Weekly Letter from the Provost—May 1 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
Ritchie School Dean Transition
Michelle Sabick will step down as dean of the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science prior to the start of the next academic year. Additional updates about next steps and interim leadership at the Ritchie School will be shared as it becomes available. Since March 2021, Dean Sabick has helped the Ritchie School advance priorities that strengthen student outcomes and expand interdisciplinary research. Under her leadership, the school developed the Path to the Summit strategic plan, embedded career readiness in the curriculum, and expanded mastery-based learning in key engineering and computer science courses. The school also launched a new undergraduate program in biomedical engineering and new professional graduate programs in applied data science and AI and financial engineering, as well as partnering with colleagues across campus to establish the Center for Ethical AI, an exciting part of DU Forward.
I congratulate Dean Sabick on this very well-earned new role and give her my best wishes for this next great phase of her career.
I congratulate Dean Sabick on this very well-earned new role and give her my best wishes for this next great phase of her career.
Provost All-Hands Meeting
Today, I convened my third provost’s all-staff meeting. My thanks to the faculty and staff who were able to attend. In the meeting, I provided an update on 2026-2027 undergraduate and graduate enrollment trends, and a review of my office’s three goals for academic affairs, with a focus on key dates in timelines as have been shared in previous newsletters. Please check next week’s newsletter for a more detailed enrollment update.
An Evening with Lee Bollinger
Next week, DU will host Lee Bollinger, president emeritus of Columbia University and former president and dean of the Law School at the University of Michigan for a conversation entitled, “The Future of the American University.”
The event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, at 6 p.m. in Community Commons, rooms 1700-1800. Please register here if you are interested in attending.
The event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, at 6 p.m. in Community Commons, rooms 1700-1800. Please register here if you are interested in attending.
Teacher-Scholar Lecture and Reception Featuring Rebecca Galemba and Lisa Martinez
Faculty are warmly invited to the 11th Teacher-Scholar Lecture and Reception, featuring Rebecca Galemba and Lisa Martinez, co-directors of the Center for Immigration Policy and Research on May 5, from 5 to 6 p.m. In their lecture, “Beyond the Classroom and Courtroom: Student and Community-Centered Immigration Research and Policy Work,” Professors Galemba and Martinez explore how community-engaged learning integrates teaching, scholarship, and public purpose. Please register here if you are interested in attending.
Reminder: June Commencement Schedule and Regalia
Chancellor Haefner and I invite and encourage all faculty to participate in the 2026 Commencement Ceremonies, which will be held on June 12-13 in Magness Arena. The ceremony schedule includes the following events:
Friday, June 12
Crimson Graduate Commencement Ceremony, 9:30 a.m.
(CAHSS, Daniels, DU/Iliff Joint Program, GSPP, Korbel, and Morgridge)
Gold Graduate Commencement Ceremony, 2:30 p.m.
(NSM, GSSW, RSECS, and the PSC)
(CAHSS, Daniels, DU/Iliff Joint Program, GSPP, Korbel, and Morgridge)
Gold Graduate Commencement Ceremony, 2:30 p.m.
(NSM, GSSW, RSECS, and the PSC)
Saturday, June 13
Rose Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, 9:30 a.m.
Oak Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, 2:30 p.m.
All undergraduate divisions and colleges will participate in both ceremonies.
Faculty are asked to assemble in the Hamilton Gymnasium 30 minutes prior to each ceremony.
Oak Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, 2:30 p.m.
All undergraduate divisions and colleges will participate in both ceremonies.
Faculty are asked to assemble in the Hamilton Gymnasium 30 minutes prior to each ceremony.
Academic Regalia for Faculty: Deadlines and Procedures
Faculty planning to participate in commencement should place their order for academic regalia rentals by today, Friday, May 1, at 5 p.m. There is no cost to faculty or academic departments for regalia rentals submitted by the deadline. After the deadline, all rental charges will be incurred by academic departments.
Regalia will be available for pickup from the DU bookstore during the week of June 8. Rental regalia may be returned following ceremonies in Hamilton Hall or at the DU bookstore by Friday, June 19, at noon. Regalia not returned by this deadline will be considered purchased, and the purchase charge will be incurred by academic departments.
Additional information is available on the website for commencement. If you have questions, please direct them to Claire Brownell.
Regalia can be ordered at this website.
Regalia will be available for pickup from the DU bookstore during the week of June 8. Rental regalia may be returned following ceremonies in Hamilton Hall or at the DU bookstore by Friday, June 19, at noon. Regalia not returned by this deadline will be considered purchased, and the purchase charge will be incurred by academic departments.
Additional information is available on the website for commencement. If you have questions, please direct them to Claire Brownell.
Regalia can be ordered at this website.
Join Me for Lunch!
Please join me in the faculty lounge (Community Commons 2800) from noon-1 p.m. on May 6 for our “First and Third Mondays” lunch. Bring your food, questions, and ideas—I look forward to engaging with you.
For reference, here are the dates reserved for lunches for the remainder of the spring quarter:
For reference, here are the dates reserved for lunches for the remainder of the spring quarter:
- May 27 (due to travel)
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.
This week, committee members were given a final opportunity to weigh in on a draft of the full report. Comments, suggestions, and concerns have been reviewed and integrated in time for today’s submission deadline.
I express great thanks to committee chairs, Corinne Lengsfeld and Todd Rinehart, for their leadership and to the entire Goal 1 Committee for their service. I look forward to reviewing their report, which will be made available to all faculty and staff in the near future, as well as to engaging the campus community around its recommendations in the months and weeks ahead.
This week, committee members were given a final opportunity to weigh in on a draft of the full report. Comments, suggestions, and concerns have been reviewed and integrated in time for today’s submission deadline.
I express great thanks to committee chairs, Corinne Lengsfeld and Todd Rinehart, for their leadership and to the entire Goal 1 Committee for their service. I look forward to reviewing their report, which will be made available to all faculty and staff in the near future, as well as to engaging the campus community around its recommendations in the months and weeks ahead.
DU Student Named the University’s First Udall Scholar
Congratulations to Michela Schenk, who is DU's first-ever Udall Scholar! Michela is majoring in history and environmental science, and minoring in international studies and leadership and social impact. She is a member of the Pioneer Leadership Program (PLP) cohort.
The Udall Scholarship supports future public service leaders in environmental advocacy, Tribal public policy, and Native American healthcare. Michela is excited to learn from other Udall Scholars and sees the fellowship as an opportunity to put her in spaces where pursuing water equity is not simply a dream, but an actual possibility.
Along with the Office of Scholar Development and Fellowship Advising, I am so proud of Michela. We cannot wait to see what she does next!
The Udall Scholarship supports future public service leaders in environmental advocacy, Tribal public policy, and Native American healthcare. Michela is excited to learn from other Udall Scholars and sees the fellowship as an opportunity to put her in spaces where pursuing water equity is not simply a dream, but an actual possibility.
Along with the Office of Scholar Development and Fellowship Advising, I am so proud of Michela. We cannot wait to see what she does next!
Debate Across the Curriculum Receives National Recognition
DU’s innovative Debate Across the Curriculum (DAC) program was recently recognized as exemplary by Michael Murray, President and CEO of the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, a philanthropic trust that supports inclusive higher education programs. I encourage you to read Michael Murray’s full letter to the Chronicle of Higher Education.
At DU, our scholars and students greatly benefit from the DAC program, which encourages thoughtful engagement, respectful debate, and intellectual curiosity—both within and beyond the classroom. Congratulations to Darrin Hicks, professor of communication studies in CAHSS and faculty director of DAC, for this recognition.
At DU, our scholars and students greatly benefit from the DAC program, which encourages thoughtful engagement, respectful debate, and intellectual curiosity—both within and beyond the classroom. Congratulations to Darrin Hicks, professor of communication studies in CAHSS and faculty director of DAC, for this recognition.
Senior Send-Off Cornhole Classic
I would like to invite community members to join this year’s Senior Week celebration at the Senior Send-Off Cornhole Classic.
On Tuesday May 12, you are invited to make your way to Campus Green for some friendly competition among the faculty and our graduating class. We encourage all faculty members to attend this event where they will be able to challenge their favorite students to a friendly game of cornhole, chat about post-graduation plans over BBQ, and celebrate the hard work of our graduating undergraduate students. Please register on CrimsonConnect.
On Tuesday May 12, you are invited to make your way to Campus Green for some friendly competition among the faculty and our graduating class. We encourage all faculty members to attend this event where they will be able to challenge their favorite students to a friendly game of cornhole, chat about post-graduation plans over BBQ, and celebrate the hard work of our graduating undergraduate students. Please register on CrimsonConnect.
Fifth Annual Langar@DU Event
Langar@DU is a student-led event hosted alongside the Colorado Sikhs that promotes community and inclusivity by providing free meals, yard games, and music. The event’s aim is to foster equality and selfless service, while encouraging students to engage with community outreach and social responsibility. The event will occur on June 3 from 10:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Campus Green.
Sign up to attend
Sign-up to volunteer
Sign up to attend
Sign-up to volunteer
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.
This week, the committee revised and finalized its report, ensuring recommendations are clear, aligned with the original charge, and incorporate the perspectives of different units to meet today’s submission deadline.
I express sincere thanks to committee chairs, Liz Lierman and Lorenzo Patelli, for their leadership and to the entire Goal 2 Committee for their contributions. I look forward to reviewing their report, sharing it with you in the near future, and engaging the campus community around its recommendations in the months and weeks ahead.
This week, the committee revised and finalized its report, ensuring recommendations are clear, aligned with the original charge, and incorporate the perspectives of different units to meet today’s submission deadline.
I express sincere thanks to committee chairs, Liz Lierman and Lorenzo Patelli, for their leadership and to the entire Goal 2 Committee for their contributions. I look forward to reviewing their report, sharing it with you in the near future, and engaging the campus community around its recommendations in the months and weeks ahead.
Preparing Student Employees for Today's Labor Market
DU’s Employer Connections team has spent the last two years focusing more closely on priority industries and employers, and connecting students to growing areas of the Colorado and national labor market. You are invited to learn from them about workforce trends, what employers want, and how best to prepare your student employees for the future of work. As always, we will reserve time at the end for a small group discussion and connection with other supervisors.
This event is tailored to supervisors of student employees but is open to all. You are welcome to join in-person in Burwell 320 or by Zoom. We will put special care into making this a meaningful hybrid experience.
Register here for the event.
This event is tailored to supervisors of student employees but is open to all. You are welcome to join in-person in Burwell 320 or by Zoom. We will put special care into making this a meaningful hybrid experience.
Register here for the event.
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 finalized the Goal 3 report this week and submitted it to me today. As a final step prior to submission, the committee met Thursday to gather feedback and incorporate information about key opportunities and risks into its recommendations. The committee looks forward to sharing the report with the broader DU community after I have completed my initial review.
We owe a debt of gratitude to Leslie Hasche and Jennifer Karas for their leadership and to the entire Goal 3 Committee for their contributions. Next week, I will provide additional information concerning the decision-making timeline for the committee’s recommendations in advance of June’s meeting of the Board of Trustees.
The committee finalized the Goal 3 report this week and submitted it to me today. As a final step prior to submission, the committee met Thursday to gather feedback and incorporate information about key opportunities and risks into its recommendations. The committee looks forward to sharing the report with the broader DU community after I have completed my initial review.
We owe a debt of gratitude to Leslie Hasche and Jennifer Karas for their leadership and to the entire Goal 3 Committee for their contributions. Next week, I will provide additional information concerning the decision-making timeline for the committee’s recommendations in advance of June’s meeting of the Board of Trustees.
Sustainable Business Symposium: Advancing a Sustainable Future in Colorado
Join the Daniels College of Business at the third annual Sustainable Business Symposium on Friday, May 8. Hosted by the Department of Business Ethics and Legal Studies, this free, full-day event convenes business, government, and nonprofit leaders, as well as academic experts and students. Four interactive sessions will provide an assessment of sustainability trends, challenges, and solutions in Colorado. All faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to attend. Register today and reach out to Bruce Klaw with questions.
I send my best wishes to you as the spring term is in full stride.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth G. Loboa
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
I send my best wishes to you as the spring term is in full stride.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth G. Loboa
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor