December 2025

UCCS Faculty Representative Assembly Meeting

Friday December 12, 2025

Attendance:  David Havlick (chair), Joel Tonyan (past chair), Emily Mooney (incoming chair), Kylie Rogalla (secretary), David Moon, Laura Austin-Eurich, Suzanne Cook, Dylan Harris, Robert Mitchell, Evan Taparata, Emily Skop, Jennifer Kling, Markus Moeder-Chandler, Roxy Rosenthal, Jennifer Zohn, Karin Larkin, Birgitta de Pree, Rhonda Glazier, Julie Torres, Joseph Lee, Douglas Risser, David Anderson, Jian Ma, Catherine Simmons, Rosely Conz, Suman Lakkakula, Marina Eckler, Gordon Stringer, Paul Yankey, Jena McCollum, Darshika G. Perera, David Weiss, Norah Mazel, Armin Moin, Jon Forshee, Carole Woodall, Rebecca Wood, Aaron Corcoran, Gabriela Martinez Mercier, Todd Endres

Call to Order / Approval of Minutes

Motion to Approve: November 2025 Minutes: 

Motion: David Moon

Second: Evan Taparata 

Approved.

Reports

Lynn Vidler, Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs

• Appreciation: Thank you for your work this semester—excellent teaching, research, scholarship, and care for our students. We also appreciate your partnership in shared governance.
• Spring Enrollment: Spring enrollment is down. Every faculty interaction matters—in and out of the classroom. Please encourage students to enroll and let them know what courses you’re teaching next semester.
• FY27 Budget: The governor’s budget has been released. Executive leadership, deans, and shared governance leaders are beginning deeper discussions about ongoing funding, one-time funds, and system office support. The focus is on long-term sustainability and supporting employees, students, facilities, and strategic priorities. More information will follow, including a January retreat with UBAC.
• Department of Education Policy: A draft policy proposes new borrowing limits for graduate students in certain “professional programs.” This could negatively affect programs such as social work, nursing, clinical psychology, school counseling, and possibly teacher preparation. The policy has not yet entered the 30-day public comment period. When it does, the university plans to oppose the proposed list and will encourage public comments.
• Communication: Please do not share information with students yet. Nothing is finalized, and the campus will communicate once details are confirmed.
• Questions: Will you let the public know when the public comment will be? The university will notify the community when the public comment period opens, likely around December 19. An alert and email will be sent, even if it falls over break.

Roger Smith, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, Communications, and Engagement

(Commencement Changes – Handout)

The handout outlines updates to make commencement more effective and efficient by significantly reducing the overall length of the ceremony.

• Key Highlights:
  • Stage & Flow Changes: A revised stage design creates a single, more efficient line for graduates. After crossing the stage, graduates will exit to the side into a designated graduate area where they can greet their guests.
  • Accessibility: The new layout increases capacity and improves accessibility, including for graduates using wheelchairs.
  • Faculty Seating: Faculty seating will be theater-style with no middle aisle, supporting smoother pathways and ceremony flow.
  • Celebrations Remain: Graduates will still receive their official photo, gown, and access the celebratory area (house left), including the walk of applause.
• Faculty Role: The Faculty Marshal (Joel) will continue to speak during the ceremony. Faculty expressed appreciation for this, and leadership agreed.

Robin Parent, Vice Chancellor of Strategic Initiatives & Chief of Staff

(Theme song of the week: “Crazy Train” – Ozzy Osbourne)

• Budget Process Survey: UBAC shared the budget process survey in the channel (please resend if needed). The survey has been extended one additional week and will close by end of day Monday, 12/15. Results will be used to structure a classroom-style UBAC meeting on Wednesday, focused on what works well, areas for improvement, and the values that should guide the budgeting process (e.g., keeping students at the center).
  • Deep appreciation was expressed for the strong response and for the University Leadership Team’s engagement, as well as the staff who synthesized a large amount of qualitative data in a short time. Findings will be shared with the campus and used for continued iteration.
• Differentiator Project: A formal announcement will be made next Wednesday (12/17/25). The announcement will include two themes with catchphrases, a single overarching phase, and a three-paragraph description, similar to what has appeared on the Differentiator website.
  • Campus implementation teams will begin forming in January, following 15 months of data collection and feedback.
• Questions: What will be announced? Next Wednesday’s announcement will include the formal Differentiator elements, similar to what is on the Differentiator website: two themes with catchphrases, one overarching phase, and a three-paragraph description. In January, campus teams will begin forming to implement the work. This follows 15 months of data collection and feedback.
• The survey is available in the UBAC channel.

Jennifer Sobanet, Chancellor

With commencement just a week away, the Chancellor reflected on a challenging and uncertain year at the federal level. While difficult, ongoing dialogue and regular updates—especially through government affairs—have helped provide clarity and reduce anxiety.

• Acknowledgments & Thanks:
  • Appreciation to President Salomon for investing in expanded government affairs capacity and ensuring timely, weekly communication.
  • Kudos to the system office and colleagues in Washington, D.C., for their on-the-ground support.
  • Thanks to Robin for leading the Federal Administration Transition Working Group, which now meets monthly and provides consistent information flow.
  • Gratitude to Robin, Lynn, Emily, and faculty for asking critical questions and engaging in productive dialogue.
  • Appreciation to Dylan for raising issues at the Board of Regents, helping leadership address concerns proactively.
  • Recognition of David for strong leadership amid complex, often conflicting information.
  • Thanks to Jeff Green, David Moon, Christina, and UBAC for their work on the budget process, including piloting a flipped-classroom format to encourage engagement.
• Budget & Revenue Context: Only 7.88% of total funds come from the state of Colorado. This has increased budget complexity and underscores the need for diversified revenue streams and strong student retention to support the university’s mission, financial sustainability, and service to the community.
• Closing & Commencement: Commencement is one of the happiest times of the year. The Chancellor closed with gratitude for the work accomplished this semester, best wishes for a restful holiday, and enthusiasm for celebrating graduates at commencement.

• Questions: You mentioned public comments may open again around December 19, which is typical. Are there other developments over the break that we should anticipate or be prepared to address in January?

  Response:

  • The primary item to watch is the public comment period related to the two subcommittees, likely opening on December 19, but possibly as late as December 24.
  • Other federal issues to monitor include the potential for a government shutdown toward the end of January. Several funding bills have already passed, covering areas such as Veterans Affairs and defense.
  • A continuing resolution, if needed, would maintain current funding levels and avoid previously proposed cuts.
  • SNAP funding has been approved for the full year, which is beneficial for our community.
  • If bipartisan agreements advance the remaining appropriations (“minibus” bills), UCCS could receive funding for initiatives such as digital humanities. More clarity is expected around January 10.
• UBAC Meeting / Capitol Testimony: The Chancellor will be at the Capitol testifying before the Capital Development Committee on two funding requests:
  • Cyber Building Clean Room: Funding to support the clean room as part of the Engineering Building renovation. While it may not rank high for state funding, the request will be pursued.
  • Controlled Maintenance: A two-year request for access control upgrades to improve building safety, with a request for additional state support.
  • Appreciation was expressed for the government affairs team’s strong advocacy. Faculty are encouraged to continue pursuing research and external funding opportunities.
• Question – Support for Unhoused Students: Resources have been available in the past, particularly related to food insecurity. For current options and support, Stephanie Hanenberg is the appropriate contact.
• Recognition: Emily thanked Chancellor Sobanet for her significant personal contribution to the Clyde’s Closet campaign.

Officer Reports

David Havlick, Executive Committee Chair

• Semester Length: There is interest in slightly shorter semesters. Faculty are encouraged to share feedback so this can move toward a more formal discussion.
  

• Research Day: Mountain Lion Research Day is today (12–4) in Gallogly. Faculty are encouraged to support student research.
• UBAC Meeting: The next UBAC meeting is December 17 at 10:00 a.m. (link available in the UBAC channel). Many budget discussions will take place through March/April. Faculty participation is important to ensure meaningful input and help shape a more generative budgeting process. Please share questions or ideas with David so they can be represented.
• Faculty Morale & Academic Freedom: Morale is currently very low. Faculty are encouraged to take care of themselves and each other. A working group on academic freedom has been meeting monthly to explore ways to better support and protect faculty. With recent leadership changes, the group plans to reconvene in the spring, potentially in collaboration with Faculty Affairs. Ideas include workshops using real-world scenarios to clarify protections and decision-making processes. This work is ongoing.
• Calendar Discussion: Continued discussion is encouraged. A slightly shorter semester may also offer budget-related benefits.

Committee Reports

No new reports for December

New Business

Final Vote – Grievance Policy:

Following the required 30-day review period, the Grievance Policy was approved.

Vote: Yes

• System Grievance Committee Nominations:
  • Kara Carnes-Holt (AY 25/26–27/28) — Approved
  • Kathy Prue-Owens (AY 25/26–27/28) — Approved
  • Patty Witkowsky (AY 26/27–28/29) — Approved
  • Thanks were extended to all three nominees for their willingness to serve.
• Spring Semester Agenda Planning:

Members were invited to suggest topics and concerns to bring forward during the spring semester (January–May).

• Anonymous: Raised concerns about how the federal government is categorizing degrees, noting potential impacts—particularly in programs like nursing, where borrowing caps may not align with actual costs. Suggested a broader, proactive discussion involving the provost and deans, possibly through a dean panel, to address the value of degrees and resource allocation.
• Anonymous: Expressed frustration with the significant effort invested over the past year, feeling dismissed by administrative responses. Shared concern about the emotional toll and lack of meaningful engagement, describing the process as discouraging.

Discussion: Low Morale and Contributing Factors

• Main Factors:
  • Anonymous: Faculty feel frustrated that their extensive work on committees and initiatives often goes unacknowledged or ignored. For example, the Differentiator Project involved significant effort but was largely addressed by AI, leading to a sense of being excluded from meaningful shared governance.
  • Anonymous: Long-term focus on cuts and negative messaging contributes to a “downer” environment. She emphasizes the need to celebrate achievements and adopt a more positive, energetic culture. Participation in the Governor’s Fellowship highlighted the impact of positive leadership and messaging.
• Differentiator Project:
  • Progress has been made, and a near-final version is now available. While effort has been high, results have sometimes felt limited, causing frustration. Sharing the final version will help faculty see the outcomes of their contributions and reinforce the value of their work.
• Takeaway: Faculty desire more acknowledgment, active listening, and positive framing of accomplishments to improve morale.

Stephanie Hanenberg, Interim Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs

• Background:
  • UCCS alum (2x) with 20 years at the university. Originally a nurse practitioner and director of health services, she stepped in as interim for the merged divisions, now overseeing nearly 40 departments.
• Financial Aid & Budget Challenges:
  • Historically, $3.9M in merit-based aid came from campus funds. This year, the funding source was eliminated, creating a $3M deficit. All current students are honored for four-year commitments using financial aid reserves.
• Many funds from the system office were one-time only. Several areas remain understaffed.
• Staffing:
  • Enrollment Services: 17 unfunded positions
  • Student Affairs: 4 unfunded positions
  • Staffing shortages impact long-term operations and efficiency.
• Enrollment Services & Recruitment:
  • Salesforce was cut (over $1M), replaced with Slate and CollegeFind to improve recruitment efficiency. Focus on maximizing new platforms and cutting costs where possible.
• Auxiliaries & Dining:
  • Most auxiliaries operate self-sufficiently, returning 90% of revenue to the university.
• Dining faced deficits due to decreased freshman enrollment (affecting meal plans), increased food costs, and reliance on student employees.
• Some dining venues were closed; reopening may require contracted vendors through an RFP process.
  • Mandatory fees were not implemented, as many students rely on financial aid which cannot cover additional costs.
• Takeaways:
  • Leadership is focusing on efficiency, creative solutions, and honoring commitments to students despite financial constraints.
  • Communication and transparency remain critical to managing complex challenges in enrollment, student affairs, and auxiliary services.

Questions & Responses

• Food Security:
  

• The Basic Needs Coordinator works closely with community partners. Initiatives include the expanded pantry, Fresh Food Fridays, and partnerships with local farms. Pantry usage is high—higher than in Denver and Boulder—reflecting reduced stigma. Additional partnerships may be explored to meet growing demand.
• Enrollment Challenges:
  • Peer campuses spend about $500 per student; UCCS should invest around $7.5M to recruit and retain students. Retention depends on classes, advising, mental health support, basic needs, and student engagement. Near peer leaders and fostering a sense of belonging are critical for student success.
• Study Abroad:
  • Committed to aligning programs with faculty needs. Efforts include setting clear expectations and establishing a single point of contact to manage the division effectively.
• Housing & Support for Marginally Housed Students:
  • Students are surveyed annually about housing. Emergency options exist, coordinated with financial aid for equitable access. Faculty and staff should refer students in need—some are living in cars with children—to the Care Team for assistance.
• Guiding Principle:
  • Focus on supporting every student, every day.

EAS Dean – Ying Shang

(Slide Show)

• IP Policy Overview: Focused on discoveries and patents for protection and commercialization.
• UCCS IP Policy Committee: Ying Shang serves as Chair.
• Scope – Policy 900-005:
  • Applies to all UCCS personnel.
  • Responsibilities of discoverers include understanding that once a discovery is published, it may no longer be protected.