PUBLIC COMMENT: The Board of Regents will include live public comment at its November 12 remote board meeting. Due to time constraints, live public comment will be limited. Please let us know by close of business on November 9 if you would like to participate. This is not a guarantee of participation.

If you are interested in participating in live public comment, please send an email to CUBoardofRegents@cu.edu. Please write “live public comment” in the subject line to help us identify your email. If you are part of an organization, we ask that you designate one person to speak on the organization’s behalf. Include the following information in your email:

• Your full name;
• Organization or description of who you are (i.e., UCCS student government);
• Topic to be discussed.

Someone from the Board office will respond to your email with more information. If we run out of space for participants, or if you do not wish to speak at the meeting, you may submit a written statement to the Board via email at CUBoardofRegents@cu.edu. Please indicate your email is for “public comment”.

The Board of Regents welcomes the newly elected regents:

Callie Rennison - Congressional District 2

Ilana Spiegel - Congressional District 6

Nolbert Chavez - Congressional District 7

President Kennedy's update will include campus updates from the chancellors. 

(The Board of Regents' adopted rules of parliamentary procedure, Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through board committee review and recommendation. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member.)

Minutes will be released upon board approval.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:

Article 2, Part D of the Laws of the Regents and Regent Policy 2.D. provide for the award of Honorary Degrees, University Medals, and Distinguished Service Awards.

Honorary Degrees recognize outstanding achievement in one or more of the following areas: intellectual contributions, university service, philanthropy and/or public service.

University Medals recognize those persons whose achievements and contributions are particularly associated with the university.

Distinguished Service Awards recognize those persons whose achievements and contributions are particularly associated with the state and/or nation.

On October 23, 2020, the Regents Awards selection committee, comprised of four regents and four faculty members from the Educational Policy and University Standards (EPUS) Committee representing each campus, reviewed the nominations referred to the secretary of the Board of Regents.  There was consensus from the committee to forward a slate of nominees to the regents for discussion and approval.

Committee members: Sue Sharkey, Chair; Jack Kroll, Vice Chair; Linda Shoemaker, Regent; Chance Hill, Regent
EPUS Committee Members: Richard Collins, CU-Boulder; Lawrence Cunningham, CU Denver; Monique French, UCCS; and David Thompson, CU Anschutz

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

Honorary Degree (4)

• Ceal Barry
• Cleo Parker Robinson
• Lyda Ludeman
• Lauren Casteel

Distinguished Service Award (2)

• Charles Sisk
• Amy Davis (posthumous)

University Medal (5)

• Michael Leeds
• Rebecca Roser
• Rick Gardner
• Margaret Neville
• Rob and Lola Salazar

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  

Chancellor DiStefano with the concurrence of Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Moore and Interim Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer O’Rourke.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  

The Boulder Campus is requesting approval of a preliminary program plan for the renovation of the Ekeley Sciences Teaching Laboratories on the Main Campus. Obsolete space identified for inclusion in this project totals approximately 13,849 ASF and 20,850 GSF. These laboratories are utilized for teaching general chemistry, which is prerequisite study required for an array of science majors. The project will address pressing deferred maintenance issues and install modern teaching laboratories. Faculty and staff office space will be reconfigured, equipped and furnished to meet new campus space allocation guidelines for efficiency. Beneficiaries of the project total 4,315 campus constituents, including 4,089 lower-division students (fall 2019) and 226 faculty, staff and graduate student employees. A recent VFA audit of this area provided a current facilities condition index (FCI) of 42% according to Colorado Office of the State Architect’s standards, and the project will improve this FCI. A total of $21.8 million in campus cash spending authority is requested to fund these critical improvements. Non-state, cash funding will be derived primarily from a miz of debt and capital reserves. The project will not impact student tuition and will not utilize revenue from student fees. Design is schedules to commence in the summer of 2023, followed by construction in January 2024, and occupancy in December 2024. 

The Department of Chemistry at CU Boulder is one of the best in the nation, ranking #24 in the United States according to the most recent US News and World Report rankings, with the Physical Chemistry specialization ranking #10 by the same metrics. The department is internationally recognized for its specialized research and education into the study of matter, energy, and the interaction between them. As part of its commitment to excellence, the department provides cutting-edge opportunities across a wide range of chemistry branches, resulting in world-class innovation in topics like renewable energy, atmospheric pollution and advanced spectroscopy techniques. Within chemistry there are a number of branches, all of which are researched at CU Boulder. These branches include analytical, inorganic and physical chemistry. In addition, CU Boulder also has a strong research presence into materials and nanoscience, environmental chemistry and atmospheric chemistry, one of only a few analytical groups nationwide that offer this focus. The teaching laboratories that are the subject of this proposal will provide modernized facilities so that students can build the educational foundation for further, in-depth branches of study.

This project is submitted for preliminary program plan approval pursuant to Senate Bill 19-196. The project is not ready to commence, either because funding is not secured or because other priority projects will be completed first. However, the university intends to pursue the project sometime in the next five years. The project will not proceed until a full program plan is completed and approved by the Board of Regents.

On October 21,this item was reviewed and discussed at the CU Regent Finance Committee meeting. The four findings required by the CU Board of Regents are as follows:

      A. Conformity with Institutional Master Plan

The Ekeley Sciences Teaching Laboratories renovation project is critical to the university meeting its mission for the state of Colorado established by section 23-20-101, Colorado Revised Statutes:

The Boulder Campus of the University of Colorado shall be a comprehensive graduate research university with selective admissions standards. The Boulder Campus of the University of Colorado shall offer a comprehensive array of undergraduate, masters, and doctoral degree programs.

The plan to maintain facilities is consistent with the campus’ strategic plan goal to:

…create a university environment that will be intellectually inspiring, academically challenging, welcoming, supportive and conducive to positive personal growth and, for CU Boulder to be an agile organization supported by effective leadership, financial and operational models, and infrastructure.

The plan is consistent with 2011 Campus Master Plan goal to reduce long-term operational goals, provide better comfort for building occupants, and support learning and research.

The plan supports all three of the campus strategic imperatives: Shape tomorrow’s leaders; be the top university for innovation; and positively impact humanity.

      B. Evidence of Educational Program Benefits

The plan to maintain facilities will support the mission of CU Boulder and will invest in the tools for success by increasing investments in new technologies, and new and existing campus facilities as outlined in the board approved campus strategic plan.

Finally, the project specifically resonates with the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) state master plan titled “Colorado Rises: Advancing Education and Talent Development,” which sets statewide goals to increase credential completion, erase equity gaps, improve student success, and invest in affordability and innovation.

      C. Appropriateness of Financing

The total project cost is $21.8 million, which will be supported from non-state, campus cash funds derived primarily from a mix of debt and capital reserves. The project will not impact student tuition and will not utilize revenue from student fees.

     D. Consistency with Campus Capital Improvement Program

The project will be included in the CU Boulder FY23-24 Two Year Cash List upon submission of a full program plan and request for legislative spending authority for the project.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):  

None.

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE: 

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE: 

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  

Chancellor DiStefano with the concurrence of Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Moore and Interim Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer O’Rourke.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  

The Boulder Campus is requesting approval of a preliminary program plan to modernize teaching and research in Chemistry. This plan will provide comprehensive improvements to Boulder Campus facilities, the majority of which is square footage that has not been significantly renovated since 1958, with teaching space that is heavily utilized at 34 hours weekly and 71.6% occupancy (fall 2018). The scope of the project includes construction of 19,950 ASF/39,900 GSF of new research laboratories and the renovation of approximately 60,000 ASF of existing, obsolete space. Remodeling will provide new teaching spaces, faculty and staff offices, and lab-support spaces. Faculty and staff office space will be reconfigured, equipped and furnished to meet new campus space allocation guidelines for efficiency. The project will address pressing deferred maintenance and life safety issues, such as structural live-load constraints, low floor to floor ceiling heights, and wholly inadequate HVAC. A 2019 VFA audit of these facilities provided a facilities condition index of 28% according to Colorado Office of the State Architect’s standards, and the project has targeted the resolution of many of these deficiencies. Beneficiaries of the project total 15,226 campus constituents, including 15,000 students taking classes in Cristol Chemistry annually and 226 chemistry faculty, staff and graduate student employees (FY19). A total of $100.9 million in campus cash spending authority is requested to fund these critical improvements. Non-state, cash funding will be derived primarily from indirect cost recovery (ICR) reserves to support research facilities, and debt. Design is scheduled to commence in the summer of 2024, followed by construction in summer of 2025, occupancy of new facilities in the winter of 2026/27, and occupancy of renovated facilities in winter 2027/28.

The poor condition of laboratory space has led to faculty leaving for other institutions and has impeded the department’s ability to hire new faculty for the future. Upcoming retirements over the next five years will leave only 17 active chemistry faculty. Poor research facilities are at the heart of lost, potential new hires. One of the goals of the chemistry department is to achieve and maintain a roster of 24 research faculty. Highly qualified people are interested in coming to Boulder as the department at CU is none other than world-class. In fact, it is one of the best in the nation, ranking #24 in the United States according to the most recent US News and World Report rankings, with the Physical Chemistry specialization ranking #10 by the same metrics.

This plan will address dire deficiencies in mission critical assets of the state. The provision of renewed facilities has reached a compelling point and work within the department is unique to the state of Colorado. The department is internationally recognized for its specialized research and education into the study of matter, energy, and the interaction between them. As part of its commitment to excellence, the department provides cutting-edge opportunities across a wide range of chemistry branches, resulting in world-class innovation in topics like renewable energy, atmospheric pollution and advanced spectroscopy techniques. Within chemistry there are a number of branches, all of which are researched at CU Boulder. Three primary branches include analytical, inorganic and physical chemistry with unique and strong research presence in materials and nanoscience, environmental chemistry and atmospheric chemistry, one of only a few analytical groups nationwide that offer this focus. The needed facilities that are the subject of this proposal will help provide resources necessary for these further, in-depth branches of study, which in-turn enhance CU Boulder’s reputation.

This project is submitted for preliminary program plan approval pursuant to Senate Bill 19-196. The project is not ready to commence, either because funding is not secured or because other priority projects will be completed first. However, the university intends to pursue the project sometime in the next five years. The project will not proceed until a full program plan is completed and approved by the Board of Regents.

On October 21, this item was reviewed and discussed at the CU Regent Finance Committee meeting. The four findings required by the CU Board of Regents are as follows:

       A. Conformity with Institutional Master Plan

This chemistry project is critical to the university meeting its mission for the state of Colorado established by section 23-20-101, Colorado Revised Statutes:

The Boulder Campus of the University of Colorado shall be a comprehensive graduate research university with selective admissions standards. The Boulder Campus of the University of Colorado shall offer a comprehensive array of undergraduate, masters, and doctoral degree programs.

The plan to maintain facilities is consistent with the campus’ strategic plan goal to:

…create a university environment that will be intellectually inspiring, academically challenging, welcoming, supportive and conducive to positive personal growth and, for CU Boulder to be an agile organization supported by effective leadership, financial and operational models, and infrastructure.

The plan to address the obsolescence of these teaching and research facilities will support the mission of CU Boulder and will invest in the tools for success by increasing investments in new technologies, and new and existing campus facilities as outlined in the board approved campus strategic plan.

The plan is consistent with 2011 Campus Master Plan goal to reduce long-term operational goals, provide better comfort for building occupants, and support learning and research. Section IV, page 5 states: “In particular, the chemistry and biochemistry program in the natural sciences division shows a strong need for space…” Section V, page 6 states: “In addition, 14 major renovations and capital renewal projects are planned, which highlights the university’s desire to improve its existing facilities. Capital renewal renovation …[is] proposed …renovations of Ekeley Chemistry, Cristol Chemistry...

The plan supports all three of the campus strategic imperatives: Shape tomorrow’s leaders; be the top university for innovation; and positively impact humanity.

Finally, the project specifically resonates with the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) state master plan titled “Colorado Rises: Advancing Education and Talent Development,” which sets statewide goals to increase credential completion, erase equity gaps, improve student success, and invest in affordability and innovation.

      B. Evidence of Educational Program Benefits

Chemistry maintains 27 Tenured and Tenure-Track (TTT) faculty and 29 research non-TTT faculty. Chemistry faculty authored 1,345 publications and credited with 34,200 scholarly citations. Four faculty members belong to the National Academy of Sciences, and five faculty are members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, including many additional honors and accolades, the list of which is available on the department website. The program has brought over $100M in sponsored research over the past seven years. The quality of education for students is enhanced by this distinct list of educators and their support staff. Provision of modern teaching and research laboratories and improvements to existing facilities is mandatory to maintain this asset for Boulder Campus students, and future workforce for the state of Colorado.

       C. Appropriateness of Financing

The total project cost is $100.9 million, which will be supported from non-state, campus cash funds derived primarily from indirect cost recovery (ICR) reserves to support research facilities, and debt.

Consistency with Campus Capital Improvement Program

The project will be included in the CU Boulder FY24-25 Two Year Cash List upon submission of a full program plan and request for legislative spending authority for the project.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):  

None

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE: 

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE: 

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  

Chancellor Marks

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:

This project involves the renovation of up to 31,442 square feet in the Lawrence Street Center. The renovations include most of the 3^rd floor and the 9^th and 10^th floors. (Note: A portion of the 3^rd floor is not being included because it was recently renovated). The Lawrence Street Center is located at 1380 Lawrence Street in downtown Denver. The building was purchased in 2006 by CU Denver.

The Lawrence Street Center was constructed in 1981 as a commercial office building, and has been home to many private tenants including law firms, a radio station and the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. CU Denver now occupies the entire building, but many of the layouts from previous private tenants remain. These layouts feature large private offices that exceed current university standards. (The average size of an office in the Lawrence Street Center is 141 assignable square feet (ASF). The current university standard is 120 ASF). The ratio of private office space to open work space in the Lawrence Street Center also does not align with current university standards.

Of the floors in the Lawrence Street Center that have not been renovated since CU Denver purchased the building, floors 3, 9 and 10 represent the best value when comparing renovation cost with potential increases in workplace capacity. If these spaces were re-designed to university standards, occupancy would increase by 38% to 108% depending on the floor. The additional work areas that would be created could be used to address the future space needs of the university.

The 2017 CU Denver Facilities Master Plan noted that office space represents the largest share of the CU Denver space inventory at 42% (340,000 ASF). The average office size at CU Denver is 133 ASF, 10% higher than the current office space standard of 120 ASF. If CU Denver is to meet the enrollment growth targets outlined in the master plan, it will require an increase in workplace capacity. This can be accomplished by building new office space, or by using the space that exists more efficiently.

In addition to being an inefficient use of space, the current layouts hinder workflow and collaboration and do not result in an equitable distribution of natural light. Many of the private offices line the perimeter of the floors and do not allow natural daylight into the center.

CU Denver is proposing a cash funded renovation project to correct the deficiencies in the space. The cost is not expected to exceed $10 million. The source of funds is institutional reserves.

This project is anticipated to commence with design in FY 2023-24. However, the exact timing will depend on the availability of funding. Board of Regent approval of the full program plan will be sought at a future date.

PREVIOUS ACTIONS

NONE

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE

PRESIDENTS' SIGNATURE

RECOMMENDATION FROM

Chancellor Marks

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION

The Nexus Building project was first introduced in the 2017 CU Denver Facilities Master Plan. In the plan, the term “Nexus” was used to refer to the parcel of land that lies adjacent to Larimer Street in between the northbound and southbound lanes of Speer Boulevard. The parcel is currently owned by the City of Denver and is operated as a surface parking lot, managed by a third-party vendor.

CU Denver staff have been actively discussing the potential of a sale of the Nexus site or a development partnership with City of Denver staff since 2016. Those discussions have not yet led to any formal proposals with specific details on how a purchase or partnership would be structured.

The primary objectives of the Nexus project are the following:

1. To take advantage of a rare opportunity to acquire land adjacent to campus from an owner that is more invested in the University’s success and sympathetic to their mission than a private entity.

2. To provide future growth opportunities for CU Denver given the finite number of development sites available within the University’s neighborhood on the Auraria Campus.

3. To meet the future space needs of CU Denver as identified in the 2017 Facilities Master Plan.

4. To develop a building on the Nexus site that could, through thoughtful design, improve the experience and safety of pedestrians, join together what is now a bifurcated campus, and enhance CU Denver visibility and branding.

This would involve CU Denver purchasing or leasing the Nexus parcel and, at a future date to be determined, developing the site- potentially in partnership with the city and/or with one or more other parties.

A specific program by space type has not yet been developed for this project. That will be driven by the structure of the purchase or partnership. The project could include retail, residential, other university space, and potentially commercial space for lease. CU Denver did identify a number of space deficits in the 2017 master plan that could be accommodated in a building on this site, or could be accommodated elsewhere in space vacated by units that would move into the Nexus Building.

The Master Plan analyzed space needs for CU Denver for three periods of time- Baseline (fall 2015), Five Year (fall 2020), and Ten Year (fall 2025). For 2015, actual fall headcount enrollment (12,873) was used to calculate space needs. For 2020 (15,466) and 2025 (18,059), target enrollments were used.

For 2015, CU Denver was found to be most deficient in academic support space, including Office and Office Service (27,053 ASF deficit) Study and Collaborative Learning space (16,434 ASF deficit), and Physical Plant (12,500 ASF Deficit). For 2020 (when the projected enrollment of 15,466 most closely aligns with CU Denver’s current enrollment of 15,162), the space deficiencies were found to be significant. Those deficiencies include 20,721 ASF of Teaching Laboratories, over 10,000 ASF combined of Open Laboratory and Research Laboratory and more than 67,673 ASF of Academic support space including Office and Study and Collaborative Learning space. When the 2025 enrollment targets are met, the needs rise to 20,763 ASF for classroom space, 47,870 ASF for Teaching Labs, more than 50,000 ASF for Open Laboratory and Research Laboratory, and 114,778 ASF in Academic Support space.

The demand for student housing on the campus was also studied as part of the 2017 master plan. However, the most recent data on housing demand comes from a 2019 study conducted for CU Denver by Brailsford and Dunlavey. The study found that, in addition to the 722 beds currently provided at Lynx Crossing and the 555 beds to be provided at City Heights (opening fall 2021), there remains a demand for 187 beds of non- freshman on campus housing at CU Denver. As CU Denver enrollment rises, demand for housing will rise as well and the projected demand of for 187 additional beds will increase.

A quick analysis conducted in conjunction with the 2017 Facilities Master plan yielded a projected 183,032 square foot building on the Nexus site at a cost of $101,558,258.

The structure of the Nexus purchase and development could take several forms.

One option is for CU Denver to purchase the land directly from the city, and develop the site within a timeframe that is most advantageous to the University. There would likely be a period of time when the parcel would continue to function as a parking lot, and the University would collect parking revenue to offset its acquisition debt payments. The University could develop the parcel independently or as part of a public private partnership (P3).

A second option would be for the city to enter into a long-term ground lease with the university, while maintaining ownership of the parcel. The university could work independently or as part of a P3 to develop the property.

A third option would be for the city to sell (or ground lease) the land to a third-party. The third-party would develop the parcel, and the university would be party to that development primarily as a tenant of the building.

Within options one and two are variations that can be explored to balance the University’s control of the project outcome versus their risk. All scenarios will be evaluated carefully by CU Denver and a program plan amendment with details will be submitted to the Board of Regents prior to entering into any purchase or lease agreement.

This will be a cash-funded project. The sources of funding will be driven by the structure of the sale or lease, the development team, and the uses accommodated in the building.

The timing of the project will be defined by ongoing conversations with the city, but fiscal year 2023-2024 is being used as a start date for planning purposes. Board of Regent approval of the full program plan will be sought at a future date.

PREVIOUS ACTIONS

NONE

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE

PRESIDENTS' SIGNATURE

RECOMMENDATION FROM:

President Mark Kennedy, Chancellor Don Elliman, and Senior Vice President Todd Saliman

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:

WHEREAS state funding for the final phase of the Anschutz Health Science Building on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus was anticipated for FY 2020-21 and included in the list of projects recommended for funding by the legislative Capital Development Committee and in the preliminary budget setting by the legislative Joint Budget Committee, and

WHEREAS budgetary pressures caused by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic eliminated state funding for the project in the annual budget bill, and

WHEREAS the Capital Development Committee introduced Senate Bill 20-219 to authorize the issuance of lease-purchase agreements in an amount of up to $65.5 million to fund certain capital construction projects for state institutions of higher education, and

WHEREAS SB 20-219 was signed into law on July 14, 2010, and

WHEREAS the Capital Development Committee specified on August 11, 2020 that the proceeds of the SB 20-219 issuance would fund the final phase of construction of the Anschutz Health Science Building, the Shepardson Building at Colorado State University, and the Health Sciences Center at Fort Lewis College, and

WHEREAS as part of the lease-purchase transaction the University of Colorado is required to Lease real property assets to a Trustee to secure the lease-payment obligations from the State to the Trustee, and

WHEREAS the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has identified the Bioscience 2 building as collateral for the lease-purchase transaction to serve as the real property asset it will Lease to the Trustee, and

WHEREAS the Bioscience 2 building is a four-story, 111,323 gross-square-foot building constructed in 2015 on property acquired from the Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority in exchange for a 30-year lease of two floors in the building, and

WHEREAS the building supports various research functions essential to the operation of the Anschutz Medical Campus,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Regents (the Board) of the University of Colorado authorizes and approves the Site Lease of the entirety of the Bioscience 2 building and related site, with the exception of the two floors that are currently leased to the Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority, to the Trustee to serve as partial collateral for state-issued certificates of participation authorized pursuant to SB 20‑219. The value of the collateral identified at Bioscience 2 is anticipated to be no more than is necessary to pay the cost of the final phase of the construction of the Anschutz Health Science Building and shall not exceed $21,859,241.

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes the entry into a Sublease from the State of Colorado to the University of Colorado for the Bioscience 2 building.

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board authorizes the Chancellor of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus to sign any and all documents necessary to effectuate the transaction, including but not limited to the Site Lease and the Sublease, subject to review and approval as to form by the office of the University Counsel.

PREVIOUS ACTION:

None

SIGNATURES:

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  

Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano with the concurrence of Chief Operating Officer Patrick T. O’Rourke.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  

The Board of Regents authorized the creation of the Buffalo Power Corporation in August 1990, in conjunction with CU-Boulder’s co-generation project. The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and the Amended and Restated Bylaws provided for an annual meeting in October and for a three-member Board of Directors who shall service terms of five (5) years or until their death, removal, resignation, or disability. Additionally, filling of Board of Director vacancies shall be by majority vote of the Board of Regents.

This resolution fills one position on the Board of Directors of the Buffalo Power Corporation. If approved, Carla Ho-a, Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer for Finance and Business Strategy, will serve as Director.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):  

On November 7, 2019, the Board of Regents appointed David Kang, Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Sustainability as a Director.

On November 16, 2017, the Board of Regents appointed Carla Ho-a, Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance and Business Strategy to the Board of Directors of the Buffalo Power Corporation to serve the remaining portion of Louise A. Vale’s term.

On November 10, 2016, the Board of Regents appointed David Kang, Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Sustainability to the Board of Directors of the Buffalo Power Corporation to serve the remaining portion of Steven Thweatt’s term.

On September 11, 2015, the Board of Regents appointed Louise A. Vale and Dan J. Wilson to five year terms as directors of Buffalo Power Corporation. (Since the Board meeting was before the October 13, 2015 BP meeting, no actions were ratified.)

On November 15, 2012, the Board of Regents appointed Donald A. Eldhart, Steven L. McNally, and Louise A. Vale to five year terms as directors of Buffalo Power Corporation. The Board of Regents also ratified actions taken by the Board of Directors of Buffalo Power Corporation at its annual meetings held on October 5, 2011 and October 10, 2012 (Louise Vale served as the Vice Chancellor for Administration until her retirement on March 31, 2014, and Steve Thweatt became Interim Vice Chancellor for Administration, effective April 1, 2014, and Vice Chancellor for Administration, effective July 1, 2014.)

On November 10, 2011, the Board of Regents appointed Donald A. Eldhart, Steven L. McNally and Jeffrey S. Lipton to five year terms as directors of Buffalo Power Corporation. The Board of Regents also ratified actions taken by the Board of Directors of Buffalo Power Corporation at its annual meetings held on October 13, 2009 and October 28, 2010.

On September 17, 2009, the Board of Regents appointed Donald A. Eldhart, Frank W. Bruno and Jeffrey S. Lipton to five year terms as directors of Buffalo Power Corporation. The Board of Regents also ratified actions taken by the Board of Directors of Buffalo Power Corporation at its annual meetings held on October 9, 2006, October 8, 2007 and October 6, 2008.

On December 8, 2005, the Board of Regents appointed Donald A. Eldhart to the Board of Directors of Buffalo Power Corporation to serve the remaining portion of Stephen T. Golding’s term. The Board of Regents also ratified actions taken by the Board of Directors of Buffalo Power Corporation at its annual board meeting held on October 10, 2005.

On November 4, 2004, the Board of Regents appointed Stephen T. Golding, Paul F. Tabolt, and Jeffrey S. Lipton to five year terms as directors of the Buffalo Power Corporation. The Board of Regents also ratified actions taken by the Board of Directors of Buffalo Power Corporation at the annual board meetings held on August 21, 2003 and October 11, 2004.

On June 21, 2001, the Board of Regents appointed Paul Tabolt to the Board of Directors of th Buffalo Power Corporation to serve the remainder of Stuart Takeuchi’s term.

On August 6, 1998, the Board of Regents appointed Jeffrey S. Lipton, Stuart M. Takeuchi, and Judy Van Gorden as directors of the Buffalo Power Corporation.

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE: 

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  

Chancellor Venkat Reddy with concurrence of Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Tom Christensen.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION: 

The innovative, online nature of the IECE Graduate Certificate opens up new channels of access for underserved student populations, including in rural areas with higher populations of LatinX students who are commonly left out of higher education teacher preparation opportunities. The proposed program centers around preparing highly qualified inclusive education professionals, with a strong emphasis on social justice work (essential for equity in education). Graduates of this program will be prepared to work in a wide variety of inclusive early childhood professional settings, which aligns closely with our mission to advance equity and equality in education.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):  

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE: 

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE: 

RECOMMENDATION FROM:

Chancellor Venkat Reddy with concurrence of Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Tom Christensen.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  

Lyda Hill is a Dallas entrepreneur and philanthropist. Ms. Hill has been a major donor to the University of Colorado, particularly the Colorado Springs campus. Her three most recent gifts totaling over $13 million to UCCS have been to establish the Veteran’s Health and Trauma Center, which has now grown into the National Institute for Human Resilience. In recognition and to honor Ms. Hill’s extraordinary commitment to support mental health and the University of Colorado, UCCS would like to rename the National Institute for Human Resilience to the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S): 

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE: 

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  

Chancellor Michelle Marks with concurrence of Provost Rod Nairn.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  

For the Board of Regents to reapprove the Mission, Vision, Values Statements for the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus as presented today. The consolidated university is undergoing reaffirmation of institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission in Spring 2021.

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  

Vice President, Academic Affairs Michael Lightner, and in consultation with President Mark Kennedy.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  

On or about January 10, 2001, William T. Coleman, III and Claudia Coleman (the “Colemans”) entered into a gift agreement with the regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate (“Gift Agreement”). 

The University of Colorado Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities was established by action of the Board of Regents on January 18, 2001.  The mission of the institute is to catalyze and integrate advances in science, engineering and technology to promote the quality of life and independent living of people with cognitive disabilities.  Cognitive disabilities include intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Other disabilities leading to deficiencies in cognitive function are brain injury and Alzheimer’s disease.  There are 22 million persons in the U.S. with cognitive disabilities, and, approximately 334,000 persons with such disabilities reside in the state of Colorado.

Principal activities of the institute are:

• to provide research and development support to CU faculty and their collaborators;
• to provide support to postdoctoral fellows and graduate students interested in careers in cognitive disability and technology;
• to provide support for the commercialization of intellectual property in cognitive disability, technology and related areas;
• to engage in public policy advocacy in cognitive disability, technology and related areas; and,
• to organize and host Annual Coleman Institute Conferences on Cognitive Disability and Technology.

THE GIFT AGREEMENT

The Colemans’ gifts to the University of Colorado have totaled $27.5 million to date and approximately $10.8 million of the funds are currently invested through the University of Colorado Foundation. These funds support the Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities and the Coleman-Turner Endowed Chair in Cognitive Disability.

The Gift Agreement provided that, by mutual agreement of the university and the Colemans, a new entity organized for the sole benefit of the university, be established by the Colemans to receive their gifts and to fund the activities of the institute.  Articles of Incorporation for the new entity, named the Coleman Colorado Foundation, were filed with the secretary of state on August 21, 2001.

The Gift Agreement further provided that the new entity established by the Colemans would be governed by a six-member board of directors, two of whom shall be elected by the Colemans or their legal representative(s), two of whom shall be appointed by the university, and one of whom shall be elected by the other four directors.  An additional non-voting member would be appointed by the President of the University.  The current members of the Coleman Colorado Foundation board are:

William T. Coleman III (Coleman appointee; CCF President)

Claudia L. Coleman (Coleman appointee; CCF Secretary)

John W. Bliss (Regents appointee; CCF Treasurer)

Peter F. Steinhauer (Regents appointee)

William C. Caile (By vote of other CCF directors)

Emily Shea Tanis (Co-Director, non-voting)

Clayton Lewis (co-Director, non-voting)                                                

According to Article Two, the foundation is organized to support exclusively the University of Colorado Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities and such other university activities that are directly in furtherance of the purposes of the institute. 

Article Six of the Articles of Incorporation of the Coleman Colorado Foundation calls for the university to appoint two of the foundation’s five voting members of the Board of Directors simultaneous with the annual meeting of the foundation.  

Article 6.1 of the Articles further provides that no director appointed by the university, with the exception of the non-voting member of the board, may be: “an employee of the university, (ii) a “disqualified person,” as such term is defined in Sections 509(a)(3)(C) and 4946 of the [Internal Revenue] Code, (iii) an employee of a “disqualified person,” as such term is defined in Sections 509(a)(3)(C) and 4946 of the Code, or (iv) an employee of an entity of which one (1) or more “disqualified persons,” as such term is defined in Sections 509(a)(3)(C) and 4946 of the Code, owns, in the aggregate, thirty-five percent (35%) or more of the total combined voting power of such entity.”

Both Dr. Steinhauer and Mr. Bliss meet the qualifications described above.

PREVIOUS ACTIONS:  

On February 13, 2019, the Board of Regents approved the reappointment of John W. Bliss and the reappointment of Peter F. Steinhauer to the Board of Directors of the Coleman Colorado Foundation.

On February 8, 2018, the Board of Regents approved the reappointment of John W. Bliss and the reappointment of Peter F. Steinhauer to the Board of Directors of the Coleman Colorado Foundation.

On February 17, 2017, the Board of Regents approved the reappointment of John W. Bliss and the reappointment of Peter F. Steinhauer to the Board of Directors of the Coleman Colorado Foundation.

On February 19, 2016, the Board of Regents approved the reappointment of John W. Bliss and the reappointment of Peter F. Steinhauer to the Board of Directors of the Coleman Colorado Foundation.

On February 19, 2015, the Board of Regents approved the reappointment of John W. Bliss and the reappointment of Peter F. Steinhauer to the Board of Directors of the Coleman Colorado Foundation.

On February 20, 2014, the Board of Regents approved the reappointment of John W. Bliss and the reappointment of Peter F. Steinhauer to the Board of Directors of the Coleman Colorado Foundation.

On April 19, 2013, the Board of Regents approved the reappointment of John W. Bliss and the reappointment of Peter F. Steinhauer to the Board of Directors of the Coleman Colorado Foundation.

On April 18, 2012, the Board of Regents approved the reappointment of John W. Bliss and the reappointment of Peter F. Steinhauer to the Board of Directors of the Coleman Colorado Foundation.

On November 19, 2010, the Board of Regents approved the reappointment of John W. Bliss and the reappointment of Peter F. Steinhauer to the Board of Directors of the Coleman Colorado Foundation.

On January 14, 2009, the Board of Regents approved the reappointment of John W. Bliss and the reappointment of Peter F. Steinhauer to the Board of Directors of the Coleman Colorado Foundation effective January 28, 2009.

On June 5, 2008, the Board of Regents approved the appointment of Peter F. Steinhauer to serve out the term of board member Bruce. D. Benson. As President of the University of Colorado, Mr. Benson was no longer able to serve because he was a “disqualified person” under the provisions of Article 6.

On March 27, 2008, the Board of Regents approved the term contract appointment of David Braddock, Ph.D., as Associate Vice President for Research and Executive Director of the Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities. The appointment was effective April 1, 2008 continues for a term of five years.

With the establishment of the Coleman Colorado Foundation in 2001, the regents have annually appointed directors by resolution.

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE: 

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  

President Mark Kennedy with the concurrence of the system-wide Committee of Distinguished Professors.

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE: 

RECOMMENDATION FROM: Chancellor Don Elliman, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  

The General Assembly of the State of Colorado enacted Senate Bill 91-225 (codified in sections 23-21-501 through 23-21-604, Colorado Revised Statutes), which created the University of Colorado Hospital Authority ( "Hospital Authority" ), established the Board of Directors for the Hospital Authority, and authorized the Regents of the University of Colorado to appoint the Board of Directors.

Section 23-21-503 (2), Colorado Revised Statutes, states that a Director shall be appointed from each Congressional district, one of whom shall reside west of the Continental Divide, that the appointment of the Directors from the Congressional districts shall be subject to the advice and consent of the Colorado Senate, and that no more than four Directors shall be employees of the University of Colorado or of the Hospital Authority.

Ms. Minnick's appointment will require the advice and consent of the Colorado Senate.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):  

This will be Ms. Minnick's first term on the Hospital Authority Board of Directors.

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE: 

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE: 

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  Chancellor Donald Elliman

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  The General Assembly of the State of Colorado enacted Senate Bill 91-225 (codified in sections 23-21-501 through 23-21-604, Colorado Revised Statutes), which created the University of Colorado Hospital Authority ("Hospital Authority"), established the Board of Directors for the Hospital Authority and authorized the Regents of the University of Colorado to appoint the Board of Directors. The Bylaws of the Hospital Authority provide that the President of the University of Colorado Hospital Medical Staff will be a member of the Board of Directors. Dr. Scott was elected President of the Medical Staff for a one-year term which will begin on January 1, 2021, and end as of December 21, 2021. Dr. Scott's appointment will be in an at-large capacity and will not require the advice and consent of the Colorado Senate.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S): This will be Dr. Scott's first term on the Hospital Authority Board of Directors.

Previously, Dr. Conry was elected President of the University of Colorado Hospital l Medical Staff for a two-year term for the period of time from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2020.  The Board of Regents approved the appointment of Dr. Conry to be in an at-large capacity at its November 8, 2018, board meeting. Dr. Julie Scott was recently elected by the University of Colorado Hospital medical staff  to replace Dr. Conry as the President of the University of Colorado Hospital medical staff for the period of time from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2022.

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE:

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE: 

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  

Office of University Counsel.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  

The university helps eligible employees save for retirement by contributing to mandatory retirement plans: the university’s 401(a) Plan or the PERA Choice Plans. The university also provides eligible employees with the opportunity to increase their retirement savings with voluntary plan options: the university’s 403(b) Plan, the university’s 457(f) Plan, the PERA 401(k) Plan, and the PERA 457 Plan.

The university sponsors the university’s 401(a) Plan, 403(b) Plan and 457(f) Plan (the “University Sponsored Plans”). The Board of Regents has previously delegated authority to the President and the President’s designee to take actions necessary or advisable, in consultation with University counsel, to maintain the University Sponsored Plans.

The PERA Plans are sponsored by PERA, which is responsible for maintaining the Plans. However, from time to time, action is required by the university to continue its participation in the PERA plans as an affiliated member and maintain compliance with PERA Plan requirements and state and federal law. This resolution renews and updates the authority of the university president, or the president’s designee, to take such actions, including the authority to make employer contributions to the PERA 401(k) Plan.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):  

November 11, 2008 - Resolution Regarding University Optional Retirement and Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans

June 22, 2018 - Resolution Concerning CU Retirement Plan

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE: 

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE: 

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  Chancellor Venkat Reddy with the concurrence of Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Tom Christensen.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  

I have reviewed this tenure case and have approved it. I attest that it is consistent with all requirements of regent policy.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):  

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE: 

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE: 

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano with the concurrence of Provost Russell L. Moore.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  

I have reviewed these tenure cases and have approved them.  I attest that they are consistent with all requirements of regent policy.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):  None

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE: 

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE: 

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  

I have reviewed these sabbatical applications and approve them. I attest that they are consistent with all requirements of regent policy.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):  None

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE: 

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE: 

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  

See the attached information. The recommended changes were discussed in the Governance Committee meeting on August 19, 2020, and again on October 21, 2020.

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  

Associate Professor Amy Wilkins is a tenured faculty member at the University of Colorado Boulder, Sociology Department.

On February 5, 2020, Chancellor Philip Distefano notified Professor Wilkins of his intention to dismiss her for sexual harassment and conduct that fell below the minimum standards of professional integrity.

Professor Wilkins sought review of the Chancellor’s decision before the Faculty Senate Committee on Privilege & Tenure. A hearing panel of the Faculty Senate Committee on Privilege & Tenure determined that Professor Wilkins had engaged in sexual harassment and/or conduct falling below the minimum standards of professional integrity, but it found that the conduct did not constitute cause for dismissal.  On July 1, 2020, Professor Sandra Martin, Chair of the Faculty Senate Committee on Privilege & Tenure, transmitted the hearing panel’s report and recommendations to University of Colorado President Mark Kennedy.

On August 17, 2020, President Kennedy recommended to the Regents of the University of Colorado that the Board dismiss Professor Wilkins from her tenured appointment. President Kennedy considered the record and determined that for the good of the university, Professor Wilkins’s conduct required her dismissal.

Professor Wilkins sought review of President Kennedy’s recommendation before the Regents of the University of Colorado. The Board of Regents of the University of Colorado met in executive session on October 28, 2020, in accordance with Regent Policy 5.I.

During the hearing, the Board of Regents of the University of Colorado considered the recommendation of the President, Professor Wilkins’s letter requesting the hearing, the record of the proceedings before the Hearing Panel of the Privilege and Tenure Committee, and the arguments of the parties. The Regents of the University of Colorado heard from Professor Wilkins through her counsel Howard Bernstein. The Regents of the University of Colorado heard from the University of Colorado President Mark Kennedy and CU Boulder Chancellor Phil DiStefano, through Senior Associate University Counsel Erica Weston and Research Counsel, Megan Clark. The Regents of the University of Colorado heard from Professor Sandra Martin, Chair of the Faculty Senate Committee on Privilege and Tenure Committee, who was accompanied by the Privilege and Tenure Committee’s outside counsel, Christine Lamb.

The Regents of the University of Colorado’s revocation of tenure and dismissal of a tenured faculty member is governed by Article 5 of the Laws of the Regents (as it existed at the time this case was brought forward). The operative provision states:

A faculty member may be dismissed for cause when, in the judgment

of the Board of Regents and subject to the Board of Regents

constitutional and statutory authority, the good of the university

requires such action. The grounds for dismissal shall be demonstrable

professional incompetence, gross or repeated neglect of duties,

conviction of a felony, sexual harassment, or other conduct that falls

below minimum standards of professional integrity. The Board of

Regents may vote to grant one year of severance pay in cases of

dismissal for cause. In so doing, the Board shall consider any

recommendation from the Faculty Senate Committee on Privilege and

Tenure.

The Regents of the University of Colorado determine that the administration has demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence that Professor Wilkins engaged in conduct that amounted to conduct falling below the standards of professional integrity.

The Regents of the University of Colorado disagree with Privilege and Tenure Panel’s assertion that the conduct did not constitute cause for dismissal. The Regents of the University of Colorado were particularly persuaded by the fact that Professor Wilkins’ actions negatively impacted a number of students’ academic trajectories.

The Regents of the University of Colorado determine that the good of the university requires Professor Wilkins’s dismissal from her tenured appointment. The Regents of the University of Colorado do not believe that Professor Wilkins’s mitigating evidence is compelling enough to alter the recommended outcome of termination.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):  

None.

https://www.cu.edu/strategic-planning/ 

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  

Regent Ganahl.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  

The global COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented hardships for members of the University of Colorado community. These difficulties have directly impacted students and families, and the University should provide them relief as they grapple with difficult decisions about how to support their education in the wake of the pandemic. Reducing tuition by 20% for students enrolled full-time during the Spring 2021 academic term is an appropriate means of recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to adversity for these students and families. The University of Colorado should lead this effort and become one of the few public systems of higher education to provide tuition reductions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In doing so, it will join many private institutions that have recognized the necessity of providing tuition discounts to students and families struggling in this historic time.

This Resolution, if approved by the Board, will authorize a 20% tuition reduction for all students enrolled full-time during the Spring 2021 academic term. This Resolution will also authorize a waiver of any student fees for all students for services that will not be provided by the University in Spring 2021.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):  

None.

See the attached report.

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  Dan J. Wilson, Treasurer of the University of Colorado

TREASURER'S SIGNATURE: 

See attached.

See attached.

The Governance Committee met on October 21, 2020. See the attached report. 

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  

Regent Griego

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  

The University of Colorado’s Guiding Principles call on the University to be a conscientious steward of its physical and natural resources, as well as to promote diversity to ensure the rich interchange of ideas in the pursuit of truth and learning (Regent Policy 1B). Consistent with these principles, this Resolution calls on the University’s Administration to work with the Colorado General Assembly to approve in-state tuition status for out-of-state Indigenous peoples whose tribal nations are historically tied to the lands that make up the State of Colorado. These efforts by the Administration to seek in-state tuition status are akin to those undertaken several years ago for dependents of military members and veterans after a similar resolution from the Board.

This Resolution, if approved by the Board, will authorize the University of Colorado System Administration, through the Office of the President or appropriate designee, to work with the Colorado General Assembly and seek legislation as soon as reasonably practicable within the constraints of the legislative process that would approve in-state tuition status at the University of Colorado for out-of-state Indigenous peoples whose tribal nations are historically tied to the lands that make up the State of Colorado. The Administration will report its progress on the work authorized by this Resolution in its Annual Diversity Report.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):  

None.

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  

Regent Griego.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  

The University of Colorado Board of Regents recognizes “that a respect for diversity requires a sincere willingness on the part of the institution to allow all its diverse stakeholders to share in the decision-making process” (Regent Policy 10P). To reflect this value, the University’s Administration must collaborate with Indigenous community members and leaders to build a meaningful, ongoing partnership between the University and Indigenous and Native communities.

This Resolution, if approved by the Board, will authorize the University of Colorado System Administration, through the Office of the President or appropriate designee and in conjunction with campus leadership, to continue engaging Indigenous community members and leaders across the campuses in conversations on a variety of issues of importance to those communities, including periodically revisiting the CU Systemwide Lands Recognition Statement. These conversations could also include topics such as those reflected in Exhibit A to this Resolution. The purpose of these conversations will be to further support Indigenous students, faculty, and staff at the University of Colorado and further strengthen the University’s relationship with Indigenous and Native communities. The Administration will report its progress on the work authorized by this Resolution in its Annual Diversity Report.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):  

None.

The following reports are included:

Diversity Scholarships

Leads: President Kennedy, Annie Konegni Baccari, Cheryl Kisling

Coalitions, Groups and Community Outreach

Leads: CDO Theodosia Cook, Tony Salazar

Implementation Date: January 2021

Diversity Campaign

Leads: CDO Theodosia Cook, Elizabeth Collins

Implementation Date: Spring 2021

System Administration Training and Development

Leads: VP Kathy Nesbitt, CDO Theodosia Cook

Implementation Date: May 2021