Published: Oct. 17, 2016

Last month, I shared my appreciation for the innovation I see across the university’s staff and how I am inspired by their creative and thoughtful proposals, which will enhance the way we do business.

A key takeaway from this round of innovation proposals was the energy each of the teams brought to the process. It was clear that the collaborative approach across many university professions inspired team members to new ideas and cross-disciplinary solutions. It is a takeaway that is not surprising but worth bringing into focus—we are going to be more successful as a university if we are inclusive of multiple disciplines and viewpoints as we do our work.

This approach isn’t limited to business processes or innovation proposals but should be fundamental to the way we operate as a community. The campus Inclusive Excellence initiative calls upon all of us to examine how our individual differences can come together to be a key strength of our community.

Providing equitable access to our community and its resources is an additional way we can create a community that collaborates with minimal barriers. Whether that is ensuring our physical or digital environments are accessible or making sure that our working environments are free from discrimination or harassment, we all play an active role in laying the foundation for successful collaborative work. 

While the innovation proposals brought the energy of this process into focus, we are fortunate that our employees are already approaching their work with this mindset. The business of the university is complex, and there are many people behind the scenes who make the enterprise successful. These employees are finding new, equitable, accessible and above all collaborative ways to help our university function. Though sometimes this work may lack visibility, it is not unnoticed. The creative, focused and necessary work put in by our staff every day is seen and appreciated.

Join me in recognizing employees who are making a collaborative and inclusive difference for the CU community. Send me an email at svc.cfo@colorado.edu so I can share their stories. Let’s celebrate the great work being done, and extend our thanks to those who are making positive changes for our campus.

Kelly Fox,
Senior Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer

Kelly Fox

Kelly Fox,
Senior Vice Chancellor and CFO