News
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.
Fri, 03/04/2022
Join us for the second annual University Research Awards event on April 5
We're hosting the second annual University Research Awards from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, at the Lied Center to celebrate many of our most research-productive faculty.
Thu, 03/03/2022
Lawrence, Edwards campuses to begin phasing out indoor mask mandate today
Today the University of Kansas will begin phasing out our indoor mask mandate on the Lawrence and Edwards campuses.
Mon, 02/28/2022
A statement on the invasion of Ukraine
The unfolding attack on Ukraine continues to cause tremendous concern, anger and sadness across the world, including within higher education and here at the University of Kansas. This unprovoked attack on a sovereign democratic state has rightfully been condemned by leaders around the world, and on behalf of our university, we join them in condemning this assault.
Tue, 01/18/2022
Welcome back to campus, Jayhawks
With the academic semester now underway, I would like to preview a few highlights for the spring and update you on key initiatives across the university.
Fri, 01/14/2022
The Kansas Legislature and KU's priorities for the 2022 session
Earlier this week, the Kansas Legislature convened its 2022 session. As lawmakers conclude their first full week of work, I’d like to provide you a brief update on the latest happenings in the Statehouse and share our legislative priorities for the session.
Fri, 01/07/2022
The latest county mask mandate and implications for Allen Fieldhouse
Earlier this week, Douglas County implemented an emergency mask mandate for all indoor public spaces in the county, effective today, Jan. 7, to protect the community against the latest COVID-19 surge.
Fri, 12/17/2021
Looking back on our achievements from the fall semester
As final exams come to a close and we pause for the holidays, I hope you will join me in reflecting on our achievements from the past semester. As always, there is much to celebrate, thanks to you.
Tue, 12/07/2021
University to pause vaccine mandate after federal injunction
Earlier today, a federal judge issued an injunction halting implementation of the federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal government contractors and subcontractors. As a result, the University of Kansas will pause its employee vaccine mandate process.
Fri, 10/22/2021
KU to implement employee vaccine mandate to comply with federal order
Last month, President Joe Biden issued an executive order requiring employees of institutions that contract with the federal government to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by Dec. 8. Per this order, the University of Kansas will now require all KU employees to submit proof they are fully vaccinated by Dec. 8.
Thu, 10/14/2021
Changes to our compliance and risk management functions
We want to provide an update on our compliance and risk management functions that will help us identify and respond to risks that can affect our ability to achieve our university’s objectives.
Wed, 10/13/2021
Audrey Coleman named director of Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics
I am excited to announce that Audrey Coleman, a nine-year veteran of the Dole Institute leadership team who has led some of the institute’s most important initiatives, will become the institute’s new director. Audrey will begin her new role November 29.
Mon, 09/27/2021
Remembering Burdett Loomis
This weekend we were saddened to learn of the passing of Burdett Loomis, a beloved professor emeritus of political science, a devoted mentor and a pillar in our community for more than 40 years.
Tue, 09/14/2021
Information regarding a reported sexual assault in our community
Last night, many of you gathered in response to a reported instance of sexual assault within our community.
Fri, 09/10/2021
Campus events to commemorate 9/11 anniversary
This weekend marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on our country, and I would like to take a moment to reflect on this occasion with you.
Thu, 09/09/2021
A message regarding recent social media activity at KU
I am writing you regarding a recent Twitter post by our student body president that many Jayhawks – myself included – found to be disappointing and concerning. I would like to share a few thoughts on this.
Thu, 08/26/2021
Erica Terry named director of Dole Institute of Politics
Erica Terry, a seasoned executive leader who has guided some of the region’s most respected organizations, will join KU as director of the Dole Institute, beginning October 4.
Mon, 08/23/2021
Welcome back, Jayhawks
The start of the academic year always provides unmatched energy and a sense of renewal for our community. This is especially true this year as we see our campuses coming back to life in a way they haven’t since the pandemic began.
Fri, 08/13/2021
Vaccinated students eligible for incentives, including free tuition
Students at the University of Kansas Lawrence and Edwards campuses will be eligible to receive a range of prizes after uploading their COVID-19 vaccine records to the Watkins Health Services student portal.
Fri, 08/06/2021
University to reinstate indoor mask policy on Lawrence, Edwards campuses
The University of Kansas will reinstate a mandate that everyone on the Lawrence and Edwards campuses – regardless of vaccination status – wear masks indoors. Additionally, masks are strongly recommended in outdoor crowded spaces on those campuses.
Wed, 07/28/2021
University recommends all individuals wear masks in indoor public spaces
Given new guidance and keeping with our practice of aligning with Lawrence Douglas-County Public Health recommendations, our university is recommending all people — including those who are fully vaccinated — wear masks in indoor public spaces on our Lawrence and Edwards campuses where more than one person is gathering, effective immediately.