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Three-image collage showing a colorful abstract graphic, a faculty member portrait, and a rendering of a new MSU Denver campus building.
Workplace Experience

Top 10 most read Early Bird stories of 2025 

From big milestones to practical updates, these stories captured MSU Denver employees’ attention in a landmark year for MSU Denver.

Three-image collage showing a colorful abstract graphic, a faculty member portrait, and a rendering of a new MSU Denver campus building.

From norovirus to campus eateries, here are the stories that piqued MSU Denver employees’ interest this year on the Early Bird, Metropolitan State University’s official employee-news site.  

MSU Denver celebrated its 60th anniversary year with bold momentum across campus. Employees helped power that progress in countless ways, from honoring colleagues at Roadrunners Who Soar and spotlighting innovation through the President’s Flywheel Challenge, to building community through new traditions like Common GroundsRoadrunners After Dark and the debut of the Howdy Rowdy BBQ.  

This year also brought major institutional milestones that touched nearly every corner of the University: student-housing groundbreakingenrollment gains and record retention; the continued rollout of the Workday Student transformation; and the arrival of a new provost to help lead MSU Denver into its next chapter. At the same time, employees navigated real-time change with new tools and guidance — including the upgraded A–Z directory, a new University Events Calendar, refreshed brand colors and resources, evolving federal policy updates, and updated accessibility standards, guidelines and trainings. And through it all, Roadrunners showed up for one another and for Denver with initiatives like Roadrunners Give Back — plus so much more worth celebrating. 

Here are the top 10 most-read stories this year.  

As norovirus cases surge, what you need to know to stay well 

Heath Center Medical Director Ruben Zorrilla has advice on how to protect yourself from the highly contagious illness. 

How the new Social Security Fairness Act might impact you  

COO Larry Sampler offers a reminder about the Workday mandatory data security training and tips for staying cozy on campus during Colorado’s infamous cold snaps. 

MSU Denver to provide student housing as part of community-centered development   

New Auraria Campus project includes workforce housing, C2 Hub, Early Learning Center and more. 

Makley named provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs 

Longtime faculty leader, who held interim position, will begin permanent role May 1. 

UPBAC budget recommendation prioritizes people and financial sustainability  

Fiscal 2026 spending plan proposes targeted investments and 2.5% pay raise that reflects University commitment to support employees. 

Trump administration rescinds federal-funding memo  

Employees should continue to support students and academic success as University leaders continue to monitor federal decisions. 

New food and beverage options coming to Auraria Campus this fall  

Ichigo Matcha opens two cafés; Quad Side Tavern to debut in September. 

Phishing alert: Don’t reply to suspicious messages or open unexpected attachments 

An attack over the weekend sent 250,000 malicious emails to University inboxes. Here’s how to stay safe. 

Check your Workday details before W-2s go out 

Review your personal info and choose electronic tax form delivery to ensure accuracy.