Faculty and Staff,
I hope you’ve had a safe and enjoyable summer. Although it’s been great to vacation, barbeque and attend baseball games, the start of a new academic year is always exciting. It’s another opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students. Many of our recent graduates have emailed or stopped by to let me know about opportunities that have been afforded them thanks to their experience at JWU. We’re doing good work here and should never underestimate the power of getting a solid education.
Over the past few months, many exciting changes have taken place. I’d like to offer an update on many of the improvements we’ve made to the student experience.
The School of Arts & Sciences is under renovation; the roof is being replaced, a new elevator is being installed, heating and cooling systems are being upgraded, and the building’s fire alarm system will be replaced. The renovations are expected to be completed before Thanksgiving.
We have renamed three buildings to accommodate several department moves (see below) that will result in improved accessibility and service to students. The College of Business has been renamed the Academic Center (DENACA), The Hospitality College has been renamed the Student Center (DENSTU) and the School of Education has been renamed the Technology Center (DENTEC). Additionally, the space known as the Student Union has been renamed The Atrium. Please be sure to use these new names and locations consistently to reduce confusion for returning (and new) students. Additionally, campus maps have been updated to reflect these changes. Since many of you work with visiting guests, two versions of our campus map have been placed on the H drive for your access. Located at H:\Denver Campus General Information, please use the most recent version of this map in your publications and communications.
Faculty in The Hospitality College have moved to the 2nd floor (3rd level) of the Academic Center. The Criminal Justice Department has moved to the ground level of the School of Arts & Sciences. Institutional Advancement and Student Affairs, including Campus Safety, Campus Activities, Dean of Students, Housing & Residential Education, Orientation and First-Year Initiatives, Student Conduct and student organization offices have moved to the Student Center (the former Hospitality College).
Construction on the parking lot located at 17th and Quebec streets is nearly complete. Once finished, we will have 66 new parking spaces, a fence that completes our campus perimeter and new landscaping. Three of our smaller parking lots have also been resurfaced.
Our campus dining and catering services are now being managed by Eurest, a division of Compass Group. This change in management will focus on cuisine presentation and a variety of options (including ethnic and vegetarian selections). Portions of Wildcat Dining Center are also being renovated.
Several areas are being remodeled to become more intimate yet functional spaces, including SAGE Hospitality Lounge, The Atrium (formerly known as the Student Union), and Wildcat Lounge (formerly known as COB88). These areas will give students more places to hang out. Additionally, The Atrium will now have an information kiosk that will incorporate a concierge service model that will offer event information, appointment setting and directions for students and visitors.
We have received accreditation of our culinary nutrition program from the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education and are currently in the process of searching for additional faculty for this growing major. Congratulations to Marleen Swanson, Dean Wiscott and all who have been involved in this process.
Our campus bookstore is under new management, Follett Higher Education Group. This is a great step forward in providing students with more textbook options, including textbook rental. We estimate nearly 40 percent of textbooks will available to rent. Please see the attached letter (1MB) from John Dunne regarding this update.
Finally, in June, our campus launched its 10th anniversary. This year-long celebration is an important milestone; it’s an opportunity for us to reflect upon the progress we’ve made while looking to future growth and development.
Annual President’s Update and All-Campus Speech
On September 1st, all faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to attend the annual all-campus address in Jared S. Polis Auditorium. Coffee will be served at 8:30am and the presentation will begin at 9am. Afterwards, you and your family are invited to the 10th Anniversary President’s Staff and Faculty BBQ for a celebration with lunch and activities. Food will be served at 11:30 a.m. between the Wildcat Center and the Academic Center (formerly the College of Business). Fun and games for all will follow the BBQ. Many thanks to the Employee Enrichment Committee for organizing this annual event; it's a great way to kick off the new school year.
Summer Orientation
For most of our new students, college marks the first time they are truly away from home and friends. As an integral component of strengthening the student experience through FOCUS 2011, our summer and fall orientations sessions are designed for both parents and their student(s) as they transition to university life. The programs we offer help students acclimate to the Denver Campus and prepare them for this new experience. This summer, over 300 new students and 220 family members attended one of four summer orientation sessions. Thanks to the staff, faculty and our student orientation leaders who have made theses programs so successful. We look forward to continuing to support a smooth transition for new students through Week of Welcome (WOW) and Wildcat Interest Groups for Incoming Students (WIGIS). Be on the lookout for invitations to be involved with future programming; contact Trisha Kennedy with questions.
Part-Time Job Fair
As many of you know, a majority of our students work part- or full-time jobs to afford college and living expenses as well as gain valuable industry experience. Experiential Education & Career Services will hold its annual Part-Time Job Fair on September 15th from 10:30am-1:30pm in the Academic Center. Please encourage students to attend this event to network with employers and explore employment opportunities. Questions regarding this event can be forwarded to Joshua Casto.
Campus Events Committee
John T. Rogers is stepping into the role of Chair of the Events Committee. He will now be responsible for the booking of any internal and external events on campus. All requests will need to be submitted to John, and he will present the request to the Events Committee. Robin Berhost will continue her duties as Director of Catering with Eurest, and she will remain the contact for any catering or set-up needs. Please contact John T. Rogers with any questions regarding the new event booking procedures.
Summer Service
This summer, the Community Leadership Institute facilitated its first Summer Day of Service. Staff worked with Councilman Michael Hancock’s office and the Colorado Department of Transportation to help clean up the intersection at I-70 and Quebec Street. Thanks to those who got involved.
Also, at the end of the academic year, we raised 157 pounds of food for the Food Bank of the Rockies. This was the first Move For Hunger event in this area and it was very exciting. Thanks to Housing & Residential Education for hosting this program. Thanks also to Move for Hunger, Colorado Hi-Tec Moving and Storage, and the Food Bank of the Rockies for their participation.
Thank You Councilwoman Marcia Johnson
Please know that Denver Councilwoman Marcia Johnson (District 5) has announced that she will not be running for a third term. Councilwoman Johnson has been a strong supporter and ally of this campus. I wish her the very best - we will miss her.
Staff and Faculty Updates
Just a reminder that, if you wish, you may update or add a photo for the president's office. It's a great way to show guests who works on campus. Just bring a photo of yourself to the office; we’ll provide the frame.
Over the summer, Professor Sandra Dugan gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Molly. She was born on Tuesday, July 6, weighing 7 pounds, 6 ounces and was 20 inches long. Mom and baby are doing great.
Many faculty and staff have joined our campus over the summer. Please join me in welcoming:
Kreg Abshire, Ph.D., chair, School of Arts & Sciences
Mary Lynn Deveraux, senior administrative assistant, Academic Affairs
VA Hayman Barber, director, Experiential Education & Career Services
Joshua Casto, director, Employer Relations
Stephen Michalczyk, manager of campus IT, Information Technology
Jim Logue, lieutenant, Campus Safety & Security
Jana McCaughan, administrative assistant, Academic Affairs
Tillie Fathbruckner, account generalist, Student Academic & Financial Services
Brennan Meadows, director, Campus Activities
Tricia Kennedy, director, New Student Orientation
Finally, we thank the following individuals for their service to the university and wish them well in their futures:
Les Pillitteri
Mark DeNittis
Vincent Wincelowicz, Ph.D.
Erin Rosenberg
Melissa Glick
Jenny Hightower
About The Peak
The Peak is President Matkowski’s monthly newsletter to staff, faculty, and members of the Denver Campus’s advisory boards. For additional information or to have your information considered for inclusion in next month’s issue, please contact Virginia Williams.