President Saliman joins Cafecito meeting, provides update on diversity efforts at CU

President Todd Saliman attended the Oct. 13 meeting of Denver Cafecito, a group focused on public policy and other issues of importance to Denver’s Latina community, including higher education. Colorado business and nonprofit leaders Rosemary Rodriguez, Michelle Lucero and Denise Maes established the group years ago to coalesce the community, and all attended last week’s meeting, which drew roughly 50 members of the Latina community to Bonacquisti Wine Company in Denver.

Having first met with Cafecito earlier this year, Saliman provided an update to the group about efforts to advance diversity and equity on CU’s campuses. Among the work Saliman highlighted were system administration’s recent investments in CU Denver’s Latino Research & Policy Center, UCCS’ emerging Hispanic Serving Institute-status, and the Colorado School of Public Health’s certificate in Latino Health. Saliman also discussed CU Boulder’s expansion of the CU Promise program, which covers tuition and fees for resident undergraduates who are eligible for Pell Grants. CU Boulder’s expansion of the program, which is offered at all of CU’s campuses, doubles the number of undergraduates with the greatest financial need the program can serve.

Additionally, Saliman updated the group on changes made to CU Boulder’s admissions process – specifically, effecting a shorter turnaround time in notifying applicants on their admissions status – after Cafecito members voiced concerns about the issue to Saliman when he met with them earlier this year.

Joining Saliman at the meeting were Regent Nolbert Chavez, Senior Diversity Officer Judi Diaz Bonacquisti and Vice President for Outreach and Engagement Tony Salazar.