Updates and FAQs

Updates

Spring 2026: Chancellor Haefner announces that Operational Transformation, one of DU Forward's major initiatives, will launch in AY 2026–27.

June 2026: Academic Transformation decisions are announced, with implementation continuing through the 2026–27 academic year.

July 13, 2026: The Operational Transformation Steering Committee holds its first meeting to review its roles and responsibilities in guiding the initiative's governance, scope, and timeline. 

 

FAQs

General

  • What is DU Forward?

    DU Forward is the University of Denver's institutional strategic framework, guiding the university's academic and operational work alike. See du.edu/about/du-forward for the full framework. Operational Transformation is one of its major initiatives.

  • What is Operational Transformation?

    It's one of DU Forward's major initiatives: a university-wide effort to examine how DU's administrative operations, including processes, technology, data, staffing, and facilities, can better support the university, especially as its academic structure changes. It's guided by a Steering Committee and three executive sponsors: Jeremy Haefner, Chancellor; Elizabeth Loboa, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor; and Mark DeLorenzo, Senior Vice Chancellor for Business and Financial Affairs.

  • How does this relate to Academic Transformation?

    Both are major initiatives within DU Forward. Academic Transformation is reshaping DU's academic structure, while Operational Transformation builds on that work by aligning the university's administrative operations with the new structure. The two initiatives are being closely coordinated to ensure DU's operations are ready to support the academic changes as they take effect.

  • Who is leading this work?

    A 12-member Steering Committee, co-chaired by Harper Johnson (Vice Chancellor for IT) and Daniel Eady (Senior Vice Provost for Strategy and Operations), reporting to three executive sponsors. See Governance & Leadership above for the full roster.

  • When will I hear more?

    We'll post updates here as milestones are reached, and reference this work in the Provost's newsletter and other campus communications. Check Updates below for the latest.

 

Faculty & Staff

  • Is my job at risk?

    Operational Transformation is not a workforce-reduction initiative. Its primary focus is on improving how work gets done at DU by simplifying processes, modernizing systems and tools, clarifying responsibilities, and reducing unnecessary administrative burden so faculty and staff can focus more of their time on work that supports our students and academic mission. 

  • What does “in scope” mean?

    “In scope” indicates that a function or process is under review; it does not mean that a decision has been made. This page will clearly distinguish areas under review from decisions that have been finalized.

  • How will I know if something changes for me?

    Not every change under Operational Transformation will affect individual roles, responsibilities, or job status. Much of this work is expected to focus on improving administrative processes, systems, tools, and ways of working so faculty and staff can spend less time navigating unnecessary complexity. If a confirmed decision does affect your role, responsibilities, or job status, DU will communicate with you directly before sharing the information more broadly. For process or system changes, DU will provide clear communications, hands-on training, timelines, and other support so those affected understand what is changing, why it is changing, when it will take effect, and how to prepare.

 

Managers