Greetings Warner Colleagues –  

Spring is taking hold around us—leaves are emerging, pelicans have returned, and red-winged blackbirds are setting up among the cattails and marshes. Perhaps you are also seeing other signs of spring. It’s a wonderful time of year. I hope you all had a rejuvenating Spring Break and are feeling refreshed as we move into the latter part of the semester. 
 
Spring is always an exciting season in the College, not only because of the changing landscape but also because April is Earth Month and the time for our annual NR Days Event Series. This year’s Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” highlights the global transition to renewable energy and the urgency of meeting growing demands by 2030. Given our collective expertise and passion for sustainability, I encourage you to take part in Earth Month activities and engage in these important conversations. 

Please take a moment to review the NR Days schedule below and join in building community through these events. I also hope to see you at our College Awards Reception and the College Council's annual pancake breakfast—both great opportunities to celebrate our achievements and reconnect. Additionally, we will hold our Spring All-College Meeting on April 9, where we will share updates on next year’s budget, staffing realignments, and other key topics. 

I’m also excited to announce the launch of the Warner College Service Portal, a new system designed to streamline service requests across our Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Communications teams. This ticketing system will provide a more efficient and transparent way to track requests and improve service delivery across the College. Over the coming months, we’ll share more information to help everyone navigate and take advantage of this new tool. 

April is a month full of opportunities to engage, connect, and celebrate. As always, my door is open if you need anything. If you’d like to meet, I am continuing to hold office hours through the rest of the semester—sign up below. 

Thank you all for your dedication, hard work, and contributions to our community. 

The Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship recently awarded Kendall Iida, Isabell Kuhn (now a recent alumnus), and Jesus Trevino with  the Undergraduate Experience Award and scholarship for $3,000 each. Their nominations showcased the students’ passion and dedication and aligned with the purpose of this scholarship. 

Natural Resources Days will take place this year April 14 - April 25, and Warner College of Natural Resources is inviting the CSU community to learn about and celebrate the vital elements that make up the planet we call home.

NR Days celebrates Earth Month with fun and educational activities for students, faculty and staff to come together.

Learn more about NR Days and all of the events happening this year by visiting the NR Days webpage. 

The Warner College Service Portal is a one-stop shop for all the service tickets you send into the Dean’s Office service units. You can track your tickets with Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and the Communications Team all in one, easy-to-use website! 

To submit service tickets, you can utilize the Portal’s Service Catalog for some IT and Communications requests, or you can just send an email to the following addresses:

CSU is closely monitoring changes in federal policies and administrative actions and analyzing the possible impacts on the university community. Stay up-to-date with the latest information on the Federal Updates webpage. 

The University has updated a FAQ related to free speech and political activity. Please familiarize yourself with this helpful resource. 

Warner College Business Services is your integrated support team for all
Financial Services, Human Resource Services, and Proposal Support Services

CSU’s Foundation Relations Office and the Warner College’s Dean’s Office are offering a workshop for the Warner College faculty and researchers on private foundation grant-seeking. Faculty and researchers with any level of experience or readiness are encouraged to attend.

Tuesday, April 15 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | MSNR Room 345

Please bring a packed lunch; snacks and beverages will be provided.

There will be a virtual option, but in-person participation is preferred. The link for the virtual option will be sent out at a later date. Please register below. 

Technology Services is excited to announce a new and improved computer purchase process through the Warner College Service Portal. The new system is designed to make ordering computers simple and ensure you receive a Warner College-supported computer that will meet your needs.

New Purchase Process: Computer purchases should now be made through the Warner College Service Portal. The portal provides an easy way to view our standard computer configurations and track the status of your order. 

Windows 10 End of Support Reminder: Please note that Windows 10 will reach end of support in October. Upgrading to new computers now, if needed, will help you transition smoothly to the newer operating system and avoid potential security risks. 

Technology Services appreciates your collaboration and feedback as they implement this new process. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email Warner College Technology Services or submit a General Technology Request. 

The mission of Warner College's International Affairs Committee is to celebrate the international diversity of the college, and build connections, learning, and engagement with our international community among students, staff, and faculty. Learn more about the IAC by visiting their website. 

The widening disparity between carbon dioxide peaks and dips was thought to be caused by warming temperatures and more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but a new study led by Colorado State University has found that agriculture is the primary cause of seasonal carbon cycle swings. “These findings are important because we have undervalued the role of agriculture in carbon cycle fluxes,” said lead author Danica Lombardozzi, an assistant professor of ecosystem science and sustainability.

The annual forest health report, recently released by the Colorado State Forest Service, assesses the condition of Colorado’s forests during another warm, dry year for the state. Following a wet and cool year in 2023, the shift back to near-record temperatures and below-average precipitation in Colorado last year stressed trees needing several years of mild conditions to build defenses against attack from forest pests. “Trees in Colorado can’t catch a break as our climate becomes warmer and drier in Colorado,” said Matt McCombs, state forester and director of the CSFS.

CSU is transitioning to an All University Commencement in May and offering individual recognition ceremonies for academic departments to celebrate their students with families and loved ones. Volunteers will be critical to help make this effort a success. If you are interested in volunteering at the All University Commencement, please fill out the form at the link below.  

Note: If you are helping with an individual recognition ceremony based on what your department is already coordinating, we DO NOT need you to fill this form out. We are tracking that separately. Please only fill out the form if you can help at the All University Ceremony, or want to help at other College’s individual recognition ceremonies (NOT WARNER COLLEGE).   

April offers opportunities to support both financial and emotional well-being. Join CSU HR for Financial Education Month sessions in partnership with Fidelity and the Social Security Administration to strengthen financial confidence. Also, take advantage of Employee Assistance Program webinars focused on managing stress, emotions, and self-care.

People and Animal Companions Together was formed this year by Colorado State University and University of Colorado faculty and students to help ensure all pet owners, regardless of socio-economic status, age, ability, or housing status, have access to pet care and support so that families can stay united, even during challenging times. To address this need, PACT provides return-to-owner temporary foster care and in-home animal care for individuals living with an illness, disability, or socioeconomic/housing insecurity and older individuals in need so that they can continue to care for and keep their pets.

PACT is looking for volunteers in both Larimer and Weld counties. Find out how to get involved below. 

Join the #LeaveNoTrash University Challenge at Colorado State University with CitSci. The week-long event will be held April 19 – 27 during Earth Month and is designed to raise awareness of the Leave No Trace Principle #3, Dispose of Waste Properly, by engaging the campus in a friendly, cross-university challenge to clean up communities.

Monday, April 14 | 9 - 11 a.m.

Sherwood Forest

Thursday, April 17 | 4 - 7:30 p.m.

The Lyric - 1209 N College Ave

Wednesday, April 23 | 6 - 8 p.m.

Lory Student Center Theatre

Friday, April 25 | 2 - 4  p.m.

CSU Spur Campus - Denver

Tuesday, April 1 | 12 - 1 p.m.

MSNR 402 and Zoom

Monday, April 7 | 1 - 3 p.m.

Virtual on Zoom

Wednesday, April 16 | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

MSNR 140

Thursday, April 17 

Lory Student Center

Saturday, April 19 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Environmental Learning Center

Friday, April 25 | 5 - 7 p.m.

Nutrien Agricultural Science Building Rooms 135 & 140

You are receiving this Warner College digest because you are a member of the College community. If you would like to submit an update, announcement, or kudos for consideration, submissions are due by the last Monday of each month for inclusion in the following month’s digest. Please submit ideas to Director of Communications and Strategy, Rob Novak.