Special Sessions

What They Are

While most Main Campus classes meet for the entire fall or spring semester, some classes are better suited to a shorter timeframe. Departments may choose to offer those classes in a special session.

Special sessions occur during the regular fall or spring semester, but last for only five or eight weeks. Since special session classes start and end on different dates than full-semester classes, their add, drop and withdrawal deadlines also differ.

When registering for classes, pay close attention to the name of the session (e.g., "Boulder Campus 8-Wk Session 1") and the class's meeting dates (e.g., "2022-01-10 through 2022-03-02") so you know what to expect.

Special Session Dates Are Unique

Special session add, drop and withdrawal deadlines do not match the full-semester deadlines. If you're taking a special session class, it's your responsibility to familiarize yourself with that session's academic calendar.

  View the Special Session Calendar 

How to Search for Special Session Classes

To search for classes being offered during a specific special session:

  1. Go to .
  2. Enter your desired search criteria in the "Search Classes" panel, then scroll down to the "Advanced Search" section.
  3. Click the session drop-down and select the session you're interested in (e.g., Boulder Campus 8-Wk Session 1).
  4. To initiate the search, click "Search Classes."
  5. Classes that meet your criteria will appear in a "Search Results" panel. Click on a class to view the class details.

How to Check a Class's Session

CU Boulder Class Search Buff Portal
CU Boulder Class Search

  1. In , confirm that the correct semester is selected in the drop-down.

  2. Enter your search terms and click "Search Classes."

  3. In the search results, click on a course to open the details panel.

    • If only one class is offered that semester, the session should appear in the first section near the end of the details list.

    • If multiple classes are offered, scroll down and select the class section you're interested in. The session should now appear at the top of the panel, near the end of the details list.

  1. In , confirm that the correct semester is selected in the drop-down.

  2. Click the cart icon on the upper right.

  3. In the cart, click on the class to open the details panel. The session should appear at the top of the panel, near the end of the details list.

  1. Follow this link to Buff Portal's  (you may be prompted to log in).

  2. Select "Plan" to expand that section, then select "Go to Class Search."

  3. In CU Boulder Class Search, search for the class you're interested in.

  4. In the search results, click on the course to open the details panel. The session should appear at the top of the panel, near the end of the details list.

  1. Follow this link to Buff Portal's  (you may be prompted to log in).

  2. Select "Plan" to expand that section, then select "Go to Class Search."

  3. In CU Boulder Class Search, confirm that the correct semester is selected in the drop-down.

  4. Click the cart icon on the upper right.

  5. In the cart, click on the class to open the details panel. The session should appear at the top of the panel, near the end of the details list.

  1. Follow this link to Buff Portal's  (you may be prompted to log in).

  2. Select the class you want to check.

  3. In the class details, the session should appear near the top of the card.

What to Watch Out for When Dropping a Class

Each session's dates and deadlines are unique, so you need to take extra care when changing your enrollment. 

Each session functions as its own semester, meaning if you drop all of your classes in a given session (even if it was only one class), you've technically withdrawn from that session.

Before dropping a class, carefully review the special session calendars to make sure you understand the financial implications of that change.

Contact Us

   registrar@colorado.edu
   303-492-6970