Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

At the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus, our strength lies in a vision that embraces every member of the DU community—students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends—fostering connection and unity among a diverse community where all are welcome and encouraged to thrive.

Diverse experiences and perspectives enrich our lives. They provide every individual with the insights required to succeed in today’s world, making each of us more conscientious and respectful to one another.

Discover recent initiatives, events, and opportunities that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus. Stay engaged with our ongoing efforts to create an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone.

Property Survey

Prior to completing any property improvements to the roadways, pathways, and cabins; the University of Denver commissioned a survey and report with the Crow Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, the Crow Tribal Historic Preservation Office, and University of Denver faculty from the Department of Anthropology. 

  • February 2022

    On February 22-23, 2022, the University of Denver engaged in a consultation meeting with tribes who have historical connections to the land on which the University of Denver (DU) James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus is located. The meeting was in preparation for a cultural resource inventory encompassing ~60 acres including the existing main road into the property and a block of land on the upper campus which includes existing buildings, cabins, roadways, and trails.  Construction plans for this limited area consisted of paving and adding erosion control to roadways, improving existing footpaths, and installing and updating sewer lines and additional ADA updates to existing cabins. 

    One main outcome of the consultation was an emphasis on tribal representatives taking the lead in conducting future cultural resource inventories, or landscape studies and the University of Denver concurred with this recommendation. 

    Five (5) historic era sites were identified during the study.  None of the historic era sites relate to Native or Indigenous use of the property.  Avoidance of all the identified sites was recommended and agreed to for the phase one property improvements to the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus.  The five sites identified were: 

    H1 is a historic artifact scatter roughly 40x40 feet in size. Artifacts include four-barrel rings, five sanitary cans with punch tops (1904-Present), three kerosene cans, one bucket, a thermos, and a complete medicine bottle (WYETH & BRO – PHILAD.A – dating from roughly 1890-1910s). 

    H2 includes a two-track road that leads to a historic outhouse and an associated historic artifact scatter roughly 50x50 feet in size. Artifacts within the scatter include one watering can, one bucket, barbed wire, and five wood planks. The outhouse structure has collapsed but elements of the siding and seats remain. 

    H3 is a Girl Scout Cabin with an outhouse and an associated artifact scatter. Artifacts in the scatter include numerous ceramic glass shards, numerous sanitary tin cans (dating from 1904-Present), one prohibition-era bottle (dating from 1935-1964), three tobacco tins (dating from 1907-1988), aqua glass shards, clear glass shards, green crockery, porcelain cup fragments, five hole-in-top cans (dating from 1885-1960s). 

    H4 is a historic homestead that includes a standing barn, a collapsed structure with a corrugated tin roof, a smaller standing outbuilding, and an associated historic artifact scatter. No diagnostic artifacts were identified at the site. 

    H5 consists of two historic road markers. The markers are made with stacked and concreted red sandstone and granite. They were likely used to create an arch or gateway for a property boundary. The western marker is 4’7” tall and 4’6” feet square at the base, tapering slightly to the top which is 3’3” square. The second is 5’2” tall and 4’6” square at the base tapering to 3’” at the top with a post hole that is 4’ deep in the center. 

    This work complied with the Colorado Guidelines for Compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation. 

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Disability Services & Accommodations

At the University of Denver, we take accessibility very seriously. If you believe you may have difficulty with access to our Kennedy Mountain Campus Ascent experiences because you use a wheelchair or have other mobility needs, please contact the Disability Services Program as soon as possible so they can assist you in planning and accommodating your access. As far as your academic access at KMC, we believe that once you provide your accommodation letter to your instructors, your accommodations will be implemented.

Learn About Disability Services

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Have additional questions?

Check out some of the most frequently asked questions we receive and learn more about the Kennedy Mountain Campus.

View Frequently Asked Questions

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University of Denver Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The University of Denver Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion provides university-wide leadership and accountability in developing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive academic environment. In collaboration with campus and community partners, the division of DEI is an institutional resource that supports the university's mission and strategic imperatives. The division empowers the campus community toward the advancement of socially just research, creative works, teaching, and public service to the Colorado community and beyond.

The division serves as an advocate in promoting equity by shaping university policies, practices, and programs. The division of DEI also supports the access and success of historically marginalized communities through the fostering of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus climate.

DEI at DU