University of Colorado - Inside Scoop

School Slang

• Buff OneCard - Student ID card.
• Buffs - Buffaloes.
• Chip - Fully clad human mascot who fills in for Ralphie during indoor athletic events.
• Course Forgiveness - Policy allowing students (receiving a D+ or lower) to re-take a class for a better grade.
• Farrand Field - Large field nestled within Baker, Cheyenne Arapahoe, and Farrand dorms; freshmen gather here between classes to study, socialize, and scope out the rest of the incoming class.
• Flagstaff - Flagstaff Mountain, great for hiking and viewing the Boulder landscape.
• Flatirons - Illustrious foothills made of fountain-sandstone, popular mountain climbing spot.
• Folsom - Folsom Field; home football games are played here.
• Kit - Kittridge dorms.

• MAPS - Minimum academic preparation standards.
• Pearl - The outdoor Pearl Street mall.
• Pretty Good - Delilah’s Pretty Good Grocery.
• RA - Resident Assistant.
• Ralphie - CU’s official buffalo mascot.
• Regent - Regent Administrative Center, where you pay tuition and conduct other school business.
• TA - Teaching Assistant.
• The Alley - Dining hall in Farrand.

• The Bridge - A walkway that connects the CU campus and the Hill.
• The Buff Bus - Bus that runs back and forth between Williams Village and campus.
• The Fountain - The water fountain neighboring the UMC.
• The Hill - The University Hill area located directly west of campus.
• The Rec - The Recreation Center.
• The UMC - The University Memorial Center.
• TPC - The Players Club, student’s often say this in an effort to avoid the popular bar’s cheesy name.
• Will Ville - Williams Village.

Things I Wish I Knew Before Coming To School

• Don't wear the shoelace key chain they give you during orientation around your neck, unless you want everyone to know you are a freshman.
• The best place to get coffee on campus is in the ATLS building
• The cost of living and other expenses can be high.

• Get to the bookstore early to avoid long lines during the first two weeks of school.
• How large the campus really is.

• How many MAPS requirements there really are.
• The number of core science requirements.

Tips to Succeed

• Ask other students and counselors about professors before registering for classes.
• The best studying can be accomplished at surrounding coffee shops and libraries.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
• Don’t skip school for ski days.

• Finish core requirements during the first two years.
• Get to know your professors the first day so they can put a face with your name.
• Go see your counselor as soon as possible, and maintain contact throughout the years.
• Go to class, even if attendance is not mandatory.

• Keep up with test dates when registered for Math Modules.
• Learn to balance work and play.
• Read each class syllabus and write down the important dates. Not all teachers remind you when assignments are going to be due, nor when tests are coming up.

Urban Legends

• The ghost of Jon Benet Ramsey haunts houses on the Hill.

Traditions

• Colors - Though students have proudly paraded the official school colors of silver and gold since 1988, black was recently added to contrast the gold. The original colors of silver and gold are representative of the rich minerals that Colorado holds.
• Ralphie - In 1966, a six-month-old calf was chosen to represent the University’s strength and vigor. Misled as to its gender, the student body initially named the buffalo “Ralph,” but accordingly changed her name to “Ralphie.” Though the original buffalo passed away in 1978, the current Ralphie still carries CU’s spirit as she storms through every football game played on Folsom Field.

• The Norlin Charge - Each CU commencement ceremony is concluded with inspiring words that characterize the Norlin Charge. This speech, which was originally written by CU President George Norlin, was first addressed to graduates on June 9, 1935. This speech reminds graduating students that they will forever be “promoters” of the University’s spirit.

• The Sink - As a finale to countless days and nights spent at the Sink, graduating students have made a practice of signing their names on the Sink walls. This tradition is often performed in the early mornings before the graduation ceremony, when the Sink opens for its graduates at 6 a.m.