anxiety when discussing the topic of suicide, they may feel like we are not able to handle what they have to tell us and may shut us out. Instead, try to reiterate your care and concern. Let them know that you are there for them and you want them to be okay.

5. Listen

Listen to your student without judgment and resist the urge to give them advice. It important to understand your student pain and what they’re experiencing. Keep in mind that suicidal thoughts are often short-term and specific to certain situations. In many cases, suicidal ideation is an attempt to control or manage significant pain. When the pain subsides, suicidal ideation often dissipates with it. However, understanding the source of your student pain (e.g., academic pressures, mental health concerns, etc.) can help better support them and connect them with resources.

6. Instill hope

Let your student know that there are resources available to help them and things can get better. Don’t be afraid to call for help immediately if you’re worried about their safety. Here are some on-campus resources that are available to help students who are struggling with mental health concerns or thoughts of suicide.

Welfare checks

Welfare checks should be considered when you are significantly worried about someone safety due to their recent behavior, or statements, and you or a friend or loved one are not able to contact them or ensure they are safe.

Welfare checks can be performed by any police department if you’re concerned about the health, safety or welfare of another person. Be prepared to give the exact address where the person is located (residence hall and room number if on campus) as well as the reason for your concerns.

On campus: CUPD 303-492-6666

Off campus: Boulder Police 303-441-3333 or the person local police department

Urgent resources

Crisis services

If your students need urgent or same-day support, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides crisis support 24/7. Call 303-492-2277 to connect with a crisis counselor. While CAPS therapists cannot confirm or deny if they are currently seeing your student due to privacy laws, they can consult with you generally about steps for supporting your student safety and discuss campus resources.

Student Outreach, Advocacy & Support

Student Outreach, Advocacy & Support provides support for Buffs throughout their time at �Ͼ�Ʒ��. They are here to help students identify issues and appropriate resources. Student Outreach staff can also reach out to your student to try to proactively engage them with services. If a student meets with them, they also work collaboratively to develop an action plan.

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

OVA provides free and confidential information, consultation, support, advocacy and short-term trauma-specific counseling services for students, grad students, faculty and staff who have experienced a traumatic, disturbing or life-disruptive events/incidents.

Additional resources

Let Talk

If your student could use additional support outside of the resources above, Let Talk is a great way for them to get connected with support services. They can meet one-on-one with a CAPS counselor for a confidential consultation that can help them gain insight and connect with additional resources on campus.

Workshops

If your student could use some skill building, workshops are a great way for them to learn coping skills related to anxiety, stress and other painful emotions. Workshops are available throughout the week and are covered by the student mental health fee.

Welltrack Boost

WellTrack Boost is a free app that is available to all �Ͼ�Ʒ�� students. It is designed to help students understand their mental health and to provide them with the help that they need online. This app address issues like stress, resiliency, anxiety and/or depression. WellTrack Boost is a self-guided and interactive way to manage mental well-being.

The end of the semester can be a difficult time for students. Here are some things you can do if you are concerned that your student or if you think they may be at risk of suicide.

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4 tips to support your student during finals

Valerie Padilla — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:50:12 +0000

4 tips to support your student during finals Valerie Padilla Wed, 11/12/2025 - 06:50

The end of the semester is in sight and many students are preparing for final exams. Here are some ways that you can support your student as they finish their semester.

Listen

Many students are studying for tests, writing papers and completing projects at the end of the semester. Sometimes your student just needs someone to listen to them as they vent about their worries and frustrations.

Respond with empathy and encourage them to stay optimistic. Remind them a break is just around the corner and they can relax once they get through the next few weeks.

Help them plan a strategy

Your student may be feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated, and you can offer to help them come up with a strategy to tackle their finals. Projects and studying can be made more manageable by breaking them down into smaller tasks. It can also help to block off study periods for each class on their calendar, and prioritize projects and exams based on deadlines.

Part of your student strategy can be finding the ideal study spot to get things done. They could study outside if the weather is warm, discover a new study spot on campus or take time to set up the perfect study environment wherever they are.

Encourage them to take breaks

Some students want to sit down and get everything done at once or pull an all-nighter, but that can be more harmful than helpful in the end since sleep is so vital for memory. Encourage them to take short breaks during study sessions (5-minute break for every 25 minutes of studying) to give their brain a rest. They can stretch, watch a funny video or listen to some of their favorite songs.

Staying hydrated and eating regular, balanced meals and snacks are also important for maintaining energy and focus.

Share academic resources

There still time for your student to ask for help if they are struggling with an assignment or subject. Encourage your student to reach out to their instructors or classmates with any questions. They can also take advantage of these academic resources—most are free, while some may require a fee.

Additionally, New Student & Family Programs is here to support you and your student and can help connect you to the right resources on campus.

The end of the semester is in sight and many students are preparing for final exams. Here are some ways that you can support your student as they finish their semester.

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Having your student home over fall break

Valerie Padilla — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:12:33 +0000

Having your student home over fall break Valerie Padilla Tue, 10/28/2025 - 09:12

Fall break can be a great time to reconnect with your student. If they will be visiting home, it can also be a great time to prepare for winter and complete other tasks. Here are a few things to consider with your student transition home.

Let them know of changes

Has a sibling moved into your student room? Is there a new pet in the family? Are there any other changes that may surprise your student? Help them adjust to being home again by letting them know of any changes before they arrive.

Talk about expectations

Since your student has moved out, the expectations may not be clear when it comes to helping out with household responsibilities while they are home over break. Share your expectations when it comes to laundry, dishes and other household chores.

It also a good idea to discuss any family plans and ask what their plans are while they’re home. Talk about how often you’d like to spend time together or plan a family night with a favorite activity for some quality time. It okay if your student wants some time to themselves, and it sometimes necessary to help them decompress from school.

Schedule check-ups

If possible, try to schedule any doctor or dentist appointments while your student is home during break, so they won’t need to worry about it when they are back on campus.

Learn about life at CU

While your student may not have been away from home that long, they are used to being on their own schedule and living independently. They may have new habits and views that could influence your time together.

Take time to get to know the independent person your student is becoming. Ask open-ended questions about their classes or major, what they enjoy about Boulder, who they spend time with and what they like to do in their free time. Keep in mind that some students may be struggling more than others. This can be a good time to determine if your student needs support.

Have important conversations

When your student visits, they may need to have important conversations with you, especially if things have not been going well. Here are some things you can do that lead to a healthy, positive experience with important conversations:

In a conversation, allow your student to share their point of view without interruption. Try to listen without judgement.

What you mean to say is not always what the other person hears—think about the intent and impact of your message. If you’re not sure what your student intent is during the conversation, let them know what you’re hearing and ask if that is what they meant.

When sharing your point of view, speak from your perspective. In turn, try to see things from your student perspective as well, rather than make assumptions.

When agreement is not possible, allow for multiple truths.

Prepare for winter

With the unpredictable winter weather in Colorado, it best to be prepared at all times. This is a great time to check with your student to see if they are ready for winter before returning to Boulder. Students should have plenty of layers, a winter coat, gloves, a hat and scarf, winter boots that are waterproof and extra blankets to stay warm when temperatures drop.

Reach out for help

If you have concerns about your student when they come home, you can reach out to Student Outreach, Advocacy & Support (SOAS). They can help you determine the signs of distress or concern, and how to connect with support resources. You can refer your student to SOAS by filling out their online referral form or by contacting their office at 303-492-7348.

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Buff Family News

Be prepared for the 2026 Commencement Ceremony

Planning your arrival

Expect traffic and arrive early

Accessibility and accommodations

Commencement Ceremony details

What to bring (and what to leave at home)

Seating and ceremony timing

Build your full celebration schedule

Have questions?

Related Articles

Move out tips and summer storage

Donate items

On-campus residents: Give and Go Donation Drive

Off-campus residents: Drop-off locations on The Hill

Store items

Summer storage

Bike storage on campus

Dispose of items that can’t be donated

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4 fun ways to celebrate your graduate

1. Display signs, banners and posters

2. Attend commencement ceremonies

3. Tag your social media posts

4. Give alumni gear

Connect to the Forever Buffs community

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Start planning for spring 2026 commencement

Encourage your student to apply for graduation

Prepare for your visit to Boulder

Commencement Ceremony details

Recognition ceremonies

Related Articles

Supporting your student when they’re sick

Encourage your student to stay home

Help them monitor symptoms

Help them know when to seek care

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Helping your Buff make the most of living in Boulder

Encourage outdoor exploration

Find budget-friendly winter gear

Prevent fines and property issues

Be a considerate neighbor

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