Colleagues,
Welcome to "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
Faculty and staff invited to serve as Commencement marshals
Each spring, our university gathers at Commencement to celebrate our graduates’ achievements, which faculty and staff like you make possible. With this in mind, I’m delighted to invite all faculty and staff to volunteer as marshals at this year’s Commencement on May 17. Marshals serve a crucial role by ensuring that graduates and guests have the best possible experience on their special day. As any past marshal will tell you, it's joyful to be in the middle of things at Commencement — and this year will be no different. I encourage you to learn more about volunteer opportunities and RSVP to join us.
Join us for a celebration of Barbara Bichelmeyer on April 15
Just a reminder that you are invited to our celebration event for Barbara Bichelmeyer this Wednesday as she transitions from her role as Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor and returns to the faculty. This will be a special opportunity to reflect on Barb’s leadership during the past six years and thank her for her contributions to KU.
AAU’s legal action contesting cuts to NIH indirect costs ends
The AAU-ACE-APLU legal action contesting cuts to indirect cost rates at the NIH has concluded after the Department of Justice let its April 6 deadline to petition the Supreme Court for certiorari lapse without filing. This means the January 5, 2026, decision issued by the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirming the district court’s April 4, 2025, order permanently blocking the implementation, application, or enforcement of the NIH’s cut to indirect costs is now the final decision. You can review a timeline of this topic created by the AAU.
Two things to share
KU Debate coach wins National Coach of the Year Award
Congratulations to Brett Bricker, KU’s head debate coach, who was named the Ross K. Smith Debate Coach of the Year at the 2026 National Debate Tournament in recognition of his career achievements in coaching. Brett is the third KU coach to win the prestigious award. As you likely know, KU’s debate team has been a national powerhouse for decades, having won six National Debate Tournament championships.
Early momentum for One Day One KU starts now
While giving day officially kicks off April 28-29, One Day One KU is already underway with early giving, building momentum for KU’s biggest day of collective impact. Now is the moment to start sharing. Explore what’s ahead and help build awareness leading up to the event at ku.edu/onedayoneku
"One KU"
Share your feedback
Your ideas are needed as we continue the One KU initiative to work more collaboratively and align the full strength of our campuses in pursuing our mission. Please share your insights that might help reduce silos and increase our ability to leverage more of our resources toward unified priorities as one university. Your response will be anonymous unless you choose to share your contact details.