Administration

Regents approve Colorado Avenue student housing project, name 'Code Talker Hall'

Megan Maneval — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 23:47:10 +0000

Regents approve Colorado Avenue student housing project, name 'Code Talker Hall' Megan Maneval Thu, 11/06/2025 - 16:47

The University of Colorado Board of Regents at its Nov. 6 meeting approved plans that pave a path forward for new student housing along Colorado Avenue in 51�Թ��—a critical strategic investment in student success, affordability and sustainability.

A rendering shows a student housing design along Colorado Avenue in 51�Թ��.

The approval allows 51�Թ�� to enter into a public-private partnership with developer Morgan Stone Everett to construct suite- and apartment-style student housing near the intersection of Colorado Avenue and Regent Drive. The project is expected to house about 1,650 students.

Construction could begin as early as summer 2026, with a targeted opening in fall 2028.

“We know that student housing—and student housing that is close, on campus and affordable—is one of the most critical tactics that we can do to improve our student outcomes, student success and, ultimately, graduation,” said Todd Haggerty, 51�Թ��’s senior vice chancellor for finance and business, who presented the project.

In addition to offering market-competitive rental rates, the project supports broader campus goals related to sustainability and community impact.

The units will match campus aesthetics and be powered solely by electricity, making it one of the largest student housing developments in the country to run on electric power. Its proximity to campus will reduce reliance on cars, cutting down on traffic congestion and emissions, and the design is intended to improve cyclist and pedestrian safety.

51�Թ�� representatives have met with community members four times this fall to discuss the project and address neighbors’ concerns related to size, utilities and shade created by the project. They will continue to provide regular updates to the community as the project progresses.

Code Talker Hall

The board unanimously approved the naming of a new 332-bed residence hall on the 51�Թ�� campus as Code Talker Hall, honoring the legacy of Native American Code Talkers who played a pivotal role in the Allied victories during World Wars I and II.

Scheduled to open in fall 2026 in the north 51�Թ�� Creek neighborhood of Main Campus, the hall was previously referred to as “Residence One.” The new name reflects a deep respect for the historical significance of the land. This naming not only commemorates the heroic contributions of Code Talkers and veterans but also supports 51�Թ��’s land acknowledgment by recognizing the 48 tribal nations with historical and present ties to Colorado.

“Far too often, we think that doing land acknowledgements or something similar is the most we can do, and the truth is, it’s the least we can do,” said Regent Nolbert Chavez. “So doing this and taking steps towards recognizing the sacrifices folks have made and the contributions they have made is a step forward.”

Code Talker Hall will stand as a permanent tribute to Indigenous excellence, resilience and cultural pride, embodying the university’s commitment to honoring the past while educating future generations.

Arapahoe Avenue purchase

Regents also approved the acquisition of a property located at 2350 Arapahoe Avenue in 51�Թ��, marking a strategic milestone in 51�Թ��’s long-term campus development plan.

The 0.67-acre parcel, which includes a commercial building currently leased to El Rincón Cocina y Tequila restaurant, is surrounded on three sides by university-owned land. The acquisition completes 51�Թ��’s northeast gateway to Main Campus, aligning with the 2021 Campus Master Plan and enabling future academic, residential or mixed-use redevelopment in a transit-oriented corridor.

No immediate changes are planned for the property, and 51�Թ�� plans to continue leasing the building to El Rincón for the foreseeable future.

The $3.925 million purchase, funded entirely through 51�Թ�� Real Estate Services and General Campus Reserves, will not involve any debt issuance, ensuring that the investment does not impact tuition or operational budgets. The property will continue to generate rental income in the near term, offsetting holding costs while the university shapes a long-term vision for the site.

Other business

At the meeting, regents also:

Received an update on campus planning for the Sundance Film Festival and 51�Թ��’s 150th anniversary celebrations next year from Ann Schmiesing, senior vice chancellor for strategic initiatives, who filled in for Chancellor Justin Schwartz at the meeting.
Approved recipients for honorary degrees, Distinguished Service Awards and University Medals. The recipients will be publicly recognized this spring.
Approved seven new distinguished professors, including six from the 51�Թ�� campus: Kristen Carpenter, Russell Cropanzano, Marcia Douglas, Noah Finkelstein, Karl Linden and Jade Morton. The seventh, Marc Moss, is at the CU School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz campus.
Approved one sabbatical and one tenure appointment for 51�Թ�� faculty.
Approved the naming of Ceal Barry Plaza outside the CU Events Center in honor of the Hall of Fame women’s basketball coach.
Approved a new bachelor’s of science degree in Integrated Business and Engineering in the Leeds School of Business.
Passed a memorial resolution honoring Regent Emeritus Norwood Robb.

At its meeting on Nov. 6, the CU Board of Regents approved 51�Թ��'s purchase of a property on Arapahoe Avenue, seven new distinguished professors, a new degree program and more.

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Sustainability Council advances proposal process, prepares for town hall and more

Megan Maneval — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 18:44:42 +0000

Sustainability Council advances proposal process, prepares for town hall and more Megan Maneval Tue, 11/04/2025 - 11:44

The Campus Sustainability Council convened on Oct. 10 to discuss the following topics:

Council proposal process improvements

The council reviewed work by a subgroup to strengthen the proposal-to-implementation process, focusing on clarity, predictable timelines and transparency.

A new web-based proposal form will be launched, featuring two tiers:

General sustainability ideas: Early-stage concepts for development and collaboration
Specific sustainability proposals: Fully developed ideas with costs, partners and implementation details

Proposals will be accepted each September and January, with reviews later in the semester. Submissions outside these windows will roll into the next review cycle.

The council will host informal office hours and update sessions between town halls to share progress and support proposers.

Proposal governance and sponsorship

Proposals will follow a formal pathway:

Sustainability Council → Senior Sustainability Leadership Team → Chancellor’s Cabinet

Each proposal will require a council sponsor, assigned after submission to align expertise and workload. Sponsor responsibilities include refining technical details, engaging stakeholders and guiding proposals through the Senior Sustainability Leadership Team process.

The council will formalize sponsorship in its bylaws for consistency and clarity.

Proposal template revisions

The revised proposal form will:

Broaden word limits and add a problem definition section
Include prompts for supporting evidence, co-benefits, references and cost estimates
Make several questions optional for flexibility
Add pre-submission checks and options to identify sponsors and support

A standardized response template will be developed to acknowledge submissions and communicate outcomes.

Sustainability Town Hall

The council is preparing for the Sustainability Town Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in UMC 235, featuring a vegan lunch with reusable serviceware. The event will expand from a public update to a broader town hall, sharing council initiatives and fostering campuswide dialogue.

Planning included confirming keynote speaker Andrew Mayock, inviting SSLT members and an interactive Q&A session.

Join the Sustainable Buffs community

Share your sustainability ideas

Spring food proposal update

Associate Professor Peter Newton, Department of Environmental Studies, updated the council on the Food Systems Proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by evaluating alternatives to lamb and beef in campus dining. Additional data from Paul Houle will be incorporated, and the proposal will be reformatted using the new template for council review.

Student representation

The council discussed challenges in maintaining consistent student participation from the Environmental Board and CU Student Government. Director Chris Herr will follow up with current representatives and consider broadening eligibility or inviting additional students if needed.

Next steps, upcoming meetings

Finalize and launch the web-based proposal form at the Nov. 5 town hall
Develop a standardized response process for proposals
Establish clear review windows and decision timelines
Schedule informal engagement sessions similar to “office hours” as a way to expand campus community engagement and coordinate communications
Upcoming meetings: Nov. 5 (town hall), Nov. 14 (tentative), Dec. 12

Find out what happened at the Sustainability Council's Oct. 10 meeting, covering campus efforts and engagement on a number of fronts.

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51�Թ�� Online welcomes new leadership as visioning process begins

Megan Maneval — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 14:03:42 +0000

51�Թ�� Online welcomes new leadership as visioning process begins Megan Maneval Thu, 10/23/2025 - 08:03

Fernando Rosario-Ortiz, interim vice chancellor for academic resource management, addresses the background of online education and the goals for the visioning process for 51�Թ�� Online.

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51�Թ�� launches design review of its budget allocation model

Elizabeth Lock — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 18:04:13 +0000

51�Թ�� launches design review of its budget allocation model Elizabeth Lock Wed, 10/08/2025 - 12:04

51�Թ�� has launched a year-long Budget Model Design Review, a cornerstone of the university’s Financial Stewardship Initiative.

The review will ensure the campus budget allocation model adopted in 2022 continues to reflect 51�Թ��’s values of transparency, accountability and collaboration, while advancing the campus strategic priority of aligning resources to its mission.

Join the conversation

Complete the survey to share your perspectives on how the current model is working.
Register and join the town hall with Todd Haggerty and Mandy Cole.
- Nov. 19, 10–11 a.m.

The review officially kicked off Sept. 22 with representatives from colleges, schools, shared governance groups and administrative units that are serving on the project’s strategic alignment and design review committees.

Over the 2025–26 academic year, committee members will review specific components of the campus budget model, analyze impacts for effective alignment to the mission and develop recommendations for improvements.

51�Թ�� faculty, staff and students can learn more about the review, the Financial Stewardship Initiative and the campus budget by registering for the virtual Campus Budget Town Hall, scheduled from 10 to 11 a.m. on Nov. 19. A 51�Թ�� email address is required for registration.

3 things to know about the review

A purposeful check-in: When 51�Թ�� designed its budget model, campus leaders committed to revisiting it every 3 to 5 years. This review delivers on that promise by assessing whether the model is working as intended.
Campus perspectives will inform the process: Faculty, staff and students are invited to share their experiences with the budget model through a campuswide survey (open through Nov. 7). Input will help the Strategic Alignment and Design Review committees understand how the model functions in practice.
Recommendations expected in May 2026: The committees’ work will conclude with recommendations in May 2026. Approved changes will begin rolling out in the 2028 fiscal year budget cycle, allowing time for thoughtful planning and implementation.

Why this matters

The budget supports every part of 51�Թ��—teaching, research, student support and campus operations. A clear and predictable allocation model helps align resources with university goals, supports the holistic success of students, faculty and staff, and strengthens long-term stability.

“This review is an important opportunity to pause and ask how well our current model is working for 51�Թ�� now and for the years ahead,” said Todd Haggerty, Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Business. “The Budget Model Design Review is one way 51�Թ�� is advancing its commitment to the mission-driven stewardship of our resources and holistic success for all faculty, students and staff.”

51�Թ�� has launched a year-long review of its budget allocation model design. The review will ensure the model continues to reflect the university's values, while advancing the priority of aligning resources to the campus's mission.

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Committee selected for dean search—get this and other updates on the process

Elizabeth Lock — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 16:22:54 +0000

Committee selected for dean search—get this and other updates on the process Elizabeth Lock Tue, 10/07/2025 - 10:22

Fernando Rosario-Ortiz, interim vice chancellor and executive vice provost for academic resource management, announced the selection of the search advisory committee for the next dean of the University Libraries.

University Libraries Search Advisory Committee

Sarah Jackson (committee chair), dean, Division of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences
Arthur Aguilera, assistant professor, University Libraries
Melissa Cantrell, assistant professor, University Libraries
Shamika Dalton, associate professor, University Libraries
Claire Hoag, associate teaching professor, University Libraries
Rocco Labriola, head of business, earth sciences & map, Gemmill and Music Branch Services Section
Turner Land, undergraduate student, student employee
Merinda McLure, professor, University Libraries
Donna Mejia, associate professor, University Libraries
Vanessa Seals, assistant dean of Community and Organizational Development
Nancy Stevens, professor, director of the Museum of Natural History
Jamie Wittenberg, assistant dean of Research & Innovation Strategies, University Libraries

The committee—chaired by Sarah Jackson, dean of the Division of Social Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences—will begin its work in October, supported by the executive search firm WittKieffer.

Search process milestones

October: Engagement sessions will be conducted by WittKieffer with University Libraries constituents and the university’s deans.
Late October: The search committee will convene to prepare the position leadership profile and job description using input from the engagement sessions.
November: The position will be posted with a call for nominations.
Early spring: Finalists will be invited to campus.
Spring semester: Rosario-Ortiz plans to appoint a permanent dean.

Interim leadership

Following the departure of Robert McDonald to the University of Texas at Austin, Tamara Sumner was appointed interim dean in late June by former Provost Russell Moore. Sumner will continue in this role until a permanent dean is named.

Dean search website

Visit University Libraries dean search website for up-to-date information.

The committee for the University Libraries dean search has been selected. Find out more and plan to get involved in the process.

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Faculty assembly updated on compensation, administrator evaluation

Elizabeth Lock — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 19:07:32 +0000

Faculty assembly updated on compensation, administrator evaluation Elizabeth Lock Mon, 10/06/2025 - 13:07

The 51�Թ�� Faculty Assembly (BFA) heard an update from the chancellor’s task force on faculty compensation, finalized yearly priorities, were updated on a performance evaluation of a member of academic affairs leadership, and more during its monthly meeting on Oct. 2.

Update from Chancellor’s Faculty Salary Task Force

51�Թ�� has long ranked low compared to Association of American Universities (AAU) public peers when it comes to faculty compensation. This discrepancy led the issue to be identified as one of the top priorities for the BFA after a 2024 membership survey.

"In my conversations with the chancellor, I suggested that we talk about this and figure out what to do, and he came up with the idea of, ‘Well, what do the faculty want us to do? What are the ideas from our faculty?’ and that is why this compensation task force (the Chancellor’s Faculty Salary Task Force) got started," said Shelly Miller, professor emerita of mechanical engineering, the former BFA chair, and the task force’s co-chair.

The task force, co-led by Miller and Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives Ann Schmiesing, was charged with making recommendations regarding compensation enhancement options and strategies, with an initial focus on tenure-track/tenured faculty and teaching professors. They delivered a presentation to the BFA on the group’s work to date.

The task force began meeting in May 2025, and spent the summer gathering information about salaries as well as reviewing the university’s general compensation philosophy. Three specific subgroups were also formed to examine compensation levers, retention and promotion raise practices, and teaching loads.

The compensation levers subgroup looked at what sorts of levers the university already has and what enhancements are needed. One draft recommendation from this subgroup is to develop a faculty-specific compensation strategy, which will be a "comprehensive, transparent and equitable approach to faculty pay."

The retention and promotion raises subgroup found that there were differences across the colleges and schools with how faculty retention and promotion raises are handled. Their draft recommendations include the establishment of clearer guidelines; a systematic, five-year review to make sure the processes are effective, transparent and fair; and a more complete collection of data to inform policy.

The teaching load subgroup came about because, "We also needed to better understand the main function that we’re all here to do, which is to teach students, and how this is associated with compensation," said Miller. They were tasked with collecting information on standard teaching loads, course load adjustment policies and practices, and faculty workload distribution, emphasizing that they are not charged with recommending that teaching loads be raised or lowered.

The report is not yet finalized, pending some final data gathering and review of draft recommendations, and will be delivered to the chancellor in November.

Administrator performance review

Academic Affairs leaders undergo a review by the BFA on the basis of their five-year performance cycles. This year focused on the position of vice chancellor and senior vice provost for academic planning and assessment. Katherine Eggert has been in this role since 2018, spearheading projects like the Buffs Undergraduate Success (BUS) initiative and the university’s COVID-19 response, among others.

The evaluators used both a quantitative and qualitative approach to discuss Eggert’s performance, distributing a survey and interviewing those who work closest with her.

The report found that Eggert does a commendable job with the role with many satisfied by her work, but suggested that the position is overtaxed with responsibilities, being too broad for one person to manage. They recommended a restructuring of the role’s responsibilities.

Those who conducted the review noted that her work has been essential to campus, according to Tim Kuhn, a communications professor and part of the committee that conducted Eggert’s evaluation. He also said that the review noted her careful listening to constituents and her bringing a vision to the role.

In other BFA action

The Climate Science and Education Committee reiterated their request from the September meeting that individual units invite the Climate Action Plan committee to discuss what units can do to support the plan.
The BFA solidified their priorities for the upcoming academic year, which include faculty compensation, sustainability and academic freedom.
The BFA voted to forward a resolution to the BFA membership to urge the 51�Թ�� chancellor and the CU president and regents to help establish a Mutual Academic Defense Compact among all Colorado institutions of higher education to support any member institution under direct political or legal attack. The CU system, in a statement provided to the BFA, noted six current major areas of coordinated effort in responding to federal policy, including legal efforts organized by the Colorado Attorney General to "defend against federal lawsuits and funding cuts.” The statement noted that CU leadership “has spearheaded campus declarations included in multiple lawsuits filed by the AG, and many other state attorneys general and other higher education associations, to halt federal actions detrimental to our work."
The BFA voted to sign on to a letter drafted by CU Student Government, and co-endorsed by Staff Council, that calls for the placement of a planned statue of former 51�Թ�� football coach Bill McCartney in an area away from central campus—which Chancellor Schwartz has already directed, according to BFA Chair Alastair Norcross of philosophy —and for creating a scholarship for students, staff and faculty, awarding $1,990 to individuals who have made great strides to promote community belonging. The dollar amount is a nod to McCartney’s achievement of leading the 51�Թ�� football team to its only football national championship in 1990.
Finally, the BFA voted to create a working group that will work with Eggert and units across campus to make recommendations for the implementation of the common curriculum.

Learn more about the BFA and previous actions on the BFA website.

Discussed at the 51�Թ�� Faculty Assembly's Oct. 2 meeting were the chancellor's task force on faculty compensation, yearly priorities and an administrator's performance evaluation.

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Sustainability Council welcomes new members, refines priorities and plans campus listening session

Megan Maneval — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 20:23:13 +0000

Sustainability Council welcomes new members, refines priorities and plans campus listening session Megan Maneval Wed, 09/24/2025 - 14:23

The Campus Sustainability Council convened on Sept. 12 to discuss the following topics:

Council membership updates

Four new members joined: Kaila Red Bow (student), Martin Kelley (staff), Kathryn Wendell (staff) and Sara Tabatabaie (faculty). Associate Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Cara Carmichael is now an ex officio member.

Campus sustainability updates

Council Co-chair Chris Ewing and other members of the council provided updates on the following initiatives:

Leadership and governance: New vice chancellor for sustainability (Andrew Mayock); associate vice chancellor (Cara Carmichael); director for campus climate action, sustainability and resilience (Josh Radoff); and faculty executive director of the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education (Max Boykoff)
Climate and energy: Decarbonization plan design underway; efficiency upgrades in 18 buildings; new solar arrays (on site and off site); geothermal studies; ENVD retrofit pilot
Zero waste and materials: PepsiCo contract eliminating single-use bottles; campus waste study; reusable serviceware pilot; new surplus store
Food and dining: CU ranked No. 1 nationally for plant-based dining, expanding offerings
Mobility: Buff Bus fleet expansion with new electric buses; free BCycle memberships for students and employees
Education and innovation: $10M Buckley Center for Sustainability Education; 51�Թ�� Climate Ventures program supporting student climate startups
Engagement and collaboration: 51�Թ�� Faculty Assembly partnership to engage academic units into strategies for reducing Scope 3 emissions in alignment of the Climate Action Plan goals

Council structure and process feedback

The council continues as an advisory body to the chancellor, cabinet and senior sustainability leadership, integrating sustainability across academic, operational, research and community activities.
Members discussed the need for clearer communication on proposal review and tracking, more structured outreach and defined success metrics.
Opportunities for improvement include a formal proposal process, enhanced engagement and outreach and better integration with campus frameworks like STARS.

Join the Sustainable Buffs community

Share your sustainability ideas

Council priorities for 2025–26

Five focus areas identified in spring 2025: zero waste and plastics, transportation, food, composting and Scope 3 emissions.
The council will reassess these priorities to ensure alignment with campus needs, member expertise and actionable outcomes. Final priorities may be confirmed by December.
Measurable engagement is seen as a key success metric.

Fall 2025 listening session

Planned for November, this public forum will gather input from the campus community.
The session will focus on council priority themes, campuswide sustainability updates and open discussion.
Council members will be polled for the best date and time.

Next steps and upcoming meetings

Refine the council proposal template to emphasize problem definition, evidence, alignment and sponsorship.
Develop review deadlines and a tracking system for proposals including a regular annual cadence for submissions.
Identify key performance indicators for engagement and clarify student/outside entity involvement.
Upcoming meetings: Oct. 10, Nov. 14 (including the listening session) and Dec. 12.

The Sustainability Council welcomed new members, reviewed campuswide sustainability initiatives, refined its priorities for 2025–26 and announced a November listening session to engage the community in shaping future actions.

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Regents meeting: 51�Թ�� reaches record graduation, retention rates

Megan Maneval — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 23:00:57 +0000

Regents meeting: 51�Թ�� reaches record graduation, retention rates Megan Maneval Thu, 09/18/2025 - 17:00

For the second year in a row, the 51�Թ�� experienced record retention rates for first-, second- and third-year undergraduate students committed to completing their college degrees and graduating from 51�Թ��, according to fall 2025 student census data released Sept. 18.

This and other topics were discussed today at the University of Colorado Board of Regents meeting at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus.

The retention rate for first-year students returning for their sophomore year is at a record 91.2% for fall 2025, up from the previous record of 90.2% set in 2024.
The second-year retention rate for students returning for their junior year is at a record 85.4%, up from the previous record of 83.9% set in 2024.
The third-year retention for students returning for their senior year is at 82.5%, up from the record of 80.1% set in 2024.

“One year of record retention across all years is remarkable,” said Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Amy Hutton, “but two years in a row is exceptional. It shows that our support for students working toward graduation has been successful.”

In addition, the four-year graduation rate rose to 62.1%, a 2.9 percentage point increase over 2024, which was also a record for the campus. The six-year graduation rate edged up slightly to 74.3% this year compared to 74.1% in 2024.

At 7,397, this year’s first-year cohort is slightly smaller than the 7,432 enrolled in 2024 — an intentional choice, 51�Թ�� Chancellor Justin Schwartz said during a multicampus enrollment update to the regents.

“We want to provide the best support possible to our students as they advance toward their degrees and graduate from 51�Թ��,” Schwartz said. “We are committed to providing students opportunities to succeed inside and outside the classroom, ensuring they can realize their ambitions and contribute to a more just and sustainable world.”

Total enrollment, which includes both undergraduate and graduate students, edged up 1% over last year and stands at 38,808 for the 2025–26 academic year.

Hutton attributed record retention and enrollment growth in key areas to the university’s efforts to build connections with communities across the state, partner with K-12 school districts, and implement measures to better support students through mentorships and community-building after they arrive on campus.

Although the university planned for a smaller incoming class, she added, enrollment grew among several demographic groups this year.

Find more information about 51�Թ��’s 2025 Fall Census data trends by visiting the Data & Analytics website.

In other board news related to the 51�Թ�� campus:

The regents voted unanimously to rename the Williams Village East residence hall the Onizuka Hall to honor 51�Թ�� graduate and astronaut Ellison Shoji Onizuka, who perished in the 1986 explosion of the space shuttle Challenger. Learn more about Onizuka and his lasting legacy.
Regents approved a Master of Science degree in biological engineering and applied science from the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering in the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

The university postponed discussion about a plan to expand student housing on Colorado Avenue, and the campus will bring the project to a future regents meeting as 51�Թ�� works with the developer on a concept design.

More on enrollment—by demographic group:

Undergraduate enrollment for Black/African American students stands at 1,254 in fall 2025, a 13.8% increase over 1,102 in fall 2024.
Undergraduate enrollment among Hispanic/Latiné students also grew, rising 4.5% over 2024; total enrollment for this cohort stands at 5,198 compared to 4,976 in fall 2024.
Among Asian American students, undergraduate enrollment grew by 3.2%, with total enrollment in fall 2025 at 3,906 compared to 3,784 in fall 2024.
Undergraduate enrollment among American Indian/Indigenous students grew by 2.6%, rising from 571 in fall 2024 to 586 in fall 2025.
Undergraduate enrollment among white students edged up slightly totaling 24,891 in fall 2025 compared to 24,871 in fall 2024.
Undergraduate enrollment among Pacific Islander students stands at 215 in fall 2025 compared to 223 in fall 2024, decreasing 3.6%.
Undergraduate enrollment among first-year students who are also first-generation scholars grew by 11.2% in 2025 compared to 2024.
Total international student enrollment for fall 2025 is down 10%.
The number of undergraduate transfer students declined 5.5% compared to 2024, possibly due to FAFSA delays that impacted students in fall 2024, which may be impacting the transfer pipeline now, particularly among first-generation students.
First-year retention for the 2024 cohort among first-generation undergraduate students decreased by 0.7 percentage points compared to the 2023 cohort. This was the cohort most impacted by the FAFSA delays.
New enrollment among master’s professional students—focused on applied skills and career preparation—is down 15.7% compared to 2024, predominantly due to a decline in international students; however, new enrollment for traditional master’s students—focused on specialization in a field through research—is up 2% compared to 2024.
Enrollment among incoming doctoral students is down 27.2% compared to 2024 and across all residencies. Doctoral programs can vary in cohort size, and programs that enrolled large classes last year intentionally enrolled smaller classes this year, Hutton said.

Fall census data was released and a residence hall was named after a CU alumnus and Challenger astronaut at the Sept. 18 CU Board of Regents meeting. Get these and other updates.

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Paying student employees the right way

Megan Maneval — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:39:03 +0000

Paying student employees the right way Megan Maneval Mon, 09/15/2025 - 07:39

51�Թ�� has two policies to help departments ensure they’re paying students correctly:

How to Pay Students Policy: Ensures students at 51�Թ�� are paid using the proper payment method and reported accurately
Other Financial Assistance (OFA) Policy: Ensures all forms of financial aid, including federal state and institutional aid, are considered when determining a student’s eligibility for federal financial assistance at 51�Թ��

Many common types of payment to students are forms of OFA and must be reported to the Office of Financial Aid. Reporting student payments correctly keeps them in compliance with rules and regulations.

Enrollment requirements and summer payments

Students must be enrolled or considered active students at 51�Թ�� in the term for which the payment is intended to receive any federal financial aid or funding considered OFA.

Should a department wish to provide funding considered OFA to an active student during a period of non-enrollment, such as a summer term, such funding must be counted toward the student’s Cost of Attendance (COA) for the following period of enrollment, such as the fall term. It is not permissible to retroactively apply funding intended for a period of non-enrollment (summer) to a student’s previously enrolled term (spring) to circumvent this policy.

Refer to the Paying Students & Other Financial Assistance Policy for additional support, resources and guidance.

Be sure you're following the rules when paying your student employees this fall. Check out 51�Թ��'s updated Paying Students & Other Financial Assistance Policy.

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Chancellor accepts outreach task force recommendation for 'hub and spoke' model of outreach

Megan Maneval — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 12:56:16 +0000

Chancellor accepts outreach task force recommendation for 'hub and spoke' model of outreach Megan Maneval Wed, 09/10/2025 - 06:56

51�Թ�� Chancellor Justin Schwartz has accepted the recommendations of the Chancellor’s Task Force on Outreach (CTFO) to create a “hub and spoke” model of coordinated outreach to maximize the impact of the campus’s outreach and community engagement work with communities around the state.

Schwartz commissioned the CTFO in April. It convened during the spring and summer and delivered its report to the chancellor in mid-August.

“I want to thank the committee for the hard work of both assessing our current state of outreach and making some bold and imaginative suggestions for aligning outreach structures, inventories, principles and communications,” Schwartz said. “Its work will enable 51�Թ�� to better support our vast, impactful outreach efforts across the campus, amplify our engagement across the state and region, and build and sustain meaningful new partnerships.”

The report recommends 51�Թ�� move from a highly decentralized outreach and engagement approach to a “hub and spoke” model that coordinates dispersed campus efforts around unified goals, principles and relationships.

To begin a transition to the new model, Schwartz has tasked CTFO co-chairs Senior Vice Chancellor Ann Schmiesing and Vice Chancellor Jon Leslie with facilitating the following next steps:

Rename the Office of Government and Community Engagement (OGCE) as Outreach and Community Engagement.
Move Public and Community-Engaged Scholarship (PACES) into this renamed entity.
Engage with PACES and OGCE staff about this reorganization, which will involve no cuts to staff or budget.
Work with infrastructure and resilience planners to explore Main Campus options for co-locating PACES with other Outreach and Community Engagement staff.

Schwartz said, under the new model, units involved in outreach and community engagement will benefit from the hub and spoke model through:

Greater faculty, staff and student clarity about outreach-related opportunities, activities and roles; how offices and position titles are framed; and where to receive logistical and funding support.
The development of an annual plan that Outreach and Community Engagement and Enrollment Management leaders will align on with CU system colleagues.
The further development of a more comprehensive inventory of 51�Թ�� outreach and community engagement activities.
The formation of an advisory council to facilitate coordination in the new hub and spoke model.

To make governance as inclusive as possible, Schwartz recommended a “streamlined advisory council with more expansive standing and ad hoc subgroups” be developed.

In the coming weeks, Leslie and Schmiesing will present the CTFO’s recommendations to shared governance partners, deans, vice provosts/vice chancellors, chairs and directors, and relevant units.

“The input of these key leaders and partners is vital as we implement and fine-tune these recommendations and assess their efficacy in the near and long term,” Schwartz said.

Leslie and Schmiesing will also work with Human Resources and other offices on timelines for implementing and communicating CTFO recommendations, Schwartz said.

A new model will maximize the impact of 51�Թ��’s outreach and community engagement activities. Presentations on the new model will begin soon.

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Administration

Regents approve Colorado Avenue student housing project, name 'Code Talker Hall'

Code Talker Hall

Arapahoe Avenue purchase

Other business

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Sustainability Council advances proposal process, prepares for town hall and more

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Proposal governance and sponsorship

Proposal template revisions

Sustainability Town Hall

Spring food proposal update

Student representation

Next steps, upcoming meetings

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51�Թ�� Online welcomes new leadership as visioning process begins

51�Թ�� launches design review of its budget allocation model

Regents meeting: 51�Թ�� reaches record graduation, retention rates

In other board news related to the 51�Թ�� campus: