Provost's Post, September 2026

Dear colleagues,

Our academic mission is now in full swing and your work as faculty and staff is fueling it. In this edition of the Provost’s Post, we open with two Perspectives pieces that give us roadmaps for our work.

The first, about this year’s Buffs One Read, focuses on why our campus is reading Sarah Ruhl’s “Lessons from My Teachers” and what special lessons our community of educators can derive from the work.

The second discusses why this year’s election is important for our combined community and outlines what faculty members need to know about engaging with the public and students during this election season.  

In our Priorities section, you can catch up on events and resources that are informing our ongoing campus discussion on the proper role and scope of AI. In particular, note the upcoming event “Faculty at the Edges: How Universities Should Master AI” featuring AI higher education expert (and CU Boulder alumna) Hollis Robbins.

Also in Priorities, check out the details on our Inaugural Sustainability Research Summit, a two-day event that showcases the true breadth of leading sustainability research across campus.

As our semester continues along with the celebration of CU Boulder’s 150th anniversary, thank you for continuing to make a truly global impact with your vital work and service, and look for a visit from me to your college or school for Conversations with the Provost beginning soon.

Warmly,

Ann

Ann Stevens
Provost