Announcements & Deadlines

Faculty: Here is your University Libraries start-of-semester checklist

Megan Maneval — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 12:18:31 +0000

Faculty: Here is your University Libraries start-of-semester checklist Megan Maneval Fri, 08/15/2025 - 06:18

It's time to submit your course reserves list, schedule a library research seminar and more for the fall semester.

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CU Boulder breaks ground on off-site solar array

Megan Maneval — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 18:00:10 +0000

CU Boulder breaks ground on off-site solar array Megan Maneval Wed, 08/13/2025 - 12:00

Representatives from CU Boulder and Pivot Energy break ground on the new solar array in Weld County. Left to right: Brian Lindoerfer, associate vice chancellor for Facilities Management, CU Boulder; Chris Ewing, vice chancellor for infrastructure and resilience, CU Boulder; Cara Carmichael, associate vice chancellor for sustainability, CU Boulder; Matt Brenn, director, Community Solar Subscriptions, Pivot Energy; Mat Elmore, senior vice president, Strategic Accounts, Pivot Energy; Isaiah Grayck, project manager, Pivot Energy

CU Boulder has broken ground on an off-site 5-megawatt solar array through a virtual net metering (VNEM) agreement with Pivot Energy that was initiated last year, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality. The project site is on 23 acres of land in Weld County that is jointly leased by Pivot Energy and CU Boulder.

Thanks to the virtual net metering agreement with Pivot Energy, this project will generate approximately 9.5 million kWh of clean energy annually—the equivalent amount of energy used across three of CU’s laboratory buildings (SEEC, SEEL and LASP). Laid end-to-end, the project's approximate 8,000 solar panels are enough to fill four football fields.

“This partnership with Pivot Energy is a powerful example of how CU Boulder is leading with purpose,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “We’re not just talking about sustainability—we’re building it into the fabric of our operations in ways that are both financially responsible and environmentally impactful.”

Colorado Senate Bill 21-26 made the VNEM program possible, enabling CU Boulder to benefit from the energy produced by off-site solar installations. The initiative is cost-neutral and supports CU’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), which outlines a path to carbon neutrality and responsible energy sourcing. The university will utilize solar power generated by the off-site net-metering solar project without needing to install solar on campus. The off-site solar project feeds directly into the electric grid, with CU Boulder receiving credits for the renewable energy produced on its electric bills. CU will transfer equivalent payments to Pivot that align with Xcel bill credits received.

“This project reflects our deep commitment to sustainability and climate action,” said Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock. “It’s a bold step forward that shows how large institutions can lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact for the planet.”

Pivot Energy is a national leading renewable energy provider and independent power producer that develops, finances, builds, owns and operates solar and energy storage projects. Pivot offers a distributed energy platform that includes a range of services and software to serve the full solar ecosystem.

“Pivot Energy is proud to partner with the ��Ƶ18 on this exciting milestone to start construction on this virtual net metering project,” said Mat Elmore, senior vice president of strategic accounts at Pivot Energy. “This is a win-win for both Colorado’s largest university and Pivot by helping CU Boulder reach its renewable energy goals, and Pivot advancing its mission to accelerate the shift to solar energy in communities throughout the nation."

The project broke ground on Aug. 5, 2025, and is expected to be complete in spring 2026.

Beyond the story

Our sustainability impact by the numbers:

First student-run campus environmental center in the U.S.
No. 11 university for environmental and social impact in the U.S.
First zero-waste major sports stadium in the U.S.

Follow CU Boulder on LinkedIn

CU Boulder has begun building a 5-megawatt solar array off site in Weld County that advances the university's Climate Action Plan by expanding renewable energy use.

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Could you be the next chancellor’s fellowship recipient?

Megan Maneval — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:48:24 +0000

Could you be the next chancellor’s fellowship recipient? Megan Maneval Thu, 08/07/2025 - 08:48

Umniya Najaer and Daphna Raz have been awarded the Chancellor's Postdoctoral Fellowship for 2025–26. Check out the prestigious program and consider applying for 2026–27.

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Special Competitive Studies Project commits funding for quantum scholars

Megan Maneval — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 17:12:38 +0000

Special Competitive Studies Project commits funding for quantum scholars Megan Maneval Mon, 07/28/2025 - 11:12

College of Arts and Sciences

New funding from the Special Competitive Studies Project will support growing demand for the Quantum Scholars program, providing approximately 25 new scholarships for the innovative program.

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Katherine Lininger named 2025–26 Fulbright Scholar

Megan Maneval — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 17:43:50 +0000

Katherine Lininger named 2025–26 Fulbright Scholar Megan Maneval Tue, 07/22/2025 - 11:43

The award will allow Lininger, an associate professor in the Department of Geography, to teach at the University of Trento and conduct research on the Tagliamento River floodplain in Italy.

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Caroline Conzelman named 2025–26 Fulbright Scholar

Megan Maneval — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 17:43:46 +0000

Caroline Conzelman named 2025–26 Fulbright Scholar Megan Maneval Tue, 07/22/2025 - 11:43

The award will allow Conzelman, a teaching professor in the College of Arts and Sciences Residential Academics Program, to teach and conduct research on sustainability in Murcia, Spain.

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Employee FAMLI coverage premiums lowered starting Aug. 1

Megan Maneval — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:43:08 +0000

Employee FAMLI coverage premiums lowered starting Aug. 1 Megan Maneval Mon, 07/21/2025 - 08:43

Starting Aug. 1, CU will reduce employee premiums for its Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) plan. Employee contributions will be lowered to 0.25%, and university contributions will remain at 0.45%.

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CU Boulder eliminates single-use beverage plastics on campus

Megan Maneval — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:38:57 +0000

CU Boulder eliminates single-use beverage plastics on campus Megan Maneval Thu, 07/17/2025 - 09:38

CU Boulder has reached a major sustainability milestone with the finalization of a new 10-year pouring rights agreement with PepsiCo Beverages that will eliminate all single-use plastics from campus beverage services. The agreement aligns with the university’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) and supports advocacy from students, staff, faculty and administration. By joining just a handful of other pioneering schools in removing single-use plastics from campus beverage services, it further bolsters CU Boulder as a national leader in sustainable campus operations.

CU Boulder’s deal marks the first of its kind for Pepsi in its scope and commitment with a university. While other universities have launched non-plastic initiatives, many have included carve-out clauses or vending exceptions for select plastic-packaged beverages. CU Boulder distinguishes itself by fully committing to a 100% non-plastic beverage initiative with Pepsi without exceptions.

“This contract is a bold step forward in our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “By eliminating single-use plastics from our beverage services, we’re not only responding to the values of our campus community—we’re building on our legacy as one of the most sustainable campuses in the country.”

The agreement includes no out-of-pocket costs for the university. PepsiCo Beverages was selected for its strong sustainability practices, including the use of electric vehicles and product take-back programs. The contract also requires third-party vendors on campus to comply with the shift away from single-use plastics.

Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock emphasized the broader impact of the agreement: “This is more than a contract—it’s a systems-level change that supports our climate goals and demonstrates how operational decisions can drive meaningful environmental outcomes.”

PepsiCo Beverages anticipates that much of its shift away from single-use plastics on campus will be toward aluminum and glass beverage containers.

With the anticipated increase in discarded aluminum on campus due to the new pouring rights agreement, CU Boulder may see added financial benefit from recycling. While it is too early to estimate potential revenue gains, there is optimism that increased aluminum recovery could enhance returns—especially if CU Boulder is able to negotiate competitive pricing and optimize processing methods to reduce costs as volumes grow.

Beginning July 7, the new pouring rights agreement with PepsiCo Beverages initiated a campuswide transition away from single-use beverage plastics that will entail the re-stocking or replacement of beverage vending machines on campus. Cafes and other retail spaces will make the changeover as existing products are sold or replaced.

Beyond the story

Our sustainability impact by the numbers:

First student-run campus environmental center in the U.S.
No. 11 university for environmental and social impact in the U.S.
First zero-waste major sports stadium in the U.S.

Follow CU Boulder on LinkedIn

CU Boulder has finalized a 10-year pouring rights agreement with PepsiCo Beverages that will eliminate all single-use plastics from campus beverage services, advancing the university’s Climate Action Plan.

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CIRES' new pilot program emphasizes equity, engagement in research

Megan Maneval — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 18:09:55 +0000

CIRES' new pilot program emphasizes equity, engagement in research Megan Maneval Wed, 07/16/2025 - 12:09

CIRES

A CU Boulder impact grant supported the yearlong planning and development of a new toolkit for students and staff.

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Gregor Henze honored as fellow for building simulation research

Megan Maneval — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:58:58 +0000

Gregor Henze honored as fellow for building simulation research Megan Maneval Mon, 07/14/2025 - 10:58

College of Engineering and Applied Science

Gregor Henze was selected for his groundbreaking work on smart energy control systems, advanced building simulation tool and technologies that connect buildings to the power grid. He is also recognized for his global leadership in research and education.

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Announcements & Deadlines

Faculty: Here is your University Libraries start-of-semester checklist

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