I will continue to update since this is an ongoing situation.
________________________________________________
From: CCD Office of the President Mailbox <CCD.PresidentOffice@ccd.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, May 7, 2024 1:54 PM
To: CCD Office of the President Mailbox <CCD.PresidentOffice@ccd.edu>
Subject: Message from the President | Addressing Recent Campus Disruptions
Importance: High
Dear CCD Community,
Before noon today, Tuesday, May 7, 2024, a large portion of the protesters stormed into the Tivoli Student Union, disrupting campus operations and threatening to occupy the building. ACPD intervened, and protesters marched through the building and returned to the encampment.
This occurred as Dr. Angie Paccione, Colorado Department of Higher Education’s Chief Executive Officer, met with protest leaders to hear their concerns. During that discussion, protesters stated their demands and once again threatened to disrupt commencements.
Additionally, at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Monday, May 6, 2024, protesters forcefully entered and occupied, without prior notice, the privately locked Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC) executive offices in the Tivoli Student Union. Nearly a dozen protesters pushed past a student employee and conducted a sit-in, refusing to leave after being noticed they were trespassing while dozens of other protesters stood outside of the AHEC office shouting and banging on the windows.
Following the occupation of the AHEC executive offices, campus staff, and law enforcement were able to negotiate a resolution with the protesters, leading to an agreement for a future meeting. The protesters eventually vacated the offices and returned to the encampment.
It is clear that protesters are escalating despite numerous attempts at an agreement toward a resolution. In addition to today’s and yesterday’s incidents, we have seen several instances of vandalism, trespassing, and operational disruption to campus and the surrounding areas.
These escalating behaviors are unacceptable and inconsistent with CCD’s core values, further reinforcing our decision to transition CCD’s Auraria Campus operations remotely.
It is crucial to reiterate that CCD does not condone any form of unlawful behavior. We expect all CCD students and employees to adhere to campus policies, codes of conduct, and state and local laws.
Sincerely,
Dr. Marielena DeSanctis
President
Community College of Denver
_________________________
From: CCD Office of the President Mailbox <CCD.PresidentOffice@ccd.edu>
Sent: Sunday, May 5, 2024 6:23 PM
To: CCD Office of the President Mailbox <CCD.PresidentOffice@ccd.edu>
Subject: Important Announcement: Changes to End-of-Semester Plans and Commencement Venue
Importance: High
Dear CCD Community,
I hope this message finds you well amidst what has undoubtedly been a challenging time for our campus and the broader community. Today, I must share with you some important updates regarding the conclusion of this semester and our upcoming commencement ceremony.
First, I am grateful for your patience and understanding as we navigate these unprecedented circumstances. The dedication and resilience displayed by our students, faculty, instructors, and staff have been truly remarkable, and it is a testament to the strength of our community.
As you are aware, spring 2024 classes and finals will officially conclude on Monday, May 6th. Considering recent events, including direct threats of escalation and disruption, CCD’s Auraria operations will remain remote through Sunday, May 12th.
Additionally, our commencement celebration, originally scheduled to take place on the Auraria Campus, will now be held at the Lowry Campus. The ceremony will proceed as planned from 10 am to 3 pm.
I understand that these adjustments may cause inconvenience, and for that, I sincerely apologize. However, I assure you that these decisions were made after careful consideration of the current situation and with the intention of ensuring the safety and security of all involved.
It deeply saddens me to acknowledge the circumstances that have led to these changes. Protesters from the encampment have explicitly stated their intentions to escalate if their demands are not met and use graduation as their platform to be heard. As such, we cannot risk the safety of our graduates, their families, and our community.
Please know that I am actively engaged in ongoing discussions with various stakeholders, including Auraria campus leaders, law enforcement agencies, and community representatives. While I am limited in what I can disclose at this time, please be assured that your safety and well-being remain my top priority.
In the future, I plan to address these developments more comprehensively in a longer, reflective letter. However, my current commitments demand my immediate attention, and I must be measured in what I communicate during this evolving matter that impacts not only the Community College of Denver but also Metropolitan State University at Denver, the University of Colorado at Denver, and the entirety of the Auraria Higher Education Complex.
I want to express my unwavering support for our graduates and their families, who have eagerly anticipated this momentous occasion. Your hard work, perseverance, and achievements deserve to be celebrated, and I am committed to ensuring that commencement remains a joyous and memorable event.
Lastly, to our devoted CityHawk faculty, instructors, and staff, your dedication and efforts have not gone unnoticed, and I am immensely grateful for your commitment to our community.
Thank you once again for your understanding and cooperation during this challenging time. Together, we will navigate through these uncertainties and emerge stronger as a community.
Warm regards,
Dr. Marielena DeSanctis
President
Community College of Denver
_________________________
From: CCD Office of the President Mailbox <CCD.PresidentOffice@ccd.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 3:11 PM
To: CCD Office of the President Mailbox <CCD.PresidentOffice@ccd.edu>
Subject: Message from President DeSanctis | The Decision to Transition to Remote
Dear CityHawk Community,
As I shared with you previously, our Auraria Campus has joined the growing list of nationwide campuses experiencing encampments and protest activities. While we recognize that college campuses are traditionally safe havens for civic engagement, freedom of expression should not come at the expense of respect for one another and must adhere to campus policies.
The difficult decision to move to remote operations and learning was made after unsuccessful efforts to appeal to protesters to exercise their free speech rights while also complying with campus policy.
Many of our classes, events, and operations were impacted on Friday, April 26. The continuity of academic and student services is best protected by moving to remote operations and learning during this fluid and volatile situation.
I understand this is not how you envisioned ending the semester, but this decision reflects our commitment to your academic success without distraction or distress. We know these are trying times, but they are temporary. Let’s not let this distract us from all your personal achievements to date and the exciting milestones to come.
I encourage everyone to prioritize their safety and well-being. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Warm regards,
Dr. Marielena DeSanctis
President
Community College of Denver
_________________________
From: CCD Office of the President Mailbox <CCD.PresidentOffice@ccd.edu>
Sent: Monday, April 29, 2024 11:47 AM
To: CCD Office of the President Mailbox <CCD.PresidentOffice@ccd.edu>
Subject: Message from the President | Prioritizing Safety
Dear CCD Community,
In response to the concerns raised by many of our employees and students regarding safety, we have made the decision to transition to fully remote operations and learning starting from 5:00 pm today, Monday, April 29, 2024, through Sunday, May 5, 2024.
The safety and well-being of our community members has always been my top priority, and I understand the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels secure. This decision aligns with CCD's commitment to ensuring a safe and supportive learning and working environment for all.
During this period, all classes and operations will be conducted remotely. I encourage everyone to stay connected through our online platforms and utilize the resources available to support your continued learning and work responsibilities.
College employees will work together to provide flexibility to our students. I appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we navigate through these challenging times together. Please continue to monitor your emails and our official communication channels for any updates or further instructions.
Stay safe and take care of yourselves.
Sincerely,
Dr. Marielena DeSanctis
President
Community College of Denver
_________________________
Message from President DeSanctis | Auraria Campus Update
April 28, 2024
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Dear CCD Community,
Over the past few days, the Auraria Campus has experienced events that have tested our resilience and commitment to peaceful coexistence. As you may be aware, an encampment began on Thursday, April 25, 2024, and a counter-protest has recently emerged nearby. These occurrences have prompted us to carefully consider the safety and well-being of our entire community.
Our fundamental belief in the right to peaceful assembly and expression remains steadfast. We fully support the efforts of our beloved community to engage in meaningful discourse and advocacy for their beliefs. However, recent incidents have highlighted a growing divide between those who seek constructive dialogue and those who aim to sow discord and disruption.
The encampment, while an expression of deeply held convictions, has also posed challenges to the safety and operational integrity of the Auraria Campus. The Campus’s longstanding policy against camping, established to ensure the health and security of all members of our community, remains in effect.
Our commitment to fostering an environment of inclusivity, respect, and academic excellence remains unwavering. As we navigate these challenging times, let us uphold these values and stand in solidarity with one another. Together, we will overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger than before.
Thank you for your understanding, cooperation, and dedication to the Community College of Denver.
Sincerely,
Dr. Marielena DeSanctis
President
Community College of Denver
(Information from: https://www.ccd.edu/node/9412 , Accessed 4/28/24.)
_________________________
From: CCD Office of the President Mailbox <CCD.PresidentOffice@ccd.edu>
Sent: Friday, April 26, 2024 9:26 AM
To: CCD Office of the President Mailbox <CCD.PresidentOffice@ccd.edu>
Subject: Message from the President | Acknowledgement of Campus Demonstration and Support Resources
To Our CityHawk Community,
I would like to acknowledge the demonstration currently taking place on our campus. This event primarily involves students and external parties, and we understand that it is impacting our campus community.
Please be assured that campus leadership is actively addressing the situation, and we are being supported by both the Auraria Campus Police Department and Denver Police Department (ACPD and DPD) along with a variety of state agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on campus.
If you feel your safety is compromised or have any concerns, please remember that you can always contact ACPD for assistance at (303) 556-5000 or Text a Tip to 720-593-TIPS (8477). If you call 911 from a CCD desk phone, you will be routed to ACPD.
In times of stress or uncertainty, prioritizing your mental health and well-being is crucial. We want to remind you that the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP) offers counseling support services to all college employees. If you feel the need to speak with someone, please consider reaching out to them for support. https://cseap.colorado.gov/support-for-all-employees
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time.
Sincerely,
Marielena "Marie" DeSanctis, Ph.D. President Community College of Denver
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