Dear Roadrunners,
We have officially made it to the end of the year. First, I’d like to thank each of you who attended this year’s fall Commencement and congratulate the University Events team on another successful ceremony. I encourage all who attended to fill out the post-event survey so we may continue to provide informative and impactful programs.
Health Institute Simulation Labs progress and tours
Construction continues in West Classroom for the Health Institute Simulation Lab as the space is framed and new drywall is being hung. West Classroom occupants are advised not to work in the building Tuesday through Dec. 29 due to loud noise that will occur. Please be sure to share this with your teams as we can all help support communication around this significant project.
Take a tour
Be one of the first employees to see the new space next year by signing up for a 30-minute tour. Those attending the tour will meet in the hallway adjacent to West Classroom Room 132 and must wear pants and close-toed, flat shoes. Hard hats will be provided. Tours are limited to seven people.
Network Modernization Initiative update
I am also pleased to report that Phase III of the Network Modernization Initiative is underway and that upgrades to the Plaza Building have been tested and completed. While the original timeline anticipated that the building would not open until Wednesday, our exceptional team finished the upgrade a day ahead of schedule.
However, if you are in the building and notice an issue with the network, please don’t hesitate to submit a ticket. The incoming tickets will be closely monitored and promptly addressed by the appropriate teams.
The team will work to upgrade the Admin Building and West Classroom in the first half of 2024. For more information on the project, including next steps, visit the Network Modernization page.
Microsoft Teams app update
Information Technology Services has also announced that the University will upgrade the Microsoft Teams app Jan. 2. This go-live date was carefully selected to avoid potential impact on classes while still giving faculty and staff members time to adjust to the new experience.
The upgrade will download and install automatically and, once ready, will prompt users to decide if they want to transition to the updated version immediately or at the end of their current Teams session.
All employees should update as soon as possible to avoid problems once the semester begins and continue to keep all software up to date.
If you have any questions or concerns, please submit a Teams support request or contact the ITS Service Desk at 303-352-7548 or support.msudenver.edu.
Reminder: your pre-holiday checklist
This time of year is full of parties, luncheons and cookie exchanges. However, please also think of this pre-break time as an opportunity to clean out your areas and prepare for the new year.
As you are planning to leave campus for the holiday break, please do the following to help protect our campus, keep unwanted guests and pests out and save energy:
- Close and secure your spaces.
- Turn off and disconnect all electronic items, including computers.
- Clean out all food items from refrigerators and office spaces. Do not leave anything in plastic wrap or baggies.
- Store ALL food items (even individually wrapped items) in a hard-sided sealed container. Pests can chew through bags and will go after sugar packets, candy and other items left out.
- Wipe down your desk.
- If you have plants in your office, try to prevent water from sitting in the base overnight as standing water attracts pests.
- If you have any allowable service animals on campus, empty their food and water bowls at night and pick up any remnants of food or treats.
As always, if you discover something that requires immediate attention, please contact Auraria Higher Education Center Facilities (303-556-3260 during business hours) or the Auraria Campus Police Department (303-556-5000, available 24/7).
I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday. Thank you for staying up to date on all the exciting things happening at MSU Denver this year. I look forward to returning and beginning another successful year.