Dear Roadrunners, 

It’s great to see so much activity back on campus, and I hope to see many of you in person at this morning’s Welcome Back event. RSVPs for the in-person event have already exceeded expectation, so those of you who have not reserved a seat are welcome to join via livestream. You can also find a recap article and a video in next week’s Early Bird. 

Building access and security 

The safety and wellbeing of our students and employees must remain the priority, As was shared Monday, following the summer building-access-and-safety pilot program, the Auraria Higher Education Center will roll out an expanded building-access initiative campuswide this semester. The initiative will be implemented in three phases, meaning students and employees will need their Campus ID badges to access more buildings as the project progresses:  

  • Through Friday: Campus building entrances will operate as they have been operating through the spring and summer semesters. However, the Central Classroom Building will require Campus ID-badge access.   
  • Saturday-Oct. 1: Reduced entry — a limited number of doors will be open. Locked campus building entrances will direct visitors to unlocked Campus ID-badge-access entry door(s).  
  • Oct. 2 onward: All campus buildings will operate under three categories of access: open, limited entry and ID-badge entry only. 

Please visit the Auraria Secured Campus Initiative website for more details, including Frequently Asked Questions, contact information, maps outlining doors with open access and ID-badge access and more.   

Navigating campus construction 

On a related note, I appreciate everyone’s flexibility in working safely around ongoing construction, particularly in the West Classroom Building. While signage is posted at all construction partitions, please visit the Simulation Labs SharePoint page to view: 

  • New locations for temporarily displaced departments and offices 
  • Construction maps to avoid restricted construction areas 

Register for GROW and LAUNCH leadership trainings 

The GROW program is a series of skills-based workshops that include topics relevant to support current and future professional and leadership development. These custom MSU Denver workshops are open to all staff members, faculty members and student employees. 

Register for September sessions: 

  • Listening to Engage   
  • Work on Purpose   
  • Leading With Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace 

LAUNCH Supervisor 101: This three-day program includes content that is foundational to managing and leading, with a primary focus on those who are new/newer to leadership roles.

Learn more about these and other programs and resources on the MSU Denver Leadership and Organizational Engagement site.   

Keep hallways clear and safe 

For the safety and ease of access for all Roadrunners, please do not leave furniture, supplies or other items in hallways. Please submit a TMA Work Order by visiting www.msudenver.edu/facilities for proper disposal.  

If you have specific questions, please call 303-615-1699 or email [email protected]. Please allow up to two business days for your email inquiry to be answered.     

For emergency issues (gas leak, water leak, mechanical failure, etc.), please contact AHEC Facilities Services at 303-556-3260.    

Fire drills taking place through Sept. 8 

As a reminder, the Auraria Emergency Preparedness, Coordination and Recovery Committee in partnership with the Auraria Campus Police Department and AHEC Facilities will be conducting fire evacuation drills in campus buildings through Sept. 8 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. While on campus, participation in the fire evacuation drills is mandatory for all students, faculty members and staff members unless otherwise instructed. Please see additional information on dates and times and important steps to follow during evacuation drills.  

Upcoming holiday 

MSU Denver will be closed Sept. 4 in observance of Labor Day. The University will maintain normal operating hours Sept. 1. See the 2023-24 holiday calendar for more information on University closures and observances. 

Thank you for staying up to date on all the exciting things happening at MSU Denver. 

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