Dear Roadrunners,
As we approach Fall Break (Nov. 28-29), I hope you plan for time to rest, recharge and reflect on the many things we’re grateful for, including our supportive campus community. As we move into this season of giving and gratitude, I’d like to highlight some upcoming events and key reminders to keep in mind.
Auraria Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
Tuesday through Nov. 21, the Auraria Campus will host the 10th annual Auraria Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, a series of events dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for people facing housing insecurity. This impactful programming underscores our commitment to fostering empathy and resources within our community.
Attendees can access free clothing and winter essentials, SNAP benefit signups, a mobile food market, haircuts, lessons on cooking on a budget, sexual and reproductive health care, health screenings, opioid-overdose prevention, renters’ rights and more.
Donate to the clothing drive
One way to show your support during Auraria Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is by participating in our clothing-donation drive. Collections will take place through Tuesday, with drop-off boxes outside Tivoli 346. We encourage everyone to donate clean, reusable clothing (no ripped, stained or worn-out items).
For more details and the full schedule of activities, please visit Auraria Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week website.
2025-26 budget cycle
The new budget cycle for fiscal 2026 is underway. Jim Carpenter, chief financial officer and associate vice president for Administration, encourages anyone responsible for preparing a budget to review:
- The budget circular, which includes instructions and key dates and can be found on the UPBAC SharePoint site.
- The President’s budget charge, which is aligned with the 2030 Strategic Plan and the investments needed to ensure institutional success.
Open-enrollment reminder
Open enrollment for benefits runs through 4 p.m. on Nov. 22. This is the annual period for full-time faculty members and professional staff members to review and adjust their benefit selections for 2025. Key points to note:
- This year’s open enrollment is passive, meaning that if an employee takes no action during this period, their medical-, dental- and vision-plan elections will roll forward to 2025.
- Flexible spending accounts require reenrollment each year.
- Changes will take effect Jan. 1.
- Changes to your benefit elections cannot be made after this period unless you experience a qualifying life event, so be sure to review and make any necessary updates.
Access your open-enrollment tasks directly in Workday and refer to the job aid for assistance. For questions or to set up a one-on-one virtual appointment, contact the Total Rewards team at [email protected].
Thank you for your dedication and active participation in these initiatives. Your efforts continue to make MSU Denver a great place to work.
Sincerely,
Larry Sampler
Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Administration
Metropolitan State University of Denver
