The President’s Cabinet meeting Friday opened on a somber note as members shared reflections on Ron Miles, the legendary jazz musician and composer who taught at Metropolitan State University of Denver for more than two decades. The Grammy-nominated trumpeter and cornetist died March 8 at age 58 from complications of polycythemia vera, a rare blood disorder. 

David Fine, J.D.

“It’s a huge loss for the jazz world and a huge loss for our University,” said David Fine, J.D., general counsel for the University and a friend and fan of Miles. “Ron was a special person, a gentle soul … and a really wonderful human being.” 

To read a tribute to Miles and his long and influential career, visit RED. 

 

Covid-19 update 

Following the University’s move to a largely mask-optional environment March 7, President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., and Larry Sampler, chief operating officer, provided an overview of the latest Covid-19 data. 

Last week, the State of Colorado reported fewer than 2,000 new cases in a week for the first time since mid-2020, down significantly from its January peak of 90,000 in a week. MSU Denver will continue to monitor data closely, and Sampler noted the value in not completely dismantling all precautions as they may need to be reinstated in the future. 

Janine Davidson, Ph.D.

“I want to remind everyone to be kind, respectful and flexible as we adjust to this (mask-optional) phase,” Davidson said. “We’ve empowered faculty and staff to require masks in individual classrooms if they choose, and please continue to carry masks with you. If asked, please mask.” 

Cabinet members also discussed the future of MSU Denver’s Covid-19 vaccine mandate and booster requirement. Members were asked prior to the meeting to gather feedback on continuing or changing the vaccination-and-booster mandate and related registration hold for student noncompliance. (At the time of the meeting, about 3,100 students had not been verified as having up to date vaccine requirements nor had they requested an exemption.). Feedback across all departments was mixed, with broad support for continued emphasis on the need for vaccines and maintaining layers of protection along with a desire to relax enforcement and hesitancy to create academic barriers for students. 

Based on the input, Davidson and the senior leadership team will continue to review the mandate and announce a direction soon. 

 

Human Resources presentation 

Stacy Dvergsdal, associate vice president for Human Resources, and Imani Morning, director of Engagement, Culture and Organizational Development, provided an overview of the new Connect Develop Lead professional-development program, which aligns with Pillar 5, Goal 1, of the University’s 2030 Strategic Plan: Be Colorado’s most desired place of employment. 

Grounded in mission, vision and CADRE values, the program is intended to help employees be their best selves in support of student success. The program includes four professional-development tracks: 

Grow: Includes shorter, skills-based workshops on relevant topics such as emotional intelligence. Ideal for any all staff or faculty member as well as affiliates and student employees. 

Launch: Supervisor 101 supports foundational managing and leading through content focused on leadership and management skills for any employee who supervises. 

Lead: A cohort program that focuses on leadership reflection, practical application and operational alignment geared toward chairs, directors and associate deans. 

Inspire: Based on the Leadership Challenge, the program includes 360-degree feedback and is geared toward deans, associate vice presidents and above. 

Additional offerings for higher-level leaders include executive coaching, while general offerings include affinity mentoring and online resources such as Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning and MSU Denver’s internal professional-development site.  

 

Upcoming events: 

  • Attend the President’s Speaker Series featuring author, education advocate and foreign-policy expert Fiona Hill, Ph.D., on Wednesday. As the King Center has reached registration capacity, anyone who has not yet registered is welcome to watch online. 
  • Spring Update is April 6 in the King Center. The agenda will include fireside chats with Provost Alfred Tatum, Ph.D., and Sampler as well as employee recognitions. 
  • Save the date for a fireside chat with Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock on April 18.  
  • Commencement is May 13 at the Denver Coliseum. The University Events team is still seeking marshal volunteers. 

 

Important announcements: 

  • In honor of Women’s History Month, Davidson shared a letter with the campus outlining MSU Denver’s efforts to provide women with opportunities for social mobility. 
  • Tuesday Talks With Tatum today at noon will focus on the future of online learning. 
  • Learn more about the crisis in Ukraine by watching the recording of Monday’s pop-up panel. 
  • Learn more about exciting new industry partnerships with Amazon and Google. 
  • Policies presented at the February President’s Cabinet meeting were approved, including:  
  • Information Security Awareness Training Policy 
  • User Account Management Policy 
  • Review of Information Security Policies 
  • MSU Denver, through its partnership with the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity, will send six faculty members to engage with the group on issues around faculty success and supporting tenure-track faculty.