The President’s Cabinet at Metropolitan State University of Denver on March 19 reviewed the Auraria Higher Education Campus’ plan to reimagine the Tivoli Student Union and advanced the University’s Social Media Policy and a new Data Governance Policy to the president for approval.
Before turning to business, President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., emphasized a challenging fiscal environment for higher education, noting significant cuts and layoffs at peer institutions while affirming MSU Denver’s strong position due to disciplined financial stewardship. She also highlighted MSU Denver Day at the Capitol and the University’s engagement in legislation to better align Colorado’s higher education and workforce systems, and shared plans for her board-approved summer sabbatical supported by a strong leadership bench and clear interim structure.
Key Cabinet updates included:
Tivoli Reimagined: Auraria Higher Education Center leaders presented a preliminary plan to renovate the Tivoli Student Union, addressing decades of deferred maintenance and prioritizing student-centered space. The proposed $85 million first phase would modernize high-traffic areas, expand study and gathering spaces, improve accessibility, and enhance campus connectivity, with no planned increase to existing student fees.
Policy approvals: The Cabinet advanced a new Data Governance Policy to strengthen how the University manages and uses data and presented revisions to the Social Media Policy, clarifying employee guidance, account expectations and alignment with related policies. Learn more and participate in the University’s policy process through the University Policy Advisory Council.
Academic Affairs update: Provost Matt Makley, Ph.D., highlighted preparation for the upcoming Higher Learning Commission accreditation visit, ongoing budget planning within Academic Affairs and MSU Denver’s selection to host the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education conference.
Cabinet member updates: Faculty leaders shared updates on faculty handbook revisions and publication of a redesigned, more student-centered academic catalog. Enrollment and Student Affairs leaders provided updates on student government elections and an open comment period for the revised Student Code of Conduct.
President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., with Roadrunner Shoutout Award Faculty winners Ranjidha Rajan, Ph.D., and Daniel Pittman, Ph.D. Photo by Amanda Schwengel
Kudos to these outstanding Roadrunner Shoutout winners:
Daniel Pittman, Ph.D., associate professor of Computer Sciences, and Ranjidha Rajan, Ph.D., assistant professor of Computer Sciences, were recognized for co-creating the Community-Centered Computing (C3) Lab, which connects students, educators and communities through innovative platforms and provides hands-on, real-world technology experience for MSU Denver students.
Emma Forrest, grants management specialist in the College of Health and Human Sciences, was honored for bringing clarity, collaboration and strong compliance expertise to a complex grants portfolio that supports student success.
President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., with Roadrunner Shoutout Award Staff winner Emma Forrest. Photo by Amanda Schwengel
