Weekly Letter from the Provost—Jan. 9 Edition
Welcome back for the winter term! I hope you had a restorative and meaningful holiday season and thank you in advance for your efforts to make this academic year a success.
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.
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.
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
MCE Merger Task Force Updates
The collaborative task force supporting the Morgridge College of Education's (MCE) merger with either the Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP) or the Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) will be led by Professors Pat Garriott, Maria Vukovich, and Heather Arnold-Renicker. We thank these faculty for agreeing to lead this important task force as it considers merger opportunities related to: student enrollment and experiences, interdisciplinary innovations, accreditation, reputation, and finances (in terms of revenue growth and operational efficiencies).
In support of their efforts, my office has provided task force leads with funding to cover course releases, logistical support, and historical data about each school, including the GSPP and GSSW dean’s initial proposals. We thank these faculty leaders for facilitating faculty, staff, and student involvement and for their reports of recommendation due to my office in late March. Reports will be shared with faculty and staff, and will inform my recommendations to the chancellor and the Board of Trustees regarding the MCE merger, facilitating future implementation efforts to strengthen graduate education.
In support of their efforts, my office has provided task force leads with funding to cover course releases, logistical support, and historical data about each school, including the GSPP and GSSW dean’s initial proposals. We thank these faculty leaders for facilitating faculty, staff, and student involvement and for their reports of recommendation due to my office in late March. Reports will be shared with faculty and staff, and will inform my recommendations to the chancellor and the Board of Trustees regarding the MCE merger, facilitating future implementation efforts to strengthen graduate education.
Recap: Budget Retreat with Academic Affairs Leadership
On Dec. 15, my office convened a daylong retreat for DU’s academic deans and their business officers, vice provosts, the chief finance officer and budget office staff, representatives from the Office of Institutional Research, and Sarah Watamura, Faculty Senate president. The aim of the gathering was to engage in a focused, data-informed conversation about DU’s budget strategy for FY '27 and the transition to a three-year budget planning model.
In line with the FY '27 budget development lifecycle, the retreat’s primary focus was to develop a better understanding of DU’s projected tuition revenue for FY '27 (and projections for subsequent years), and to begin contemplating new and innovative opportunities for revenue generation.
One of the main takeaways from this meeting was agreement across the academic leadership team to set a recruitment goal of at least 1,400 first-time, first-year undergraduates in fall 2026 with an average tuition discount rate no greater than 60%. With fall 2026 undergraduate applications surpassing 20,000—a record for DU with several weeks remaining in prime recruiting season—we are encouraged to meet this goal without sacrificing academic quality. I am grateful to Todd Rinehart, vice chancellor for enrollment, his hardworking team, and to the deans and their faculty and staff for attracting this record-breaking number of applicants, and for their commitment to yielding them.
The academic units will submit updated FY '27 revenue forecasts for graduate students today. This information along with undergraduate enrollment projections will provide clarity about DU’s anticipated revenue picture for FY '27. I plan to provide updates in subsequent newsletters.
In line with the FY '27 budget development lifecycle, the retreat’s primary focus was to develop a better understanding of DU’s projected tuition revenue for FY '27 (and projections for subsequent years), and to begin contemplating new and innovative opportunities for revenue generation.
One of the main takeaways from this meeting was agreement across the academic leadership team to set a recruitment goal of at least 1,400 first-time, first-year undergraduates in fall 2026 with an average tuition discount rate no greater than 60%. With fall 2026 undergraduate applications surpassing 20,000—a record for DU with several weeks remaining in prime recruiting season—we are encouraged to meet this goal without sacrificing academic quality. I am grateful to Todd Rinehart, vice chancellor for enrollment, his hardworking team, and to the deans and their faculty and staff for attracting this record-breaking number of applicants, and for their commitment to yielding them.
The academic units will submit updated FY '27 revenue forecasts for graduate students today. This information along with undergraduate enrollment projections will provide clarity about DU’s anticipated revenue picture for FY '27. I plan to provide updates in subsequent newsletters.
Winter Break Classroom Audiovisual (AV) Refresh
My thanks to Harper Johnson, vice chancellor and chief information officer, and his IT team for implementing critical classroom audiovisual (AV) updates over the holiday break to the following spaces:
- Sturm 151
- Sturm 251
- Sturm 210
- Sturm 380
- Sturm 410
- Sturm 451
- Nagel 102
These updates should provide better visibility to all students in the tiered classrooms and will support easier classroom management for faculty members.
Academic Affairs Goals Committees December Retreat
On Dec. 18, over 60 individuals including deans, faculty, and staff from each of the three Academic Affairs goals committees met for over three hours at the Marcus Commons within the Daniels College of Business for a retreat on academic excellence. Dean Naomi Boyd led the retreat with interactive activities on building resilient teams, prioritizing humanistic leadership through the identification of guiding principles and values, and a SWOT analysis of internal strengths and weaknesses, external opportunities, and external threats to the University of Denver.
The retreat concluded with a call for the committees and university leadership to approach this moment with courage, to consider ways for creative transformation with attention to our human relationships, and to set goals that are resilient and adaptable. Preliminary synthesis identified strengths in our teacher-scholar model, DU’s status as a career-connected campus, and the deep care of faculty for student experiences, including the 4D goals.
Opportunities include reclaiming our identity as Denver’s premier university. We can champion how DU's boutique offerings and size can lead to industry partnerships and insights on ways to address emerging workforce needs. With a liberal arts and STEM education that is enhanced by study abroad experiences, we develop critical thinking and career competencies that enable our graduates to navigate a changing world. DU prepares our students to make a positive impact in their communities and globally through policy work, business growth, behavioral health care, and so much more.
The retreat concluded with a call for the committees and university leadership to approach this moment with courage, to consider ways for creative transformation with attention to our human relationships, and to set goals that are resilient and adaptable. Preliminary synthesis identified strengths in our teacher-scholar model, DU’s status as a career-connected campus, and the deep care of faculty for student experiences, including the 4D goals.
Opportunities include reclaiming our identity as Denver’s premier university. We can champion how DU's boutique offerings and size can lead to industry partnerships and insights on ways to address emerging workforce needs. With a liberal arts and STEM education that is enhanced by study abroad experiences, we develop critical thinking and career competencies that enable our graduates to navigate a changing world. DU prepares our students to make a positive impact in their communities and globally through policy work, business growth, behavioral health care, and so much more.
Goal 1: Shape Enrollment and Improve Retention and Graduation Rates
Updates from the Goal 1 Committee
The Goal 1 committee has established three subcommittees, with subcommittee co-chairs, which will inform their efforts:
- Recruitment ecosystem and market position: Melissa Akaka and Adrienne Oddi, co-chairs
- Student success, belonging, and retention: Kristy Firebaugh and Jonathan Sciarcon, co-chairs
- Degree progression and graduation outcomes: Kristin Deal and Darin M. L. Stewart, co-chairs
I offer my appreciation to committee chairs Todd Rinehart, Corinne Lengsfeld, and the entire Goal 1 committee for their efforts.
Connecting to 4D: Faculty Workshop Series
Join the 2025-2026 CAHSS 4D Faculty Fellows, Greg Ungar (Theatre) and Kate Rice (CWLC/FYLP) in the winter quarter for a two-part workshop to explore the ways in which CAHSS embodies the 4D Experience at DU. While designed for CAHSS faculty, any faculty member is welcome to attend. We hope to see you in January!
Faculty Coffee and Conversation: Exploring 4D
Jan. 16, 10 to 11 a.m. | Sturm Hall, 134 and Zoom Option | Register on Crimson Connect.
Uncovering the Hidden 4D in Your Courses
Feb. 20, 10 to 11 a.m. | Sturm Hall, 134 and Zoom Option | Register on Crimson Connect.
Faculty Coffee and Conversation: Exploring 4D
Jan. 16, 10 to 11 a.m. | Sturm Hall, 134 and Zoom Option | Register on Crimson Connect.
Uncovering the Hidden 4D in Your Courses
Feb. 20, 10 to 11 a.m. | Sturm Hall, 134 and Zoom Option | Register on Crimson Connect.
4D Design Series for Faculty and Staff
Co-sponsored by the 4D Experience program and the Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL), the theme of the 2025-2026 4D design series is "Designing for Possibility in Times of Challenge." Three workshops will be offered: “Designing for Joy,” “Designing for Hope,” and “Designing for Resilience.” Faculty and staff will 1) learn practical strategies and tools for designing rich learning environments that enhance students’ 4D Experience, 2) ignite possibility for play, creativity, and connection during times of challenge, and 3) engage their faculty and staff 4D Experience through learning and connecting with colleagues across campus. Register for one or more workshops in the series on Crimson Connect. Individuals who complete all three sessions in the series will receive special recognition at the 4D Symposium in the spring.
Compassion Lab Mobile Classroom
This winter quarter, the Compassion Lab is presenting the following Mobile Classroom opportunities for faculty to integrate into their courses:
- A 30 to 90 minute session that teaches students skills such as listening, asking questions, and offering support.
- A 60 to 120 minute values-driven session that allows students to grapple with bigger questions such as, "how can we be compassionate to those with views different from our own?" or "how do we ethically offer compassion to those who have different identities or experiences?"
All Mobile Classroom sessions are developed in partnership with faculty and facilitated by Cris Tietsort (4D faculty fellow of character and assistant professor of communication studies). If you're interested in integrating the Mobile Classroom into your course, please email Cris Tietsort.
Goal 2: Improve Career Outcomes and Better Prepare Our Students to Succeed and Lead in an AI-transformed Workforce
Goal 2 Committee Updates
The Goal 2 committee has established three subcommittees—with subcommittee co-chairs— which will inform their efforts:
- Improving career outcomes: Rae Ann Bories-Easley and Mike Furno, co-chairs
- AI & workforce preparation: Stacey Stevens and Richard Colby, co-chairs
- Student & faculty AI experience: Leslie Alvarez and Andrea Stanton, co-chairs
My continued thanks to committee chairs Liz Lierman, Lorenzo Patelli, and the entire Goal 2 committee for their efforts.
Career and Professional Development (CPD) 2025 Annual Report
CPD has released the 2025 Career & Professional Development Annual Report , highlighting the student experience with career development and preparation at DU. The annual report highlights student and program stories, complementing and serving as a companion piece to the First Destination Career Outcomes Reports, which will be updated this summer. My sincere thanks to Liz Lierman, assistant vice chancellor for career and professional development, and her team for the outstanding work to promote and support student outcomes and success.
Goal 3: Strengthen Academic Excellence
Goal 3 Committee Updates
The Goal 3 committee has established three subcommittees, with subcommittee co-chairs, which will inform their efforts:
- Academic opportunities for revenue growth: Naomi Boyd and Sarah Watamura, co-chairs
- Creative restructuring across schools, departments, and academic programs: Sahara Byrne and Naazneen Barma, co-chairs
- Programs to be considered for closure: Bobbie Kite and Andrei Kutateladze, co-chairs
My continued thanks to committee chairs Leslie Hasche, Jennifer Karas, and the entire Goal 3 committee for their efforts.
January Session of Ignite Talks
Ignite Talks showcase bold ideas and innovative work from DU principal investigators and faculty, which are designed to spark connections and uncover opportunities to work together.
This month's focus will be on K-12 education. Specific topics will include:
This month's focus will be on K-12 education. Specific topics will include:
- The Speed Bias: How Perceptions of Learning Speed Shape STEM Opportunities
- Mental Health in Children with Learning Disabilities
- Place-Based Learning about Artificial Intelligence & Data
- Teaching Amidst Uncertainty: Navigating the Tensions of Responsive Instruction
Join us as we explore new ways to collaborate and create greater impact across Denver and beyond:
Ignite Talks: January Session
Date: Jan. 14, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: AAC 290
This event will be held in person and live via Zoom. If you would like a Zoom invitation, please email Audry LaCrone. Presentations will be recorded for those who wish to view at a later time as well.
Ignite Talks: January Session
Date: Jan. 14, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: AAC 290
This event will be held in person and live via Zoom. If you would like a Zoom invitation, please email Audry LaCrone. Presentations will be recorded for those who wish to view at a later time as well.
CAHSS Faculty Member Featured in National Media
Angela J. Narayan, a psychology professor in DU’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, wrote an article that was picked up nationally in both the Washington Post and The Conversation . In her piece, she provided tips that are grounded in her own research to help parents and loved ones reduce the stress associated with gift-giving to children. Her insights aim to help lower the pressure associated with gifting, while increasing connection with the children in their lives.
Morgridge Faculty Member Going Global on Sabbatical
Rashida Banerjee, professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning Sciences at the Morgridge College of Education (MCE), has taken her sabbatical global. Based in India since August, she is focusing on knowledge exchange and building relationships to foster future collaborations in research and practice.
Rashida has delivered workshops on special education, scholarly identity, research and publication strategies, and inclusive pedagogy at O.P. Jindal Global University, Calcutta University, Ashoka University, and other leading higher education institutions in India. She also served as a scholar in residence at the Indian Institute of Management–Indore and is co-authoring a policy paper on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in India with a doctoral student at Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Across these engagements, Rashida aims to learn from global models of higher education, expand interdisciplinary partnerships, and explore innovative approaches to scholarship and teaching. She plans to bring this network back to DU through the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) sessions, joint research, globally informed case studies, virtual guest lectures, and student-faculty exchanges. Rashida is grateful for the support from DU and colleagues in MCE and the Office of International Education. To explore global opportunities in research and teaching, please contact Leasa Weimer , director for global partnerships at DU.
We wish you all a wonderful term and thank you for your dedication to academic excellence at the University of Denver.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth G. Loboa
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
Rashida has delivered workshops on special education, scholarly identity, research and publication strategies, and inclusive pedagogy at O.P. Jindal Global University, Calcutta University, Ashoka University, and other leading higher education institutions in India. She also served as a scholar in residence at the Indian Institute of Management–Indore and is co-authoring a policy paper on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in India with a doctoral student at Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Across these engagements, Rashida aims to learn from global models of higher education, expand interdisciplinary partnerships, and explore innovative approaches to scholarship and teaching. She plans to bring this network back to DU through the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) sessions, joint research, globally informed case studies, virtual guest lectures, and student-faculty exchanges. Rashida is grateful for the support from DU and colleagues in MCE and the Office of International Education. To explore global opportunities in research and teaching, please contact Leasa Weimer , director for global partnerships at DU.
We wish you all a wonderful term and thank you for your dedication to academic excellence at the University of Denver.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth G. Loboa
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor