Colleagues,
Welcome to the first edition of "3, 2, One KU," a weekly memo in which I'll share updates and thoughts for the week ahead. The title of the memo is derived from the format: each edition will include three things to know, two things to share, and one reflection on how our "One KU" initiative is enhancing collaboration across our campuses. I hope you find this weekly communication informative.
Respectfully,
Doug
Three things to know
Enrollment
Earlier this month, we announced that KU has achieved record-high enrollment for the second consecutive year. This year’s enrollment was fueled by the third-largest freshman class in KU history, as well as record-high retention and graduation rates. As I wrote in my Oct. 1 message, our enrollment success is a direct result of your efforts to recruit and support students — and for that, I thank you.
University events
This month, we will host two of my favorite events of the year. First, on Oct. 16, I will deliver my State of the University Address, which will cover recent achievements and initiatives, as well as opportunities for the year ahead. Then, on Oct. 21, we will host our annual University Teaching Awards to honor 17 faculty members from the Lawrence and KU Medical Center campuses as recipients of KU’s annual teaching awards. You can RSVP for each event via the links above.
Federal government shutdown
The federal government shutdown continues, as Congress has not reached an agreement on the budget for the upcoming year. As of now, ongoing federally funded projects—including grants and cooperative agreements—may continue unless agencies specifically direct a work stoppage. If you have questions related to work on the Lawrence or Edwards campuses, visit our Government Shutdown Information page. KU Medical Center employees should refer to the recent memo sent by KU Research Administration.
Two things to share
The value of a degree
In a recent article titled, "The College Degree is Not Losing Value," Washington Monthly writer Nate Weisberg argues that, despite AI's disruption to entry-level work, a college degree is more valuable now than ever before.
Monarch Watch program
Earlier this year, TV news magazine 60 Minutes aired a story titled "Inside the Monarch Butterfly Migration Mystery" featuring KU's Monarch Watch program.
"One KU"
We often talk about "One KU" as alignment across campuses and units, and that's true. But at its core, One KU is a mindset. It's the belief that our shared mission is greater than any single area of practice or location. This week, I invite everyone to pause and consider what One KU truly means in action. Beyond our physical locations or job titles, it represents a collective belief that when each of us shares our strengths and perspectives, something larger emerges — a university made resilient by collaboration and driven by common purposes.
In the coming weeks, I'll use this space to spotlight how One KU is shaping our mission of education, service and research. I welcome you to share you strategies and successes.