The Colorado Creed

Live the creed graphic

The Colorado Creed is a social responsibility code started by students, is run by students and is for all of the CU and Boulder community. It is a way of life and a reminder to act with honor, integrity and respect. The Creed is CU when we are at our best.

As a member of the Boulder community and the University of Colorado Boulder, I agree to:

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

I will strive to uphold these principles in all aspects of my collegiate experience and beyond.

​We All Benefit

By establishing and following the Colorado Creed, we all gain

  • A safer, richer experience in the CU community
  • A more valuable degree that can enhance a job search
  • A better understanding of different students, cultures and community members
  • A rewarding sense of belonging on campus and in the community
  • Everyday pride in CU’s heritage for students, faculty, staff, alumni, businesses and members of the Boulder community

    History of The Creed

    In the fall of 2003, a small group of students objected to a series of unscientific national rankings that painted the University of Colorado Boulder with a less-than-desirable brush.

    They disagreed with the rankings because the data presented something far different from their own experiences at CU. The students were motivated to take action in the form of an ad campaign. The seeds of the Colorado Creed grew from the success of that campaign. The Creed is a social code of conduct, a lifestyle by which students, faculty and staff at 91´«Ă˝ live.

    The Colorado Creed isn’t new in some respects. It was founded in spirit in 1876, and has thrived on the merits of generations of CU students and community members since then. It is based on upholding strong values, making the right decisions and being responsible for those decisions.

    The Creed is not a mandate or a set of rules and obligations. It is a social responsibility code for people to live by. It is a reminder to act with honor, integrity and respect. 

      How you can support The Creed

      • Live it: If you want to get involved with the Creed, the first step is to make it a part of your every day. It’s a way of life, so carry the Creed with you when you are on campus, in the community and after you graduate.
      • Share it: Share the Creed with your friends and family. If you’re a Boulder retailer, display a “We support the Creed” sticker in your window. Contact involvement@colorado.edu for more information.
      • Fund it: To provide financial support to the Creed, contact the  about making a gift.