University Relations

Dear Campus Community:

I am writing write to inform you of actions taken by the CU Board of Regents that relate to the future of UCCS. The Regents met today in Boulder.

First, I am pleased to announce the Regents voted to support two new degree programs in the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. The Regents approved a Women’s and Ethnic Studies degree as well as a new Bachelor of Science in Biology. These two new degree programs are the first new undergraduate programs in LAS in more than 25 years.

“This is a big step for the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences in meeting the needs of students and faculty,” Dean Tom Christensen said following the Regents’ vote. “These degrees help us fulfill our mission of teaching, research, and service to the community and state.”

The Regents understand the campus must continue to provide a broad array of offerings in the arts, humanities, and sciences, in addition to professional programs in nursing, business, education, public affairs, and engineering. I wish to personally thank the LAS faculty and Dean Christensen for putting forth these degree proposals for consideration by the campus and the CU System.

Second, the Regents approved the selection of Christopher Carvell Architects, partnering with the Sports Plan Studio, for the design of the new UCCS Events Center to be added to our existing University Center. We intend to quickly contract this firm and begin planning and design for an expanded venue for our intercollegiate athletic program as well as university, conferencing, and community events. We hope to select a contractor and break ground this summer.

Finally, the Regents approved a short-term, $3.4 million loan to the Colorado Springs Urban Renewal Authority from the CU Treasurer’s office to ensure two key elements of the North Nevada Urban Renewal plan that benefit UCCS are built in the redevelopment’s first phase.

The loan will ensure that a pedestrian underpass, which will tie the campus property to the Monument Creek trail system and to restaurants and shopping, will be built as planned. The loan will also provide matching funds to ensure overhead electric transmission lines which cross UCCS property on the east side of Nevada will be placed underground. The Urban Renewal Authority will pay interest to the University on this loan as well as provide $200,000 in planning funds to help develop micro-master plans for campus property east of Nevada Avenue. Some of these funds will be utilized to study student-identified amenities that could be built on non-deed-restricted-campus lands.

Today was a good series of actions for UCCS and its future. I am pleased to share them with you within a few minutes of the official votes.

Respectfully,

Pam Shockley-Zalabak
Chancellor