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As we return to the campus after fall break, it is hard to believe we have only two full weeks left before finals begin, and our semester comes to a close. This campus is a remarkable place, and I encourage us to finish strong, and celebrate the community we are building here at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú´«Ã½ÎÄ»¯×÷Æ·.

Several months ago I wrote a column focusing on the election, the Colorado Creed and the importance of engaging with each other in respectful dialogue. As another campaign season comes to an end and we strive to reunify our nation after two years of spirited and sometimes contentious and polarizing debate, I think it’s important again to remember and recommit to our values as a university.

We need to recognize the importance each of us has in shaping the culture of the campus by the way we interact with one another. Dialogue about achieving a diverse and inclusive community must be part of our daily conversation.

The Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Safety (VCIS) is responsible for the physical and public safety of the campus; long-range capital planning; real estate development; architecture; design and construction; the operation and maintenance of all campus facilities; emergency management; environmental health and safety; sustainability; and campus logistics. ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú´«Ã½ÎÄ»¯×÷Æ· Today asked VCIS David Kang to discuss his vision for a sustainable and safe campus.

When we approach the university’s work collaboratively, the energy and ideas brought to the table benefit all elements of our enterprise. I appreciate the work being done across the campus to create a culture that is inclusive, collaborative and innovative.

It’s October. The time of year when the leaves fully change, snow may begin to fall, the sun starts to set earlier, and you may begin to question whether you really belong on campus. Let me assure you that, you are not alone in feeling this way and yes, you most certainly belong.

Yesterday was quite scary and unsettling for many students and the entire ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú´«Ã½ÎÄ»¯×÷Æ· community. During times like this it is important to pay attention to your emotional well-being.

Increasing overall student retention rate is a great step in our journey to improve our campus community. To continue this journey, how can we all contribute to a campus that is not only welcoming, but an engaging place to be?

Every now and then you hear the question: Do intercollegiate athletic programs belong in higher education? Earlier this month several staff members in our athletic department addressed this question as we looked ahead to the next three years in forming our strategic plan.

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú´«Ã½ÎÄ»¯×÷Æ· is a highly complex environment of many interconnected parts, but the root of our success is our people – talented and passionate in all of their fields. I welcome our new team members, and extend my appreciation to those who continue with us - all are key to the ongoing and efficient functioning of the university. We are moving into this new academic year with a focus on innovation across all elements of our enterprise, and I look forward to how these innovations will support our employees and our educational and research mission.