Fall 2026

Letter from our New Chairs

Gena Welk — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:01:51 +0000

Letter from our New Chairs Gena Welk Tue, 09/15/2026 - 20:01

Hello Staff and Research Faculty,

Welcome to the start of a new semester! Fall is always a busy and exciting time on our campus, and we hope the semester is off to a great start for you. As we begin a new Staff Council year, one of our primary goals is to strengthen the connection between Staff Council and the more than 7,500 staff and research faculty we represent. We want Staff Council to be increasingly visible, accessible, and responsive to the people we serve, and we want to make it easier for you to know what we are working on and to tell us what matters most to you.

To help us better advocate for your needs, we encourage you to share your feedback on our website and take a few minutes to complete this newsletter’s survey. Throughout the year, Staff Council representatives will also be working to strengthen communication within the areas they represent so that we can develop a more consistent feedback loop between our constituents, Staff Council, and campus leadership.

Our priorities this year include advancing conversations around staff and research faculty compensation; helping our community understand and provide input on issues related to collective bargaining; strengthening faculty-staff relationships in partnership with the Boulder Faculty Assembly; continuing our work related to the Resolution to Reaffirm and Commit Support for a Positive Work Environment for the Transgender, Intersex, Non-Binary Community; and ensuring that staff and research faculty perspectives are represented in our conversations with campus leadership and other shared governance groups.

Just as importantly, we want to continue strengthening how Staff Council approaches this work. We are committed to constructive advocacy, meaningful collaboration, and building productive relationships across campus while remaining a strong and independent voice for staff and research faculty. We believe Staff Council can have the greatest impact when we bring both the concerns of our constituents and thoughtful, actionable ideas to the table.

We also want Staff Council to be easier to engage with throughout the year. In addition to our monthly full Council meetings, look for opportunities to connect with representatives at campus events, participate in surveys and listening opportunities, and learn more about campus issues through Staff Council programs and conversations. We always encourage your feedback on how Staff Council can better serve staff and research faculty, so please don’t hesitate to reach out via our website or join us at a full Council meeting.

Finally, to all staff and research faculty, thank you for everything you do—both seen and unseen, acknowledged and behind the scenes—to support students, collaborate with colleagues, advance the university’s mission, and make ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� a better place to work and learn. We hope you have a wonderful fall.

Warmly,

Leah McDaniel Parvez
Lauren Way
Chris Marelli
Co-Chairs, ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Staff Council

Welcome to the start of a new semester! Fall is always a busy and exciting time on our campus, and we hope the semester is off to a great start for you.

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Your Service Matters: Tell us How We Should Recognize It

Gena Welk — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 01:54:56 +0000

Your Service Matters: Tell us How We Should Recognize It Gena Welk Mon, 09/14/2026 - 19:54

The Staff Council Awards, Service, and Recognition (ASR) Committee is proud to recognize ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� staff and research faculty for their years of dedicated service to our campus community. In 2025-26 alone, we recognized 725 staff and research faculty for reaching service milestones and contributing to the success of ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

Many employees may not realize that Staff Council is the only campus group that formally recognizes years of service for staff and research faculty. Currently, individuals are recognized at every five-year milestone with a personalized certificate signed by the Chancellor and a letter of appreciation from the Staff Council Tri-Chairs. Beginning at 15 years of service, recipients also receive an Amazon gift card, with the value increasing every five years, from $25 at 15 years of service to $150 for those with 35 or more years of service.

We know that meaningful recognition can have a positive impact on employee engagement, connection, and sense of value at work. As we evaluate our years of service recognition program, we want to ensure that the recognition we provide is meaningful and reflective of what staff and research faculty truly value.

Because Staff Council administers this program independently, we are limited in the types of recognition we can provide. While we continue to advocate for equitable compensation and benefits for staff and research faculty, we are not authorized to provide additional compensation beyond the recognition program itself. However, we are interested in learning what forms of recognition would feel most meaningful and impactful to you.

We invite all ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� staff and research faculty to share their feedback through our Years of Service Recognition Survey by October 1. Your input will help guide future enhancements to the program and ensure we are recognizing our colleagues in ways that better reflect their contributions to our campus community.

Thank you for helping us shape a recognition program that celebrates the dedication and impact of ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� staff and research faculty.

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ExEL Committee Kicks Off an Exciting Year

Gena Welk — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 01:51:35 +0000

ExEL Committee Kicks Off an Exciting Year Gena Welk Mon, 09/14/2026 - 19:51

The Experience and Elections (ExEL) Committee is excited to begin another year of supporting Staff Council, overseeing our elections, and strengthening member engagement and representation.

The ExEL Committee is responsible for organizing and convening the elections of Staff Council representatives, delegates, and officers. The committee also manages updates to the Staff Council Bylaws, Elections Code, and Standing Rules to help ensure our governing documents remain clear, current, and effective. In addition, ExEL develops materials and processes that support internal membership development, enhance member experiences, and promote engagement within Staff Council.

This committee meets on the second Tuesday of every month from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Visitors across the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� community are welcome.

Over the coming months, this committee will establish its priorities for the year. One key focus will be to reassess representation areas for voting purposes to ensure they continue to reflect our staff community and organizational structure. We will also continue our work to codify practices for various election situations, to create greater consistency, transparency, and clarity in election processes.

We look forward to a productive year and invite staff to follow our progress, share perspectives, and join us in supporting an engaged and representative Staff Council.

Do you have questions or are you interested in learning more? Contact the ExEl Committee Co-Chairs:
Ginnie.Hershbarger@colorado.edu
Michael.D.Williamson@colorado.edu

The Experience and Elections (ExEL) Committee is excited to begin another year of supporting Staff Council, overseeing our elections, and strengthening member engagement and representation.

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Research Faculty Special Committee Looks Ahead to a New Year of Engagement and Advocacy

Gena Welk — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 01:39:30 +0000

Research Faculty Special Committee Looks Ahead to a New Year of Engagement and Advocacy Gena Welk Mon, 09/14/2026 - 19:39

The Research Faculty Special Committee is excited to begin a new year of connecting with and advocating for Research Faculty across ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. As Staff Council continues its work to represent and support our diverse campus community, this committee looks forward to strengthening communication, increasing engagement, and ensuring Research Faculty perspectives are heard and understood.

This committee serves as a bridge between Staff Council and Research Faculty by enhancing outreach and education efforts about Staff Council initiatives and opportunities. A key part of this work is helping Research Faculty understand how Staff Council efforts affect Research Faculty constituents and helping to make council activities more accessible and relevant to the Research Faculty community.

To encourage conversation and connection, the Research Faculty Special Committee hosts monthly drop-in office hours on the first Monday of each month from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m. Research Faculty and other members of the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� community are welcome to join, ask questions, share feedback, or learn more about the committee's work.

Drop-In Office Hours Zoom Link:
https://cuboulder.zoom.us/j/92776122702?from=addon

Over the coming months, this committee will be establishing its priorities for the year, including identifying the most effective ways to connect with and engage Research Faculty across campus. We recognize that Research Faculty work in a variety of departments, centers, and institutes, and we welcome ideas on how Staff Council can best communicate with and support these individuals. If you have suggestions for outreach strategies, engagement opportunities, or topics the committee should explore, we encourage you to contact the committee co-chairs via email.

Questions, ideas, or interested in learning more? Contact the Research Faculty Special Committee Co-Chairs:
Ginnie.Hershbarger@colorado.edu
Kate.Cochran@colorado.edu

The Research Faculty Special Committee is excited to begin a new year of connecting with and advocating for Research Faculty across ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

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Staff Council Launches Mobile Little Free Library

Eryn Van Poole — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:28:35 +0000

Staff Council Launches Mobile Little Free Library Eryn Van Poole Mon, 09/14/2026 - 09:28

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Staff Council recently held its annual summer retreat and amongst all the planning for the year, the retreat featured an exciting addition to the agenda – a ribbon cutting to launch an on-campus Little Free Library. Organized by Staff Council’s Belonging, Equity, Accessibility and Mattering (BEAM) Committee, the library offers books centered on diversity, equity and inclusion for all ages, with a current focus on LGBTQIA+ experiences. The library provides interested readers with opportunities to extend their knowledge and perspectives through on-going book sharing across the campus community. The Little Free Library is designed to be mobile with the hope that buildings and offices across campus will host the library indoors at their location throughout the year.

Launching this month at the ARCE building on East Campus, Staff Council is excited to see where the little library can roam. Please check the Staff Council website for the library’s current location. Staff Council would like to add special thanks to Scott Cusack, Professional Research Assistant in the College of Engineering and Applied Science, for his help with the construction of the library.

If you are interested in hosting the Little Free Library in your building, please reach out to: staffcouncil@colorado.edu

Staff Council is excited to launch the first ever Little Free Library on campus.

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Human Resources Updates

ancr9609 — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:41:40 +0000

Human Resources Updates ancr9609 Wed, 09/09/2026 - 08:41

HR Blueprint Project

The HR Blueprint Project continues to advance ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� HR, ensuring our staff and faculty have the tools and resources to grow and thrive. Phase 1 is in the process of interviewing and hiring the five new HR Director Partner Services roles; candidates will be selected by October. Phase 2 will commence this September. For updates and resources, please visit the HR Blueprint Brief.

Payday Schedule Change

The Time & Labor Project and Payday Schedule Change will go live on February 28, 2027. This means the transition from monthly to biweekly pay for nonexempt employees will also shift to February 28, 2027. Please plan and prepare your finances, as the transition to a biweekly payroll schedule may affect the timing of your expenditures.

Train the Trainer sessions will begin in November for Change Champions of the Time & Labor project; training opportunities for end-users will follow.

Please check the PDSC webpage for updates and email PDSC@colorado.edu with questions.

Performance Management

Thank you for submitting your year-end evaluations; we appreciate your partnership! Human Resources has launched the first phase of a multi-year transformation to build a more consistent, transparent, and development-focused approach to performance management. This redesign applies only to university staff and their supervisors for FY26-27.

University staff and supervisors should collaborate to set goals for the next year. There are a few changes to goal setting and performance planning this year–please visit the Goal Setting page for more information, training, and resources. We recommend submitting goals by Sept. 30, 2026. However, as this is the first year of the new model, we understand if you need to extend beyond the deadline.

If you need support or have questions, please reach out to performance@colorado.edu.

Compensation

Please bookmark the compensation webpage and visit frequently for updates. We will add FAQs over the next few months on the campus minimum wage increase, 1/1/27 increases for university staff and faculty, and COWINS Step System changes.

Learning & Development

Make time for your own professional development! There are a plethora of trainings for employees and supervisors from September through May 2027. Crucial Conversations, Stay Interviews and Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager are just a few of the offerings. See the entire trainings calendar and learn more!

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� named one of Forbes’ America’s Best Large Employers

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� has been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers, earning distinction among the nation's top employers and reinforcing our commitment to creating a workplace where employees can thrive. Forbes' rankings are based on anonymous, unbiased employee feedback gathered from more than 217,000 workers across the United States, evaluating organizations over a three-year period.

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� ranked #4 among large employers in Colorado, #28 among universities nationwide and #206 overall among large employers in the United States. This recognition reflects the experiences of our faculty and staff, who rate ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� higher than industry standards in key areas such as workplace culture, career growth, working conditions, and reputation. As Colorado's flagship university, we are committed to building a culture of respect, inclusion, and well-being where employees can make a real difference while pursuing fulfilling careers aligned with our mission and vision.

Check here for HR updates on the HR Blueprint Project, Payday Schedule Change, Performance Management, Compensation, and Learning & Development!

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Parking Updates

ancr9609 — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:36:28 +0000

Parking Updates ancr9609 Wed, 09/09/2026 - 08:36

Over the summer, Parking Services implemented parking lot changes in three campus areas to improve access and better align parking resources with campus needs. Additional hourly paid parking is now available at Regent and Colorado, making it easier for visitors to find short-term parking near a primary campus entrance. Other areas have also seen adjustments, including lot renumbering and reconfiguration of permit and hourly pay sections. We encourage you to review the changes, with maps, to understand how these changes affect parking locations. View the complete lot use changes guide here.

The Grandview Parking Garage is open and available for employee use by purchasing a daily permit online or paying by the hour via Parkmobile. The garage is located at 1215 Grandview Avenue, north of the Limelight Hotel. Public parking is available on levels 3 and above. The lower two levels and basement are reserved for guests staying at the hotel.

Daily permits continue to be available in select lots on campus, based on availability. The daily discount continues for employees who are logged into their parking account to purchase their permit.

The parking availability tool can help you find available pay by the hour parking spaces in popular visitor lots.

Over the summer, Parking Services implemented parking lot changes in three campus areas to improve access and better align parking resources with campus needs.

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Fall Transportation: What you need to know

ancr9609 — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:31:23 +0000

Fall Transportation: What you need to know ancr9609 Wed, 09/09/2026 - 06:31

New updates for this fall include resources for CU cyclists to connect, half-priced Lime rides, EV charging pricing updates, a new bus to the airport from Longmont, Lot renumbering and more.

Bikes & Micromobility

CU Bike commuters can now better connect with each other with:

“Rise’n Ride Wednesdays,” weekly group commutes along Highway 36
CU’s RideWell Cyclist Hub: A new Teams channel for chatting, sharing group ride info, events, and resources. Join via Teams or SharePoint using your CU identikey.

Save on Lime rides! All CU members get 50% OFF Lime Rides: Register your Lime account with your @colorado.edu email for automatic half-priced discounts, post-ride. Income-eligible riders can access free 30-minute rides through the Lime Access link here.

Transit

RTD will launch a new AL bus to the airport for Longmont and Lafayette starting Sept. 27th, along with other proposed service updates.

Updates for drivers

EV charging rates on campus have been updated and are now based on usage at $0.35 per kWh (plus local sales tax) for all users with a CU Connection.
Regent Parking Garage has a new number and availability:
Lot 436 (North Surface Lot): Converted from commuter permits to short-term hourly paid visitor parking.
Lot 440 (South Surface Lot): Converted from hourly parking to commuter permit parking (ADA hourly spaces remain).
Regent Parking Garage: Renamed to Lot 440 (existing Lot 336 permits are automatically valid for Lot 440).
Zipcar Promotion: New members can get their first year of Zipcar membership free through Nov. 30 (including gas, insurance, and designated parking). Click for a map to lot 436

New updates for this fall include resources for CU cyclists to connect, half-priced Lime rides, EV charging pricing updates, a new bus to the airport from Longmont, Lot renumbering and more.

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Faculty & Staff memberships available at The Rec

ancr9609 — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:22:21 +0000

Faculty & Staff memberships available at The Rec ancr9609 Wed, 09/09/2026 - 06:22

Faculty or staff employed on the Boulder campus, Boulder campus retirees, and employees of University System offices in Boulder are eligible for membership.

Plan ahead: Fall 2026 space reservations are now open at The Rec!

Are you planning meetings, workshops, practices, tournaments, special events, or other group activities for fall 2026? Campus Recreation & Well-Being is now accepting reservation requests.

Securing your space early helps ensure access to your preferred location, date, and time while giving your organization more time to coordinate logistics and promote your event.

Whether you're organizing a student organization event, department gathering, tournament, or community program, now is the time to start planning. Contact recrequest@colorado.edu for further information and assistance.

Faculty or staff employed on the Boulder campus, Boulder campus retirees, and employees of University System offices in Boulder are eligible for membership.

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CU Advantage Fall Updates

ancr9609 — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:14:38 +0000

CU Advantage Fall Updates ancr9609 Wed, 09/09/2026 - 06:14

See below for fall updates from CU Advantage.

Financial wellness webinars coming up this fall.
CU employees shared their best summer spots in the CU & You photo contest.
Check out our Instagram account @cuadvantage for posts regarding different perks and benefits weekly.
��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� tuition benefit application’s due date is Sept. 15.

Check out fall updates from CU Advantage.

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Fall 2026

Letter from our New Chairs

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Your Service Matters: Tell us How We Should Recognize It

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ExEL Committee Kicks Off an Exciting Year

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Research Faculty Special Committee Looks Ahead to a New Year of Engagement and Advocacy

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Staff Council Launches Mobile Little Free Library

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Human Resources Updates

HR Blueprint Project

Payday Schedule Change

Performance Management

Compensation

Learning & Development

���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ named one of Forbes’ America’s Best Large Employers

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Parking Updates

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Fall Transportation: What you need to know

Bikes & Micromobility

Transit

Updates for drivers

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Faculty & Staff memberships available at The Rec

Plan ahead: Fall 2026 space reservations are now open at The Rec!

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CU Advantage Fall Updates

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��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� named one of Forbes’ America’s Best Large Employers