Campus Memos 2025-2026

Message from Jennifer Sobanet, Chancellor, and the University Leadership Team

UCCS is at an important inflection point. The financial landscape around higher education has shifted in lasting ways, and those changes are shaping how universities operate, invest, and grow. While our mission remains constant, the conditions supporting it do not. Our current conditions are also a result of many years of using one-time funding and reserves to keep us even while our expenses outpaced revenue growth. This is not a sustainable path. We cannot lean into the future of our campus until we reconcile with our present.

Message from Jennifer Sobanet, Chancellor, and the University Leadership Team

This past fall, we invited the campus community to participate in a budget process survey to share feedback on how we communicate and make decisions related to creating a financially healthy campus at UCCS. The feedback we received highlighted six key priorities for improving how we approach budget planning and decision-making.

Message from Jennifer Sobanet, Chancellor

As we begin this new semester together, I want to extend my appreciation for the care you bring to your work and to our students not just during times of challenge, but every day. Your dedication is what makes UCCS such a purposeful and powerful place to be. 

Message from Jennifer Sobanet, Chancellor

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, and today, we are building upon this exceptional foundation as we reveal the bold idea, grounded in our strategic plan, that will guide our future. 

Message from Jennifer Sobanet, Chancellor

As we wrap up the fall semester and head into a well-earned winter break, I want to share heartfelt thanks for the spirit and determination you bring to UCCS. This has been a semester of exciting progress and remarkable momentum, and it’s because of you. 

Message from Jennifer Sobanet, Chancellor

As we move into the final stretch of the fall semester, I want to extend my gratitude for everything you do to support our students and our mission. 

Message from Robin Parent, Vice Chancellor of Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff

At the heart of every great university is a story: one that reflects its people, its place, and its purpose. Over the past year, we’ve been working together to tell ours. The Differentiator Project is a campuswide effort to define what makes UCCS not just a university of choice, but a university of distinction. It’s about capturing the essence of who we are and why we matter. 

There are times when the campus may have to close due to inclement weather or other emergencies. Campus leadership will make the best decisions possible based on the information available. Communication will be shared promptly through official channels to ensure the safety and awareness of all students, faculty, and staff.

The updated 2025 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) for the University of Colorado Colorado Springs is now available on the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report website.

The report underwent a review as part of the standard compliance process. After the final review was completed, changes were made to six crime categories: Hate crimes, burglary, dating violence, stalking, rape, and motor vehicle theft.

With Congress at an impasse over how to temporarily extend federal government operations to allow themselves more time to negotiate final funding levels for Fiscal Year 2026, the federal government has shut down. As noted in the communication from CU System, this shutdown will likely impact many areas across the UCCS campus, including student aid, research, international students and the military-affiliated community.

Message from Jennifer Sobanet, Chancellor

It has been wonderful to see everyone back on campus for the fall semester. The energy and enthusiasm that comes with the start of a new academic year is always inspiring.  

As we review our census data, there are both successes to celebrate and opportunities for continued growth. Overall student headcount increased 1.3% over last fall but reportable student credit hours fell by 1.4%.  For those who love data, the details are below including some encouraging information. 

Message from Jeff Greene, Interim Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance

Last week, Governor Polis convened legislators for a special session to discuss the impact of the recently passed federal budget on the Colorado Budget. Yesterday, the Governor announced changes to the Colorado Budget as a result of the special session. Unfortunately, the state is facing an expense gap that will affect higher education institutions across Colorado. 

Message from Jennifer Sobanet, Chancellor

In response to the recent enactment of Colorado Senate Bill 25-276, “Concerning measures to prevent the violation of the civil rights of persons in Colorado based on immigration status,” I have issued an Executive Directive to ensure immediate compliance with the law’s requirements.  

Message from Jennifer Sobanet, Chancellor

Welcome to the fall 2025 semester! 

I hope you all had the opportunity to recharge over the summer in preparation for the new academic year. I love this time of year, as we welcome our students back to campus, their energy and vibrancy reminds me why we do this work.