Dear Roadrunners, 

I’d like to start today’s letter by thanking all who completed your mandatory trainings to keep Metropolitan State University of Denver an accessible, equitable and harassment-free environment.  

That said, please remember that the deadline to complete the Campus Climate Survey is rapidly approaching. This survey was developed by MSU Denver diversity, equity and inclusion leaders through comprehensive research and collaboration with students and employees and aims to capture the unique experiences and perspectives related to DEI at the University. 

Survey results will inform and drive DEI initiatives on campus, making it a crucial tool for fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment.   

Finally, the Senior Leadership Team had a good conversation last week at our “Deep Dive” on Alternate Work Arrangements.” It was an opportunity to check on how these agreements are working and to reaffirm our commitment to this valuable tool. Watch for more details in the Early Bird soon. 

Auraria Wi-Fi update 

To create a seamless Wi-Fi experience for all Auraria Campus institutions and users, MSU Denver is collaborating with our campus partners to establish two new shared Wi-Fi networks: AurariaNet and AurariaNet Guest. Moving to these shared networks will ensure that students and employees from all institutions can move from building to building and use the same Wi-Fi network without having to log in and out of the various networks currently available.  

What you need to know: 

  • Project leaders are conducting a pilot program in the Arts Building in April to help plan for the full rollout in summer.  
  • The project should be complete by spring 2025. 
  • Following this project, AurariaNet will be the primary Wi-Fi network on the Auraria Campus.  
  • This is a benefit to students and employees who learn and work in multiple buildings on campus because it will allow for a more seamless online experience with more dependable Wi-Fi.   
  • More comprehensive information and updates will be forthcoming.

Health Institute Simulation Labs 

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

Construction schedule:  

  • November 2023-June 2024: West Classroom Building second floor – ongoing 
  • January-June 2024: Central Classroom Building Suite 105 and Suite 220 remodel construction – ongoing  
  • March-August 2024: Auraria Higher Education Center Project B Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Upgrade, full closure of West and Central Classroom buildings – in progress  

What’s next  

All Roadrunners are invited to join the Project Update meetings. The next meeting is April 16 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. 

Project B update 

West and Central are now closed to all employees and students. Project B, initiated by AHEC and begun during Spring Break, will upgrade the aging heating and air-conditioning systems in the Central and West Classroom buildings. Contractors will replace outdated equipment, necessitating closure of both buildings until early August.  

In addition to relocated office space for impacted employees, there is a shared workspace in the Tivoli Student Union, Room 120, that is now open for use. This space can be scheduled through the workspace-software platform Skedda, and training materials were distributed through each Dean’s Office. Please contact your Dean’s Office or email [email protected] with questions.

Additional updates and reminders 

As always, thank you for being so in tune with everything happening on our wonderful campus. 

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