As the school year at the University of Colorado Boulder comes to a close, Chancellor Phillip DiStefano announced a $25 million investment that will support the campus’ diversity initiatives.

The investment pool funds will be spread out over five years and will allow for the sustained implementation of the university’s Inclusion, Diversity and Excellence in Academics (IDEA) plan, according to a release from the university. 

“As I reflect on the past year, I am grateful for the individuals and groups who are committed to creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive campus,” said DiStefano in a release. “As a campus, as leaders and as individuals, we are taking steps personally and institutionally to deepen our ability to share and engage with diverse perspectives, address pressing inequities, and support the success of each member of our community. We have much work yet to do.”

The pool funds were recommended to the university and chancellor by the university’s Chief Financial Officer Carla Ho’a, and will provide resources to accelerate the campus’ progress in making everyone feel welcomed.

Based on the IDEA plan some of the funds could go toward:

• Admission, retention and graduation
• Financial access to higher education
• Mental health and wellness services
• Workforce recruitment, retention and progression
• Ability to establish and maintain community on campus

With these in mind, the chancellor will meet with the IDEA Council, Office of Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement, shared governance groups and other campus stakeholders to further clarify resource priorities.

“We can’t afford to put off these key investments any longer,” DiStefano said.