News
Pandemic, election crises mark ‘critical events’ in declining democratic accountability standards, governance scholar writes
Christopher Koliba, University of Kansas public affairs and administration researcher, has published a new study examining how the COVID-19 pandemic response and perpetuation of false claims about the 2020 presidential election were critical events in declining democratic accountability standards. Scholars and others have important work to do in documenting such cases to learn the effects of democratic backsliding, according to Koliba.
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Thu, 02/12/2026
KU lands funding to expand center helping educators use AI, create more ed tech leaders
The Center for Innovation, Design & Digital Learning at the University of Kansas has received a five-year, $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, to expand its work in helping educators across the country keep up with rapidly evolving technology like artificial intelligence.
Thu, 02/12/2026
2026 cohort of University Scholars announced
The 45th class of University Scholars and their faculty mentors were recognized during a reception hosted by the University of Kansas Honors Program.
Thu, 02/12/2026
KU, Kansas Department of Transportation to host 31st annual Kansas Transportation Safety Conference in April
The 31st annual Kansas Transportation Safety Conference will take place April 21-22 at the Hilton Garden Inn Manhattan Conference Center in Manhattan.
Thu, 02/12/2026
KU student organization wins 'Big Event of the Year' at national conference
The Big Event at KU, a student organization that is centered on non-need-based community service, was awarded “Big Event of the Year” during the 2026 One Big Thanks Conference at the University of Florida.
Wed, 02/11/2026
School of Music to present 2nd annual Latin American Art Music Festival
The University of Kansas School of Music invites the community to experience the second annual Latin American Art Music Festival, a three-day celebration of Latin American classical music taking place March 1-3 in Swarthout Recital Hall.
Wed, 02/11/2026
Audio-Reader Network set to host next Audio Sale
The Audio-Reader Network will host its next highly anticipated Audio Sale on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13–14, in the auditorium of the Lawrence Public Library, offering music lovers and audio enthusiasts a wide selection of items at bargain prices.
Wed, 02/11/2026
Author offers hope in ‘mushroomy’ sci-fi novel ‘Song of Spores’
Science fiction writer Bogi Takács Perelmutter's “Song of Spores” was recently published by Broken Eye Books. The KU faculty member’s novel addresses questions like the persistence of prejudice, the possibilities of international cooperation and what happens when reality doesn’t match the high-minded slogans you’ve been taught to uphold.
Tue, 02/10/2026
New provost fellow and chair program fellows join the Office of Faculty Affairs
Allison Kirkpatrick, Jonathan Brumberg and Claudia Dozier join the Office of Faculty Affairs this spring as provost fellow and chair fellows. They will support priorities in policy revision and educational programming for campus leaders and the broader University of Kansas community.
Tue, 02/10/2026
Two KU Debate teams qualify for 80th National Debate Tournament
Two University of Kansas debate teams — Rose Larson, Milwaukee, with Luna Schultz, Houston, and Owen Owings, Lee’s Summit, with Zach Willingham, Topeka — were selected as automatic qualifiers for the 2026 National Debate Tournament to take place March 26-31 in Houston.
Tue, 02/10/2026
KU School of Business launches personal finance certificate program with $1.5M gift
The KU School of Business will expand its academic offerings with the Bicknell Certificate in Personal Finance, a program supported by a $1.5 million gift commitment from Marty and Cheryl Bicknell. Launching in fall 2026, the certificate will prepare students for careers in financial planning, personal finance and wealth management.
Tue, 02/10/2026
KU Engineering’s Tiberti Lecture returns with a focus on leadership in the field
Katie Schultz, vice president of engineering resources at Black & Veatch, will deliver this year’s J.A. Tiberti Family Lecture on March 10 at the University of Kansas School of Engineering.
Tue, 02/10/2026
Study explores how women in public sector regulate their emotions at work
New research from the University of Kansas investigates how women employed in the public sector regulate emotions in professional settings. The study found respondents suppress negative emotions more than positive but that efforts to suppress such emotions for professional reasons are not always effective, stifling authenticity.
Mon, 02/09/2026
KU to host Sovereign Futures Series on AI, data and tribal sovereignty
The Office of Sovereign Partnerships & Indigenous Initiatives at the University of Kansas will host the AI & Data Sovereignty Across the Southern Plains Symposium. The March 3-4 event will facilitate AI and data-driven systems discussions that examine opportunities and risks, data governance, and how Native Nations can assert sovereignty, consent and governance in digital futures.
Mon, 02/09/2026
New research supports ‘trauma-informed lens’ for entrepreneurship community
Past research has found that some subpopulations — including immigrants and veterans — who experience disproportionate exposure to trauma are more likely to become entrepreneurs. New work from a KU School of Business researcher introduces a trauma-informed approach as an evidence-based tool to mitigate trauma's effects on functioning and entrepreneurial success.
Mon, 02/09/2026
One size does not fit all when it comes to return-to-office policies, study finds
New University of Kansas research shows which personality types are most affected by communication overload in the workplace and how that corresponds with in-office versus remote work preferences.
Mon, 02/09/2026
KU Law Dean Stephen Mazza receives inaugural AALS Award for Excellence in Mentoring Future Legal Education Leaders
The Association of American Law Schools has announced Stephen Mazza, dean of the University of Kansas School of Law, as the recipient of the 2026 AALS Award for Excellence in Mentoring Future Legal Education Leaders.
Fri, 02/06/2026
Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center graduates 352nd Basic Training Class
After 14 weeks of intensive training, 25 graduates of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center officially completed the academy Feb. 6 and will now return to their communities to begin serving as law enforcement officers.
Fri, 02/06/2026
Symposium to address policy gaps in rural America
On Feb. 20, the 2026 Kansas Journal of Law & Public Policy Symposium will convene leading scholars, practitioners and policymakers to examine the structural and legal challenges confronting rural American communities.
Thu, 02/05/2026
KU Engineering will host 71st Annual Structural Engineering Conference
On March 5, the Department of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering at the University of Kansas will host experts in the field of structural engineering for a conference exploring the latest developments in the field.
Thu, 02/05/2026
KU to host Brazilian Studies Association starting July 2026
The University of Kansas has been selected to host the Brazilian Studies Association, an international scholarly organization dedicated to advancing Brazilian studies, for a six-year term beginning this summer under the leadership of KU faculty member Luciano Tosta.
Wed, 02/04/2026
University of Kansas announces fall 2025 honor roll
Nearly 9,600 undergraduate students at the University of Kansas earned dean's list distinction for the fall 2025 semester. The honor roll comprises undergraduates who meet requirements in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and in the schools of Architecture & Design, Business, Education & Human Sciences, Engineering, Health Professions, Journalism & Mass Communications, Music, Nursing, Pharmacy, Professional Studies and Social Welfare.
Wed, 02/04/2026
Educate & Act Series will feature sessions on grant funding, consumerism
Educate & Act, hosted by the Center for Service Learning and The Commons at the University of Kansas, will feature three events in spring 2026, centering grant funding and nonprofits, student senate elections and linear economies. The series opens Feb. 17.
Wed, 02/04/2026
KU Prairie Fire Chamber Orchestra releases debut album
The University of Kansas School of Music has released “Prairie Fire!,” the professional recording debut of the KU Prairie Fire Chamber Orchestra conducted by Creston Herron, director of orchestral activities at the University of Kansas.
Tue, 02/03/2026
Law expert’s analysis tracks how international trade is being dismantled
Raj Bhala, University Distinguished Professor of Law at KU, has written an analysis outlining how international trade law is being destroyed, not simply changing. His peer-reviewed work, published in the Transatlantic Law Journal, outlines why this is happening and examines if it can be saved.
Tue, 02/03/2026
KU School of Music to celebrate 50 years of piano with special concert
The University of Kansas School of Music will celebrate 50 years of its distinguished piano program with an anniversary concert March 29 at the Lied Center of Kansas Pavilion.
Tue, 02/03/2026
Applications open to KU faculty to be a 2026-2027 Senior Administrative Fellow
Senior Administrative Fellows have the opportunity to meet face-to-face and learn from those with administrative roles at KU as well as develop their personal leadership skills and understanding. Applications are due April 6.
Tue, 02/03/2026
KU students travel to Colorado for Alternative Winter Breaks
Over winter break, 18 Jayhawks traveled to Colorado Springs, Colorado, to volunteer with three community-based organizations as part of KU Alternative Breaks. Established in 1995, KU Alternative Breaks is a student-led program dedicated to fostering a lifelong commitment to service through volunteering and education.
Mon, 02/02/2026
From Kansas to the world: KU’s WHO collaboration works to promote global health
By delivering a digital “toolbox” to 300 countries, researchers at the Center for Community Health and Development are bringing life-saving lessons back home to Kansas.
Mon, 02/02/2026
Human-AI interactions stimulate coordination among co-workers and improve team performance, study finds
In a new study, Todd Hall, assistant professor of business at the University of Kansas, finds that human-AI interactions can stimulate relational coordination among co-workers and improve team performance.
Mon, 02/02/2026
KU School of Architecture & Design announces spring 2026 Architecture Lecture Series lineup
The University of Kansas Architecture Lecture Series schedule features practitioners, researchers and interdisciplinary leaders focused on advancing public well‑being through evidence‑informed design, sustainable practice and community‑centered solutions. The series kicks off Feb. 23 with the ninth annual KU Health & Wellness Symposium.