The University of Colorado Board of Regents held its first meeting of the 2026-27 academic year at CU Anschutz on Sept. 10 and 11. The meeting included campus and committee updates, a presentation on the CU system strategic plan, and a 2026-27 fall enrollment update.
Campus Update Presented by Chancellor Kenneth T. Christensen
Chancellor Kenneth T. Christensen, PhD, provided an enrollment update specific to the first three CU Denver Direct partner school districts: Denver Public Schools, Aurora Public Schools, and Jeffco Public Schools. Across the three districts, applications were up 8%, admits were up 10%, and new enrollments were up 12%.
Christensen also provided a brief update on Independence Plaza, framing the acquisition as shared ground between CU Denver and the city of Denver. The space is a game changer for learners who will gain expanded access to internships, co-ops, and other career-connected learning experiences, including potential co-location with industry partners.
2026-27 Fall Enrollment Update
Overall enrollment across the University of Colorado is down 1.4%. At CU Denver, fall 2026 enrollment is down 1.4% versus fall 2025 and is 2.1% under the fall 2026 budget projection. These decreases were driven primarily by international enrollment, which is down 21.3%, and new undergraduate transfer student enrollment, which is down 17.3%.
First-year resident enrollment is up 1.6%, continuing undergraduate retention is up 0.6%, and continuing graduate enrollment is up 1.7%.
Resolution in Support of the CU Systemwide Strategic Plan
The Board of Regents approved a resolution in support of the CU systemwide strategic plan. In presenting the finalized strategic plan, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President Chad Marturano also shared the new strategic plan website, which includes details on each of the plan’s five strategic priorities.
Resolution in Remembrance of the 25th Anniversary of the Sept. 11 Terrorist Attacks
The Board of Regents also presented a resolution in remembrance of the 3,000 men, women, and children who were lost on Sept. 11, 2001, those who have since passed due to injuries or illnesses related to the attacks, and all first responders, military, and service members. In closing, the resolution reaffirmed the enduring strength of the American people and that the memory of Sept. 11 will never fade.