The University of Colorado Board of Regents held its second regular meeting of 2026 at CU Denver on April 16 and 17. The meeting included updates on proposed university budgets and projected enrollments for the 2026-27 academic year, committee updates, and a presentation on CU Denver club sports.
President Saliman’s CU Denver Visit
President Todd Saliman shared insights from his recent visit to CU Denver in March, which included a tour of the CU Denver quantum lab, a visit to LynxConnect, and a meeting with the Student Success Transformation Initiative team. Saliman applauded the university for deepening the connections between academic excellence and workforce needs.
Update on the Strategic Plan Refresh and Launch of Elevation
Chancellor Kenneth T. Christensen, PhD, opened his remarks by welcoming attendees to CU Denver. He then provided an update on the 2030 Strategic Plan Refresh with a focus on the metrics being developed to ensure that the university fulfills its responsibility as the Denver metro area’s anchor higher education partner.
He closed by sharing news on the launch of Elevation, the first comprehensive fundraising campaign for a single University of Colorado institution. The campaign’s purpose—to expand access, support student success, and cultivate human talent—will also feed into the core principles of the Strategic Plan Refresh, Christensen said.
Preliminary Budget for the 2026-27 Fiscal Year
The regents approved a 3.5% tuition increase for resident students and a 3.0% tuition increase for non-resident students for CU Denver. The regents also approved changes to student fees, including an increase of $49 annually to CU Denver’s mandatory fees.
To support workforce retention and recruitment, the regents approved a total pool of 2.5% for compensation increases for faculty and university staff, contingent on CU Denver meeting revenue thresholds (revenue will be determined after the fall 2026 census). This includes a 1% merit pool and an additional 1.5% pool for compression, retention, and adjustment pay. In alignment with legislative action, step increases will be funded for classified staff.
State funding for the CU system is part of the state’s long bill, which needs to go through reconciliation before it is presented to the governor for approval.
Impact of Club Sports
Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Genia Herndon led a presentation on the impact of club sports at CU Denver. She highlighted that club sports are not just about athletics—they help build community and a sense of belonging for students.
For the student athletes themselves, club sports participation has not only deepened their connection with CU Denver but has also led to strong persistence and retention rates. Before ending her presentation, Herndon shared a video featuring the CU Denver men’s club basketball team. Chancellor Kenneth T. Christensen also offered his thanks to CU Denver’s recreation and wellness team for cultivating an impactful environment.