What It Means to Be a Buff

CU Boulder is more than a place. It’s an inclusive community of scholars and learners who are here to support you through college and wherever you go next. As Buffs, we strive to lift each other up, look out for each other and hold each other accountable to our community’s shared values.

Be honorable.

Being a Buff means embodying the Colorado Creed, a social responsibility code students developed in 2003. The Colorado Creed serves as a reminder to:

  • Act with honor, integrity and accountability in interactions with students, faculty, staff and neighbors.
  • Respect the rights of others and accept our differences.
  • Contribute to the greater good of this community.

The Colorado Creed

Be spirited.

CU Boulder has a proud athletic tradition that unites students, staff, faculty, alumni and neighbors. Being a Buff means leading on the field and in the stands by:

  • Celebrating without using abusive, obscene or discriminatory language or gestures.
  • Refusing to engage in fighting, throwing objects or other disruptive actions.
  • Reporting inappropriate behavior to the nearest security or staff member.

Be together.

Being a Buff means having opportunities to connect with people who share similar interests, backgrounds, identities and experiences. Pursue passions and make friends by:

  • Joining a student organization, club or program.
  • Giving back to your community by volunteering.
  • Participating in student events available on campus.

Resources for Involvement and Belonging

Be successful.

Being a Buff means gaining the skills needed for a strong and satisfying career. CU Boulder is here to set you up for success personally and professionally.

  • 9,000+ degrees awarded each year, the most of any university in Colorado
  • 91% of students were accepted into their first- or second-choice graduate school (Graduate Destinations Survey 2021)
  • $119,000 median midcareer salary for students with a CU Boulder bachelor’s degree (PayScale 2019)

Resources for Leadership and Development