MSU Denver has received statewide recognition from the Colorado Department of Higher Education for its coordinated, campuswide approach to helping students stay on track to earn their degrees.
The University is one of 15 Colorado institutions to receive the department’s new Comprehensive Basic Needs Campus Designation, which recognizes colleges and universities that have built strong systems of support to address students’ essential needs, including food security, housing stability, mental health and access to critical resources.
A campuswide effort
The designation recognizes collaboration across Student Engagement and Well-being, Enrollment Management, Student Affairs and many other campus partners who work together to connect students with resources that support their academic success.
As part of the designation process, MSU Denver was evaluated across 13 areas of student support, including:
- Food security
- Mental health
- Financial wellness
- Transportation
- Childcare and elder care
- Technology access
- Career development
- Housing and homelessness support
Together, these services help students navigate life’s challenges so they can stay enrolled, persist to graduation and achieve their goals.
The University’s successful application for the designation was led by Sonia Falcón, assistant dean of students and director of the Student Care Center; Abbie Kell, associate director for Basic Needs and Housing Support; and Richard Miccio, director of Campus Recreation & Health. Their efforts, along with the contributions of faculty, staff and campus partners across MSU Denver, including Diego Maldonado Lopez, a second-year Master of Social Work student, and Vian Saeid, basic needs coordinator, helped showcase the University’s longstanding commitment to supporting student success.
The designation builds on MSU Denver’s ongoing commitment to create an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
“Addressing basic needs is not the work of one office; it is a shared responsibility,” Kell said. “At MSU Denver, we lead by bringing together campus and community partners to create coordinated, student-centered solutions that strengthen belonging and improve student success. When students don’t have stable housing, enough food or access to healthcare, learning becomes secondary. Our role is to lead with compassion, collaborate with purpose and remove barriers so every student can achieve their goals.”
See student support in action
Rowdy’s Corner serves thousands of students every semester while helping to address the stigma that comes with food insecurity.
Read: Rowdy’s Corner feeds the need for nutritious food
The Student Care Center offers nonclinical case management to support students during urgent situations, helping them identify the best next steps and referrals for ongoing care.
