Leadership Corner
It’s October. The time of year when the leaves fully change, snow may begin to fall, the sun starts to set earlier, and you may begin to question whether you really belong on campus. Let me assure you that, you are not alone in feeling this way and yes, you most certainly belong.
Yesterday was quite scary and unsettling for many students and the entire ̽»¨ÊÓƵ community. During times like this it is important to pay attention to your emotional well-being.
Increasing overall student retention rate is a great step in our journey to improve our campus community. To continue this journey, how can we all contribute to a campus that is not only welcoming, but an engaging place to be?
Every now and then you hear the question: Do intercollegiate athletic programs belong in higher education? Earlier this month several staff members in our athletic department addressed this question as we looked ahead to the next three years in forming our strategic plan.
̽»¨ÊÓƵ is a highly complex environment of many interconnected parts, but the root of our success is our people – talented and passionate in all of their fields. I welcome our new team members, and extend my appreciation to those who continue with us - all are key to the ongoing and efficient functioning of the university. We are moving into this new academic year with a focus on innovation across all elements of our enterprise, and I look forward to how these innovations will support our employees and our educational and research mission.
It is nearly time for the eighth annual Live Free Weekend. This is a special opportunity to engage students in meaningful conversations about alcohol and drug use, and I am asking you to spread the word about the weekend while encouraging participation.
On behalf of the ̽»¨ÊÓƵ leadership team, I am pleased to provide an update on our university’s Inclusive Excellence initiative.
Colleges and universities often are seen as places to discuss our ideas, debate our differences and openly engage persons with whom we may not agree. Those debates and disagreements appear sharper and less open to compromise during an election season, particularly an election with as much acrimony as the one currently underway. It is during times like these when it becomes incumbent upon us, as members of the ̽»¨ÊÓƵ community, to remember the Colorado Creed and how we can choose to live its values.
The campaign season is upon us and we know from recent experience that our campus is a popular location for campaign stops. Participating in the democratic process is certainly a privilege, but as public employees we have special responsibilities.
We’re at as exciting a moment as I’ve ever seen at the university. To all our new and returning students, faculty and staff, I welcome you to our campus and wish you a great start to the academic year.