SA Project Management

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The Student Affairs Project Management Office (SA PMO) provides support and guidance to Student Affairs departments. They work with departments to organize, facilitate and complete听projects. Project managers work with Student Affairs leadership to review and prioritize division and department projects.

Project Management Process

Projects can be submitted by the project sponsor or the owner(s), who are the director(s) or unit leader(s) ultimately responsible for the project.

Have a project idea? Submit this and a project manager team member will reach out to schedule a scoping meeting to learn more.听

As you think about potential projects, consider the following:

  • Project name
  • Project narrative鈥攖he 鈥渨hy鈥 of the project and what will be done
  • Cabinet sponsor who will approve the project
  • Ideal start and end date
  • Funding鈥攊s funding needed or has funding already been secured?

Questions? Contact Tess Smith.

Project Management Training

Have questions about project management, have a project that you would like to discuss, or looking for ways to more effectively manage projects and initiatives in your unit? Schedule a consult or training session with the SA Project Management team to get more information on topics such as:

  • How project management can assist your unit
  • Tools to help you organize
  • Developing realistic goals
  • Creating timelines and communication processes
  • Overcoming risks and hurdles
  • Developing a project plan

Reach out to Tess Smith to schedule a training session!听

Schedule a training session听

Meet the Team

Tess Smith, PMP, CSM

I have worked at the University of Colorado Boulder since 2017 and have successfully led a wide range of impactful projects at the University, including Student Affairs Crisis Response, Residence Hall Vandalism Reduction, Engineering Connections, and the University鈥檚 vaccine initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I have a Master of Science in Global and International Education from Drexel University and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Technology from Purdue University. Before working at the University of Colorado Boulder, I held roles in project management, information technology, and risk management in both higher education and numerous Fortune 500 companies.听

In the Division of Student Affairs, I enjoy collaborating across units to help teams achieve their project and consult goals by removing obstacles and ensuring effective communication and a detail-oriented structure.

Tess Smith

Ryan Morse, CSM

With 15 years of experience in Higher Education across five institutions, I am passionate about bringing people together to solve complex challenges and drive meaningful change. 听I have been with the University of Colorado since 2017 and Student Affairs since 2023, where I collaborate across departments to turn ideas into action.

I thrive on building relationships, understanding each team鈥檚 unique contributions, and ensuring initiatives are successfully completed. My goal is to create an environment where collaboration is seamless, challenges are tackled with clarity, and teams feel empowered to do their best work.

Let鈥檚 work together to make an impact!

Ryan Morse