The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) has launched the Differentiator Project, an initiative designed to identify what sets the university apart from other institutions. The project seeks input from students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and community partners in order to define UCCS’s unique strengths.
The effort began with a kickoff event in September 2024 attended by more than 100 members of the campus community. Since then, focus groups and surveys have been conducted to gather additional feedback. Throughout the spring semester, university leadership—including shared governance representatives from student, faculty, and staff bodies—participated in working sessions with external advisors to discuss differentiators at UCCS.
Over the summer, analysis led to three potential differentiators that were later narrowed down based on stakeholder feedback. In September and October, ten focus groups were held and a survey collected responses from over 260 participants. This process refined the options into two draft themes: “People, Place, and Purpose” and “Innovation with Heart.”
The first theme emphasizes UCCS’s location in Colorado Springs and its commitment to applied learning and regional partnerships. The second theme focuses on inclusive innovation inspired by the Rocky Mountains.
Robin Parent, Vice Chancellor of Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff at UCCS said: “We know we are getting closer to identifying our differentiator, and it may be one of these two, but it is more likely a combination of what people value from each of these.”
The university is currently inviting campus stakeholders to participate in a survey open through November 30 that asks for feedback on the two proposed themes. More information about the project can be found on the Differentiator Project website.
