Buffs Big Event

Buffs Big Day banner

The Buffs Big Event is a large-scale day of service led by SLICE that brings Buffs together to express gratitude for the support of the ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ community. In partnership with the Division of Student Life and the City of ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½, students will work alongside the community to beautify spaces, clean up yards and provide hands on support in many other ways. The Buffs Big Event honors CU ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½â€™s 150th anniversary through service, while also launching a bold new tradition that propels us into the future of community impact.


Volunteer Registration

Registration opens August 2026 and closes Oct. 1, 2026.Ìý

Sign up as an individual

Join Buffs and get involved in your community. When you register as an individual volunteer, you’ll be placed on a team based on the project you are assigned to. No experience is needed—just register, indicating your project interest!Ìý

You can also sign up to serve as a project lead.Ìý

Sign up with a group

Want to volunteer with friends, a student organization or your club? Groups of four or more can register together and be placed on the same project.Ìý

  • Each person must complete their own registration formÌý
  • Use the same group name to stay togetherÌý
  • Groups larger than 15 may be split to meet project needsÌý
  • Groups must have at least one project lead who attends required trainingÌý

Become a project lead

Project leads play a key role in making Buffs Big Event a great experience for everyone. In this role, you’ll help guide a team, keep your project on track and create a positive, welcoming environment for volunteers.Ìý

Project leads:Ìý

  • Support and motivate their teamÌý
  • Help coordinate tasks on-siteÌý
  • Ensure the project is completed safely and successfullyÌý

Training required: Project leads must attend two training sessions prior to the event, taking place in September and October.Ìý

Before the eventÌý

The week before the event, you’ll receive a confirmation email with:Ìý

  • Your assigned projectÌý
  • Team or group detailsÌý
  • What to bring and how to prepareÌý

Be sure to check your email and watch for updates as the event approaches.

Event day scheduleÌý

8:45 a.m. | Kickoff at Norlin QuadÌý
Start your day with the Buffs Big Event kickoff. Pick up your volunteer T-shirt, grab supplies, enjoy a light breakfast and connect with your group before heading out.Ìý

9:30 a.m. | Head to project sitesÌý
Volunteers will travel to project locations. Most projects will last around 3 hours.Ìý

1 p.m. | Project wrap-upÌý
Project leads return to Norlin Quad to turn in supplies and close out their project.Ìý

Example Projects

Project sites will be spread throughout the ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ community. Volunteers will join with community partners to give back and build meaningful connections across ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½.

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Painting

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Weeding

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Cleaning

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Raking Leaves

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Trash Pickup

Community Organizations: Submit a Service Project

Nonprofits and community organizations are invited to submit a service project for volunteers.Ìý

To get involved, complete the project registration form with:Ìý

  • A description of your organizationÌý
  • The type of service work neededÌý
  • The number of volunteers requestedÌý

If your project is approved, we’ll match you with volunteers and follow up with next steps.

Donate Supplies

Can’t attend the Buffs Big Event in person? You can still support by donating supplies.Ìý

ÌýIn-kind donations help provide volunteers with the materials they need to complete projects across the community.Ìý

FAQs

  • Any ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ student, staff member or faculty member may volunteer. All volunteers must be affiliated with CU ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ and must register in advance.Ìý
  • During registration, you may indicate whether you are part of a pre-established group or would like to be placed in a group. One person per group must be designated as the main contact. That individual will receive day-of logistical information and volunteer updates. All registered volunteers will receive additional event details before the event.Ìý
  • Registration is available through CU Serves.Ìý

No. Volunteers must register by the posted deadline to participate in Buffs Big Event. Registration allows staff to create groups, assign projects in advance and ensure all required liability information is collected. This helps ensure a smooth and safe experience for everyone.Ìý

  • We are happy to sign documentation confirming your service at the conclusion of the event. Please check with your program or organization to confirm whether Buffs Big Event meets your specific service requirements.Ìý
  • If you have questions, email volunteer@colorado.edu.Ìý

All volunteers are required to wear closed-toe shoes throughout the event. We recommend wearing clothes you do not mind getting dirty and bringing an extra layer, such as a jacket, for changing weather conditions.Ìý

No, as long as another member of your group checks you in. That said, the kickoff includes free food, campus and community partners, and swag, and we strongly encourage you to attend.Ìý

  • Groups are assigned based on project needs, and we are generally unable to move volunteers between groups. Limited adjustments may be possible in specific situations, such as coordinating transportation.Ìý
  • If you would like to request signing up with a group, email volunteer@colorado.edu before the registration deadline.Ìý

Yes. All groups will be assigned a project that has been reviewed and approved by Buffs Big Event staff. Most project assignments are provided during check-in on the morning of the event, though some groups may receive their assignments in advance.Ìý

Yes! Individuals are welcome and will be placed into teams and assigned a project. Buffs Big Event is a great way to meet new people while giving back to the community.Ìý

  • Most projects include outdoor yard work such as raking, shoveling and mulching. Some projects may involve indoor tasks like cleaning or window washing.Ìý
  • Power tools are not permitted, and ladders taller than one story will not be used. All projects are pre-checked to ensure volunteer safety. Please dress appropriately for your assigned work.Ìý
  • Volunteers work for a maximum of five hours. Most groups arrive at project sites around 9 a.m. and finish by 2 p.m. Homeowners are aware of the time limit.Ìý
  • Once your project is completed, you will head back to campus to return any borrowed tools and sign out, then are free to leave.Ìý

Yes, you can still participate. During registration, you will be asked whether you need an accommodation. Be sure to note any allergies, accessibility needs or other considerations so we can assign your group to an appropriate project.Ìý

Groups are encouraged to provide their own transportation whenever possible.Ìý

  • No. Tools will be provided based on homeowner requests. Volunteers may not use power tools or ladders taller than one story. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, lawn mowers, weed trimmers, drills, leaf blowers and vacuums.Ìý
  • We encourage you to bring a refillable water bottle and a snack.Ìý