Announcements & Deadlines

Committee advances property acquisition for electric bus fleet maintenance

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:19:42 +0000

Committee advances property acquisition for electric bus fleet maintenance Megan M Rogers Wed, 03/11/2026 - 12:19

The University of Colorado Board of Regents Finance Committee on Wednesday, March 11, advanced a proposal by ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� to purchase the site of a former car dealership at 1799 Exposition Drive in Boulder. If approved by the full board at its April meeting, the 18,919-square-foot facility would support the campus’s decarbonization goals by providing much-needed maintenance space capable of servicing ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� growing battery electric bus fleet.

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� is currently under contract to purchase the property for $6.75 million, pending board approval.

The facility includes high-bay service space, appropriate ceiling height and utility capacity needed to maintain battery electric buses and light-duty vehicles. As ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� continues expanding its electric bus fleet under its Climate Action Plan, ensuring maintenance facilities can safely and effectively support that transition is critical.

“This facility positions us to align our maintenance capacity with the future of our transportation system sooner and at a lower cost than what it would take to renovate our existing facility,” said Todd Haggerty, senior vice chancellor for business, finance and infrastructure. “It marks a great example of aligning resources to help achieve campus priorities.”

If approved, light-duty and battery electric bus maintenance operations would relocate to Exposition Drive this year following closing of the purchase. Transit charging infrastructure and in-service bus staging south of Marine Street would remain unchanged, and no impacts to Buff Bus routes or daily transit operations are anticipated.

A newly acquired ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� facility, which was advanced by the University of Colorado Board of Regents Finance Committee, would support campus decarbonization efforts related to fleet electrification.

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Staying or going: Spring break reminders

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:17:11 +0000

Staying or going: Spring break reminders Megan M Rogers Fri, 03/06/2026 - 14:17

Spring break is just around the corner. Many campus services, including dining, bus transportation and residence hall front desk hours, will be reduced throughout spring break. Whether you live on or off campus, are staying in Boulder or heading out of town, take a moment to review some reminders.

Before you leave

Leaving for the break? Here are some reminders and tips for students living on and off campus.

On-campus residents

All residence halls, including Bear Creek and Weber Hall, will remain open for any resident throughout spring break. Hall access doors will be locked and accessible by current residents only.

Reminders:

Make sure windows are closed and locked, and blinds are closed.
Unplug electrical appliances (residence hall students only).
Clean your micro-fridge and set it to low (residence hall students only).
Remove all food and perishable items from the room.
Set your heaters on low.
Remove trash and recycling from the building.
Turn off your lights.
Make sure your room door is completely closed and locked.
Remember to pack all important documents or valuable items such as plane tickets, ID and passport, jewelry, medicines, etc.
Store any bikes in your room during breaks if space is available, and it does not block exits.

Learn more about leaving for break.

Off-campus residents

Reminders:

Before you leave, check with your landlord or find someone willing to clear snow off your property. Snow must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowfall.
Ask a friend to collect your mail and pick up newspapers and any trash in your yard. If you’re gone for a longer period of time, consider having the Post Office hold your mail while you’re away.
Make sure all windows and doors are locked. Move expensive items such as laptops away from windows where they may be visible or bring them with you. Make sure your bike is securely locked or bring it inside if you can.
Set your lights on a timer and your heat to a reasonable temperature, about 60 degrees, to prevent pipes from freezing.
Don’t leave pets by themselves. Find someone to take care of them while you are away.

Other reminders

University closure

Campus will be closed on Friday, March 20, for a university holiday.

Campus Dining & Hospitality

On-campus dining options will be limited during spring break—view dining hours and closures.

Buff Pantry

The Buff Pantry will be open Monday, March 16, from 9 a.m. to noon and Tuesday, March 17, from noon to 3 p.m. The Buff Pantry is in C4C N161.

Getting around campus

Traveling to DIA

Did you know you can travel to the Denver International Airport (DIA) for free with your Buff OneCard? With one stop adjacent to ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� at 16th and Broadway, the SkyRide leaves hourly from Boulder Station. Visit RTD’s SkyRide website for more details.

Buff Bus: There will be no Will Vill Buff Bus service during spring break (Saturday, March 14, through Saturday, March 21) and no Stampede service on Friday, March 20, (campus closed). Regular Will Vill bus service will resume on Sunday, March 22.

Late-night service: There will be no late-night service on Thursday, March 19; Friday, March 20; or Saturday, March 21.

Buff Ride: Buff Ride will offer service from Monday, March 16, through Thursday, March 19. There will be no Buff Ride service on Friday, March 20. Regular service will resume on Monday, March 23.

Learn more about Buff Bus routes.

CU NightRide

CU NightRide will be open and operating this spring break to offer students a safe evening ride on campus and within Boulder city limits. NightRide will be closed March 20–22, and spring service hours will resume on March 23.

University Memorial Center

The UMC and The Connection will have an adjusted schedule with limited hours and closures. Check out the UMC website for operational schedules. The Alienware Buffalo Esports and Gaming Lounge will also be open with limited hours over spring break.

Rec Center

Review special spring break hours for the main Student Recreation Center and Williams Village Rec Center.

Medical Services

Wardenburg Health Center and the pharmacy will have adjusted hours over spring break.

New: ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Medical Services has partnered with TimelyCare to offer all students free access to after-hours telehealth medical support. This includes evening and weekend care and support if you’re traveling or out of state.

Counseling & Psychiatric Services

Review spring break clinic hours, plus after-hours, crisis and emergency care.

New: ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� now offers free, flexible and confidential online counseling through BetterMynd, in addition to support at Counseling & Psychiatric Services.

Career Services

Career Services will offer limited virtual appointments March 16–19, and the photo booth will be available 8:15 a.m.–4:15 p.m. They will be closed Friday, March 20. Please check Buff Portal Advising for appointment times, or chat online to schedule an appointment.

University Libraries

Norlin Library will be open March 16–18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed March 19–22. Ask A Librarian services will be closed March 14–22. All other campus libraries will be closed March 14–22. Normal operations will resume Monday, March 23.

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'Sex and the City' star to give commencement address

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:31:06 +0000

'Sex and the City' star to give commencement address Megan M Rogers Fri, 03/06/2026 - 13:31

Kristin Davis, best known for her role as Charlotte York in the HBO series “Sex and the City” and its revival “And Just Like That…,” will deliver the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� spring 2026 commencement ceremony address.

If you go

Who: Free and open to the public
What: Commencement 2026 address
When: Saturday, May 2, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Folsom Stadium

The university commencement ceremony is set for 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Folsom Field.

“I’m honored to return to Boulder, where I was born, to help celebrate ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 150th year and to join graduates at such a meaningful moment in their lives,” Davis said. “Commencement is about reflection, possibility and the courage to take the next step, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share that moment with the Class of 2026.”

Davis, who was born in Boulder and whose father was a ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� psychology professor and her mother a CU alum, has been recognized for her work in television, film and stage, and her advocacy for humanitarian and environmental issues.

"We are pleased to welcome Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actor Kristin Davis back to Boulder to share her story," said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. "Her career reflects creativity, resilience and a deep commitment to making a difference beyond the screen—a message that will resonate with the Class of 2026.”

Davis has also starred in feature films including “Couples Retreat” opposite Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn, “Deck the Halls,” “The Shaggy Dog,” “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” and Robert Rodriguez’s children’s adventure “The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl 3-D.”

Prior to “Sex and the City,” she starred as the devious Brooke Armstrong in the pop culture phenomenon “Melrose Place.” Her additional television credits include the TNT original movie “The Winning Season,” co-starring Matthew Modine, as well as guest-starring roles on other iconic shows including “Will & Grace,” “Seinfeld,” “Friends,” “ER” and “The Larry Sanders Show.” In 2012 she executive produced and starred in the award-winning Lifetime original movie “Of Two Minds.” In 2016, she starred opposite Shirley MacLaine and Eric McCormack in Hallmark’s Hall of Fame, “A Heavenly Christmas.” She also has extensive theater credits including playing the role of Beth Gallagher in the stage production of “Fatal Attraction” in London's West End and a run on Broadway in Gore Vidal’s Tony Award-nominated iconic play “The Best Man”.

“Going into the 150th anniversary of CU, we knew we wanted a speaker that reflected this momentous occasion,” said Ally Young, Senior Class Council director. “It is always our priority to bring a speaker that will excite students and provide a unique perspective while also having a strong connection to CU and the Boulder community. Senior Class Council is beyond excited to bring Kristin Davis to campus to deliver the 2026 commencement address."

An active philanthropist, Davis has worked to raise awareness to the plight of elephants and to stop illegal poaching for ivory before elephants become extinct in the wild. In 2014, she produced and financed the documentary “Gardeners of Eden” about the work Sheldrick Wildlife Trust does to help the elephants in the fight to save them from extinction. In September 2023, she was honored with The Perfect World Foundation Award for her significant contribution to the conservation of the planet’s wildlife and nature by increasing global awareness of the importance of protecting biodiversity.

Davis was selected by the Senior Class Council, which works throughout the academic year to identify a commencement speaker who will inspire graduates as they prepare to enter the next chapter of their lives.

The May 2 university commencement ceremony is free and open to the public, and tickets are not required.

Kristin Davis, best known for her role as Charlotte York in the HBO series "Sex and the City," will deliver the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� spring 2026 commencement ceremony address.

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BFA announces Excellence Awards winners, celebratory ceremony April 7

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:11:33 +0000

BFA announces Excellence Awards winners, celebratory ceremony April 7 Megan M Rogers Thu, 03/05/2026 - 10:11

The Boulder Faculty Assembly is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 BFA Excellence Awards and invite members of the campus community to attend this year’s in-person ceremony in celebration of the recipients. BFA Excellence Awards recognize outstanding contributions by faculty in the areas of teaching; service and leadership; and research, scholarly and creative work.

The awards, which are peer-nominated, are presented in three categories. The 2026 BFA Excellence Award categories and winners are:

Excellence in Leadership and Service

Professor Jennifer Fluri, Geography
Clinical Professor of Law Violeta Chapin, School of Law
Associate Teaching Professor Dan Riffell, Mechanical Engineering

Excellence in Research, Scholarly and Creative Work

Professor Michael McGehee, Chemical & Biological Engineering
Professor Juliet Gopinath, Electrical, Computer & Energy Engineering
Professor Bhuvana Narasimhan, Linguistics

Excellence in Teaching

Assistant Professor Natalie Mendoza, History
Teaching Professor Abby Hickcox, Arts & Sciences Honors
Associate Professor Chase Raymond, Linguistics

If you go

Who: Campus community
What: 2026 BFA Excellence Awards ceremony and Hazel Barnes address by John Cumalat
When: Tuesday, April 7, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Where: UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom

Hors d'ouerves and host bar to follow

In addition to honoring this year’s winners, the ceremony on April 7, will feature a faculty address by 2025 Hazel Barnes Prize awardee John Cumalat. A reception will follow afterward for attendees to share personal congratulations with each of the award winners.

The campus created the BFA Excellence Awards in the early 1980s to recognize outstanding work and concerted effort in advancing the mission of the university and the academy at large.

These prestigious awards are made possible through financial support from the chancellor, enabling the BFA to grant each recipient a $5,000 monetary award.

The Hazel Barnes Prize is the largest and most prestigious single faculty award funded by ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. It was established in 1991 by former Chancellor James Corbridge in honor of Philosophy Professor Emerita Hazel Barnes to recognize “the enriching interrelationship between teaching and research.”

Hazel Barnes, one of our campus’s most accomplished scholars, received a BFA Excellence in Teaching Award in 1983.

Find out who received this year's Boulder Faculty Assembly Excellence Awards, and plan to celebrate at an upcoming ceremony featuring the Hazel Barnes faculty address.

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Hellems reopening: A new era of sustainability and learning

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:42:07 +0000

Hellems reopening: A new era of sustainability and learning Megan M Rogers Tue, 02/24/2026 - 13:42

Editor's note: This article was originally published on Dec. 10, 2025, ahead of the reopening.

After more than two years, the historic Hellems Arts and Sciences building is welcoming faculty, staff and students back to campus life. Faculty and staff members have moved into their newly renovated offices, and students have begun filling the halls of one of ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� most iconic academic spaces.

And on April 10, you can join alumni, friends and the campus community to celebrate the reopening of Hellems. From 2 to 4:30 p.m., be a part of the ribbon cutting ceremony and tour the newly renovated Hellems. Register here to be a part of this historic moment for ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

The renovation was made possible through a combination of university resources and partial funding from the state of Colorado, underscoring the shared commitment to preserving historic campus spaces while advancing sustainability and student success.

A thoughtful renovation for modern needs

Originally constructed in 1921, Hellems was the first building on campus designed in Charles Klauder’s signature Tuscan vernacular style and has long been a cornerstone of the university’s academic experience. The renovation project was designed not only to preserve its historic character but also to meet the needs of today’s learners and educators. The updated spaces feature improved accessibility, modernized classrooms and collaborative areas that foster connection and creativity.

The building also holds cultural significance as the home of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, which stages performances in the adjacent Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre each summer. The renovation ensures this beloved tradition continues in a space that reflects ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.

Student-first design

From the earliest planning stages, the renovation followed a student-first process, incorporating feedback from students to ensure the building supports their academic success and well-being. Classrooms were reimagined to encourage active learning and collaboration, while study spaces and common areas were designed to promote comfort, flexibility and community. These changes aim to create an environment where students can thrive academically and socially within a historic setting that now meets modern expectations.

“The renovation of Hellems was guided by a student-first approach,” said Ann Stevens, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Every design decision, from flexible classrooms to collaborative spaces, was made with the goal of enhancing how students learn and connect. This reimagined building creates an environment that supports academic success, fosters community and reflects the values of a modern university.”

Sustainability at the core

One of the most significant aspects of the renovation is its commitment to sustainability. The project incorporated multiple strategies to reduce environmental impact, including:

Energy efficiency: Upgraded HVAC systems, LED lighting and enhanced insulation dramatically improve energy performance.
Water conservation: Low-flow fixtures and efficient plumbing systems help minimize water usage.
Material choices: More than 80% of original clay roof tiles were reused, and terrazzo and hardwood flooring were refurbished instead of replaced.
Smart design: Triple-pane windows, daylight-optimized layouts and improved ventilation create healthier, more efficient spaces.

These efforts will reduce the building’s energy use intensity (EUI) by nearly 68%, even with the addition of air conditioning.

“This project is truly setting the bar for what a building that is over 100 years old can achieve,” said Chris Ewing, vice chancellor for infrastructure and resilience. “We’re dramatically cutting energy use and emissions while creating modern, flexible spaces that support student success based on their input into the design process. These upgrades foster collaboration, comfort and well-being—key elements for learning—while reducing operating costs and improving efficiency.”

“This project reflects ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� commitment to climate action and sustainability leadership,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability. “Hellems is now a model for how we can honor our history, and create modern spaces for students and faculty, while building for a low-carbon future.”

The university is also targeting LEED Gold certification, a benchmark for sustainable building practices.

Looking ahead

With faculty returning in mid-December and students arriving for classes in January, the reopening of Hellems marks a milestone in ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and academic excellence.

“Hellems is more than a building. It’s a symbol of ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� dedication to the liberal arts as the intellectual heart of the university,” says Daryl Maeda, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “A liberal arts education teaches us to think deeply, question critically and connect ideas across disciplines. In the reimagined Hellems, those connections become a lived experience.”

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s historic Hellems building is reopening after a major renovation focused on student success and sustainability, with faculty moving in mid-December and students returning for spring classes in January. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for April to celebrate the building and the university's 150th anniversary.

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CU Involvement Awards now accepting nominations

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:32:01 +0000

CU Involvement Awards now accepting nominations Megan M Rogers Tue, 02/24/2026 - 13:32

Do you know someone who exemplifies leadership? Nominate them for the CU Involvement Awards! Each year the Center for Student Involvement and the Colorado Creed join to recognize leadership and engagement across campus. Learn more and submit nominations by March 8.

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Inaugural Sustainability Research Initiative fellows unveiled

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:16:09 +0000

Inaugural Sustainability Research Initiative fellows unveiled Megan M Rogers Mon, 02/23/2026 - 09:16

The Sustainability Research Initiative fellowship serves as a yearlong incubator, bringing together researchers from across academic units, disciplines and career stages to imagine, collaborate and conduct research in new ways. See who the pioneering fellows are.

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Nominate a faculty or staff member for the Marinus Smith Award

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:56:28 +0000

Nominate a faculty or staff member for the Marinus Smith Award Megan M Rogers Fri, 02/20/2026 - 08:56

Do you have a faculty or staff member who has made a positive impact on your time at CU? Nominate them for a Marinus Smith Award. Submit your nomination by March 11.

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��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� advances dean search with finalists to visit campus

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:51:02 +0000

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� advances dean search with finalists to visit campus Megan M Rogers Thu, 02/19/2026 - 13:51

Today, Fernando Rosario-Ortiz, interim vice chancellor and executive vice provost for academic resource management, announced four finalists for the position of dean of the University Libraries.

The four finalists are as follows; click here for links to their bios and CVs.

Brian Keith, professor and the dean of library services, Eastern Illinois University
Bohyun Kim, associate university librarian for library information technology and interim associate university librarian for collections, University of Michigan
Kelly Miller, associate dean for learning and research services, Libraries, University of Miami
Leslie Reynolds, senior associate dean of libraries, University of Colorado Boulder

“I am pleased with the strong progress of this search and excited to introduce four outstanding finalists to our libraries community,” Rosario‑Ortiz said. “I’m also deeply grateful to the search advisory committee members for their dedication and thoughtful work in identifying such an impressive group of finalists, and to Sarah Jackson, for her leadership as chair of the committee.”

The finalists are scheduled to visit campus in late February and early March. During their visits, finalists will meet with units across University Libraries to share their leadership perspectives and engage with faculty and staff. Feedback from these sessions will help inform the final selection.

Following the campus visits, the search will move toward final deliberations. Rosario-Ortiz expects to make an appointment for the next dean of University Libraries later in the spring semester.

Four finalists for the University Libraries dean position have been selected and will visit campus late February and early March.

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��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s Nathan Mertens awarded National Endowment for the Arts grant

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:44:45 +0000

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s Nathan Mertens awarded National Endowment for the Arts grant Megan M Rogers Thu, 02/19/2026 - 13:44

College of Music

The College of Music is proud to announce that Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens has been awarded an NEA Grants for Arts Projects award. This is the college's first GAP grant, representing an important step forward for ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� in national arts funding.

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Announcements & Deadlines

Committee advances property acquisition for electric bus fleet maintenance

Related Articles

Staying or going: Spring break reminders

On-campus residents

Off-campus residents

University closure

Campus Dining & Hospitality

Buff Pantry

Getting around campus

CU NightRide

University Memorial Center

Rec Center

Medical Services

Counseling & Psychiatric Services

Career Services

University Libraries

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'Sex and the City' star to give commencement address

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BFA announces Excellence Awards winners, celebratory ceremony April 7

Excellence in Leadership and Service

Excellence in Research, Scholarly and Creative Work

Excellence in Teaching

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Hellems reopening: A new era of sustainability and learning

A thoughtful renovation for modern needs

Student-first design

Sustainability at the core

Looking ahead

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CU Involvement Awards now accepting nominations

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��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s Nathan Mertens awarded National Endowment for the Arts grant