Metropolitan State University of Denver has awarded more than $3 million in work-study funds to 916 students, more than double the number of students who received financial aid last year from the federal and state employment program that provides part-time jobs to eligible students.
Meanwhile, program administrators say they’re working to address process glitches and delays that have frustrated faculty and staff members who hire work-study students, MSU Denver’s chief enrollment officer told members of the President’s Cabinet at the body’s Oct. 31 meeting.
Long Huynh, DBA, said that multiple departments that are involved in the award process use two different systems: Banner and Workday. The two systems can create errors when information moves between them, he said.
“We’ve brought in help to streamline and improve the process, to make integrations with those two systems work better,” Huynh said.
A revamped Free Application for Federal Student Aid has created another challenge, Huynh added. Students must complete FAFSA to be eligible for work study aid, but the new form doesn’t include a checkbox for applicants to indicate their interest in receiving work-study funds, as the old form did. So MSU Denver’s Financial Aid Office must identify work-study students after they’ve completed the FAFSA, further delaying awards.
The federal government will roll out the 2025-2026 FAFSA form by Dec. 1, mirroring last year’s two-month delay. Like last year, MSU Denver’s FAFSA deadline will likely be pushed back to July 1, which means work study awards will likely be delayed as they were this year, Huynh said.
“Encourage students to apply right away, as soon as (FAFSA) is open,” he said, adding that the Financial Aid Office is in the process of updating its websites with FAFSA and work-study timelines, so students can know when they’re able to apply for work study and when they’ll receive awards.
Supervisors with questions about student employment should reach out to [email protected] and inquiries on award amounts can be directed to [email protected].
More meeting highlights
President’s update: enrollment, retention and compensation highlights
President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., donning festive headwear, opened the meeting by complimenting those wearing creative costumes to celebrate Halloween. She continued the kudos by recognizing MSU Denver’s success in key areas, including enrollment and retention. Fall enrollment figures revealed the largest student body since 2020. Pell Grant eligibility grew to 38.5%, an increase of 5.5 percentage points from 2023. Retention rates have also improved, with an increase of 1.3 percentage points in undergraduate retention, underscoring the University’s commitment to supporting students through to graduation.
In employee news, a new Graduate Tuition Benefit pilot is set to begin in spring, covering 50% of tuition costs for up to nine graduate credits for eligible staff members. Davidson highlighted a permanent $820 pay raise for faculty and staff members, alongside a 2% increase, reinforcing MSU Denver’s focus on competitive compensation. Davidson also celebrated the MSU Denver volleyball team’s No. 1 national ranking in NCAA Division II and encouraged staff and faculty members to submit an idea to the President’s Flywheel Challenge and receive up to $10,000.
Reminder to use Ombuds Team
Michael Stephens and Chris Gilbert from MSU Denver’s Ombuds Team presented an overview of the services offered, which include conflict resolution, guidance and resources for faculty and staff members and administrators. This independent, confidential program provides individual support and group facilitation, helping employees navigate challenging situations within a neutral setting. Remind your teams and employees about the service or host a presentation.
Policy updates
Two proposed policies received a first read:
Accessing Electronic Communication and Data of Others Policy: a new policy to formalize access management for files and emails of former employees, with a vote planned for the next meeting.
Professional Development Policy: Professional-development funds are part of branch budgets, but an existing policy says money exists in and is distributed from a fund in Human Resources, as was previously the case. This policy update would make clear that departments are responsible for budgeting and managing professional-development dollars. Members raised concerns about budget limitations and the need for equitable access to resources.
A second read of the updated Cellphone and Tablet Policy, designed to simplify the reimbursement process for personally owned cellphones or tablets used for University business, received final approval and will be sent to Davidson for signature.
Nominate outstanding colleagues
Faculty and staff members are encouraged to nominate a peer for the Roadrunners Who Soar Awards, MSU Denver’s highest recognition for employees, by Dec. 13. The award celebrates individuals who exemplify the University’s core values of community, access, diversity, respect and excellence (CADRE) and make a positive impact on student and employee success.
Roadrunner Shoutouts
MSU Denver’s Roadrunner Shoutout recognizes faculty and staff members who exemplify CADRE values.
Staff winner
Piper Vitale, director of Brand Strategy, University Marketing, Brand and Digital Strategy.
Nominated by Director of University Strategy Meredith Jeffers, who wrote: “In the past year, she has seamlessly become a valued member and leader within our campus community. Piper is an excellent thought partner: She is kind and calm and has an uncanny knack for unlocking ideas in other people to ultimately execute a beautiful vision. Her work is outstanding.”
Faculty winner
Robert Preuhs, Ph.D., Political Science Department chair
Nominated by Toni Aho, associate director of Equity & Student Leadership, who wrote: “Dr. Preuhs is a true example of excellence. He is not only a faculty member trusted and beloved by students; he is an active citizen. The organization of events around the election is an example of Dr. Preuhs engaging students in learning opportunities outside of the classroom.” Preuhs was unable to attend meeting because he was participating in an “Ask a Professor” session on campus, a series that gives students an opportunity to ask faculty members questions about the election and other hot-button issues.
Student-employee winner
Janae Parsons, student instructional leader, with an expected graduation date next May with a master’s in Nutrition.
Nominated by Arijana Barun, Biology lecturer, and Rachel Hawley, coordinator of supplemental instruction, who wrote: “Janae embodies excellence in everything that she does. She is a devoted student and leader, who always volunteers to take on new tasks and opportunities and to support her peers and program. She is kind, eager and extremely intelligent.”
