Office for Access & Community Engagement (ACE)

The Office for Access and Community Engagement (ACE)

Be Connected. Be Collaborative. Be Together. Be Boulder.

The College of Arts and Sciences strives to create a campus environment that engages and empowers students, faculty and staff, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion or spirituality, physical or emotional ability, national origin or other important aspects of identity.

We are committed to promoting cross-cultural awareness and competency. Our goal is to support a wide range of programs and initiatives that explore both the shared and unique experiences, histories and heritages of our community.

This is achieved through educational programming, community engagement, advocacy for social change and by providing resources and support to all students, faculty and staff.

If you have any ideas or if you are interested in supporting our efforts by getting involved, please contact Patricia Gonzalez at patricia.gonzalez@colorado.edu.

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Current opportunities

A student studies their computer in the Hellems building's bright lobby.

ACE Microcredential

ACE Global Network Database

Mentoring Program Applications

Applications are due on Monday, Sept. 7, at 11:59 p.m.

Access, Innovation & Disability Symposium

Sep. 28-Oct. 1

Our values

Celebrating individuality

Our college's first strategic imperative is creating a culture that welcomes all. Learn more by visiting our Office for Access & Community Engagement (ACE).

Embracing all

Our campus champions supportive environments; we value our common experiences and celebrate our differences.

Upholding respect

Report an incident. Don't ignore harassment, discriminatory actions, unwanted sexual behavior, abusive relationships or stalking. Reporting tools and resources to help are available at the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance.

Our community

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Meet the team

Dr. Patricia Gonzalez serves as the assistant dean for access and community engagement in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. A member of the dean's leadership team, she leads strategic initiatives that advance student success, belonging, community engagement and organizational excellence across the college. Her work focuses on creating inclusive learning and working environments where students, faculty and staff can thrive.

With 17 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Gonzalez has held leadership roles at Cornell University, Emory & Henry University, New York Institute of Technology and Franklin & Marshall College. She brings extensive expertise in student staff and faculty success, leadership development, community engagement and inclusive excellence.

A first-generation college graduate and proud native of South LA, Dr. Gonzalez earned a PhD in organizational change and leadership from the University of Southern California, a Master of Arts in higher education from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in government and philosophy from Franklin & Marshall College.

As a leader, educator, mother and advocate for social change, Dr. Gonzalez is passionate about expanding access, fostering belonging and empowering individuals and communities to create meaningful and lasting impact.

Marysia Lopez, EdD is the College of Arts and Sciences' program director for access & community engagement. Lopez works in collaboration with Assistant Dean Gonzalez to develop and implement initiatives and programs that result in a college community that engages and empowers students, faculty and staff.

Lopez holds a Doctorate of Education in Leadership for Educational Equity from the University of Colorado Denver. She began her professional career working with community nonprofits and has been working in higher education since 2015. A first-generation college graduate, she is committed to creating an environment at CU Boulder that makes every student, staff and faculty member feel respected and included.

Join our ACE Global Network

Are you a College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) student with an international background?

Explore our ACE Global Network Database. Browse A&S faculty and staff profiles and reach out for advice, resources or opportunities.

Ask A&S mentors anything:

How do I make lasting connections at CU Boulder?
What should I do when I'm feeling homesick?
Where can I find resources, mentorship or other opportunities?

Get connected

ACE Global Network aims to support the lived and individual experiences and achievements of the global community. This network is open to all CU Boulder faculty, staff and students in the College of Arts and Sciences and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, veteran status, marital status, political affiliation, political philosophy, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression in accordance with state, federal and Regent law.

For questions, email AS_ACE@colorado.edu.