Swap a Class

This action allows you to simultaneously drop a class you're currently registered for and replace it with a different class.

When You Can Swap

You may swap classes during:

After the last day to add a class, you need instructor and/or department permission (requirements vary by department) to add a class to your schedule. Late adds are typically only approved if the class has space available and you've been attending it regularly.

Why You'd Swap

Dropping one class to register for another can be risky. For example:

  • If you drop a lab or recitation, you'll automatically be dropped from the lecture too. If the lecture is full, you could get shut out.
  • If you drop a standalone class and can't get into the new class for some reason, you could get shut out of your original class.

We encourage you to use swap functionality whenever you want to trade one class for another, especially if:

  • You'd like to move from one lab or recitation to a different one (see first bullet point above).*
  • The class you'd like to drop is full (see second bullet point above).
  • You're only enrolled in one class (dropping could initiate the withdrawal process, even if you register for another class right away).

*Note: The new lab or recitation must have seats available. If you try to swap your enrolled lab or recitation with one that's closed (with or without a waitlist), you'll lose your place in both the lab or recitation and the lecture.

How to Swap

Swapping a Standalone Class (No Recitations or Labs)

Buff Portal CU Boulder Class Search
Buff Portal

To swap out a standalone class using Buff Portal:

  1. Add the new class to your shopping cart (class search instructions).
  2. Follow this link to Buff Portal's  (you may be prompted to log in).
  3. Select the class you want to swap out, then select "Drop/Swap/Edit Class."
  4. Select "Swap This Class," then "Continue."
  5. In the registration system, select the class you want to swap out in the "Swap This Class" drop-down.
  6. Next, select the class you want to replace it with from the "Select from Shopping Cart" drop-down and click "Select."
  7. Review your selections, then click "Finish Swapping."

Once your request is processed, you'll see one of the following:

  • A green check mark ("Enrolled") in the status column and the message, "Success: This class has been replaced."
  • A yellow clock ("Closed Wait List Available") in the status column. This means the swap was successful, but you're on the waitlist for the class you swapped into.
  • A red X ("Error") in the status column. Read the error message for details, then click "Resolve Errors."

To swap out a standalone class using CU Boulder Class Search:​

  1. Log in to .
  2. Add the new class to your shopping cart (class search instructions).
  3. At the bottom of the cart panel, click "Continue to Enrollment (Classic)."
  4. If prompted, select the term you're enrolling in, then click "Continue."
  5. Click the gold "Menu" button (upper right) and click "Swap."
  6. Select the class you want to drop from the "Swap This Class" drop-down.
  7. Select the class you want to replace it with from the "Select from Shopping Cart" drop-down and click "Select."
  8. Review your selections, then click "Finish Swapping."

Once your request is processed, you'll see one of the following:

  • A green check mark ("Enrolled") in the status column and the message, "Success: This class has been replaced."
  • A yellow clock ("Closed Wait List Available") in the status column. This means the swap was successful, but you're on the waitlist for the class you swapped into.
  • A red X ("Error") in the status column. Read the error message for details, then click "Resolve Errors."

Swapping Recitations or Labs

Buff Portal CU Boulder Class Search
Buff Portal

To swap out a recitation or lab using Buff Portal:

  1. Follow this link to Buff Portal's  (you may be prompted to log in).
  2. Select the class you want to swap out, then select "Drop/Swap/Edit Class."
  3. Select "Edit This Class," then "Continue."
  4. In the registration system, select the class you want to swap out from the "Classes you are allowed to edit" drop-down, then click "Continue."
  5. Next, select the recitation or lab you want to swap into (it must have at least one open seat), then click "Select."
    Note: Selecting a waitlisted or closed section will drop you from both the lecture and the recitation or lab.
  6. Review your selections, then click "Finish Swapping."

Once your request is processed, you'll see one of the following:

  • A green check mark ("Enrolled") in the status column and the message, "Success: This class has been replaced."
  • A red X ("Error") in the status column. Read the error message for details, then click "Resolve Errors."

Follow the steps below for classic registration; swapping is not yet available through CU Boulder Class Search registration.

  1. Log in to .
  2. Click the cart icon on the upper right.
  3. In the cart, click on the lecture and scroll down to the "Required Sections" section.
  4. Next, select the recitation or lab you want to swap into (it must have at least one open seat), then click "Add to Cart."
    Note: Selecting a waitlisted or closed section will drop you from both the lecture and the recitation or lab.
  5. A pop-up will confirm that you're adding the section to your cart. Click "OK."
  6. Select your grade mode, if applicable, then click "Save Changes."
  7. At the bottom of the cart panel, click "Continue to Enrollment (Classic)."
  8. If prompted, select the term you're enrolling in, then click "Continue."
  9. If you land on a page telling you you've completed preregistration, click "Continue in Portal."
  10. Click the gold "Menu" button (upper right) and click "Swap."
  11. Select the class you want to drop from the "Swap This Class" drop-down.
  12. Select the class you want to replace it with from the "Select from Shopping Cart" drop-down and click "Select."
  13. Review your selections, then click "Finish Swapping."

Once your request is processed, you'll see one of the following:

  • A green check mark ("Enrolled") in the status column and the message, "Success: This class has been replaced."
  • A yellow clock ("Closed Wait List Available") in the status column. This means the swap was successful, but you're on the waitlist for the class you swapped into.
  • A red X ("Error") in the status column. Read the error message for details, then click "Resolve Errors."

In a Registration Program?

Nondegree students, high school students, auditors, CU faculty and staff using the tuition assistance benefit, and students taking classes through the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) or intercampus enrollment follow different registration schedules.

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Contact Us

   registrar@colorado.edu
   303-492-6970

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