Dear Roadrunners, 

I’m putting the most important news right upfront this week: Do not forget to complete all three mandatory University trainings by March 15. This is a requirement of all employees, and while completing the modules may take a few hours out of your workweek, it’s necessary and valuable.  

Second, if you haven’t already attended an Auraria Higher Education Center Master Plan event to learn more about this important project, consider attending Town Hall events happening today at 5 p.m. and Monday at noon. Roadrunner feedback is critical in helping shape the future of our campus community. 

 

Project B to close 60 classrooms and 100 employee office spaces

Also, we’re just over a week away from Spring Break, which means AHEC will soon begin work on Project B, a project that involves upgrading the heating and air–conditioning systems in Central and West classrooms, is scheduled to begin during Spring Break. The upgrades aim to replace the inefficient climate–control equipment in both buildings, which will ultimately make the buildings more comfortable and more conducive to working and learning.  

The project will close more than 60 classrooms and 100 employee office spaces, three dean’s offices, academic departments, programs and a clinic beginning March 16 through early August, which will impact around 80% of students. To mitigate the impact, adjustments to the spring schedule have been made, including the shift to more eight-week courses in the first half of the semester and a transition to hybrid formats for some courses. 

As construction continues, I would like to thank you all for understanding and graciously adjusting your schedules during this tumultuous time. Additionally, I would like to thank the Facilities staff members and contractors who are making these upgrades possible. We are all looking forward to the completion of this project and to seeing and experiencing all the upgrades.  

To accommodate the displacement of employees, faculty and staff members can book Room 120 in the Tivoli Student Union on a rotating schedule as needed. Additionally, arrangements have been made for advising and one-on-one meetings, with offices available in TIV 127 and several conference rooms that can be scheduled for department meetings. 

Learn more about the project and follow progress. 

See a current list of temporary office relocations.

Watch for a comprehensive version in next week’s Early Bird.

 

Volunteer marshals still needed

Commencement is right around the corner. Speaking of Commencement, Metropolitan State University of Denver needs employees to volunteer as marshals for the May 10 ceremonies. Marshals will receive VIP parking for the event as well as free food as a thank-you for all of your hard work. Please consider registering before March 15 and tell your students you will see them at the Denver Coliseum!  

REGISTER NOW

Update on West Classroom 

Construction continues in West Classroom for the Health Institute Simulation Labs and in Central Classroom Suites 105 and 220 for Health Professions, Teaching From Primary Sources and the Office of International Studies. 

VIEW NEW SIM LAB PHOTOS

In celebration of the project, the Nursing Department was invited to sign the wall of what will be the Nursing Station and waiting room. This wall will be covered with cabinets but will forever hold the signatures of the people whose vision helped build this state-of-the-art facility.  

Construction schedule:  

  • November 2023-June 2024: West Classroom Building second floor – ongoing 
  • January-June: Central Classroom Building Suites 105 and 220 remodel construction  
  • March-August: AHEC Project B Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Upgrade, full closure of West and Central Classroom Buildings 

What’s next  

All Roadrunners are invited to join the Project Update meetings. The next meeting is March 19 from 1-2 p.m.  

Click here to join the meeting.

Please submit any questions or feedback to Martha Nelson, senior project manager for Facilities Planning, Design and Construction. 

For more information, please see the regularly updated SharePoint site.  

News, updates and reminders 

  • Monday marks the beginning of Ramadan, a religious celebration in Islam of fasting, prayer and service. As many of our colleagues will abstain from any food or water from sunrise to sundown during the month of Ramadan, please be thoughtful when scheduling lunch meetings and other food/beverage-related activities. It can be a daunting challenge for our teammates to endure for a month! And for those who observe, “Ramadan Mubarak!” 
  • The network upgrade of the Administration Building, as part of the Network Modernization project, will now occur in mid- to late May rather than during Spring Break. This delay is due to some unforeseen personnel constraints, as well as timing conflicts with work to accommodate department and office moves as part of Project B. Stay tuned to the Early Bird for updates. 
  • Spring Break begins March 18. Campus will remain open, but no classes will be held. 
  • If you missed the last campus-operations update, read it here to make sure you’re complying with the state-limit gift law. 
  • Check out upcoming AHEC trainings.  

Thank you for remaining engaged with all campus-operations updates.  

Sincerely,
Larry Sampler, chief operating officer and vice president for Administration