CU Denver Land Acknowledgement Statement 

Acknowledging that we reside in the homelands of Indigenous Peoples is an important step in recognizing the history and the original stewards of these lands. Land acknowledgments must extend far beyond words, the United States has worked hard to erase the narratives of Indigenous Peoples over time. Land acknowledgment statements can help to remind us of the history, the contributions and the sacrifices Native peoples have made. We honor and acknowledge that we are on the traditional territories and ancestral homelands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Ute nations. This area, specifically the confluence of the Platte and Cherry Creek Rivers, was the epicenter for trade, information sharing, planning for the future, community, family and ally building, as well as conducting healing ceremonies for over 45 Indigenous Nations, including the Lakota, Kiowa, Comanche, Apache, Shoshone, Paiute, Zuni, Hopi, among others. We must recognize Indigenous peoples as the original stewards of this land and as these words of acknowledgment are spoken and heard, remember the ties these nations still have to their traditional homelands. Let us acknowledge the painful history of genocide and forced removal from this territory and pay our respect to the diverse Indigenous peoples still connected to this land. Let us also give thanks to all Tribal Nations and the ancestors of this place.

CU System Land Acknowledgement Statement 

As we gather, we honor and acknowledge that the University of Colorado’s four campuses are on the traditional territories and ancestral homelands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Ute, Apache, Comanche, Kiowa, Lakota, Pueblo and Shoshone Nations. Further, we acknowledge the 48 contemporary tribal nations historically tied to the lands that comprise what is now called Colorado.

Acknowledging that we live in the homelands of Indigenous peoples recognizes the original stewards of these lands and their legacies. With this land acknowledgment, we celebrate the many contributions of Native peoples to the fields of medicine, mathematics, government and military service, arts, literature, engineering and more. We also recognize the sophisticated and intricate knowledge systems Indigenous peoples have developed in relationship to their lands.

We recognize and affirm the ties these nations have to their traditional homelands and the many Indigenous people who thrive in this place, alive and strong. We also acknowledge the painful history of ill treatment and forced removal that has had a profoundly negative impact on Native nations.

We respect the many diverse Indigenous peoples still connected to this land. We honor them and thank the indigenous ancestors of this place. The University of Colorado pledges to provide educational opportunities for Native students, faculty and staff and advance our mission to understand the history and contemporary lives of Native peoples.

The official CU Board of Regents agenda is the agenda located online at www.boarddocs.com/co/cu/Board.nsf

If you wish to provide public comment at this board meeting, please contact the office of the Board of Regents by noon on April 10 by emailing CUBoardofRegents@cu.edu. Write “public comment” in the subject line to help us identify your email. Include the following information in your email:

• Your 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.

There will also be a sign-up sheet available before the start of the public meeting.

Because there is limited time for public comment, priority will be given to those who sign up in advance, though we will do our best to accommodate anyone who wishes to speak.

Speakers are requested to limit their comments to two minutes. Groups with similar comments are asked to identify one spokesperson.

Alternatively you may submit written comments to CUBoardofRegents@cu.edu and your comments will be posted in the meeting agenda.

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.

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  Chancellor Donald M. Elliman, with the concurrence of Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs Roderick Nairn

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  I have reviewed this sabbatical application and have approved it. I attest that it is consistent with all requirements of regent policy

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):  None.

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE: 

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE: 

RECOMMENDATION FROM: Chancellor Michelle Marks, with the concurrence of Provost Constancio Nakuma 

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  I have reviewed these sabbatical applications 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 Michelle Marks, with the concurrence of Provost Constancio Nakuma.

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:  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:  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:  Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet, with concurrence of Provost Nancy Marchand-Martella

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  I have reviewed the sabbatical application and approved. I attest it is consistent with all requirements of regent policy.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S): None.

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE: 

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE: 

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  

Chancellor Michelle Marks and Provost Constancio Nakuma.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  

See attached information.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):  

None.

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE: 

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE: 

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  

Chancellor Michelle Marks and Provost Constancio Nakuma.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  

See attached information.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):  

None.

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE: 

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE: 

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  

Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano with concurrence of Provost Russell L. Moore.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  

See attached information.

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, Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer O’Rourke and Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Sustainability Ewing.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:

The Boulder Campus is requesting board approval to renovate approximately 10,500 gross square feet (GSF) of space within the Koelbel Building for the Leeds School of Business. The project will modernize three (3) second floor suites that benefit undergraduate and graduate students and make improvements to student advising spaces. The improvements give staff the tools to continue to successfully prepare students for their chosen careers. The renovation of existing space will provide student study and gathering space, and improved administrative office and support areas. A total of $2M of the budget is targeted for deferred maintenance (DM), which will address approximately 10 percent of the total building DM backlog. The project is estimated to cost $9.5M. Campus cash funding will be derived from the Leeds School of Business cash reserves. Construction is scheduled for summer 2024 and occupancy in January 2025.

The renovation project is aimed at bringing various sections of the building up to par with previous renovation endeavors in other areas of the building. A key innovation involves the incorporation of demountable walls for office spaces, offering flexibility over conventional drywall installations. This adaptability facilitates reconfiguration for future renovations, promoting efficient space utilization while underlining a commitment to sustainability through the reuse of materials, thus minimizing future costs and environmental impact. By introducing glass office fronts, the project endeavors to foster transparency and openness within the workspace, leveraging increased natural light to cultivate a productive and stimulating atmosphere. Additionally, the selection of welcoming furniture in student gathering and study spaces encourages interaction and teamwork among staff and students, further enriching collaboration.

On March 26, 2024, this item was reviewed and discussed at the CU Regents Finance Committee meeting. The four findings required by the CU Board of Regents are as follows:

A.        Conformity with Institutional Master Plan

The renovation of space within the Koelbel Building is consistent with project goal three established by the 2021 Campus Master Plan and described on page 8 of the introduction: identify campus areas for opportunity and improvement with a focus toward addressing deferred maintenance and building renewal.

The 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 design and construction of the facility will be responsive to the campus’ climate action plan and has set a solid target to achieve LEED Gold certification.

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

Student-facing advising services and dedicated student service areas will be strategically integrated to enhance accessibility and support. Additionally, the renovated graduate student area will serve as a multifunctional space, doubling as a seminar/classroom area and offering flexible study spaces for students. This adaptable environment allows students to reserve the space for guest speakers or large group projects, enriching their academic experience beyond traditional classroom settings.

The renovation of undergraduate spaces promises to foster informal yet invaluable opportunities for networking and professional development. With enhanced areas designed for "coffee chats" and "instant interviews," students will have the platform to engage in both mock interviews and real-world interactions with prospective employers and internship opportunities. In addition, the transition from cubicle-style offices to private offices in the undergraduate and graduate areas underscores the commitment to enhancing privacy and facilitating meaningful conversations between advisors and students, promoting trust and fostering a supportive academic environment.

The project will enhance the school’s ability to meet their mission to positively transform the future of global business by inspiring and educating next generation business leaders and creating impactful knowledge. It is the school’s vision to be an internationally recognized leader in a vibrant business community creating economic and social prosperity around the globe.

C.        Appropriateness of Financing

The total cost of the project is estimated to be $9,500,000. Funding will be derived from the Leeds School of Business cash reserves.

D.        Consistency with Campus Capital Improvement Program

This project is included in the capital list planned for implementation in the 10-year timeframe depicted in the board approved 2021 CMP.

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, Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer O’Rourke and Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Sustainability Ewing.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:

The Boulder Campus is requesting board approval of a plan to construct an approximately 79,200 assignable square foot (ASF) / 140,000 gross square foot (GSF) facility on the Main Campus to house the Department of Chemistry (CHEM) and the Department of Applied Mathematics (APPM). The proposed building footprint encompasses one acre of land on the southeast side of the 4.3-acre Business School Field on Regent Drive. Campus goals for the project include the creation of facilities that will promote cutting-edge research, workforce training, and successful student learning outcomes. By combining new instructional spaces with two science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) foundational programs, CHEM and APPM, as well as envisioning future quantum research laboratories, the university is proposing the provision of campus space and technology that will benefit CU Boulder students, the state of Colorado, and U.S. national security. The building will provide wet laboratories and office space for chemistry faculty, staff, and students; dry laboratories and office space for applied math faculty, staff, and students; an approximately 200-seat auditorium that will be centrally-scheduled along with shelled space for future quantum research laboratories. Consistent with student input, student gathering spaces and amenities, site amenities such as outdoor study spaces, informal recreation, and tent space for special events are planned. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $175,425,000. Funding will be derived from multiple sources of campus cash, including ~$34.0 million derived from Department of Chemistry research activities, $6.0 million from the College of Arts and Sciences, and ~$135.0 million in bond debt repaid primarily from chemistry research activities. Construction is anticipated to begin October 2024, followed by occupancy in December 2026.

On March 26, 2024, this item was reviewed and discussed at the CU Regents Finance Committee meeting. The four findings required by the CU Board of Regents are as follows:

A.         Conformity with Institutional Master Plan

The 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 proposed project is referenced in the 2021 Campus Master Plan (CMP). The Chemistry project was identified as “Item E. Chemistry” on the 10-year Capital Project List. Appendix 6.3 Regent Drive Design Guidelines indicated that the Business School Field was expected to be capable of supporting at least 125,000 ASF (191,000 GSF). The building is being sited to allow for a future building to the north of the proposed building. The building also directly incorporates and builds upon the following design principles of the 2021 CMP:  to diversify campus neighborhoods, create strong public connections, integrate diverse outdoor spaces, and create a network of student life spaces. 

Design and construction of the facility will be responsive to the campus’ proposed climate action plan (CAP) and has set a solid target to achieve LEED Gold certification, with the desire to achieve LEED Platinum, if feasible. The project is reflective of the 2021 CMP and its Capital Project List to be achieved in the 10-year timeline.

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

This facility will promote cutting-edge research, workforce training, and successful student learning outcomes. By combining new instructional spaces with two STEM-foundational programs, chemistry and applied mathematics, as well as shelled space for future quantum research laboratories, the university proposes a facility that will benefit CU Boulder students, the state of Colorado, and U.S. national security. The facility’s state of the art core labs, wet chemistry labs and shelled space for future quantum research labs will also benefit adjacent Main Campus programs like the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS), Physics, JILA, and Cooperative Institute for Research In Environmental Sciences (CIRES).

The campus is proposing to provide modern research laboratories to promote the Department of Chemistry’s research mis¬sion, improve recruitment, and strengthen retention. Foundational and interdisciplinary research fields include: analytical spectroscopy, environmental chemistry, experimental and theoretical physical/ biophysical chemistry, inorganic and materials chemistry, synthetic and physical organic/bio-organic chemistry.

The facility will provide shelled spaces for the growing field of quantum research.

The facility will support the Department of Applied Mathematics efforts to continue to provide a major research presence in computational and physical/biological mathematics and the statistical sciences, enhancing the department’s effort to be a leading program of applied mathematics in the United States. In 2018, the US News & World Report ranked the unit’s graduate program as 14th in the nation.

C.         Appropriateness of Financing

The total cost of the project is estimated to be $175,425,000. Funding will be derived from multiple sources of campus cash, including ~$34.0 million derived from Department of Chemistry research activities, $6.0 million from the College of Arts and Sciences, and ~$135.0 million in bond debt repaid primarily from chemistry research activities.

D.         Consistency with Campus Capital Improvement Program

This project is included in the capital list planned for implementation in the 10-year timeframe depicted in the board approved 2021 CMP. The project will be included in the UCB FY23-24 List of Cash Funded (LCF) Projects.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):

On November 12, 2020, the CU Board of Regents approved the Preliminary Program Plan for Chemistry and the financial plan therein.

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE:

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE: 

RECOMMENDATION FROM:

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

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:

The Boulder Campus is requesting board approval of a plan to renovate approximately 14,518 assignable square feet (ASF) (20,8800 gross square feet (GSF)) of the Ekeley Sciences Building on the Main Campus to provide modernized teaching laboratories primarily for non-major undergraduate and some graduate level general chemistry instruction. Space on the first and second levels of the circa 1925 facility will be renovated to support modern teaching methodology. Fall semester 2023 enrollment in coursework in these wet laboratories was 2,300 headcount students, primarily undergraduate students. Campus goals for the project include increased student retention, student success outcomes, maintaining accreditation by providing updated education facilities, and growing CU Boulder’s status as an Association of American Universities (AAU) member. The renovated space will include modern technology, and improved sight lines, creating a modern lab environment comparable to graduates’ future workspace. Consistent with student input, student study spaces have been added to the program to provide pre-function space and areas for tutoring. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $33,500,000. The project will address about $15.0 million in deferred maintenance. Funding will be derived from campus cash reserves, including $22.0 million in cash set aside for this project and deferred maintenance, and ~ $11.5 million in bond debt, repaid with funds set aside for capital projects.

Construction is anticipated to begin in January 2025, followed by occupancy in January 2026.

The CU Boulder Department of Chemistry’s goals for the project are to support increased enrollments in all chemistry instruction; improve teaching outcomes for laboratory-based instruction for chemistry sections in Ekeley; improve laboratory space efficiency; improve the life-safety environment by reducing existing ventilation demands within the labs; address the deferred maintenance backlog and finally, help CU Boulder remain competitive by providing updated educational facilities.

On March 26, 2024, this item was reviewed and discussed at the CU Regents Finance Committee meeting. The four findings required by the CU Board of Regents are as follows:

A.   Conformity with Institutional Master Plan

The 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 proposed project to address issues in this facility is referenced in the 2021 Campus Master Plan. Proposed Ten-Year Capital Project List on page 66.

The design and construction of the facility will be responsive to the campus’ climate action plan and has set a solid target to achieve LEED Gold certification.

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

As a foundational science, general chemistry impacts a myriad of critical areas of state and national interest, including sustainable and renewable energy, materials science, medical research, environmental and atmospheric science, biotechnology, and engineering. General chemistry is foundational to several sublevels of study in organic, physical, analytical inorganic and biological/biochemistry.

This project will support the CU Boulder Department of Chemistry in their efforts to respond to the recommendations of the Academic Review and Planning Advisory Committee in a 2017 report. Suggestions were to modernize the undergraduate curriculum and teaching facilities in ways that would lead to an increase in degrees awarded, and that would meet the diverse instructional needs of students from other departments, colleges, and programs. In addition, the department expects to add instructors, lecturers, and teaching staff to the chemistry division to decrease the size of sections in high enrollment undergraduate courses and improve the quality of instruction. These improvements are expected to increase student retention. The project will help the department maintain excellent staff in the role of graduate student coordinators and create vibrant graduate level and postdoctoral student groups. Further, improvements to these wet laboratories and adjacent areas will enhance the spirit of community within the chemistry department.

Additional beneficiaries include students enrolled in twenty-one undergraduate programs that currently depend on lecture and laboratory courses taught by faculty within the chemistry department, accounting for 90 percent of the 30,000 undergraduate student credit hours (SCHs) taught annually. Continued interest and growth in STEM programs are expected to result. This department delivers the 3rd highest number of SCH taught on the Boulder Campus and drives $11.8 million in direct instructional expenditures.

C. Appropriateness of Financing

The total cost of the project is estimated to be $33,500,000.  Funding will be derived from campus cash, including $22.0 million in cash set aside for this project and deferred maintenance, and ~ $11.5 million in bond debt, repaid with funds set aside for capital projects.

D. Consistency with Campus Capital Improvement Program

This improvement project is included in the board approved 2021 Campus Master Plan. The project will be included in the UCB FY23-24 List of Cash Funded (LCF) Projects.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):

On November 12, 2020, the CU Board of Regents approved the Preliminary Program Plan for Ekeley Teaching Laboratories and the financial plan therein.

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE:

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE: 

RECOMMENDATION FROM:

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Chad Marturano and Treasurer and Chief Investment Officer Usha Sharma.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:

The purpose of this agenda item is to seek board approval for modifications to the Faculty Housing Assistance Program (FHAP). Under C.R.S. 23-20-134, the Regents are authorized to:

…make loans secured by an equity interest in real estate in Colorado from funds not appropriated by the general assembly to full-time faculty members if such secured loans are made pursuant to a faculty housing assistance plan promulgated and approved by the board of regents.

As of December 31, 2023, the FHAP has funded loans to 596 faculty members from all four campuses in an amount of $43.7 million since January 2004.  To date, the University of Colorado has funded loans of $27.5 million and the University of Colorado Foundation has guaranteed loans in the amount of $16.2 million. In addition, loans have been funded in the amount of $385,800 through the Permanent Land Fund and $370,000 through an endowment held with the University of Colorado Foundation.

Regent approval of this action will increase the loan amount that faculty members can borrow under the program. From the inception of the program in 2001 to 2007, faculty members were able to borrow up to $50,000 or 25% of the sales price, whichever is less.  On March 22, 2007, the Regents authorized an increase to the amount that faculty members could borrow toward a home purchase, up to $80,000 or 25% of the sales price, whichever is less.  On June 13, 2019, the Regents authorized an increase to the amount that faculty members could borrow toward a home purchase, up to $100,000 or 25% of the sales price, whichever is less. This Board authorization, if approved, will increase the amount to $130,000 or 25% of the sales price, whichever is less. The new amount will be effective on July 1, 2024, for participants applying after that date. The Faculty Housing Assistance Program Committee and the Chief Financial Officers of the campuses and system have been informed and support this recommendation.

This will increase the dollar amount that can be borrowed by faculty members to assist them in financing a home, under the same terms and conditions as applied for loans under the current program.

The FHAP program revisions were discussed at the Finance Committee on March 26, 2024.

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):

RESOLVED that on June 13, 2019, the Board or Regents approved the increase in FHAP of maximum of $100,000. 

RESOLVED that on June 23, 2009, the Board of Regents approved funding changes which authorized the treasurer to invest up to 1.5% of the Treasury Pool’s market value in shared appreciation loans to faculty members.

RESOLVED that on March 22, 2007, the Board of Regents approved the modifications to the FHAP to raise the allowable limit of a loan to $80,000.

RESOLVED that on December 11, 2003, the Board of Regents approve the request to invest funds of the University Treasury Pool in the University of Colorado Faculty Housing Assistance Program (FHAP).

RESOLVED that on December 11, 2003, the Board of Regents approved the request for approval of the Newly Revised Summary to the Faculty Housing Assistance Program for the University of Colorado.

RESOLVED that on April 4, 2001, the Board of Regents approved the request for President of the University to sign a service agreement with the CU Foundation to provide a Faculty Housing Assistance Program.

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE:

The policy on Committee Governing Principles in Regent Policy 2.C.1 and the Governance Committee Charter, found in Regent Policy 2.C.2, were discussed at the January 25 Governance Committee meeting, the proposed changes received Notice of Motion at the February 8-9, 2024, Board of Regents meeting, and the proposed changes and additional feedback were discussed again at the March 21, 2024, Governance Committee meeting.

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):  

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE: 

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE: 

See attached.

The 2023 Distinguished Professors were approved by the Board of Regents at the November 7-8, 2023, Board Meeting.

2023 Distinguished Professors being recognized at the April 11-12, 2024, Board of Regents Meeting are (order of recognitions by campus):

• Sean Colgan, CU Anschutz Medical Campus
• Frank deGruy, CU Anschutz Medical Campus
• Brian Argrow, CU Boulder
• Marie Banich, CU Boulder
• Shemin Ge, CU Boulder
• Dragan Maksimovic, CU Boulder

See attached report.

Attached.

RECOMMENDATION FROM:

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Chad Marturano in concurrence with President Todd Saliman and the chancellors.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:

The university is one of the most efficient universities in the nation, producing the most degrees with the lowest number of resources (state support, tuition, and fees).

The recommended tuition rates will help the campuses maintain program quality, meet the university mission, and provide outstanding student services.

The recommendation will also enable the campuses to plan for important future investments in areas such as merit and need based financial aid, diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, hourly wage market adjustments, research, faculty, and deferred maintenance.

The recommended tuition rate increases of up to 3.0% for resident undergraduates at CU Boulder (incoming students) 1.9% for resident undergraduates at CU Anschutz, and 3.0% for resident undergraduates at UCCS and CU Denver is below inflationary growth of 5.2% in 2023. 

At the CU Boulder campus, the continuing tuition rate for any current undergraduate student will be held flat for FY 2024-25.

Combined, CU Boulder, CU Denver, and UCCS covered the cost of tuition and fees for over 8,090 resident undergraduate Pell eligible students in the most recent fiscal year, including 2,877 CU Promise students at CU Boulder. 

Each of the university’s campuses continue to implement innovative business models to adapt to the state’s reduced capacity to fund higher education as well as to improve access and quality.

These business practices include efforts to reduce costs which have resulted in efficiencies that have saved the university or its students a combined $428 million since FY 2017-18, and efforts to identify new sources of sustainable funding, in part, through enhanced collaboration with the private sector.

Over the last ten years, from FY 2013-14 to FY 2022-23, the university has increased the number of degrees awarded by 4,076 or 29%.

In order to help Colorado families and students better plan for long-range financial obligations, tuition charges should be straightforward and should be set as early in the calendar year as possible.

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE:

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):

April 28, 2023, the Board of Regents approved tuition rates for FY 2023-24.

RECOMMENDATION FROM:

Vice President of Budget & Finance and CFO Chad Marturano in concurrence with President Todd Saliman and the chancellors.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:

Campus specific mandatory fees for full time students (two terms or 30 credit hours) will change in FY 2024-25 by the following approximate amounts:

Boulder campus               $44.00

Denver campus                $27.86

UCCS campus                $134.94

Anschutz campus            -$59.40

At the September 2016 Regent meeting, the Board approved revised institutional fee plans to reflect changes in practice.  The institutional fee plans are consistent with state statutes and the Colorado Commission on Higher Education policies.  The institutional student fee plans serve as the guide for development of the annual fee proposal.  The following proposed fee changes are consistent with the plans approved by the Board of Regents.

This year, campuses are proposing a limited number of changes to existing fees. The full slate of student fee changes is described below.

Boulder Campus

Effective Fall 2018 all course and instructional fees were eliminated.

Housing and Dining Services Fees

• Increases are proposed for building operations and debt service. The resulting increase for standard room and board in a residence hall is 5.0%, or $423 per term, 2.8% for Bear Creek apartments, or $149 per term, and 3.0% for graduate and family housing apartments, or $45.00 per month.

Student Activity Fees

• Combined mandatory undergraduate student increase of $44.00/year for 30 credit hours or 2.7%
  • The CUSG Student Activity fee is increasing by $10.00 per term or 2.4%
  • The Mental Health Resource fee is increasing by $10.00 per term or 10.3%
  • The Career Services Fee is increasing by $2.00 per term or 16.7%
  • The Bike Program fee ($15.00) is being incorporated into a single Transit fee, with no increase to students
• Combined mandatory fee increase of $51.90 for 24 credit hours or 3.3% for standard graduate students.
  • Items above and the Graduate and Professional Student Government fee is increasing by $3.95 per term or 34.0%

Denver Campus

 Instructional and Program Fees

• Business School, Major Supplement Fee is increasing by $3.12 per term or 4.7%
• Business School, Instructional Fee is increasing by $0.85 per credit hour or 4.7%
• College of Arts and Media, Major Supplement Fee is increasing by $6.45 per term or 4.7%
• College of Arts and Media, Instructional Fee is increasing by $1.22 per credit hour or 4.7%
• College of Architecture and Planning, Instructional Fee is increasing by $6.30 per credit hour or 18.0%
• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major Supplement Fee is increasing by $15.92 per term or 19.0%
• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Instructional Fee is increasing by $1.98 per credit hour or 17.0%
• School of Education and Human Development, Instructional Fee is increasing by $0.54 per credit hour or 18.2%
• School of Public Affairs, Graduate Major Fee is increasing by $4.08 per term or 3.0%
• School of Public Affairs, Undergraduate Major Fee is increasing by $4.68 per term or 3.0%
• School of Public Affairs, Instructional Fee is increasing by $0.18 per credit hour or 2.9%

Student Activity Fees to Auraria Campus 

• Combined mandatory undergraduate student increase of $27.86/year for 30 credit hours or 2.8%
  • The Auraria Campus Fee is increasing by $5.23 per term, or 4.1%
  • The CU Denver Wellness Center Fee is increasing by $0.58 per credit hour or 4.7%

Housing and Dining Services Fees

• The standard double is increasing by $295 per term, or 6.0%
• The standard meal plan is increasing by $196 per term, or 8.5%

Colorado Springs Campus

Instructional Program Fees

        College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

• The Biology Program Fee is increasing by $10.00 per credit hour or 66.7%
• The Theater and Dance Program Fee is increasing by $10.00 per term or 40.0%
• The Humanities Program Fee is $10.00 per term.  This is a new fee

Student Activity Fees

• Combined mandatory undergraduate student increase of $134.94/year for 30 credit hours or 7.8%

Increases are applied to the following Student Activity Fees:

• The Green Action Fund Fee is being reinstated at $6.39 per term
• The Student Activities Fee is increasing by $14.34 per term, or 89.3%
• The Athletics Fee is increasing by $0.98 per credit hour, or 8.9%
• The Transportation and Safety Fee is increasing by $5.52/$ per term, or 4.7%
• The Family Development Center Bond Fee is increasing by $0.54/$0.27 per term, or 4.7%
• The Family Development Center Operating Fee is increasing by $0.16/$0.08 per term, or 4.6%
• The Wellness Center Fee is increasing by $6.23/$3.12 per term, or 4.7%
• The Campus Recreation Center Bond Fee is increasing by $8.63/$4.32 per term, or 4.7%      
• The Student Recreation Fee is increasing by $0.05 per credit hour, or 4.4%
• The University Center Bond Fee is increasing by $1.78/$0.89 per term, or 4.7%  
  • The hourly University Center Bond Fee is increasing by $0.51 per credit hour, or 4.7%
• The Student Events/Performance fee is increasing by $0.20 per term for students enrolled in six credit hours or more, or 4.7%
• The Student Events/Performance fee is increasing by $0.13 per term for students enrolled in fewer than six credit hours, or 4.9%
• The Media Fee is increasing by $0.03 per credit hour, or 5.0%

Housing and Dining Services Fees

• Housing rates for first-year students are proposed to increase from $320 to $400, or 5.0% to 5.2%, depending on the type of suite.  The rate includes meals and parking
• Housing rates for upper classmen are proposed to increase from $250 to $390, or 4.6% to 5.1%, depending on the type of accommodation.  The rate includes parking

Anschutz Medical Campus

Instructional and Program Fees

• Colorado School of Public Health Career Services Student fee is increasing by $5.00 per credit hour, or 38.5%

Student Activity Fees

• Combined mandatory undergraduate student decrease of $59.40/year for 30 credit hours or ‑26.6%
• The RTD College Pass Program cost is decreasing by -$29.70 per term, or -79.0%

PRESIDENT’S SIGNATURE:

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):

Institutional Fee plans were approved by the Board of Regents on September 8, 2016.  Fee changes for FY 2023-24 were approved by the Board of Regents on April 28, 2023.

RECOMMENDATION FROM:

Vice President and CFO Chad Marturano in concurrence with President Todd Saliman and the chancellors.

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:

The faculty, staff, and administrators of the university enable the university to excel in the education of our students and the pursuit of high-level research.

It is important that compensation be adjusted to ensure the university’s competitive position in the market over time.

The University of Colorado faces competition from other Colorado and national institutions of higher education in attracting and retaining faculty and staff.

Total compensation for faculty, officers, and exempt professionals, by campus, includes:

• CU Boulder includes a 4.0 percent meritorious salary pool for faculty, officers, and exempt professionals, for a total of 4.0 percent;

• CU Denver includes a 2.0 percent meritorious salary pool for faculty, officers, and exempt professionals contingent on meeting revenue thresholds included in FY 2024-25 revenue estimates presented to the board at the April 12, 2024 meeting and a 1.0 percent compression, retention, and equity adjustment pool contingent on meeting revenue thresholds above FY 2024-25 revenue estimates presented to the board at the April 12, 2024 meeting, for a total of 3.0 percent;

• UCCS includes a 2.0 percent meritorious salary pool for faculty, officers, and exempt professionals with an annual salary at or below $85,000 and a compression, retention, and equity pool for faculty, officers, and exempt professionals.  It also includes a 1.0 percent meritorious salary pool for faculty, officers, and exempt professionals with an annual salary above $85,000 contingent on meeting revenue thresholds above FY 2024-25 revenue estimates presented to the board at the April 12, 2024 meeting, for a total of 3.0 percent; and

• CU Anschutz includes a 3.0 percent meritorious salary pool for faculty, officers, and exempt professionals and a 0.8 percent compression, retention, and equity adjustment pool, for a total of 3.8 percent.

Annually the administration reviews anticipated revenues for the upcoming fiscal year and recommends to the Board of Regents a salary pool for funding salary increases.  Faculty raises are awarded as provided in Regent Policy 11.B., Faculty Salary.  Exempt staff raises are awarded as provided in Regent Policy 11.C.2(B), Base-Building Allocation.

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE:

PREVIOUS ACTION(S):

On April 28, 2023, the Board of Regents approved a FY 2023-24 salary increase of 5.0 percent for classified staff; a 4.0 percent meritorious salary pool and revised pay ranges for selective job classifications for faculty, officers, and exempt professionals at CU Boulder, CU Anschutz, and the University of Colorado System Administration; a 3.5 percent meritorious salary pool and revised pay ranges for faculty, officers, and exempt professionals at UCCS; and a 3.0 percent meritorious salary pool for faculty, officers, and exempt professionals and revised pay ranges for selective job classifications at CU Denver.

RECOMMENDATION FROM:

Chancellor Michelle Marks, PhD

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:

The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) is seeking spending authorization from the Board of Regents to proceed with the renovation of approximately 8,290 SF across three CU Denver facilities- the 5^th Street Hub, North Classroom, and the CU Denver Building.  The project will create teaching and instructional laboratory spaces for three departments in the College of Engineering, Design & Computing (Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering) and one department in the College of Arts & Media (Visual Arts) to replace spaces that are being vacated in the Boulder Creek Building.  

The need for these renovations is driven by the state-funded Boulder Creek Health Science Renovation (Boulder Creek) project, which includes renovating the entirety of the Boulder Creek building to provide space for the Community College of Denver’s (CCD) Health Science departments. To accommodate the Boulder Creek project, CU Denver spaces currently located in that building will be permanently relocated.

The EAM Labs project will consolidate the physical locations of each of the two colleges and create more opportunities for collaboration. Improvements to accessibility and infrastructure will also be addressed. The outcome will be more efficient and modern laboratory spaces for both colleges.

The total budget is $8,574,069. The project is to be funded using cash reserves set aside for institutional capital needs.

Design is anticipated to run from January of 2024 until June of 2024, and construction is projected to begin in June of 2024 and conclude with move-in in April of 2025.

Conformity with Institutional Master Plan

CU Denver’s spaces in Boulder Creek were originally going to be relocated as part of two other projects- the Engineering Building and the CU Denver Building Infrastructure Replacement and Renovation. Both of these projects were identified as capital priorities in CU Denver’s 2017 Master Plan. The Engineering Building has been paused, and the CU Denver Building was not funded. This created the need for CU Denver for find alternate locations for these spaces. This project will reduce space needs and the cost of a future Engineering Building.

Evidence of Educational Program Benefits

The Boulder Creek Building lies on the southern edge of the campus, away from the core locations for the College of Arts and Media (King Center, Arts Building, CU Denver Building) and the College of Engineering, Design and Computing (North Classroom). Relocating these laboratory spaces into buildings and floors where these respective colleges are located will present opportunities for collaboration and make equipment and laboratory space more accessible to a broader range of students.

The project will also create spaces that are more modern and better equipped than those that exist in Boulder Creek.

These changes will provide positive educational benefits to the respective colleges.

Appropriateness of Funding

The total project cost is $8,574,069. The funding source is cash reserves that have been set aside for institutional capital priorities.

Consistency with Campus Capital Improvement Program

The spaces identified in the program plan for relocation were originally intended to be included in the scopes of two projects on CU Denver’s Capital Improvement list- the Engineering Building and the CU Denver Building Infrastructure Replacement and Renovation project. This project includes portions of the scopes of both of those projects.  

PREVIOUS ACTIONS

None.

CHANCELLOR'S SIGNATURE:

PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE: 

The University Affairs Committee discussed the proposed changes at the March 19, 2024, University Affairs Committee meeting, and the committee will discuss these proposed changes again, as well as any additional feedback received, at their June 4, 2024, committee meeting. After the next committee discussion, the proposed policy change may be referred to the Board of Regents for consideration at the June 20-21, 2024, Board meeting. See the attachment for proposed changes to the Policy.

See https://www.cu.edu/regents/rlpreview for more information.

See the attached report.

RECOMMENDATION FROM:  

Governance Committee

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:  

The Board of Regents is established in the Colorado constitution as a “body corporate” which means that the Board of Regents is the sole entity with the capacity to exercise the power, rights, and responsibilities of the university, including responsibility to adopt and express positions and opinions on matters of social and public concern, except as expressly delegated by the Regents.

This authority has been delegated to the president for those matters where the Board of Regents has developed a position. The president is empowered to delegate authority to the chancellors to adopt positions of their respective campus on matters of social or political concern which are intended to reflect the principles and values of the campus.

Regent Laws and Policies recognize protections for academic freedom and free expression by individuals. Because academic and organizational units are integral parts of the university organization that do not exist independent of the university body corporate, their communications fall under the umbrella of government speech by the university body corporate.

University faculty, as a body, have a special role in the establishment of the principles and values that guide the university through the university’s commitment to the principle of shared governance. Various shared governance bodies established under the Faculty Senate Constitution at the system, campus and department levels regularly adopt resolutions that reflect opinions of the faculty body. Resolutions that reflect statements on matters of social and political concern and are adopted in accordance with shared governance procedures are not subject to the same restrictions as campus administrative and operational units.

The university provides faculty governance bodies access to websites and other means of communicating their deliberations and decisions, including resolutions and commentary on matters of social or political concern adopted in accordance with Faculty Senate rules and processes.

RESOLVED that state law and existing Regent Laws and Policies establish that the Board of Regents has the sole authority to articulate the university’s position on matters of social and political concern, except as delegated;

RESOLVED that existing Regent Laws and Policies recognize the university’s commitment to the principle of shared governance providing a voice for faculty without being subject to the same restrictions as campus administrative and operational units;

RESOLVED that the Board of Regents recognizes that faculty shared governance bodies speak on behalf of the associated faculty without being viewed as speaking on behalf of the university; and
 

RESOLVED that the Board of Regents reaffirms its commitment to the principles of freedom of expression, academic freedom, and shared governance as articulated in Regent Laws and Policies.

The Governance Committee discussed the proposed changes at the March 21, 2024, Governance Committee meeting, and will discuss these proposed changes again, as well as any additional feedback received, at their May 23, 2024, committee meeting. See https://www.cu.edu/regents/rlpreview for more information.

See the attachments for proposed changes to the following Regent Laws and Policies:

• Regent Policy 1.D: Freedom of Expression
   
• Regent Policy 2.C.3 Finance Committee 
   
• Regent Policy 2.C.4 University Affairs Committee 
   
• Regent Policy 2.C.5 Audit Committee 
   
• Regent Policy 3.E: Appointments of Officers of the University and Officers of the Administration
   
• Regent Policy 3.F: Evaluations for Officers of the University and Officers of the Administration
   
• Regent Policy 5.G: Faculty Grievance
   
• Regent Policy 5.J: Intellectual Property on Discoveries and Patents for their Protection and Commercialization 
   
• Regent Policy 5.K: Intellectual Property that is Educational Material
   
• Article 2.A.5 of the Laws of the Regents: Chair and Vice Chair

STATEMENT OF INFORMATION:

Speakers

FaM overview piece: Scott Dawson, Dean of Business School, Nimol Hen, Director of FaM Business Program
FaM donors: Dave Baker, MaryKate Johnson
FaM student panel: Aron Castrejon, Damali De Loera, Courtney Munn, David Trinh, Elizabeth Vance, Hadden Wells
Panel moderator: Oscar Fraire

First-Generation and Multicultural (FaM) Business Program

https://business.ucdenver.edu/centers-programs/first-generation-and-multicultural-fam-business-program

The First-Generation and Multicultural (FaM) Business Program is a comprehensive program designed to increase support for and resources to students who identify as first-generation or multicultural or both. FaM is unique to the CU Denver Business School. We strive to help students deepen community, build social capital and career networks, and access their careers of interest. We provide peer and career/alumni mentorship and offer scholarships, year-round programming, internships, and many opportunities to engage in learning experiences - both in and outside the classroom - that help students successfully navigate their future career fields.

FaM establishes an active and vibrant culture of inclusion that identifies students' strengths and fosters excellence. We recognize and intentionally address historical institutional barriers to student success by strengthening connections with Business School and campus-wide resources, engaging with industry partners, and lowering barriers to a wide spectrum of learning and growth opportunities.

What We Do

FaM is more than just an additional resource for first-generation and diverse students - it is a place to call home, where students are part of a validating environment that values their identity, accelerates their success, and deepens community. We support students' college completion by focusing on enhanced experiential learning opportunities, bolstering financial stability through paid mentorships, and increased access to academic support and career readiness programming that helps launch them into their careers after graduation.