The September meeting of the Metropolitan State University of Denver President’s Cabinet covered faculty promotions, a report on the University’s nearly $1 billion annual impact on Colorado’s economy and pay raises that employees will see in this month’s paychecks.
Cabinet members also discussed several academic and operational policies and celebrated new Roadrunner Shoutout recipients.
New platform for strategic plan
Meredith Jeffers, Ph.D., director of Strategy, presented updates on the 2030 Strategic Plan, introducing a new SharePoint platform to streamline communication and track progress. Jeffers explained that the platform would allow stakeholders to access key updates and track objectives and results.
Additional pay increase reflected in October paychecks
Chief Financial Officer Jim Carpenter shared details on the flat pay increase of $820 annually, which will be added to base salaries starting in October due to strong enrollment growth. Retroactive payments of the raise for July through September will also be included in October paychecks.
Cellphone/Tablet Policy, first read
Contract Manager Beth Christensen introduced the first read of the updated Cellphone/Tablet Policy, designed to simplify the reimbursement process for personally owned cellphones or tablets used for University business. The updated process will run through Human Resources rather than Accounts Payable, with reimbursement now approved by department heads rather than vice presidents.
Academic Policy Enactment Policy, second read
Faculty Senate President Liz Goodnick, Ph.D., held the second read of the Academic Policy Enactment Policy. The policy received a motion for approval, the Cabinet passed it, and the policy will now head to President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., for final consideration and potential implementation.
Faculty Employment Handbook Committee Policy, second read
The committee has proposed adding two voting members: a Faculty Federation representative and an additional chair. After a thorough debate, the motion to approve the change was rejected by the Cabinet; thus, the proposal will not move forward to Davidson. See meeting notes for details on support and opposition.
Survey Management Policy, second read
The proposed policy sponsored by the Data Integrity and Governance Team would ensure that surveys of students are conducted in a manner that minimizes redundancy and maximizes data use through standard procedures for survey deployment. The motion was passed and moved on to the president.
Updates to Graduate Tuition Benefit and Withdrawal Date memos
Chief of Staff Edward Brown provided updates on two decision memos:
- The Graduate Tuition Benefit pilot was approved for a two-year trial for employees.
- The Withdrawal Date policy to push the withdrawal date to 85% of term, effective next spring has moved forward to operationalization.
Keep an eye on the Early Bird for more details on the deployment of these initiatives.
Roadrunner Shoutout Awards
This month’s honorees exemplify the dedication, compassion and commitment that make our community strong.
Faculty winner
Nicolette (Nyki) Giasolli, lecturer in the Biology Department
Nominated by Clare Hays, professor in the Biology Department, who wrote:
She continuously demonstrates her unwavering commitment that all her students learn anatomy and physiology and succeed in their careers and in their overall lives.
“Ms. Giasolli pioneered the curriculum to teach Anatomy to blind students in 2016. Ms. Giasolli learned Braille in order to put Braille labels on numerous anatomical models, worked closely with the Access Center and developed a curriculum to teach Anatomy through touch rather than sight. Because of her dedication and work toward inclusive courses, the department has followed her model for other courses to be accessible for the visually impaired.”
Staff winner
Jessica Wade, industry navigator, Public Service Institute
Nominated by Denny Palacios, Mary Grace Preston and Miguel Garcia, who wrote:
“Whenever the impostor syndrome kicked in, Jessica was there to remind me that Roadrunners belong in places where important decisions are made.” Denny Palacios
“Jessica’s respect for students and her dedication to empowering success may be unmatched by anyone in the institution.”
Mary Grace Preston
“Jessica has broken down barriers for students who are first-generation and low-income by supporting us throughout our time in D.C.”
Miguel Garcia
Student-employee winner
Stevie Songstand, student employee in the Master of Health Administration program
Nominated by Lyn Riebel, teaching assistant in the Department of Health Professions, who wrote:
“Day or night, rain or shine, students can count on Stevie to be there for support and as a vital resource,” Riebel said. “Whether students are new to the program or about to graduate, Stevie is there to cheer them on and be a type of lifeline in getting through the program. Stevie does all of this while being a wonderful mother and an animal lover, working several jobs and going to school full time herself.”
Kudos, updates and reminders
- Pause on curriculum changes: In anticipation of MSU Denver’s reaccreditation visit from Higher Learning Commission peer reviewers during the 2026-27 academic year, the Office of Academic Affairs will pause substantive curriculum changes for that year. The pause will allow Academic Affairs the additional bandwidth to ensure a successful HLC visit.
- Inaugural Cohen Pacesetter Scholarship celebration: The inaugural breakfast event honored recipients of the new scholarship.
- Women of MSU Denver Leadership Panel & Networking event: Over 100 alumnae attended the networking event, featuring speakers Susana Cordova and Polly Baca.
- Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month: With 55.2% undergraduates being people of color, MSU Denver is one of the most culturally rich and diverse communities in the state. Celebrate the rich historical and cultural legacies of people whose ancestors came from the Caribbean, Central and South America, Spain or Mexico with activities throughout the month.
- Proclamation from Denver City Council: MSU Denver received a proclamation for its mariachi program, with special recognition from Councilwoman Jamie Torres. The Viva Southwest Mariachi Festival drew 500-600 attendees.
- School of Hospitality Partnership: Contracted to provide culinary training for the City of Denver’s Work Ready program, which started Sept. 16.
- School of Education’s Literacy Research Center: MSU Denver has established the first center of its kind in Colorado, focused on improving literacy among children and adolescents.
