Office for Access & Community Engagement (ACE)

Aerial drone photo of the University of Colorado Boulder

ACE Microcredential

Applications are due on Friday, Aug. 21.

Sep. 28-Oct. 1

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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Connect with ACE on social!

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

Build your resume with the ACE Office Micro-Credential

Meet the team

Patricia Gonzalez��Ed.D., serves as the Assistant Dean for Access and Community Engagement in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. With 16 years of experience working in education, Dr. Gonzalez plays a key role on the dean's leadership team, where she designs and implements strategies focused on persistence, development, retention and fostering an inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Her work is grounded in culturally relevant pedagogies and practices that promote a sense of belonging and success across the academic community.

Dr. Gonzalez has held leadership roles at institutions such as Cornell University, Emory & Henry College, New York Institute of Technology, and Franklin & Marshall College, as well as in K-12 education, where she worked to support and advance student success.

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A proud native of South Central Los Angeles and a first-generation college graduate, Gonzalez earned her Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California, an MA in Higher Education from Columbia University, and a B.A. in Government and Philosophy from Franklin & Marshall College.

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As a mother and advocate for social and systemic change, Gonzalez is passionate about fostering access, belonging, empowerment, and engagement within organizations and the broader community.

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 91��ý 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?

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. 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 91��ý?
What should I do when I'm feeling homesick?
Where can I find resources, mentorship or other opportunities?

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ACE Global Network��aims to support the lived and individual experiences and achievements of the global community. This network is open to all 91��ý 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.