At Colorado College, our Title IX process reflects a collective commitment to peer involvement and community-informed decision-making. Updates to federal Title IX regulations in 2020 required colleges to implement a more formal, standardized approach to handling complaints, including investigations and hearings with designated decision makers. This shift created an opportunity for CC to engage the campus community in shaping how hearings would function, resulting in a model grounded in shared governance. Faculty and staff expressed a clear preference for trained colleagues to serve as Decision Makers, ensuring outcomes are informed by the values and context of our own community.

That model depends on broad participation to be sustained. We aim to have a pool of about 50 trained Decision Makers, including at least 25 faculty; currently, we have ten participants, including three faculty. Without a significant increase in participation in the coming months, we will need to move away from this community-based approach and transition to a single Decision Maker model—an outcome that does not reflect what our campus community asked for.

We need additional faculty and staff to step forward for training to sustain this model. Serving as a Decision Maker is a meaningful way to uphold a process shaped by and for our CC community.

Decision Maker trainings are offered from April-July on the third Wednesday of each month, from 12:30-4 p.m. Lunch is provided. The next training will be Wednesday, April 29. These trainings are built to provide you will all the tools you will need to be prepared to serve on a three-person hearing panel. The training provides an overview of key civil rights laws, including Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, and the ADA, and how federal and state requirements are applied at CC. You’ll engage in discussion, work through practical case examples in small groups, and gain a clearer understanding of how the College supports fair, equitable processes.

This is a structured, supported role and a meaningful way to contribute to a process this community asked for—while also building knowledge and experience that can inform your work more broadly.

If you’re open to participating or would like to learn more, please reach out to me directly at djensen@coloradocollege.edu. You may also review the policy on our website.

Thank you for helping ensure this work remains grounded in our community.

With appreciation,

Assistant Vice President, Civil Rights and Title IX

14 E. Cache La Poudre St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Dr. Jessica Hernandez

What can Indigenous knowledge teach us about the future of environmental science? Join us on Thursday, April 23, for the Timothy C. Linnemann Memorial Lecture on the Environment, featuring Dr. Jessica Hernandez. The evening begins with a book signing at 5 p.m. outside of Celeste Theatre, followed by the lecture at 6 p.m. inside Celeste Theatre.

Hernandez’s talk, “Rebuilding Environmental Science Through Indigenous Science: Lessons from Fresh Banana Leaves” examines the themes of Fresh Banana Leaves to show how Indigenous histories and knowledge systems make essential contributions to contemporary environmental science. Through her exploration of land stewardship, ecological reciprocity, and community-rooted science, the book demonstrates how Indigenous science offers holistic, place-based frameworks that address environmental challenges in ways Western science alone cannot. Highlighting examples such as forest management, ecological restoration, and climate resilience, the presentation illustrates how Indigenous knowledge strengthens scientific inquiry by centering relationality, interdependence, and long-term observation. By comparing Western scientific approaches with Indigenous ecological practices, we show how collaborative, decolonized research models lead to more ethical, resilient, and sustainable environmental outcomes. Ultimately, this presentation argues that embracing Indigenous science is not supplementary but foundational to building a more just and effective environmental science for the future.

By Julia Fennell ’21

Colorado College is the top Peace Corps Volunteer-Producing Small College for 2026.

For the second year in a row, CC ranks as the number one Peace Corps Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities for institutions with fewer than 5,000 undergraduate students. This ranking considers the number of alumni serving as Peace Corps volunteers from October 2024 through September 2025.

READ THE FULL STORY »

Ceyna Dawson ’26

By Julia Fennell ’21

Ceyna Dawson ’26 was recently awarded the Leaders in Law and Community Fellowship (LILAC) at the University of Colorado Law School. This fellowship is aimed at developing law leaders from communities that are underrepresented in the legal field and those who show a strong dedication to serving in public interest law.

“I am so grateful to receive this fellowship because it affirms my commitment to advocate for underrepresented communities through the law,” says Dawson, a Political Science major and Journalism minor.

READ THE FULL STORY »

Photo provided by the FAC

In collaboration with the Department of Art, Bemis School of Art is thrilled to launch the Bemis Community Printshop—a new space for creative exploration! In this fun workshop, taking place Saturday, April 18, 12-3 p.m., you’ll learn the magic of reductive block printing, a technique where you progressively carve a single linoleum block to create a two-color design. Block printing is fun for everyone, regardless of drawing skill or art experience! Best of all, you’ll leave with ten beautiful hand-printed cards and envelopes.

Charles Wetterer, Block Visitor in Physics, at the Phipps Observatory Cassegrain telescope on March 25 during his class, PC132: Observational Astronomy for Amateurs. Photo by Jamie Cotten / Colorado College.

To support transparency and shared understanding across the college, Staff Council will share a weekly summary of key operational updates discussed at the College Operational Leadership Team (COLT) meeting. Please review this week’s summary. 

If you are interested in learning more about Colorado College’s operational governance framework, including the purpose and current work of Standing and Temporary Operational Groups, please visit the Operational Governance webpage.

Sincerely,

14 E. Cache La Poudre St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Beginning Monday, April 20, the City of Colorado Springs will close West Cache La Poudre Street and Mesa Road for bridge reconstruction. During construction, both roads will be closed to through traffic and will function as dead ends. This timeline is set by the City and is not managed by Colorado College; the project is expected to last approximately one year. If there are any updates or changes, we will share them with the campus community. A map and project information sheet are below for reference, and can also be found on the City of Colorado Springs website.

What this means for parking:

Important reminder:
As part of the Cache La Poudre closure, several parking spaces on both the north and south sides of Cache, near the dead end and tennis court entrance, will be temporarily blocked off. These spaces are essential to allow buses and other vehicles to turn around safely. It is critical that all “No Parking” signs are followed. Vehicles parked in these restricted areas may be subject to municipal citation and possible towing.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as this work is completed. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Parking Office at parking@coloradocollege.edu“> parking@coloradocollege.edu.

14 E. Cache La Poudre St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

“You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time.” – Angela Davis

Our seniors are in the home stretch! The Commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026 will be on Sunday, May 17, at 8:30 a.m., in Ed Robson Arena.

Key dates are listed below for your reference. For additional year-end details, watch your inbox and visit the Commencement 2026 webpage.

Honors Convocation
Tuesday, May 5, 11 a.m., Shove Memorial Chapel

Honors Convocation is our opportunity to honor outstanding students. The annual program includes departmental awards, all-college awards, and awards from the CC Student Government Association. All members of the campus community are welcome to attend, and a livestream of the ceremony will be available online. Classes will adjourn at 10:30 a.m. so all can attend.

Baccalaureate
Saturday, May 16, 3 p.m., Shove Memorial Chapel

Baccalaureate is a centuries-old graduation tradition, providing an opportunity to reflect on this rite of passage, hear from Lori Driscoll ’94, Professor and Chair of Neuroscience & Psychology, and celebrate our incredible students. Students and their invited guests may attend in person (two guests per student).

Share Your Well Wishes through “Baccalaureate Blessings”
Students, faculty, and staff are invited to share their well wishes and words of celebration for graduates as part of this special Colorado College tradition. Messages submitted by Monday, May 11 will be displayed on the jumbotron in Ed Robson Arena during Commencement, as well as online. Visit the website for instructions and ideas for how to submit a message.

Faculty March Registration
Faculty must register in advance to march in Commencement 2026 events, including the Honors Convocation, Baccalaureate, and Commencement ceremonies. Please use this link to register to march. For questions, email events@coloradocollege.edu.

Volunteers Needed
Want to get involved and be a part of the Commencement excitement? Please consider volunteering. To learn more or sign up, please contact the College Events team at events@coloradocollege.edu or (719) 389-6935.

Ticket Information
A limited number of tickets will be available for staff and for faculty who are not participating in the processional. Details on how to reserve your spot are coming soon. Can’t attend in person? Commencement, Honors Convocation, and Baccalaureate will all be available via livestream.

Thank You!
Thank you for everything you do each day for our CC community, and for warmly welcoming the hundreds of friends and family members visiting campus for these special celebrations. 

14 E. Cache La Poudre St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

“You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time.” – Angela Davis

Your final weeks at CC are here, and graduation is just around the corner! The Commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026 is on Sunday, May 17, at 8:30 a.m. at Ed Robson Arena. We are so excited to celebrate with you!

As you dive into your final block and all the excitement that comes with it, we want to make sure you’re set up for a seamless and memorable Commencement experience. Be sure to note the key dates below, and keep an eye on your inbox and the Commencement 2026 webpage so you don’t miss a thing.

Apply to Graduate Deadline is TOMORROW
Graduating seniors must submit their application to graduate by Friday, April 17 to walk in next month’s ceremony. Find the link in your student menu in Banner—it only takes a few minutes to opt in, provide your height for gown sizing, and confirm a few key details. While you’re at it, record your name in Canvas/NameCoach to ensure it’s pronounced correctly on the big day.

Please note: You will not be able to access guest tickets for Commencement or Baccalaureate until your application is complete. Tickets will not be available until after May 1.

Honors Convocation
Tuesday, May 5, 11 a.m., Shove Memorial Chapel
Honors Convocation is our opportunity to honor outstanding students. The annual program includes departmental awards, all-college awards, and awards from the CC Student Government Association. All members of the campus community are welcome to attend, and a livestream of the ceremony will be available online.

Baccalaureate
Saturday, May 16, 3 p.m., Shove Memorial Chapel
Baccalaureate is a centuries-old graduation tradition, providing an opportunity to reflect on this rite of passage, hear from Lori Driscoll ’94, Professor and Chair of Neuroscience & Psychology, and celebrate our incredible students.

Share Your Well Wishes through “Baccalaureate Blessings”
You are invited to share your well wishes and words of celebration for your fellow graduates as part of this special Colorado College tradition. Messages submitted by Monday, May 11 will be displayed on the jumbotron in Ed Robson Arena during Commencement, as well as online. Visit the website for instructions and ideas for how to submit a message.

Students and their invited guests may attend in person (two guests per student). Seniors who have applied to graduate will receive an email with instructions for how to access tickets to the Baccalaureate ceremony through Ticketmaster. A livestream of the ceremony will also be available online.

Departmental Receptions
Academic departments typically host receptions on the Saturday afternoon following Baccalaureate, at various locations on and off campus. Keep an eye on the Commencement website for more details and watch your inbox for an invitation directly from your department.

Sunday, May 17, 8:30 a.m., Ed Robson Arena
Doors open at 7 a.m. for general admission seating.

Post-Commencement President’s Reception
The celebration continues immediately following the ceremony! President Manya Whitaker will host a reception for all graduates and guests on Tava Quad from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The reception is organized by department—look for signage across the quad to find your spot and spend time with your favorite faculty one more time.

Commencement Ceremony Ticket Information 
Seniors who have applied to graduate will receive an email with instructions for how to access complimentary guest tickets for the Commencement and Baccalaureate ceremonies through Ticketmaster. Once students claim their desired number of tickets—an estimated total of seven tickets per graduate—they will transfer directly to their guests. 

Commencement Photos
GradImages will be on campus during Commencement weekend. Graduates are encouraged to register in advance at gradimages.com/registration in order to view and purchase photos more quickly after graduation.

Graduates will be able to claim one free 5×7 photo, courtesy of President Whitaker.

Livestream Option: For family, friends, and members of the campus community who are not attending in person, a livestream will be available online for Commencement, Honors Convocation, and Baccalaureate events.

Parking—Commencement attendees may park anywhere on campus (no fees or permits apply). The third level of the Ed Robson Arena parking garage is reserved for guests with limited mobility who require parking close to the venue. Accessible parking is available on all levels of the Robson Arena parking garage and in other parking lots on campus as well.  

Golf carts will be available from other parking areas across campus to transport guests to Ed Robson Arena.

Accessibility—Please see the Commencement webpage for information on accessibility and accommodations available within Ed Robson Arena. You may also contact Sara Rotunno, srotunno@coloradocollege.edu or (719) 227-8294, to discuss specific needs or request accommodations.

Clear Bag Policy—Ed Robson Arena has a clear bag policy, which will be enforced during Commencement weekend. Only clear bags and small clutch-sized purses will be allowed at entry. More details on this policy can be found on the Ed Robson Arena website. Clear bags can be purchased at the Book Store just south of the main arena entrance. (Book Store hours on Sunday, May 17: 6:30 a.m.–1 p.m.)

Additional information on parking, accessibility, venue policies, and FAQs can be found on the Commencement website.

14 E. Cache La Poudre St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903