Key takeaways:
- President Davidson outlined five FY28 budget priorities focused on employees, student success, campus infrastructure, AI readiness and marketing.
- Major campus projects are progressing toward 2027 openings, with Summit House housing applications opening Dec. 1.
- Cabinet members reviewed four employee-related policies, approving the Employee Survey Management Policy for final presidential consideration.
President Janine Davidson outlined five priorities in fiscal year 2028, which Metropolitan State University of Denver departments will use to model budgets around student success and capitalize on campus evolution.
At the October President’s Cabinet Meeting on Thursday, Davidson also thanked employees for support in the recent U.S. Senate Debate and Fireside Chat, and encouraged attendance at the upcoming President’s Speaker Series conversation with former U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Ph.D. She encouraged civic participation ahead of the November election while reminding employees to keep personal political activity separate from their University roles and resources.
Provost Matt Makley shared an update on the upcoming Workday Student adoption, touting the project team’s work on a recent mock-semester exercise. He praised employees for their collaborative, solutions-oriented approach and students for their adaptability during testing.
Cabinet members also reviewed four University policies affecting employees.
President’s budget charge
Davidson said the University will enter next fiscal year’s budget cycle in a “strong financial position,” referencing her letter earlier this week with full details.
‘[We have] healthy reserves, thanks to our team,” she said. “But the state budget constraints and other challenges mean we are maybe going to have to make some tough choices again this round. So, I have identified five priorities that should guide this budget process.”
Budget priorities in FY28:
- Invest in our people.
- Use data to drive student success.
- Prepare for our new infrastructure.
- Prepare our community for an AI-enabled future.
- Market for the moment.
Campus construction updates
Davidson and Cabinet members highlighted progress on several projects that will transform the campus in 2027.
Summit House: Housing applications open Dec. 1. Room assignments will begin as early as March. Move in is scheduled for Aug. 21, 2027. Housing prices and meal-plan information are also expected soon.
Gina and Frank Day Health Institute Tower: Construction remains on schedule and on budget, and a topping-out ceremony is planned for Nov. 19.
Auraria Event Center: Renovations are expected to begin over winter break and be substantially completed by summer 2027. See designs for the future multipurpose gymnasium, esports lounge, golf simulator, wellness studio, and other building upgrades in the former swimming pool site.
University policy updates
Cabinet members reviewed four policies at various stages of approval.
The Cabinet approved the Employee Survey Management Policy after a second reading by Buffy Ribble, Ph.D., executive director of Data and Analytics. The policy seeks to coordinate employee surveys, reduce duplication and establish consistent procedures. It advances next to Davidson for final signature.
While the Information Security Program Policy shared by Mike Hart, chief information security officer, is already in effect in an interim capacity, he asked the Cabinet to make it permanent. The policy formalizes institutional information-security responsibilities and requirements, including employee training and incident reporting. It will return for a second reading and vote.
Adrienne Randol, policy and records manager, presented the University Records Management Policy under development. It establishes consistent expectations for identifying, storing, retaining and disposing of University records. Cabinet members requested additional implementation guidance, including departmental responsibilities, before the second reading.
Although the Out-of-State Employment Policy has been in effect since June 1, the Cabinet shared feedback to Charles Kibort, executive director of HR operations and strategy. The policy generally prioritizes Colorado-based employment while allowing exceptions. Proposed clarifications address student employment, academic travel, existing arrangements, travel expenses and approval authority. Kibort pledged to revise the policy and bring it back for a second reading.
President Janine Davidson with Roadrunner Shoutout Award staff winner Keah Shuenemann. Photo by Ben Lasseter
President Janine Davidson with Roadrunner Shoutout Award student-employee winner Sandy Nguyen. Photo by Ben Lasseter
President Janine Davidson with Roadrunner Shoutout Award faculty winner Alex Ertel. Photo by Ben Lasseter
Roadrunner Shoutouts recognize campus contributions
The Cabinet recognized three Roadrunners for contributions to University operations, student support and academic policy:
Alex Ertel, customer service manager in the Office of the Registrar, has transformed customer service and helped students, families, faculty and staff navigate complex processes with compassion, patience, and professionalism.
Sandy Nguyen, budget and office assistant in University Communications and Marketing, regularly finds creative solutions to challenges ranging from supplier payments and budget records to generally streamlining reporting, improving workflows and developing tools that save colleagues’ valuable time.
Keah Schuenemann, Ph.D., professor of Meteorology, has helped navigate this year’s unique curriculum review process thoughtfully and precisely in her first year as chair of the Faculty Senate Curriculum Committee.
