Metropolitan State University of Denver’s second annual Community Collab Summit is set for Sept. 12, and this year’s event offers an enhanced agenda aimed at deepening collaboration, sparking innovation and supporting professional growth for employees across the University.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural summit, the 2025 event will offer a variety of ways for employees to engage, including professional-development offerings and a special track for fully remote team members who live outside metro Denver.
“This event facilitates collaboration and strategic discussion, as well as professional development that benefits both our people and our University overall,” said Edward Brown, chief of staff for the Office of the President and chair of the Community Collab Committee. “The revised agenda ensures that each of these components is represented and maximizes the value of the program.”
This year’s summit runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with breakfast served starting at 7:45 a.m.
Why you should attend
Last year’s Community Collab Summit brought together more than 200 faculty and staff members, department chairs, deans and senior leaders for a half-day of meaningful dialogue and relationship-building. Participants praised the event for its authentic, solutions-oriented atmosphere and said they especially valued the opportunity to:
- Engage in real conversations about campus challenges and opportunities.
- Participate in Community Circle discussions that inspired reflection and actionable ideas.
- Build connections across departments and disciplines.
- Interact directly with senior leaders in a collaborative and open setting.
Keynote speaker: Elizabeth Kleinfeld, Ph.D.
This year’s keynote will be delivered by Elizabeth Kleinfeld, Ph.D., professor of English and director of the MSU Denver Writing Center. Kleinfeld brings a unique perspective as both a faculty member and administrator, with expertise in inclusive education, accessibility in academic spaces and community-building and collaboration.
There’s still time: now accepting Community Circle topic suggestions
Community Circles are inclusive spaces designed to foster open dialogue, connection and shared understanding across campus. Rooted in the values of equity and participation, these sessions offer a chance for all voices to be heard and respected. Anything from specific concerns within departments to broader, campuswide conversations is appropriate. Example topics include:
- Faculty and staff workload
- Cross-campus culture and collaboration
- Building community among affiliate faculty
Opportunities for fully remote employees
Recognizing the needs of MSU Denver’s remote workforce, the summit now offers dedicated programming for employees who work full time outside metro Denver. These participants can join:
- A professional-development session via Microsoft Teams.
- A remote-friendly Community Circle topic, focused on improving the work experience for fully remote employees.
To participate in the remote sessions, eligible employees should register using the “Online Participant Registration” option in the RSVP form.
Hybrid employees are encouraged to attend the in-person components of the summit.
Be part of the conversation
“The Community Collab Summit gives us space to step away from day-to-day tasks and think strategically about how we work together,” said Brown. “Whether you’re new to the University or a longtime Roadrunner, this event is an opportunity to contribute to something bigger than yourself.”
