DU Forward: Projects

2025-2026 Community Initiatives

• Accelerated Master’s Programs

  This project proposes a university‑wide system that helps students intentionally pair their undergraduate degree with an accelerated master’s program—including interdisciplinary combinations that extend beyond traditional within‑field pathways. The project expands access by streamlining advising, marketing, and application processes, so students and recent alumni can identify clear, flexible routes for graduate study. By promoting innovative degree pairings and removing administrative barriers, the initiative aims to enhance recruitment, retention, and career readiness while strengthening DU’s academic distinctiveness.

  Project Sponsors/Key Stakeholders
  Jennifer Karas, Senior Vice Provost, Academic Affairs

• Amplifying Interconnection at the Kennedy Mountain Campus

  The Amplifying Interconnection at the Kennedy Mountain Campus project strengthens the University of Denver’s academic, research, and community engagement opportunities through immersive, place-based learning. The initiative outlines strategies to increase academic integration, expand lodging and accessibility, and build student-driven traditions that deepen belonging. A key component includes developing a flexible laboratory classroom to support interdisciplinary environmental, biological, and social science research. Together, these efforts position the Kennedy Mountain Campus as a year-round hub for experiential education, innovative research partnerships, and long-term institutional identity building.

  Project Sponsors/Key Stakeholders
  Stuart Halsall, Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
  Matt Jensen, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Kennedy Mountain Campus, Wellness & Recreation 

• CAHSS 4D Fridays

  The College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (CAHSS) is implementing 4D Fridays by shifting most undergraduate courses to a Monday – Thursday schedule and dedicating Fridays to experiential learning, career preparation, and personal development. As part of DU’s 4D Experience, this initiative integrates intellectual growth, well-being, character, and purpose into the undergraduate journey. Students use Fridays for internships, research, community-engaged learning, creative work, and credit-bearing career courses that connect study to life after graduation. 4D Fridays also strengthen partnerships with the Burwell Center for Career Achievement, DU alumni, and community organizations, supporting recruitment and student success by ensuring graduates leave DU with confidence, direction, and résumé-ready experience.

  Project Sponsors/Key Stakeholders
  Sahara Byrne, Dean, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 

• CAHSS & KMC Language Immersion Initiative

  The CAHSS & KMC Language Immersion Initiative offers two dynamic programs at the Kennedy Mountain Campus: a fully immersive, 4-credit academic language experience and a continuing education program for adult learners and K–12 professionals. Set in Colorado’s mountain environment, participants engage in rigorous instruction and co-curricular activities in a fully immersive target-language setting—without leaving the state. Launching with immersive Spanish in Summer 2026, the initiative will expand to additional languages and broader audiences. Building on DU’s strengths in language education, the program positions the university as the premier immersive language provider in the Rocky Mountain region.

  Project Sponsors/Key Stakeholders
  Sahara Byrne, Dean, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
  Paula Adamo, Associate Dean, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
  Virginie Cassidy, Director & Teaching Professor, Center for World Languages & Cultures 

• Mapping Career Readiness with a Career Passport

  The Career Passport initiative creates a digital record that helps University of Denver students identify, develop, and showcase the skills and competencies gained through academic and co‑curricular experiences. By mapping coursework, extracurricular activities, and professional opportunities to high‑demand competencies such as communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and time management, the project improves students’ ability to articulate their strengths to employers. The pilot will span multiple degree programs and lay the foundation for a scalable, campus‑wide model that enhances career readiness, student success, and DU’s reputation for innovative, outcomes‑focused education.

  Project Sponsors/Key Stakeholders
  Michelle Sabick, Dean, Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science
  Liz Lierman, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Career & Professional Development
  Tammy Schneider, Interim Vice Provost, University Budget, Planning & Administration

• Center for Ethical Generative AI Applications (CEGAIA)

  The Center for Ethical Generative AI Applications (CEGAIA) is a University of Denver initiative designed to advance ethical, interdisciplinary AI education, research, and community engagement. CEGAIA unifies existing AI efforts across campus while expanding opportunities for faculty, students, and industry partners to explore generative and applied AI. Through curriculum development, research support, professional training, and thought leadership, the center prepares the DU community for an AI‑driven world and strengthens the university’s role as a national leader in responsible and innovative AI.

  Project Sponsors/Key Stakeholders
  Michelle Sabick, Dean, Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science 
  Mohammed Al-Bow, Chair and Teaching Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science 
  Naomi Boyd, Dean, Daniels College of Business 
  Bruce Klaw, Assistant Dean for Societal Impact, Chair, Department of Business Ethics and Legal Studies, and Associate Professor, Daniels College of Business

• Educating the Next Generation of Innovators in AI and Computing

  This initiative expands high‑performance computing capacity at DU to accelerate education, research, and innovation in artificial intelligence and computing. By establishing a shared GPU cluster, the project empowers students to engage in hands‑on machine learning model development, strengthens faculty research across multiple disciplines, and enhances recruitment and retention of future technology leaders. The investment supports undergraduate research, experiential learning, and visibility through conference participation. As a foundational infrastructure project, it enables broader campus initiatives in ethical AI, digital literacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

  Project Sponsors/Key Stakeholders
  Andrei Kutateladze, Dean and Professor, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics 
  Michelle Sabick, Dean, Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science 
  Kingshuk Ghosh, Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy 
  Mohammad Mahoor, Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering 

• Elevating Community Service as Central to Students’ 4D Experience

  This project proposes that DU expand and elevate community service activity and pathways as central to the 4D student experience, thereby not only further positioning DU as Denver’s university but also fostering student personal, social, and civic responsibility and supporting individual and community flourishing in line with 4D. The initiative aims to connect students with meaningful service opportunities, strengthen partnerships across Denver, and promote personal, social, and civic development. Signature programs such as Community Service Connections (TBD Fall Welcome Week Service Experience), Day 4Denver, and DU Your Part: Move-out Collection Drive as well as coordinated volunteer pathways will foster deeper engagement while reinforcing DU’s commitment to public good and community flourishing.

  Project Sponsors/Key Stakeholders
  Stu Halsall, Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs 
  Amber Cardamone, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Student Engagement 
  Stephanie O’Malley, Associate Vice Chancellor, Government Relations and Community Affairs 
  Laura Perille, Executive Director, 4D Experience 
  Chris Roby, Special Consultant, 4D Experience 

• Expansion of Prior Learning Assessment Process

  This project proposes a streamlined Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process that allows students to earn academic credit for DU’s own non‑credit courses through a pre‑qualification model. By eliminating unnecessary barriers and leveraging existing quality‑assurance practices, the initiative creates clearer, faster, and more affordable pathways from non‑credit learning into degree programs. The approach enhances student access, reduces time‑to‑degree, supports workforce‑relevant upskilling, and strengthens DU’s position as an innovator in flexible learning. The proposal also aligns with statewide efforts to expand recognition of learning that occurs outside traditional classrooms.

  Project Sponsors/Key Stakeholders
  Bobbie Kite, Dean, College of Professional Studies 

• Faculty Institute for Teaching Excellence and Student Success

  The Faculty Institute for Teaching Excellence and Student Success is a cohort‑based professional development program designed to enhance faculty expertise in supporting student learning, especially in high‑enrollment and high‑DFW courses. Grounded in evidence‑based teaching practices and cross‑campus collaboration, the institute equips faculty to strengthen classroom experience, improve student engagement, and increase undergraduate persistence. Through focus on building student community within classrooms, elevating transparency in teaching, and scaffolding learning experiences this institute aims to positively impact thousands of students each year by empowering faculty in their teaching and course‑design practices.

  Project Sponsors/Key Stakeholders
  Leslie Hasche, Vice Provost, Faculty Success
  Leslie Alvarez, Assistant Vice Provost, Teaching & Learning 
  Laura Sponsler, Director of Faculty Development, Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs, and Clinical Associate Professor 
  Kristy Firebaugh, Assistant Vice Provost, Student Success 

• Graduate Marketing Connected Core

  The Graduate Marketing Connected Core project proposes adopting Collegis’ AI‑enabled data platform to unify and modernize the University of Denver’s graduate marketing ecosystem. By integrating analytics from Slate CRM, paid media, SMS, and web behavior, the platform creates a single, actionable source of truth to improve targeting, recruitment, and enrollment outcomes. A dedicated FTE will manage implementation and provide cross‑school insights that strengthen decision‑making and resource use. This innovation‑focused initiative enhances efficiency, enables personalized outreach, and supports DU’s long‑term enrollment strategy through data‑driven optimization.

  Project Sponsors/Key Stakeholders
  Corinne Lengsfeld, Senior Vice Provost, Research & Graduate Education 

• Increasing Undergraduate Internship Participation

  This project aims to increase undergraduate internship participation by expanding financial support for unpaid internships and building relationships with external sites that are typically difficult for students to access independently. By adding funding for 32 additional students each year, the initiative strengthens pathways to high‑quality nonprofit, public‑sector, and STEM‑related internships. Because internship experience consistently correlates with improved post‑graduate outcomes, this project is designed to enhance students’ career readiness, broaden access to professional opportunities, and ultimately improve employment and continuing‑education rates for DU graduates.

  Project Sponsors/Key Stakeholders
  Liz Lierman, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Career & Professional Development 
  Stacey Stevens, Executive Director, Employer & Alumni Career Engagement 
  Sarabeth Wolbrom, Associate Director, Career & Professional Development 

• Institute for Leadership and Business Excellence

  The Institute for Leadership & Business Excellence (ILBE) is a strategic initiative designed to unify and elevate the University of Denver’s business‑facing programs and services. By consolidating executive education, research collaboration, strategic consulting, and thought‑leadership centers under one coordinated hub, ILBE strengthens DU’s market presence and deepens partnerships with industry and civic organizations. The institute aims to generate new revenue streams, reframe the value proposition for corporate partners, and position DU as an indispensable partner to Colorado’s business ecosystem.

  Project Sponsors/Key Stakeholders
  Naomi Boyd, Dean, Daniels College of Business
  Chris Castilian, Senior Executive Director, Institute for Business Excellence
  Kate Dillon, Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives, Daniels College of Business
  Erin Flaherty, Executive Director, Executive Education, Daniels College of Business 

• Pardee Institute Training Program

  The Pardee Institute Training Programs aim to expand access to the University of Denver’s globally recognized International Futures (IFs) modeling platform. Through a suite of online micro‑certifications, the project will train students and professionals in long‑term analysis, scenario development, and evidence‑based strategic planning. Leveraging DU’s existing infrastructure, the initiative transforms the Pardee Institute’s unique analytical capabilities into scalable educational offerings that address global challenges—such as economic change, sustainability, geopolitics, and development. The programs strengthen DU’s interdisciplinary reach while positioning the university as a leader in future‑focused, data‑driven decision‑making.

  Project Sponsors/Key Stakeholders
  Fritz Mayer, Dean, Josef Korbel School of International Studies
  Jonathan Moyer, Director, Frederick S. Pardee Institute for International Futures
  Deva Sahadevan, Senior Research Associate
  Pam Hoberman, Director of Operations, Frederick S. Pardee Institute for International Futures
  Taylor Hanna, Associate Director, Development Analysis 

• Telling Public Good Stories of Impact

  The Telling Public Good Stories of Impact initiative elevates the ways that University of Denver faculty, staff, and students bring our public good vision to through research, teaching, and creative work. Through a multichannel storytelling strategy, the project showcases academic work and community-university collaborations that have local impact and make DU Denver’s University. This initiative ensures that DU’s meaningful contributions—often unseen—are celebrated, widely shared, and recognized as part of what makes DU such an important part of the Denver community.

  Project Sponsors/Key Stakeholders
  Anne DePrince, Associate Vice Provost for Public Good Strategy and Research, Center for Community Engagement
  Brad Bohlander, Senior Vice Chancellor, University Relations 

• Reduced Credit Applied Bachelor’s Degree

  The College of Professional Studies proposes reduced‑credit applied bachelor's degree programs designed to better serve working and non‑traditional learners. Using a pathway authorized by the Higher Learning Commission, these programs offer flexible, workforce‑aligned options across six existing majors, incorporating stackable credentials, faster time‑to‑degree, and direct progression routes to graduate study. The initiative aims to expand access, support Colorado’s evolving workforce needs, and create clear educational pathways that help adult learners advance their careers more efficiently.

  Project Sponsors/Key Stakeholders
  Bobbie Kite, Dean, College of Professional Studies
  John O’Malley, Teaching Professor and Faculty Director of Strategic Initiatives, College of Professional Studies

• Student Research as Signature Work for Public Good

  This initiative expands undergraduate access to meaningful, faculty‑mentored research experiences that prepare students to address complex public good challenges. Through cohorted learning, personalized mentoring, communication tools, and expanded funding, students gain foundational skills, build intellectual community, and develop signature work that connects their academic interests to impactful real‑world projects. The program strengthens DU’s research ecosystem, enhances student retention and career readiness, and increases equitable pathways into research and creative work.

  Project Sponsors/Key Stakeholders
  Anne DePrince, Associate Vice Provost for Public Good Strategy and Research, Center for Community Engagement
  Barb Hurtt, Faculty Director of Signature, Learning Communities and Civic Engagement
  Cara DiEnno, Executive Director, Center for Community Engagement
  Jennifer Karas, Senior Vice Provost, Academic Affairs 

• Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Program

  The Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Program applies engineering principles to medical and biological challenges to improve human health. The program expands the University of Denver’s strong biomedical research foundation—with strengths in biomechanics, aging, sensors, AI applications, and medical device development—and addresses growing regional and national demand for industry‑ready biomedical engineers. Designed to enhance career readiness and diversify the STEM pipeline, the program will leverage collaboration between RSECS, the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging. Graduates will be prepared for impactful careers across Colorado’s vibrant bioscience ecosystem.

  Project Sponsors/Key Stakeholders
  Michelle Sabick, Dean, Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science
  Haluk Ogmen, Senior Associate Dean, Daniel F Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science 

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