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Students walking on a snowy campus
Campus Operations

Weather, safety, construction and Workday updates

The countdown to winter break is on, but don’t forget to prep your spaces for the holidays and get ready for the spring.

Students walking on a snowy campus

Dear Roadrunners,

Metropolitan State University of Denver has nearly concluded another successful semester. There are so many Roadrunner accomplishments and achievements to applaud since August, but I would like to thank all who contributed to our inspiring and very well-executed Commencement ceremonies. MSU Denver has some of the most committed and passionate employees I have ever worked with, and nowhere is this more apparent than at our Commencement ceremonies. Our proud graduates are a direct reflection of the dedication of our faculty members and administrators and our larger Roadrunner community. No graduate gets to that stage alone, and I thank all of you for helping them throughout their journeys.

Workday transition 

Meanwhile, another significant journey is progressing: the transition to Workday for our Human Resources and Finance modules. Employees will be able to log in to the Workday system Jan. 4. The transition team has diligently prepared all employees for the switch, and I strongly encourage you to read through the numerous resources and sign up for webinars. Employees can also expect a comprehensive communication from the Workday team in early January. If you know a member of the transition, launch or Change Agent teams, please thank them for their immense effort. Additionally, please be patient and respectful with the team and processes upon our return to campus. There will likely be hiccups, so thank you in advance for assuming positive intent and working together to find solutions.  

Early closure 

Anticipating severe winter weather and extreme temperatures, Metropolitan State University of Denver will move to remote work Thursday, Dec. 22, and Friday, Dec. 23. Additionally, the University will close at noon on Friday and will resume normal services and business hours Tuesday, Jan. 3, following our annual winter break. Classes will resume Jan. 17.

All offices should prepare to offer remote services starting Thursday through noon Friday. No walk-up services will be available. Visit the Department of Facilities website for more information on how to access remote services. Only essential employees who have been pre-identified should report to campus. Please reference the University’s Severe Weather Procedures webpage for updates and more information.

Prevent theft and rodents over the winter break  

As we prepare to leave campus, please lock your offices or secure your workspaces. If you don’t have a place to secure computers, tablets, cameras, textbooks and personal items, please take them home with you for the break.  

As always, if you’re on campus and see suspicious behavior, please report it immediately to the Auraria Campus Police Department at 303-556-5000 or use Text-a-Tip at 720-593-TIPS (8477).  

Additionally, to avoid attracting pests, please remove any food, candy or edible material from your workspace (or secure it in a hard-sided container) and drain any standing water from plant trays, cups or saucers. 

Winter-break improvement projects 

Over the winter break, the Auraria Higher Education Center at MSU Denver will tackle a series of renovation and improvement projects across multiple campus buildings. On a high level, this will include audiovisual upgrades, electrical work, flooring replacement, exterior transformer replacement, domestic isolation valve replacement, emergency-eyewash installation and leak-detection device installation. Additionally, the Arts, Central and West Classroom buildings will undergo a full asbestos evaluation, and several offices and study spaces will be remodeled. Most work should be completed by mid-January; however, the Arts Building bathroom-remodeling project is expected to continue into March. 

As a side note, thank you to our Information Technology Services team for its excellent and expeditious work on the recent Jordan Student Success Building wired- and wireless-network improvements. Work was completed ahead of schedule, and building users will now enjoy more stable and reliable service.

Upcoming health and safety trainings

Active Harmer Preparedness 

  • Feb. 8, 9-10:30 a.m. 
  • March 16, 1-2:30 p.m. 
  • April 26, 9-10:30 a.m. 

Stop the Bleed 

  • Feb. 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m. 
  • March 16, 2:30-3:30 p.m. 
  • April 26, 10:30-11:30 a.m. 

Thank you all again for a great semester. I hope you each have a happy, healthy and relaxing holiday. You absolutely deserve it.  

Stay warm out there, 

Larry Sampler,
Vice president for Administration, Finance and Facilities and chief operating officer