Colonial Challenge features competitions that support existing campus and community events and traditions, giving students the chance to win hundreds of dollars in prizes and rewards. Comprising teams of different campus populations, individuals, and classes and following Olympic tradition, Colonial Challenge events are classified into five categories:

1. Academics, learning, and research
2. Athletics, recreation, and wellness
3. City exploration, discovery, and community involvement
4. Service, sustainability, and civic engagement
5. International arts and culture.