Snow on campus

January, Snow, Campus, Campus Seasonal, MSU Denver

Snow on campus

Dear Roadrunners,

This is a busy time of year on the Metropolitan State University of Denver campus. In the midst of attending specialty graduation celebrations, we’re also preparing for finals, the temporary Jordan Student Success Building closure, the upcoming Holiday Card to the City concert, Commencement celebrations and much more before we all take off for a much-deserved winter break.  

At Wednesday’s Faculty and Staff Holiday Fest, President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., encouraged everyone to spend the extended break resting and relaxing, and I enthusiastically echo those sentiments. Before we leave for winter break, however, here are some important project updates and health and safety tips. 

 

Have a pest-free holiday 

In this season of holiday celebrations, luncheons and cookie exchanges, having extra food in the office means you might be attracting unwanted guests. To avoid pest problems, please do not leave any food out overnight. Any food in the office — even wrapped candy, sugar packets or refrigerated food — should be stored in hard-sided, sealed containers, as pests can easily chew through plastic bags and wrappers. However, cleaning out fridges and removing all food over the break is strongly recommended. 

Please use these final pre-break weeks to clean out your office areas and take the following steps to help avoid pest problems, keep your belongings safe and save energy: 

  • Close doors to your space and ensure that your belongings are in locked drawers or cabinets when you leave. 
  • Turn off and disconnect all electronic items, including computers. 
  • Wipe down your desk. If you drop crumbs on the floor, submit a work order or notify [email protected] at least three days prior to break so the custodial crew can clean your space. 
  • If you have plants in your office, prevent water from sitting in the base overnight, as standing water attracts pests. 
  • If you have an allowable service animal on campus, empty their food and water bowls each night and pick up any remnants of food or treats. 

If you encounter an issue requiring Facilities support, please contact Auraria Higher Education Center Facilities at 303-556-3260 (during business hours) or Auraria Campus Police Department (after business hours) at 303-556-5000. If you encounter a safety or security issue, please contact the Auraria Campus Police Department at 303-556-5000. 

 

Latest on classroom upgrades 

The Academic Space Improvement Project continues to progress through material and procurement delays. The project team thanks all faculty and staff members for their patience and flexibility, as supply-chain problems, labor shortages and shipping delays have pushed these completion dates into winter break. 

Work completed and upcoming includes:

  • New lighting fixtures and lighting controls have been installed during night shifts in most buildings, and crews will focus on 7th Street Classroom, Science, Administration, Cherry Creek, Hospitality Learning Center, PE/Events Center, Jordan Student Success, Central, Arts and West Classroom buildings over the winter break. 
  • Some window-treatment installation has been completed in most classrooms in West, Central and Administration buildings. The Plaza Building, King Center, 7th Street Classroom, Arts and Science building classrooms are scheduled for installation over the coming weekends. 
  • Some remaining work in classrooms in the Central, West, Plaza and Cherry Creek buildings and the HLC will be completed starting Dec. 19. If you are interested in the specific list of classrooms remaining, please contact Heather Greene at [email protected] or [email protected]. 
  • JSSB Rooms 211 and 213 will be combined into one larger classroom, and Central Rooms 109 and 111 will be combined into one larger classroom to allow for more flexibility.  

Watch the Early Bird for more project updates and submit questions to [email protected] or information-technology concerns to 303-352-7548 or support.msudenver.edu. 

As always, thank you for helping to keep our campus safe, healthy and thriving. 

Sincerely, 

Larry Sampler