Welcome to CU

Dear Proud CU Parent,

Congratulations to you and your student for selecting the University of Colorado at Boulder and welcome to the CU-Boulder family! Of course we’re a little biased, but we’re willing to bet that you and your student will come to love CU for all that it has to offer, both in and out of the classroom. At CU-Boulder, we are blessed with outstanding leadership, a phenomenal faculty, dedicated staff, exciting athletics, and one of the most beautiful campus settings and climates in the country.

We would also like to welcome you to the CU Parents Association, otherwise known as CUPA. The Parents Association is dedicated to promoting and advancing the University of Colorado at Boulder and to supporting the university administration in its ongoing mission of excellence. As the parent of a CU-Boulder student, you are automatically eligible to become a member of CUPA…there are no dues. Simply complete the enrollment form and mail it to the Office of Parent Relations. We hope that you decide to get involved with the university and the Parents Association but there is no requirement. That said, there are many benefits associated with CUPA membership and once you have joined:

1. We will mail you our quarterly newsletter, “CU Parent.”
2. You will also receive the CU Parent E-Connection, an email update that provides parents the latest on University policies, programs, and news.
3. You will have access to the “Parent and Family” web page where you can find items ranging from links to information resources and frequently asked questions to calendars, tailored news features and parent event information.
4. You will have a better understanding of how CU students benefit from the success of the CU Parent Fund, a program that provides vital support to a variety of campus programs that directly impact your student, both in and out of the classroom.
5. Your student will benefit from the success of the CU Parent Fund, a Student Affairs fundraising activity that provides vital support to a variety of campus programs, all of which directly impact your student, both in and out of the classroom. For more information visit Parent Fund.
6. And finally, you will receive the support of the Office of Parent Relations (303) 492-1380 or parents@colorado.edu. OPR stands ready to answer your questions or refer you to the office/person that can provide you the answer or service you need...

If, however, you are interested in getting involved and supporting the university there are a wide variety of options for both residents and non-residents of Colorado:

• You can become an admissions volunteer in your area, representing the university at local college fairs and admissions events.
• You can volunteer at CUPA-sponsored events and functions like Family Weekend, freshman orientation, and new student welcome/move-in.
• You can volunteer to help with CUPA-sponsored grant, scholarship and awards programs.
• You can volunteer to host or support an event for prospective or current CU students and parents in your area.
• Finally, you can join the CU Parents Association Board of Directors, a 45-member, group of parents that meets monthly and is dedicated to supporting and enriching the student experience at CU.

To find out more about any of these volunteer opportunities or to go ahead and get involved, simply contact the Office of Parent Relations at (303) 492-1380 or parents@colorado.edu.

Again, congratulations on your student’s decision to attend CU-Boulder and welcome to the CU family. We are excited for you because, as parents of CU students, we know that a tremendous variety of educational and developmental opportunities and experiences await your student. All they have to do is to reach out, find their passions, apply themselves and enjoy some of the best years of their lives. We invite you to be our partner in supporting and furthering your student’s educational experience. Your involvement can make these some of the best years in your life as well.

Sincerely,
George W. “Barney” Ballinger
– Director, Office of Parent Relations