From the Provost and the SVC: Creating our university

Over the years, people from around the country have remarked on the somewhat interesting organizational structure of our university, and specifically the relationship between the CFO and provost, both of whom report to the chancellor. Through collaboration, communication and trust, we have built a relationship between each other and a community among and between our staffs.

We view, not only our relationship, but also all of our interactions and the interactions of our staff through a "university first" lens. Instead of asking what is in the best interest of this particular unit or that specific function, we start the conversation by asking what is in the best interest of the institution.

This is not easy. It takes time, effort and most importantly trust and communication to build the foundation that our faculty, students and staff deserve. By working together, having difficult conversations about strategy or funding, or even just having lunch or coffee we have bridged what previously was a major divide between different groups. Do not get us wrong, there still is work to do, but since we all agree that our major priority is the well-being of our students, faculty and staff, this provides us with common ground to fall back on when discussions become too difficult.

Last week, Vice Chancellor Boswell shared several suggestions for creating a diverse and inclusive community. If you have not had a chance to read his article, we encourage you to do so. We’ll share one of his suggestions here: Invest one hour per week to build a relationship with someone with whom you might become better acquainted.

Connections and community are created through interactions, listening to one another, sharing ideas and taking a risk on something new. These are the same fundamental principles that advance research and scholarship, that create strong workplace teams and that build robust communities. Can you challenge yourself to reach out and create a community with us?

The Norlin Charge, read every year during the commencement ceremonies, says, “The university is not the campus, not the buildings on the campus, not the faculties, not the students of any one time—not one of these or all of them. The university consists of all who come into and go forth from her halls, who are touched by her influence and who carry on her spirit. Wherever you go, the university goes with you. Wherever you are at work, there is the university at work.”

The sentiment rings true today, more than 80 years after President George Norlin penned these words. We are the university. We are CU Boulder’s work, its representatives, and we are trusted with creating our university every year. Join us in making CU Boulder the place you want it to be.

With best wishes for the semester ahead,

Russell L. Moore,
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Kelly Fox,
Senior Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer