Weekly Letter from the Provost—April 10 Edition
Dear colleagues,
This weekly newsletter will serve as one of many tools my office will use to keep you informed and engaged as we make progress toward our three goals for Academic Affairs. We are grateful for your interest and support. Previous newsletters can be found on the provost’s communication center on the University’s website.
If you have suggestions for what we should include in future communications, please submit your ideas or stories here. Suggestions received before noon on Monday will be reviewed and considered for publication in that week’s newsletter. Others will be held for consideration until the following week.
Today’s update falls into four categories:
This weekly newsletter will serve as one of many tools my office will use to keep you informed and engaged as we make progress toward our three goals for Academic Affairs. We are grateful for your interest and support. Previous newsletters can be found on the provost’s communication center on the University’s website.
If you have suggestions for what we should include in future communications, please submit your ideas or stories here. Suggestions received before noon on Monday will be reviewed and considered for publication in that week’s newsletter. Others will be held for consideration until the following week.
Today’s update falls into four categories:
- Campus news and happenings
- Goal 1: Shape enrollment and improve retention and graduation rates for all students
- Goal 2: Improve career outcomes and better prepare our students to succeed and lead in an AI-transformed workforce
- Goal 3: Strengthen academic excellence
Campus News and Happenings
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Meetings
This week, Chancellor Jeremy Haefner, Senior Vice Chancellor for Business and Financial Affairs Mark DeLorenzo, and I had meetings with each of the deans and their business officers to review their proposed FY27 budgets prior to submission to the Board of Trustees for approval in June. For the FY27 budget, Academic Affairs has committed to a balanced budget with no deficit spending, and an overall net operating margin of 35.8% (which will vary by academic unit). This translates to $123.8M returned to the University’s budget.
I recognize the challenges associated with meeting this commitment for FY27, and I would like to thank the deans and their leadership teams for bringing forward these recommendations. Their insights will help us meet our short, mid-range, and long-term goals. In concert with the work of the three Academic Affairs committees, we are collaboratively driving DU’s academic transformation toward an even brighter future. This important and necessary work has not been easy, and there will be more challenges in the months ahead as we implement the changes that are recommended. I am confident in our community’s unique and real ability to rally together in a caring way that supports this institution.
I recognize the challenges associated with meeting this commitment for FY27, and I would like to thank the deans and their leadership teams for bringing forward these recommendations. Their insights will help us meet our short, mid-range, and long-term goals. In concert with the work of the three Academic Affairs committees, we are collaboratively driving DU’s academic transformation toward an even brighter future. This important and necessary work has not been easy, and there will be more challenges in the months ahead as we implement the changes that are recommended. I am confident in our community’s unique and real ability to rally together in a caring way that supports this institution.
University Council and Department Chairs’ Workshop to Support Academic Transformation
On Thursday, my office hosted a workshop for University Council members and department chairs. This meeting gave participants a clear, human-centered framework for guiding teams through organizational transformation, including moments when staffing changes or role adjustments are necessary. While we do not have specific details about the organizational changes to come as part of DU’s academic transformation, this meeting was an important opportunity to provide support in advance. As I have shared in previous newsletters, we will provide details about specific changes as transparently and as close to real-time as possible. I offer thanks to Jeff Banks, vice chancellor for human resources, and Eric Hartman, chief risk officer, for helping us organize this week’s workshop.
Staff Senate Self-Nominations Are Open
In March, the Staff Senate voted to transition to a regional representation model. The four regions are:
- Academic and Research
- Campus Experience and Engagement
- Operations and Administrative Services
- Strategy, Advancement, and External Engagement
This shift aligns representation with how staff work, collaborate, and experience institutional policies. The new model serves staff by clarifying advocacy areas, providing greater opportunities for connection, and offering an adaptable structure for institutional change.
Self-nominations are open until April 20. We invite you to nominate yourself for the next Staff Senate cycle, which can be done through this website.
Self-nominations are open until April 20. We invite you to nominate yourself for the next Staff Senate cycle, which can be done through this website.
Goal 1: Shape Enrollment and Improve Retention and Graduation Rates
Updates from the Committee
The Goal 1 Committee has established three subcommittees, with subcommittee co-chairs, which will inform their efforts: you can review the revised committee and subcommittee assignments on the Provost Office website.
The committee set Monday, April 13 as the deadline for subcommittee recommendations. This week, teams focused on drafting and refining their work. In response to the committee's charge to examine DU's enrollment capacity and market position for both undergraduate and graduate students to help inform future enrollment sizes, they have formed a small group of existing committee members to review reports and make recommendations. This group has begun analyzing data on declining birthrates and the Council of Graduate Schools’ reports on projected enrollment trends over the next five to ten years, forming the basis for three models now under development. I express continued thanks to committee chairs Corinne Lengsfeld, Todd Rinehart, and the entire Goal 1 Committee for their efforts.
The committee set Monday, April 13 as the deadline for subcommittee recommendations. This week, teams focused on drafting and refining their work. In response to the committee's charge to examine DU's enrollment capacity and market position for both undergraduate and graduate students to help inform future enrollment sizes, they have formed a small group of existing committee members to review reports and make recommendations. This group has begun analyzing data on declining birthrates and the Council of Graduate Schools’ reports on projected enrollment trends over the next five to ten years, forming the basis for three models now under development. I express continued thanks to committee chairs Corinne Lengsfeld, Todd Rinehart, and the entire Goal 1 Committee for their efforts.
DU Student Experience Survey
Please help us encourage students to take the DU Student Experience Survey—their feedback is vital as we seek to improve resources for them on campus. Survey participants could win one of five $200 Amazon gift cards offered as a reward for participation. The survey will be available only from April 6-22. We ask you to consider raising students’ awareness and encouraging their participation, either through announcements in your class or in Canvas. Students will receive a survey link in their email, but feel free to share this link with them.
Register for the Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP) Awards Ceremony
Faculty and staff are invited to the 2026 LEP Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 15 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Maglione Hall, SIE Complex. At this event, we will celebrate students, staff, and faculty who have made remarkable contributions to accessibility and neurodiversity on campus. Dessert will be served. An RSVP is required at this link, and please note spaces are limited.
Goal 2: Improve Career Outcomes and Better Prepare Our Students to Succeed and Lead in an AI-transformed Workforce
Updates from the Committee
The Goal 2 Committee has established three subcommittees, with subcommittee co-chairs, which will inform their efforts: you can review the revised committee and subcommittee assignments on the Provost Office website.
Working groups are finalizing actionable proposals to be included in the final committee report around five themes: 1) leveraging DU’s strengths and innovations, 2) universal responsible and ethical AI literacy as a differentiated value proposition, 3) enhancing and scaling employer engagement, 4) internships and experiential learning to drive career readiness, and 5) broadening and building on first-destination career outcomes measures. The committee will use the last two weeks in April to finalize the recommendations and produce the report.
The committee is especially interested in learning if there are ongoing initiatives within academic units to improve career outcomes and AI preparation for students. Please contact Liz Lierman and Lorenzo Patelli if you would like to share information about existing initiatives.
Working groups are finalizing actionable proposals to be included in the final committee report around five themes: 1) leveraging DU’s strengths and innovations, 2) universal responsible and ethical AI literacy as a differentiated value proposition, 3) enhancing and scaling employer engagement, 4) internships and experiential learning to drive career readiness, and 5) broadening and building on first-destination career outcomes measures. The committee will use the last two weeks in April to finalize the recommendations and produce the report.
The committee is especially interested in learning if there are ongoing initiatives within academic units to improve career outcomes and AI preparation for students. Please contact Liz Lierman and Lorenzo Patelli if you would like to share information about existing initiatives.
College Scorecard Data
The Department of Education has just updated its College Scorecard’s earnings data for the nearly 5,500 colleges and universities it surveys annually. The headline: pursuing a degree at the University of Denver is a great investment. According to the College Scorecard, the median annual earnings for DU graduates are now $18,076 higher than for graduates at comparable four-year universities and colleges. DU is committed to outcomes across the student lifecycle, with post-graduation success being vitally important. Thank you for the contributions you all make toward preparing our students for careers and lives of purpose! To see DU’s full data profile as reported in the College Scorecard, visit this website.
Geospatial Industry Insights
April 15, 5 to 6:30 p.m. | Burwell Center, Room 340
Students are invited to Geospatial Industry Insights, an opportunity to connect with professionals shaping the region’s career landscape. Participants will gain insider perspectives and explore career pathways across geospatial science, GIS, remote sensing, cartography, and related fields. This event is co-hosted by Career & Professional Development and the Rocky Mountain Geospatial Professional Network. Event and registration details can be found here.
Students are invited to Geospatial Industry Insights, an opportunity to connect with professionals shaping the region’s career landscape. Participants will gain insider perspectives and explore career pathways across geospatial science, GIS, remote sensing, cartography, and related fields. This event is co-hosted by Career & Professional Development and the Rocky Mountain Geospatial Professional Network. Event and registration details can be found here.
Industry Panel: Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy
April 28, 5 to 7 p.m. | Burwell Center, Room 340
Students and alumni are invited to attend a career panel focused on renewable industries and sustainable energy. Co-hosted by the Colorado chapter of Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy and Career & Professional Development, the event will feature professionals from Newmont Mining Corporation, RENUSA, Ulteig, and Spencer Ogden. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about diverse career pathways and engage directly with industry leaders. Additional details are available here.
Students and alumni are invited to attend a career panel focused on renewable industries and sustainable energy. Co-hosted by the Colorado chapter of Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy and Career & Professional Development, the event will feature professionals from Newmont Mining Corporation, RENUSA, Ulteig, and Spencer Ogden. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about diverse career pathways and engage directly with industry leaders. Additional details are available here.
Goal 3: Strengthen Academic Excellence
Updates from the Committee
The Goal 3 Committee has established three subcommittees, with subcommittee co-chairs, which will inform their efforts: you can review the revised committee and subcommittee assignments on the Provost Office website.
The committee spent time this week finalizing its review of data with deans and launching newly focused subgroups, whose focus areas include: (1) report synthesis and coordination, (2) lessons learned from restructuring at peer institutions, (3) strategies for sustaining Academic Program Review, and (4) faculty success, retention, and relocation during periods of academic transformation.
Goal 3 Committee members will work with deans to share updates with faculty on the information and recommendations being considered for their specific academic units by April 20. This information will help faculty understand how their academic units and undergraduate majors or graduate degree programs are being considered. Goal 3 recommendations will be forwarded to the Academic Unit Review Committee for consideration.
The committee is developing key processes to support the implementation of potential recommendations. The forthcoming report will outline data indicators and procedures to guide ongoing Academic Program Reviews. It will also propose processes for faculty relocation that align with DU’s Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure (APT) Policy.
Thank you for your continued commitment to this work and to our shared academic mission. We appreciate your dedication to teaching, research, creative and scholarly activity, and the care and service you provide to one another during this period of change and uncertainty.
The committee spent time this week finalizing its review of data with deans and launching newly focused subgroups, whose focus areas include: (1) report synthesis and coordination, (2) lessons learned from restructuring at peer institutions, (3) strategies for sustaining Academic Program Review, and (4) faculty success, retention, and relocation during periods of academic transformation.
Goal 3 Committee members will work with deans to share updates with faculty on the information and recommendations being considered for their specific academic units by April 20. This information will help faculty understand how their academic units and undergraduate majors or graduate degree programs are being considered. Goal 3 recommendations will be forwarded to the Academic Unit Review Committee for consideration.
The committee is developing key processes to support the implementation of potential recommendations. The forthcoming report will outline data indicators and procedures to guide ongoing Academic Program Reviews. It will also propose processes for faculty relocation that align with DU’s Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure (APT) Policy.
Thank you for your continued commitment to this work and to our shared academic mission. We appreciate your dedication to teaching, research, creative and scholarly activity, and the care and service you provide to one another during this period of change and uncertainty.
Academic Transformation Updates in the Colleges and Schools
Under the leadership of deans, associate deans, and department chairs, the colleges and schools are supporting DU’s academic transformation through thoughtful restructuring activities, and I would like to highlight one of these as a follow-up to last week’s newsletter.
Morgridge College of Education (MCE)
As a reminder, I engaged MCE faculty in the fall to consider two high-level merger proposals—one with the Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) and the other with the Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP). Following parallel discussions within GSSW and GSPP, representatives formed task forces to gather input and assess the academic and operational implications of each option. These task forces submitted their reports to me in late March.
Upon review of the task forces’ and deans’ cover letters, I have decided that the MCE merger will move forward with GSSW. While both options identified promising interdisciplinary opportunities, the reports indicated that a merger with GSSW would allow for a smoother and more immediate consolidation of operations in support of teaching, research, and service.
Among the many people to thank for their efforts to reach this decision, I would like to acknowledge Deans Henrika McCoy and Torrey Wilson for their leadership in the proposal development and review stages, and Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs and Professor Leslie Hasche for her service across the various stakeholder groups affected by this process. I would also like to thank the faculty and staff from MCE, GSSW, and GSPP for their thoughtful responses to the merger consideration.
Now that the decision has been made to pursue a merger, Henrika McCoy, acting dean of MCE and dean at GSSW, will work closely with faculty and staff from the schools over the next academic year to develop an initial implementation structure and timeline for next steps. This will be an ongoing process and will be further informed by the University’s broader work under goal 3, including academic program review and consideration of long-term restructuring needs.
Upon review of the task forces’ and deans’ cover letters, I have decided that the MCE merger will move forward with GSSW. While both options identified promising interdisciplinary opportunities, the reports indicated that a merger with GSSW would allow for a smoother and more immediate consolidation of operations in support of teaching, research, and service.
Among the many people to thank for their efforts to reach this decision, I would like to acknowledge Deans Henrika McCoy and Torrey Wilson for their leadership in the proposal development and review stages, and Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs and Professor Leslie Hasche for her service across the various stakeholder groups affected by this process. I would also like to thank the faculty and staff from MCE, GSSW, and GSPP for their thoughtful responses to the merger consideration.
Now that the decision has been made to pursue a merger, Henrika McCoy, acting dean of MCE and dean at GSSW, will work closely with faculty and staff from the schools over the next academic year to develop an initial implementation structure and timeline for next steps. This will be an ongoing process and will be further informed by the University’s broader work under goal 3, including academic program review and consideration of long-term restructuring needs.
Association of Psychological Science (APS) Recognizes DU Faculty Member
I am pleased to share that Assistant Professor Heidi Vuletich has earned the “Rising Star” designation from the APS. This honorific recognizes outstanding early-career researchers whose innovative work has already advanced the field and signals strong potential for continued contributions to psychological science. Such national recognition is well-earned and worthy of our congratulations and celebration.
DU Faculty Member Receives Inaugural Service Award
Congratulations to Kateri McRae, professor and chair in the Department of Psychology, for receiving the Social and Affective Neuroscience Society’s (SANS) Inaugural Service Award. In the email announcing Kateri’s recognition, SANS offered a powerful tribute from which I would like to share just a part: “She (Kateri) is obsessed with discerning what we can change, and what we cannot (in the brain, in life). While we can’t control the world, we can control our local environment, invest in communities we care about (like SANS), and offer perspective and interpretation shifts to one another—and she has data to show that can make a real difference.”
Thank you Kateri for the impact you make locally, regionally, and nationally!
Thank you Kateri for the impact you make locally, regionally, and nationally!
Reminder: Applications Now Open—Teaching and Learning for Regeneration and Resilience
The Center for a Regenerative Future is now accepting applications for its spring Teaching and Learning for Regeneration and Resilience training. This in-person workshop is designed for DU staff and faculty who are interested in strengthening their capacity to support student learning and personal well-being in the context of ecological crisis.
The training will take place on June 9 and 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by Friday, May 15 at noon. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all available spaces are filled.
Questions may be directed to Julia Senecal and more information is available on this website.
I greatly appreciate your contributions to our campus everyday which make a difference for our students and community. Wishing you all the best for the spring term.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth G. Loboa
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
The training will take place on June 9 and 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by Friday, May 15 at noon. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all available spaces are filled.
Questions may be directed to Julia Senecal and more information is available on this website.
I greatly appreciate your contributions to our campus everyday which make a difference for our students and community. Wishing you all the best for the spring term.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth G. Loboa
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor