News
Fri, 04/19/2024
Dr. Simari to step down from leadership role
Dr. Robert Simari, executive vice chancellor for KU Medical Center, will be retiring from the University of Kansas on June 30, 2024. Dr. Simari’s retirement will be a loss for the university, which is a testament to his leadership as executive vice chancellor.
Mon, 03/25/2024
Four researchers named recipients of University Scholarly Achievement Award
Four faculty members at the University of Kansas will receive the University Scholarly Achievement Award in recognition of their research or scholarly achievements.
Tue, 02/20/2024
KU community invited to University Research Awards on April 11
I invite you to join me for our annual University Research Awards at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at the Jayhawk Welcome Center.
Wed, 02/14/2024
Postponing tomorrow’s scheduled “One Day. One KU.” day of giving
We are all shocked and saddened by the acts of violence that occurred in Kansas City today. In light of today’s events, we will postpone tomorrow’s scheduled “One Day. One KU.” day of giving.
Fri, 01/19/2024
Governor’s budget proposal includes significant support for higher education
The Kansas Legislature has convened its 2024 session, and I’m writing to update you on the latest happenings in Topeka and share KU’s priorities for the weeks ahead.
Wed, 12/06/2023
Ensuring every voice is valued and respected
As we move into finals week, we encourage each of us to reflect on all we have accomplished together in 2023. We hope you are looking forward to a period of rest and rejuvenation so we can come back together in January, ready to continue our important work.
Tue, 11/07/2023
Response to a disturbing incident within our community
Yesterday, university officials learned of a disturbing incident that took place Sunday night at the Alpha Epsilon Pi off-campus fraternity house. An Israeli flag was cut down from a flagpole outside the house, torn up and later found a block away.
Mon, 10/23/2023
A response to GTAC statement on Israel
Chancellor Girod expresses his strong disagreement with a recent statement on Israel published by the Graduate Teaching Assistants Coalition.
Wed, 10/18/2023
Welcoming prospective students and parents to campus
We are already recruiting our next class of Jayhawks — and we have a special opportunity this Friday, Oct. 20, to welcome prospective students and families for our annual Crimson & Blue Day open house event.
Wed, 10/11/2023
A positive conclusion to our NCAA basketball matter
Earlier today, the NCAA’s Independent Resolution Panel issued a positive ruling in our nearly six-year-long infractions case. The Panel confirmed what we’ve said since the beginning: the major infractions of which we were accused were unfounded. Most importantly, the Panel unequivocally confirmed that our coaches were not involved in – or had knowledge of – payments to student-athletes.
Mon, 10/02/2023
KU to welcome back Chancellor Gray-Little for building dedication ceremony Oct. 26
The University of Kansas will host a building dedication ceremony for Gray-Little Hall – named after former Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little – at a celebration event at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 26 in the building’s main auditorium.
Wed, 09/27/2023
KU welcomes largest freshman class in history, grows enrollment to highest level since 2010
I am writing to share some terrific news regarding enrollment at the University of Kansas. Earlier today, the Kansas Board of Regents released annual data confirming that KU has its largest freshman class in history and its highest overall enrollment in 13 years.
Thu, 09/21/2023
Join us for the inaugural University Teaching Awards celebration Nov. 7
I invite you to join Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Bichelmeyer, Executive Vice Chancellor Simari and me to celebrate excellence in the classroom at the inaugural University Teaching Awards at 7 p.m. on Nov. 7 in Woodruff Auditorium in Lawrence.
Tue, 09/19/2023
Join us for a State of University update Oct. 4
I invite you to join me for a State of the University address, where we will review our accomplishments from the past year and discuss opportunities and priorities for the coming year, at 4 p.m. on Oct. 4 in the Kansas Ballroom at the Kansas Union in Lawrence.
Tue, 09/19/2023
Join us for a State of University update Oct. 4
I invite you to join me for a State of the University address, where we will review our accomplishments from the past year and discuss opportunities and priorities for the coming year, at 4 p.m. on Oct. 4 in the Kansas Ballroom at the Kansas Union in Lawrence.
Tue, 09/19/2023
KU community invited to State of University update Oct. 4
I invite you to join me for a State of the University address, where we will review our accomplishments from the past year and discuss opportunities and priorities for the coming year, at 4 p.m. on Oct. 4 in the Kansas Ballroom at the Kansas Union in Lawrence.
Thu, 06/29/2023
Message from KU leadership on Supreme Court decision on race-based admissions
Earlier today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that higher education institutions may no longer consider race as a factor in admissions decisions. Because KU uses qualified admissions, the Supreme Court’s ruling likely will have minimal impact on most of our admissions processes. We are reviewing the decision and will work with campus units to make any necessary adjustments.
Thu, 05/04/2023
Brian White named vice president and general counsel for Wake Forest University
Earlier today, Brian White, our general counsel and vice chancellor for legal affairs, was named the new vice president and general counsel for Wake Forest University. While this is a loss for KU, I am excited for Brian and have no doubt he will do great work in his new role.
Thu, 03/02/2023
Join us April 25 for the University Research Awards event
KU strives to foster a culture of research and discovery to address society's grand challenges. With this in mind, I am delighted to invite you to our annual University Research Awards event at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 25.
Fri, 12/16/2022
Reflecting on a remarkable semester
As final exams conclude and we pause for the holidays, please join me in reflecting on our achievements from the past semester. As always, there is much to celebrate, thanks to you.
Wed, 10/12/2022
Rolling out the red carpet for prospective students and families
We are already recruiting our next class of Jayhawks — and we have a special opportunity this Friday to welcome prospective students and families for our annual Crimson & Blue Day open house event.
Thu, 09/29/2022
KU welcomes largest freshman class since 2008
I am writing to share good news regarding this year’s enrollment at the University of Kansas. Earlier today, the Kansas Board of Regents released annual enrollment data confirming that KU’s freshman class is the largest in 14 years and the most academically talented and diverse in history.
Thu, 09/08/2022
Karla Leeper named vice chancellor for strategic communications and public affairs
I am pleased to introduce Karla Leeper, executive vice president for operations at Augusta University/Augusta University Health System in Georgia, as our new vice chancellor for strategic communications and public affairs. She will join us in November.
Wed, 09/07/2022
A reminder that KU will not use Regents’ Workforce Management Policy
Earlier today, Emporia State University announced it will be making use of the Kansas Board of Regents’ Workforce Management Policy, which enables universities to dismiss employees to address budget challenges caused by the pandemic. I am writing you today to reiterate that KU will not use this policy before it expires in December.
Mon, 08/22/2022
Welcome back, Jayhawks!
As classes begin today, I want to highlight a few topics and initiatives for the semester.
Thu, 07/07/2022
KU Cancer Center achieves highest designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center
Earlier today in Kansas City, The University of Kansas Cancer Center received some wonderful news: we have achieved designation as a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Tue, 06/28/2022
Demobilizing our Lawrence Campus COVID-19 Unified Command structure
The University of Kansas has demobilized its Lawrence Campus COVID-19 Unified Command, indicating that while COVID-19 is not gone from our lives, public health experts feel we have reached an endemic stage where the virus can be managed through normal everyday business practices.
Thu, 05/19/2022
An update on this week’s Kansas Board of Regents meeting
Chancellor Girod and Provost Bichelmeyer share a summary of topics from this week's Kansas Board of Regents meeting.
Fri, 03/25/2022
Masks no longer required in classrooms on Lawrence, Edwards campuses beginning March 28
The University of Kansas will no longer require masks in classrooms on the Lawrence and Edwards campuses, effective Monday, March 28.
Tue, 03/15/2022
Congratulating a valued colleague on his new opportunity
Jack Cline, our associate vice chancellor for federal relations, has accepted a new position as vice president for federal relations at Northeastern University in Boston. Jack will lead Northeastern University’s federal relations office on Capitol Hill. Jack’s last day with KU will be May 1.