First, we want to thank the Custodial Services division and the collective support of our valued custodial services team. We deeply appreciate DU’s custodial staff; we truly can’t thank them enough for their collective years of hard work and dedication to DU and the faculty, staff, and students that they serve. And we’re not saying goodbye. From the beginning, a key part of the current transition is continued employment of current custodial staff with Sodexo at comparable compensation and benefits. We also understand that change can create anxiety within the custodial staff and across our campus. Thank you for your collective support of our valued custodial team. Unfortunately, misinformation has spread regarding the University of Denver’s transition of management and operations of the Custodial Services division to Sodexo. We hope the following statements offer some clarity about the transition. Question: Is DU laying off custodians? Answer: As part of the negotiated terms, Sodexo will offer employment to all custodial employees currently employed by DU effective July 1, 2024, at compensation and benefits comparable to those paid by DU, including grandfathering the University’s tuition benefit. Question: Did DU custodians and DU employees receive notice of this change? Answer: DU custodial employees were notified of the change of management and operations of the Custodial Services division to Sodexo via DU email on Friday, April 19, then through letters sent to their listed home addresses early the following week. The notifications were distributed in both English and Spanish. Additionally, the University and Sodexo met in person with the custodial employees in town hall meetings to provide the facts and answer questions on Wednesday, April 24. The University first shared information about the transition with affected parties: custodial employees, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and the former custodial management vendor. Then, a letter from Allan Wilson, the associate vice chancellor for facilities management and planning, was shared in The Bridge to all faculty and staff. The Bridge is a weekly newsletter sent to DU email addresses of all employees who have not previously unsubscribed. If you are an employee, please refer to the April 23 edition of The Bridge. Question: How will DU support custodial employees through this transition? Answer: In addition to several planned communications, employees have already attended and will continue to attend offered town halls and staff meetings. This will help answer all questions thoughtfully and in a timely manner. DU will also be following up with custodial team members to help care for their well-being during the transition process and moving forward. Question: Will the union be maintained? Fact: Sodexo has agreed to recognize and negotiate with the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) independently of the University’s negotiation.
Join the 4D Symposium Student Events!
May 9-10, all day Symposium | Community Commons
DU students are invited to the 4D Symposium on May 9th and 10th! Student events and sessions will help you learn more about how fellow students are integrating the 4D Experience into their student journey, discover how faculty are using their expertise to bring 4D into the classroom and the future, and an opportunity to network with the DU community. Sessions include: • "Spiritual and Religious Inclusivity" and "Vulnerable Strength: How to Live into the Big Questions" led by Sarah Pessin, DU's Director of Spiritual Life • "Inspire Integrity" and "Under the Influence... of Stress" with Corey Ciocchetti, JD • The C+V Story Committee will present "Story Mosaic: Unsung Heroes, Stories of Mentorship" • The session "Fellowship Fairytales: 4D Student Stories About Fellowship Quests, Myths, and Even Some Happy Endings" • And two lunch sessions focused on finding your calling and a moment of recognition for the stars of DU's mentorship constellation. More info
Grad Cafe
Thursday, May 2 (2:00 PM-4:00 PM) | Community Commons, Room 3800
Attention all graduate students! You are invited to the Grad Cafe event happening this Thursday, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the community commons. Come and enjoy free coffee while connecting with fellow graduate students.
Scrivner Policy Roundtable: The Farm Bill
Tuesday, May 7 (9-11am) | Maglione Hall (SIE 5025)
Join the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy for the next Scrivner Policy Roundtable, an event series with the aim of building a network and collaborative research and learning environment among local policy organizations. This roundtable will be presented by Scrivner-affiliated faculty and partners and will focus on the Farm Bill. From conservation subsidies that support rural livelihoods to food stamps that address urban hunger, from domestic supply chains to international trade and aid programs, the Farm Bill sets the course for US food and agricultural policies every 5 years. With this omnibus legislation currently under difficult negotiation in Congress, this Roundtable will examine the process, content, and significance of the bill, key ongoing debates, and how the bill can best help Colorado consumers, producers, and the environment. More info
US Department of Education Releases New Title IX Sex Discrimination Regulations
On April 19, 2024, the US Department of Education released updated regulations regarding universities’ obligation to prevent and respond to sex discrimination in university settings. DU is committed to upholding this law and promoting a safe and equitable living, learning, and working environment for all members of our campus community. The Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX (EOIX) is currently reviewing the new regulations, which span over 1,500 pages. You may read the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX’s public statement or contact the Associate Vice Chancellor for Equal Opportunity and Title IX, Marti McCaleb, at marti.mccaleb@du.edu or titleix@du.edu. Updates will be posted to the Title IX page, and campus-wide communications will be issued once we have had the opportunity to completely review the new requirements and understand how they will affect our current procedures. More info
Explore the world this summer! DU offers several exciting, faculty-led summer travel experiences that will build new relationships and expand your perspective. Embark on journeys to Iceland, South Korea and other thrilling locations offered through interterm travel this summer. Register now at du.edu/global-summer. More info
Nominate someone for a Crimson & Gold Award TODAY!
Nominations are OPEN for the 2024 Crimson & Gold Awards Celebration! The Celebration itself will take place on Thursday, May 23rd at 6pm in CCOM 1700 - all are invited to celebrate. Nominations close May 10th. Nominate today for: * Outstanding Student Organization * Outstanding Student Organization Advisor * Summit Awards (awarded to one Faculty, one Staff, and up to 10 graduating undergraduate or graduate/professional students) More info
2024 New Beginnings Pow Wow
Saturday, May 4th (9am - 10pm) | Hamilton Gymnasium
2024 New Beginnings Pow Wow | The Dawn of Resiliency May 4th, 2024 | All Day Hamilton Gym, University of Denver Logistics/Special Inquiry: Stevie Lee, stevie.lee@du.edu, (505) 269-4761 Pow Wows are the Native American people's way of meeting together, to join in dancing, singing, visiting, and making new friendships. This is a time when dance and music honor the resilient cultural history of Native American peoples and traditions. More info
Buddha's Birthday
May 5 |
Celebrated by Buddhists around the world, and also a public holiday in many Asian countries, Buddha’s Birthday is an important day to commemorate the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. This holiday is marked by both reflection and celebration and is observed differently by different sects of Buddhism, but common is the hanging of lanterns, temple offerings and communal meals.
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month
May |
Embrace the vibrancy of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American cultures during this month of celebration. Let’s recognize and appreciate the diverse stories, traditions, and achievements of the APIDA community.
Jewish American Heritage Month
May |
Highlighting the profound impact and rich heritage of Jewish Americans. Join us in acknowledging their contributions to shaping the cultural, scientific, and social fabric of our nation.
Nominate an Advisor for the Provost's Award for Excellence in Academic Advising
Did you receive excellent academic advising last quarter? Nominate your advisor for the Provost's Award for Excellence in Academic Advising here . Graduate and undergraduate faculty and staff academic advisors, for whom advising is at least a portion of their responsibilities, are eligible to be nominated. Nominate your advisor here
Fellowships for Pursuing a Graduate Degree Outside the United States
Wednesday, May 22 (12:00pm -1:00pm) | Zoom and room details will be shared with registered participants
DU's Office of Scholar Development & Fellowship Advising is promoting several fellowship competitions that fund pursuing graduate degrees outside the United States: • The Marshall Scholarship allows you to pursue any graduate degree at any British university • The Gates Cambridge Scholarship allows you to pursue any graduate degree at the University of Cambridge • The Rhodes Scholarship allows you to pursue any graduate degree at the University of Oxford • The McCall MacBain Scholarship allows you to pursue any graduate or professional at McGill University in Montréal • The Schwarzman Scholars allows you to pursue a Master's program in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing Learn more at one of our information sessions on May 22nd or June 3rd. Use the link to register. Can't make it? Register your interest and we'll be in touch. More Info
University of Denver's Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Showcase
Wednesday, May 15 (3:00 - 5:00 PM) | CCOM 1600, 1700 & 1800
Please join us as we gather again as an academic community to celebrate research and the achievements of our undergraduate students. Undergraduate students will be presenting posters and presentations of their research, scholarship, and creative work from all departments across campus, including work sponsored by the Undergraduate Research Center, University Honors, and the Center for Community Engagement to Advance Scholarship and Learning. Please support them and their faculty mentors as they celebrate these important accomplishments. When: May 15, 2024 from 3-5 PM Where: CCOM 1600, 1700, 1800. More info
