Announcements & Deadlines

Colorado recognizes CU Boulder's Basic Needs Program with new designation

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:59:36 +0000

Colorado recognizes CU Boulder's Basic Needs Program with new designation Megan M Rogers Tue, 06/23/2026 - 08:59

The Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) has awarded CU Boulder the Comprehensive Basic Needs Campus Designation, recognizing the university’s long-standing investment in programs that address students’ essential needs, including food security, housing and mental health. The CU Denver and Colorado Springs campuses were also recognized.

“This designation is a culmination of years of investment in building strong, student-centered support systems,” said Hannah Wilks, assistant dean of students. “CU Boulder has worked hard to develop a comprehensive approach to addressing basic needs, and this recognition reaffirms our commitment to creating equitable, supportive environments on our campus and across Colorado—sharing best practices and helping all students thrive.”

CDHE evaluates colleges and universities on 13 basic needs service areas, including food security, mental health, legal services and career support. The designation has two levels: Cornerstone Campus, for institutions meeting core requirements across six foundational areas, and Comprehensive Campus, for those that meet all Cornerstone criteria plus at least three additional service categories.

Both levels focus on reducing barriers, alleviating stress and improving retention and graduation outcomes. This recognition consolidates prior initiatives—such as the Hunger Free Campus designation CU Boulder earned in 2020—into a single, holistic framework. It is part of CDHE’s Social Determinants of Student Success initiative, which emphasizes that access to essential resources is critical for academic and life success.

CU Boulder’s basic needs support program is a critical part in the Division of Student Life’s mission to create an inclusive student-ready community centered on student success, holistic well-being and self-advocacy. The Basic Needs Center collaborates and coordinates with several departments across Student Life to support students beyond the classroom, including food and housing security, legal services, health and well-being resources, career services and much more.

Wilks has also elevated this effort beyond CU Boulder, so that students around Colorado can thrive. In 2020, she cofounded The Colorado Higher Education Basic Needs Coalition, which works to reduce stigma and expand access to essential supports for students statewide through collaboration, advocacy and data-informed strategies. Its efforts align with CU Boulder’s commitment to student success, including launching a statewide basic needs insecurity survey in fall 2026, with participation from about 20 institutions. CU Boulder developed the survey and will analyze the data in partnership with the CDHE to better understand student needs across the state and inform resources, funding and policy decisions.

For more information on CU Boulder’s student support resources, visit the Basic Needs Center.

The Colorado Department of Higher Education has awarded CU Boulder the Comprehensive Basic Needs Campus Designation, recognizing the university's long-standing investment in programs that address students' essential needs, including food security, housing and mental health.

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CU Boulder joins CU spinout Infleqtion, other innovators in America's Quantum Space Initiative

Greg B Swenson — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:02:47 +0000

CU Boulder joins CU spinout Infleqtion, other innovators in America's Quantum Space Initiative Greg B Swenson Mon, 06/22/2026 - 12:02

CU Boulder has joined Infleqtion’s newly launched America’s Quantum Space Initiative as a founding innovator, helping advance the development and deployment of quantum technologies for future space systems.

The initiative, led by CU Boulder spinout Infleqtion, brings together Voyager Technologies, Monarch Quantum, Armada and CU Boulder to foster collaboration across industry, academia and government, accelerate innovation, expand opportunities for quantum technologies in space and strengthen U.S. leadership in next-generation technologies.

CU Boulder brings internationally recognized expertise in both quantum science and space research to the initiative. Home to one of the nation's leading university-based space research enterprises and a long-standing leader in quantum research and workforce development, CU Boulder has helped advance scientific discovery from the laboratory to space missions across the solar system.

"CU Boulder has a long tradition of tackling society’s most complex scientific and technological challenges through bold research and collaboration," said CU Boulder Chancellor Justin Schwartz. "Quantum science will enable transformative advances that touch every segment of society. As quantum technologies move from the laboratory to real-world applications and space becomes increasingly critical to economic competitiveness and national security, CU Boulder is proud to help advance the convergence of these two transformative fields."

Beyond the story

Our quantum impact by the numbers:

60-plus years as the regional epicenter for quantum research
4 Nobel prizes in physics awarded to university researchers
No. 11 quantum physics program in the nation and co-leader on the new Quantum Incubator facility

Follow CU Boulder on LinkedIn

Through the initiative and its planned Quantum Space Hub, founding innovators will help identify opportunities for technology development, demonstration and deployment and accelerate the transition of quantum technologies from pioneering demonstrations to real-world space applications.

"We are entering a defining moment for both quantum technology and space innovation," said Matt Kinsella, chief executive officer of Infleqtion. "The opportunity ahead is bigger than any one company, institution, or discipline. By bringing together innovators from across the ecosystem, we can help unlock the next frontier at the intersection of quantum and space."

America's Quantum Space Initiative builds on more than a decade of progress advancing quantum technologies for space applications. Infleqtion contributed to NASA’s Cold Atom Laboratory aboard the International Space Station and is a key partner on NASA's Quantum Gravity Gradiometer Pathfinder mission, expected to become the world’s first quantum gravity sensor in space.

Through America's Quantum Space Initiative, participants will seek to accelerate the transition of quantum technologies from demonstrations to real-world space applications, advance quantum-enabled capabilities for future space systems through collaboration across industry, academia and government, and strengthen U.S. leadership in quantum and space technologies through innovation, workforce development and strategic partnerships.

Within its first year, the initiative plans to convene leaders from industry, government, academia and the space sector; establish the Quantum Space Hub; and identify opportunities to accelerate the development and deployment of quantum technologies for space applications.

Read the Original Infleqtion Press Release

CU Boulder has joined Infleqtion’s newly launched America's Quantum Space Initiative as a founding innovator, helping advance the development and deployment of quantum technologies for future space systems.

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Know key academic dates for fall 2026

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:17:32 +0000

Know key academic dates for fall 2026 Megan M Rogers Fri, 06/12/2026 - 10:17

Be in the know—mark your calendars for these key academic dates for the fall semester.

Thursday	Aug. 20	First day of classes
Monday	Sept. 7	Labor Day (university closed)
Thursday	Oct. 8	Midsemester reading day (no classes/no exams)
Monday–Friday	Nov. 23–27	Fall break (no classes)
Thursday–Friday	Nov. 26–27	Thanksgiving holiday (university closed)
Friday	Dec. 4	Last day of classes
Saturday–Sunday	Dec. 5–6	Reading days (no classes/no exams)
Monday–Friday	Dec. 7–11	Final exams

Note: Colorado Law follows a different academic calendar. See the complete fall 2026 academic calendar.

Mark your calendars for these key academic dates for the fall semester.

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Mary Rippon theater reopening with Colorado Shakespeare Festival

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:48:55 +0000

Mary Rippon theater reopening with Colorado Shakespeare Festival Megan M Rogers Thu, 06/04/2026 - 06:48

After a two-year renovation as part of the Hellems project, the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre is ready to welcome audiences back. Long a centerpiece of CU Boulder’s cultural life, the theatre has hosted generations of performances and remains home to the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, founded in 1958 and now the nation’s second‑longest‑running Shakespeare festival. Its reopening comes during CU Boulder’s 150th anniversary year, connecting this milestone to a broader celebration of the university’s history, growth and enduring impact.

“Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s return to Mary Rippon is an exciting moment for CU Presents and for our entire community,” said Andrew Metzroth, executive director of CU Presents. “We are thrilled to welcome audiences back to this iconic venue and to launch a new season of performances that celebrate storytelling, connection and shared experience under the Colorado sky.”

The Colorado Shakespeare Festival returns to the newly renovated Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre beginning June 7 with Shakespeare’s comedy "Twelfth Night."

Updates to the space focused on improving accessibility, including upgraded restrooms, new indoor and outdoor gathering areas and better ADA access and seating. These improvements are woven thoughtfully into the building’s historic character, preserving its identity while enhancing its function. The project also restores historic elements and ensures the theatre can serve students, performers and the community for decades to come.

The reopening honors the legacy of Mary Rippon. In 1878, she became CU’s first female professor, and one of the first women in the nation to teach at a state university. During her more than 30 years at CU, she earned deep respect from students and colleagues alike. In 1936, the university dedicated the outdoor theatre in her name, recognizing her lasting impact on the arts and humanities.

The reopening marks not just the return of performances, but also a renewed investment in the arts and humanities, which are core to the university’s mission and student experience.

“The Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre has always been a place where ideas, creativity and community come together,” said Daryl Maeda, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “Its reopening ensures that students, performers and audiences can continue to experience the power of the arts in a setting that honors our history while supporting the future of learning.”

Photo by Steve Wiesenthal

Photo by Steve Wiesenthal

After two years of renovations, the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre is ready to welcome audiences back for storytelling under the Colorado sky. Its reopening during CU Boulder's 150th anniversary highlights the theater's longstanding place in campus life.

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Gov. Jared Polis signs higher education bills at CU Boulder

Elizabeth Lock — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 22:00:28 +0000

Gov. Jared Polis signs higher education bills at CU Boulder Elizabeth Lock Mon, 06/01/2026 - 16:00

Karalyn Canada

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis visited CU Boulder on Monday for a bill-signing ceremony, highlighting three higher education measures aimed at expanding student access and strengthening Colorado's colleges and universities.

Among the bills Polis signed was HB26-1078, a CU-initiated measure focused on expanding off-campus courses and concurrent enrollment opportunities for Colorado students. The bill, known as “Off-Campus Courses and Concurrent Enrollment Programs,” is designed to increase access to higher education pathways by supporting partnerships between colleges, universities and K-12 schools across the state.

Polis also signed HB26-1006, which creates thriving institution designations for higher education institutions, and HB26-1016, which continues Colorado's Open Educational Resources Program to help reduce textbook and course material costs for students.

The ceremony included brief remarks from Polis, CU system President Todd Saliman and bill sponsors: Representatives Lesley Smith and Eliza Hamrick. CU Boulder Chancellor Justin Schwartz was in attendance alongside Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet, Chancellor Kenneth Christensen, Regent Elliott Hood and Regent Ilana Spiegel.

CU system's Office of Government Relations is a full-time resource, helping build partnerships between the university and external stakeholders. Alongside CU Boulder's Office for Outreach and Community Engagement, it can assist campus community members with inviting state or federal officials to campus, meeting with legislators, fulfilling requests from elected officials, preparing for legislative testimonies and more.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis visited CU Boulder on June 1 for a bill-signing ceremony, highlighting three higher education measures aimed at expanding student access and strengthening Colorado's colleges and universities.

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East Campus solar array begins delivering electricity

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 27 May 2026 15:15:57 +0000

East Campus solar array begins delivering electricity Megan M Rogers Wed, 05/27/2026 - 09:15

The 1.1-megawatt (MW) ground-mounted solar array, located on a two-acre site east of Lot 560 on East Campus, is now operational. The project was approved by the Board of Regents in June 2024 and broke ground last April.

The array is expected to generate about 1.4 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity each year—offsetting roughly 1% of CU Boulder’s total electricity use and saving an estimated $120,000 annually in energy costs.

“This project is another example of how CU Boulder continues to put campus climate action into practice through investments in our infrastructure,” said Chris Ewing, vice chancellor for infrastructure and resilience. “Through our ongoing campus sustainability efforts, we’re aligning investments toward meeting our climate action goals with delivering resilient infrastructure that will serve the campus for decades to come.”

The project, delivered in partnership with contractor McKinstry, supports CU Boulder’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve a linear reduction to zero emissions by 2050.

With the addition of the East Campus array, CU Boulder now has about 3.5 megawatts of solar capacity across campus, generating enough electricity to power the CU Events Center and Folsom Field combined. The new system is the university’s second ground-mounted array and complements 10 rooftop solar installations already in place.

This summer, CU Boulder will add another major installation when a 5-megawatt project being developed in Weld County through a partnership with Pivot Energy is completed.

CU Boulder's newest solar installation, a 1.1-megawatt array just north of Boulder Creek on East Campus, is officially up and running and helping advance the university's Climate Action Plan goals.

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UROP celebrates undergraduate research grants, mentor awards, more

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 19 May 2026 19:10:32 +0000

UROP celebrates undergraduate research grants, mentor awards, more Megan M Rogers Tue, 05/19/2026 - 13:10

Join the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program in celebrating the 2026 Savit Scholars, the 2026 Mentor Award recipients, and the students and faculty who were awarded project grants.

Savit Scholars

UROP's Savit Scholars are recognized for projects that promise to push disciplinary boundaries and create space for creativity, expression and connection—celebrate these impressive students and read excerpts from their project proposals.

Mentor Award recipients

UROP's Mentor Award recognizes individuals supporting CU Boulder undergraduates on research and creative projects—celebrate these inspiring mentors and read excerpts from the students' nominations.

Team project grants

UROP Team Project Grants of $4,000 are awarded to inspiring faculty members who support teams of CU Boulder undergraduates on a wide range of research projects.

Summer grants
For the summer term, UROP awarded 19 projects—supporting 68 student researchers across 11 departments—for a total of $76,000 in funding.

Learn More

Academic year grants
For the 2026–27 academic year, UROP awarded 19 projects—supporting 135 students across 11 departments—for a total of $76,000 in funding.

Learn More

Get involved—open opportunities

CU Boulder undergraduates are invited to join these winning teams on a wide range of projects in many majors.

Explore Summer Opportunities

Explore 2026–27 Opportunities

Student project grants

UROP Student Project Grants are awarded to support undergraduate students' engagement with the research and creative life of the CU Boulder campus.

Summer grants
For the summer term, UROP awarded 22 assistantships and 48 individual grants, for a total of $188,000 in funding across 24 departments.

Learn More

Academic year grants
For the 2026–27 academic year, UROP awarded 20 assistantships and 50 individual grants, for a total of $94,500 in funding across 23 departments.

Learn More

Join the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program in celebrating the 2026 Savit Scholars, the 2026 Mentor Award recipients, and the students and faculty who were awarded project grants.

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2 CU Boulder honorees receive President's Inclusive Excellence Awards

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 08 May 2026 16:50:10 +0000

2 CU Boulder honorees receive President's Inclusive Excellence Awards Megan M Rogers Fri, 05/08/2026 - 10:50

CU Boulder graduate student Connor Antonio Diaz and Assistant Dean Patricia Gonzalez were among five systemwide recipients of the CU President’s Inclusive Excellence Awards this year. The annual awards honor individuals and units from across the University of Colorado who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and made significant contributions to building an environment where everyone can thrive.

Connor Antonio Diaz

A fourth-year graduate student in the Department of Geological Sciences, Diaz is striving to increase accessibility in STEM, improve pathways for underrepresented students and integrate inclusivity across educational, research and civic settings. By taking part in community and civic activities, he has learned strategies that inform his teaching and mentoring.

Diaz volunteers for the Denver Special Education Advisory Committee, a Denver Public Schools advisory group dedicated to improving outcomes for students with disabilities through collaborative and intentional community engagement. His activities have included providing technical reviews of policy documents, presenting on research-based recommendations to city and state officials, and contributing to legislation (Colorado House Bill 25-1017) to protect the rights of people with disabilities.

Diaz also volunteers for the Gigi’s Playhouse network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, where he helps design STEM teaching modules, trains behavioral therapists in STEM integration and leads family-focused science events.

In his lab activities for an introductory geology course, Diaz implemented multimodal instruction—i.e., introducing concepts using visual, tactile and verbal approaches—to engage students in learning through multiple cognitive pathways, which can be helpful for students with ADHD.

Patricia Gonzalez

The transformative impact of Gonzalez reaches within and far beyond her corner of CU Boulder. In her role as assistant dean of the Office for Access and Community Engagement (ACE) in the College of Arts and Sciences, she supports students, faculty and staff. Among her first initiatives after arriving on campus in 2021 was the establishment of the ACE Mentoring Program for staff and faculty, pairing mentors and mentees to support greater understanding of the college and CU Boulder.

Gonzalez is intentional about ensuring every member of the college, regardless of title or position, has a voice. She works to elevate the potential she sees in those whose talents might otherwise be overlooked.

As co-founder and co-chair of the JEDI Leaders Community of Practice, Gonzalez helped build a community of over 128 members across CU Boulder. The structure and purpose of this engaged network of professionals was informed by Gonzalez’s clear vision of community, shared leadership and transparency. Her ability to cultivate a trusted, supportive environment has empowered JEDI leaders to engage in honest reflection, exchange strategies, learn from one another and build resilience.

Gonzalez also manages the Boulder County Latina League Empower Program, providing scholarships and student support, and leads the College of Arts and Sciences Action Plan 2.0 planning committee.

Beyond the college, her collaboration with the CU Police Department resulted in critical changes to police training, while her effort to ensure emergency alerts are delivered in multiple languages led to the improvement of safety and inclusion for thousands of students, faculty and staff. Gonzalez also played a vital role in campuswide efforts to ensure staff members receive parental leave upon hiring, creating parity with faculty and promoting a healthier, more humane work environment for all.

Gonzales holds a Doctor of Education.

CU Boulder graduate student Connor Antonio Diaz and Assistant Dean Patricia Gonzalez were among five systemwide recipients of the CU President’s Inclusive Excellence Awards this year.

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Call for nominations: 2027 Regent Awards

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 08 May 2026 15:27:43 +0000

Call for nominations: 2027 Regent Awards Megan M Rogers Fri, 05/08/2026 - 09:27

Each year, the Board of Regents, along with faculty members from each campus, award extraordinary individuals with honorary degrees, university medals and distinguished service awards.

Nomination rules

A person may not nominate themselves.
A current university employee may not be nominated.
A public official currently serving in office may not be nominated.
A public official may be nominated two years after completion of their term of office.
A regent may submit a nomination but must recuse themselves from commenting and voting on the nomination.

An honorary degree is the highest award the University of Colorado can bestow. It is the policy of the regents to award this degree in recognition of outstanding achievement in one or more of the following areas: intellectual contributions, university service, public service and/or philanthropy.

University medals are awarded in recognition of those persons whose achievements and contributions are particularly associated with the university.

Distinguished service awards are awarded in recognition of achievements and contributions particularly associated with the state and/or nation.

The deadline for nominations is Aug. 1. Please visit the regents website for information on the Regent Awards nomination process and to complete the nomination form.

The Board of Regents is now accepting nominations for the 2027 honorary degrees, university medals and distinguished service awards. Deadline is Aug. 1.

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CU Boulder recognized as Colorado's leading college blood donation site

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 07 May 2026 20:47:18 +0000

CU Boulder recognized as Colorado's leading college blood donation site Megan M Rogers Thu, 05/07/2026 - 14:47

Members of Staff Council’s Blood Drive and Community Service Committee accepted the Campus Leadership in Giving Award at Vitalant’s annual Lifelines event.

CU Boulder has earned statewide recognition as the top college blood donor in Colorado, a distinction that reflects an extraordinary year of impact, leadership and community commitment through its 2025–26 academic year blood drives. Members of Staff Council’s Blood Drive and Community Service Committee accepted the Campus Leadership in Giving Award at Vitalant’s annual Lifelines event on April 29.

In partnership with Vitalant, CU Boulder Staff Council played a central role in organizing and hosting four highly successful blood drives throughout the academic year. Together, they mobilized students, faculty and staff to step forward and support a critical community need—ensuring hospitals have access to lifesaving blood supplies.

One of the most meaningful highlights from these efforts was the introduction of 194 first-time blood donors. These individuals represent more than just a single donation; they are the future of Colorado’s blood supply. Many may never have donated without the university's outreach and advocacy, and their continued participation has the potential to save countless lives in the years ahead.

CU Boulder’s drives were not only impactful, they were consistently strong. The university collected an average of 52 units per day across the four drives, contributing to an impressive 619 units of red cell and whole blood donations. When including plasma and additional red cell units, the total climbed to 654 units for the year, underscoring the scale and success of the initiative.

Save the date: Blood drives Sept. 22–24

The real measure of this achievement lies in its impact on the community. These donations will help provide lifesaving blood products to an estimated 1,962 individuals across Boulder County. Behind that number are real stories: patients undergoing surgery, individuals battling chronic illness, accident victims, and families relying on the availability of safe blood.

This recognition is not just a milestone; it is a testament to the CU Boulder community’s deep commitment to service and collective impact. Fueled by the generosity of students, faculty and staff, and supported through its long-standing partnership with Vitalant, the university is well-positioned to build on this momentum and expand its lifesaving impact in the years ahead.

Be sure to mark your calendars for Staff Council’s upcoming blood drives Sept. 22–24.

CU Boulder has been recognized by Vitalant as the top college blood donation site in the state of Colorado. Members of Staff Council accepted the Campus Leadership in Giving Award at the annual Lifelines event.

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CU Boulder blood drive in 2017 (Bonfils is now Vitalant). Photo by Glenn Asakawa/CU Boulder.

Announcements & Deadlines

Colorado recognizes CU Boulder's Basic Needs Program with new designation

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CU Boulder joins CU spinout Infleqtion, other innovators in America's Quantum Space Initiative

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Mentor Award recipients

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Connor Antonio Diaz

Patricia Gonzalez

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Call for nominations: 2027 Regent Awards

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