Academic Affairs

Academic Advising

Academic advising is an integral part of a college education. Its goal is to assist students in making responsible decisions as they develop educational plans compatible with their potential career and life goals. Advising is more than offering information about academic courses and programs; it also involves encouraging students to formulate important questions about the nature and direction of their education and working with them to find answers to these questions.

Academic Advising services vary across colleges and schools on the Boulder campus.  Academic Advisors are either professional staff or faculty members who guide students to identify, develop, pursue and attain meaningful educational and personal goals.

Responsibilities of Students and Advisors

Within the advising system on the Boulder campus, both students and advisors have responsibilities. 

Students are responsible for:

• knowing the requirements of their particular academic program, selecting courses that meet those requirements in an appropriate time frame and monitoring their progress toward graduation;
• consulting with their academic advisor regularly throughout their academic career, so as to avoid seeking advising only during busy registration periods; and 
• being prepared for advising sessions (for example, by bringing in a list of questions or concerns, having a tentative schedule in mind and/or being prepared to discuss interests and goals with their advisor).

Academic advisors are responsible for:

• helping students clarify their values, goals and abilities;
• helping students understand the nature and purpose of a college education;
• providing accurate information about educational options, requirements, policies and procedures;
• helping students explore educational programs consistent with the requirements of their degree program and with their goals, interests and abilities;
• assisting students in monitoring and evaluating their educational progress; and
• helping students locate and integrate the many resources of the university to meet their unique educational needs and aspirations.

Note: The university cannot assume responsibility for problems resulting from students failing to follow the policies stated in this catalog or from incorrect advice given by someone other than an appropriate staff member of the college.

New Student & Family Programs

New Student & Family Programs Office works to support new undergraduate students and their family members as students transition to campus. New Student & Family Programs continues to support family members throughout the student's experience at CU-Boulder.

New, undergraduate students are required to complete an online orientation program, the New Student Welcome Experience, in order to register for classes. The New Student Welcome Experience helps incoming students learn more about student success, advising, registration and campus. New students are sent access instructions to their CU-Boulder email account.

In addition to the online requirement, new students and their family members are encouraged to attend a New Student Welcome Day on campus. These one-day programs for confirmed students and family members provide opportunities to connect with academic and student life opportunities. 

New Student Welcome Programs coordinates the fall and spring Welcome events surrounding the first day of classes. Students participate in programs, sessions and opportunities to connect with current students, faculty and staff to create a healthy and positive transition to CU-Boulder.

Please visit www.colorado.edu/welcome for more information.

Summer Session

Summer Session at CU-Boulder, an integral part of the university’s year-round program, offers students opportunities for study, individual development and recreational activity. Summer students can choose from more than 500 courses, allowing progress toward a degree in most areas of study.

Summer Session begins with Maymester, an intensive three-week term offered immediately after spring semester ends, and concludes with Augmester, a three-week term before fall semester begins. Courses are also offered in one-to-four, five-, eight- and ten-week formats. Online and on-campus courses are available.

Complementing Summer Session offerings, a rich calendar of summer events includes performances in repertory by members of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, musical productions presented by the CU Summer Opera company and performances by members of the Colorado Music Festival. Organized recreational activities are offered through the Student Recreation Center.

Visit the Summer Session website to see all courses, schedules and other information, summer.colorado.edu.