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
Department of Education invites universities to describe their mission and purpose
Last week, Education Secretary Linda McMahon issued a letter asking colleges and universities to describe their commitment to teaching, service and research. She requested that institutions draft statements of principle and post them on their websites by the end of the year. Today I’d like to summarize a few key points about this letter and also describe how KU will develop a response to it.
Background
A few weeks ago, the White House sought feedback from the Association of American Universities on initial drafts of the letter. In my role as AAU board chair, I joined AAU board vice chair and Johns Hopkins University President Ron Daniels in engaging with the administration and offering input. As we explained last week to The New York Times, we approached that opportunity in good faith and believed it could help build a productive working relationship with the administration. And as we told The Chronicle of Higher Education, we were assured that the process would not carry the kinds of consequences or incentives attached to the administration’s original “Compact for Excellence in Higher Education” initiative last year.
How KU will respond
For nearly 160 years, KU’s mission has been to benefit Kansas and society through education, service and research. That work depends on the trust of students, families, policymakers, community leaders, donors and patients. Yet public confidence in colleges and universities has declined over the past decade. That makes it more important than ever that universities explain what we do, address concerns and be accountable to the people we serve.
As we consider how to respond to the letter, we will do so in a way that reflects our commitment to serving Kansas; improving affordability, access and student success; and advancing academic freedom and free expression. These commitments, along with others, are articulated in the AAU mission statement created earlier this year.
I want to be clear that engaging in this process does not mean we agree with every premise or question in the letter — and I’ve been candid about that with the White House. Some language still reflects tensions in the national debate that are more complicated than a single sentence can capture. Still, this is an opportunity to describe KU’s work on our own terms and in a way that reflects our values. I support the idea that KU and other universities should be able to do that clearly and publicly.
In the weeks ahead, the EVCs and I will share more about how our university will approach this process and involve campus voices as we consider KU’s response. I appreciate your engagement during this important moment for higher education.
KU accepting nominations for 2027 University Scholarly Achievement Award
We are now accepting nominations for the annual University Scholarly Achievement Award, which recognizes up to four mid-career faculty for outstanding scholarly or research work. The deadline for nominations is Oct. 16. For details about the nomination process, visit the awards website.
Move-In volunteers needed Aug. 20-21
Volunteer spots remain open for welcoming new and returning Jayhawks to the Lawrence campus during Move-In on Aug 20 and 21. Volunteers are needed to greet families at residence halls and direct them to unload and move their vehicle to long-term parking. Additionally, volunteers may request to help students move items to their room. To sign up for volunteer shifts and for additional information, visit the Student Affairs website.
Two things to share
KU team builds next-generation detectors for CERN’s Large Hadron Collider
A KU project to build two cutting-edge particle detectors for the Compact Muon Solenoid experiment at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider has been approved for funding through the Department of Energy. Learn more about this KU-led project and how it contributes to the next phase of research at the world’s most powerful collider and create research opportunities for Kansas students.
KU alumna catches ride on spaceflight program
University of Kansas graduate and aerospace engineer Laura Stiles traveled to space in January aboard New Shepard, the Blue Origin rocket she helped develop. Learn more about Stiles—the fifth Jayhawk to fly in space—and her experience.
"One KU"
Next phase for One KU Strategic Framework
We are about halfway through the engagement and feedback process on KU's draft Strategic Framework, and have already heard from nearly 1,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners. If you haven't yet had an opportunity to review the draft and share your input, we encourage you to do so.