Announcements & Deadlines

Hellems to reopen: A new era of sustainability and learning

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:42:07 +0000

Hellems to reopen: A new era of sustainability and learning Megan M Rogers Wed, 12/10/2025 - 13:42

After more than two years, the historic Hellems Arts and Sciences building is ready to welcome faculty, staff and students back to campus life. This month, faculty and staff members will begin moving into their newly renovated offices, and when the spring semester kicks off in January, students will once again fill the halls of one of �Ͼ�Ʒ�� most iconic academic spaces.

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 signature Tuscan vernacular style and has long been a cornerstone of the university academic experience. The renovation project was designed not only to preserve its historic character but also to meet the needs of today 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 �Ͼ�Ʒ�� 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 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 �Ͼ�Ʒ�� 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 �Ͼ�Ʒ�� commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and academic excellence.

“Hellems is more than a building. It a symbol of �Ͼ�Ʒ�� 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.”

To celebrate this achievement, Arts and Sciences Donor and Alumni Relations, in partnership with Arts and Sciences academic leadership, is planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 10, 2026, aligning with the university 150th anniversary.

�Ͼ�Ʒ��'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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RIO Faculty Fellows cohort spans departments, disciplines

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:58:32 +0000

RIO Faculty Fellows cohort spans departments, disciplines Megan M Rogers Tue, 12/09/2025 - 12:58

The Research & Innovation Office's 2026 fellows group includes 18 faculty members from departments and research institutes spanning the campus—the largest and most interdisciplinary cohort since the program launched in 2018.

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New requirements to protect sensitive federal information

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:27:07 +0000

New requirements to protect sensitive federal information Megan M Rogers Tue, 12/09/2025 - 06:27

Our campus successfully completed a self-assessment that allows us to accept certain Department of Defense research projects with new requirements for handling sensitive federal information shared with contractors and research institutions.

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Call for nominations: Student Employee of the Year

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 20:26:20 +0000

Call for nominations: Student Employee of the Year Megan M Rogers Fri, 12/05/2025 - 13:26

Faculty and staff are invited to submit nominations for the �Ͼ�Ʒ�� Student Employee of the Year award, which recognizes and honors student employees for their contributions to the university. Submit your nomination by Jan. 23.

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Get started: �Ͼ�Ʒ�� Scholarship Application now open

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Get started: �Ͼ�Ʒ�� Scholarship Application now open Megan M Rogers Mon, 12/01/2025 - 05:00

The �Ͼ�Ʒ�� Scholarship Application allows undergraduate, graduate, first-year, continuing and transfer students to apply for multiple scholarships for the 2026–27 school year. Apply now.

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Nominations open for Boulder Faculty Assembly's 2026 Excellence Awards

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Nominations open for Boulder Faculty Assembly's 2026 Excellence Awards Megan M Rogers Mon, 12/01/2025 - 05:00

Each spring the Boulder Faculty Assembly (BFA) awards up to nine members of the Boulder Faculty Senate with awards for faculty excellence, recognizing their outstanding work.

The award nominators come from �Ͼ�Ʒ�� faculty peers and administrators who recognize the hard work the nominees put into their classrooms, research, community and beyond. Up to three awards in each category will be granted for excellence in the areas of teaching; leadership and service; and research, scholarly and creative work.

The chancellor provides financial support for these prestigious awards, and a ceremony in the spring recognizes the winners and features a keynote by the Hazel Barnes awardee for that year. Each winner receives a $5,000 monetary prize, along with a commemorative engraved plaque and gift bag.

Nomination packets may be delivered in electronic form as a single PDF file. Only complete packets will be accepted. Nominations open Dec. 1 and close Jan. 31. Please visit the BFA website for complete nomination instructions.

Each spring, the Boulder Faculty Assembly awards up to nine members of the senate with awards for faculty excellence, recognizing their outstanding work.

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Reminder: UMC construction begins soon

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Reminder: UMC construction begins soon Megan M Rogers Mon, 12/01/2025 - 05:00

Dining options will be limited in spring 2026 while the UMC undergoes several construction projects. Learn more about closures and alternative places to get food.

Dining options will be limited in the spring semester while the UMC undergoes several construction projects. Learn more about the closures and alternative places to get food.

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Several of �Ͼ�Ʒ��'s own featured on 'highly cited researchers' list

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:40:04 +0000

Several of �Ͼ�Ʒ��'s own featured on 'highly cited researchers' list Megan M Rogers Mon, 11/24/2025 - 11:40

Clarivate's list of highly cited researchers again includes a number �Ͼ�Ʒ�� faculty who are demonstrating "broad and significant influence in their fields." See who's on the list.

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Navigating finals week: Expanded Buff Bus schedule

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:11:24 +0000

Navigating finals week: Expanded Buff Bus schedule Megan M Rogers Mon, 11/24/2025 - 11:11

During finals week, the Buff Bus will be running an expanded schedule to accommodate students' needs. The routes and schedules are as follows:

Williams Village/Bear Creek (Route W)
Saturday	Dec. 6	6:30 a.m.–2 p.m.	Will Vill buses will be running the weekend event reroute to accommodate the ColderBoulder event on campus
		2–11 p.m.	Regular service
		11 p.m.–1 a.m.	Late-night service
Sunday	Dec. 7	10 a.m.–11 p.m.
Monday–Wednesday	Dec. 8–10	6:30 a.m.–11 p.m.
Thursday	Dec. 11	6:30 a.m.-11 p.m.	Regular service
Thursday	Dec. 11	11 p.m.–1 a.m.	Late-night service
Friday	Dec. 12	6:30 a.m.–11 p.m.	Regular service (no late-night service)

Route W: Williams Village will be out of service beginning Saturday, Dec. 13, and resume in the spring semester.

Stampede (Route S)
Saturday	Dec. 6	7 a.m.–2 p.m.	Buses will be running the Stampede weekend event reroute
Saturday	Dec. 6	2–6 p.m.	Regular service
Sunday	Dec. 7	10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Monday–Friday	Dec. 8–12	7 a.m.–11 p.m.

As finals week approaches, here are key updates and resources to help you get around campus.

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Applause goes to music student who won Ekstrand competition

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 19:41:37 +0000

Applause goes to music student who won Ekstrand competition Megan M Rogers Thu, 11/20/2025 - 12:41

College of Music

The College of Music is celebrating the winner and the semifinalists in the annual graduate student performance competition honoring former Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Bruce Ekstrand.

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Announcements & Deadlines

Hellems to reopen: 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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