News
Book outlines how to move beyond reliance on student surveys to evaluate, improve college teaching
“Transforming College Teaching Evaluation,” a new book from scholars at the University of Kansas and colleague institutions, outlines a project that developed new ways to more fully evaluate the value of college teaching. The book details how three institutions developed a new, more robust method of evaluation that recognizes how to fully evaluate teaching and how schools can overcome resistance to implement the methods at their campuses.
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Fri, 11/07/2025
Kansas honors outstanding direct support workers with 2025 DSW Awards
The Kansas Direct Support Workforce Initiative has announced the recipients of the 2025 Direct Support Worker (DSW) Awards, recognizing exceptional Kansans who provide critical, person-centered care and support to individuals with disabilities across the state.
Thu, 11/06/2025
Hall Center invites community to celebrate 20 years in historic KU home
The Hall Center for the Humanities at the University of Kansas will celebrate 20 years in its historic home at 900 Sunnyside Ave. with an open house from 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 13. The Hall Center’s current location has a robust history that stretches back to the beginnings of KU.
Thu, 11/06/2025
Attitudes toward immigration become more polarized during electoral periods, study finds
In a new study, Sofia Vera, assistant professor of political science at the University of Kansas, examines how the issue of immigration affects voters, finding that a strong partisan polarization occurs close to an election, but once it is over, both sides begin to converge in the middle.
Thu, 11/06/2025
KU ATLAS awarded $3M contract to enhance math instruction in rural Alaska
Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS) at the University of Kansas has received a five-year, $3 million contract to make math instruction more meaningful by connecting classroom learning to students’ lives and local traditions.
Thu, 11/06/2025
KU Alumni honors Jayhawks with 2025 Homecoming awards
Eight Jayhawks were honored with 2025 Homecoming Awards at the KU football game Nov. 1. Each award shines a spotlight on the alumni, students and faculty who embody the very best of Jayhawk pride and tradition.
Wed, 11/05/2025
University of Kansas signs historic strategic partnership with University of Regensburg, marking KU’s first comprehensive international alliance
KU has signed its first comprehensive international partnership with Germany's University of Regensburg, building on 20 years in chemistry and American studies to expand into business, law, engineering, immunology and cancer research. It enables student/faculty exchanges, joint research and virtual global learning, advancing KU's internationalization and interdisciplinary innovation.
Wed, 11/05/2025
Class of 2026 honors Christopher Depcik with HOPE Award
Christopher Depcik, professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, was presented with the HOPE Award — Honor for the Outstanding Progressive Educator — Nov. 1 during halftime of the Homecoming football game between KU and Oklahoma State.
Tue, 11/04/2025
KU Debate excels at 3 tournaments in 1 weekend
KU Debate had an outstanding weekend Oct. 31-Nov. 3 as University of Kansas debaters excelled at three different competitions across the country hosted by Gonzaga University, the University of Oklahoma and the University of Alaska.
Mon, 11/03/2025
KU researcher’s new work focuses on Indigenous fire sovereignty
University of Kansas scholar Melinda Adams has found evidence from far-flung global regions about benefits of Indigenous fire sovereignty, ranging from Arizona to Australia. She is the co-author of new work published in PNAS, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.
Mon, 11/03/2025
KU expanding program to bring students with disabilities to college, including to Wichita, Atchison
Researchers at KU have secured a grant to expand the Transition to Postsecondary Education program. The program helps bring students with disabilities to higher education, work toward career goals and meet in-demand jobs in their communities. The work will expand outreach to educators and families across Kansas and establish similar programs at WSU Tech and Benedictine College.
Mon, 11/03/2025
Student artists honored among another record LibArt turnout
KU Libraries’ LibArt program, a year-round, juried exhibition of student art in library spaces, celebrated its largest-ever display of student artwork and named award recipients at a reception Oct. 28 at Watson Library.
Fri, 10/31/2025
Detailed map of US air-conditioning usage shows who can beat the heat — and who can’t
A researcher at the University of Kansas has produced the most comprehensive and detailed map of air-conditioning usage in the United States. The data could inform energy efficiency decisions and help policymakers identify regions that lack adequate cooling.
Thu, 10/30/2025
Advisory: Media invited to Watney CORELAB extension ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 6
The event is closed to the public, but members of the media are invited to attend the official ceremony. The event is 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the KGS, 1930 Constant Ave. Girod and KGS director Jay Kalbas are scheduled to make presentations, as are Karen and Chris Watney — family members of the building’s namesake — and KGS associate director Nikki Potter.
Thu, 10/30/2025
New study explores ‘legacy effects’ of soil microbes on plants across Kansas
Findings from the University of Kansas could offer important context for farmers who want to use beneficial microbes to improve yields. Today, microbial commercialization in agriculture represents an expanding multibillion dollar sector.
Thu, 10/30/2025
KU Design students, faculty and alumni win AIGA Kansas City awards
KU students took home a total of 13 awards in the student category, including the Best in Class Award for Brand and Identity. Matthew Cook, KU assistant professor in the animation and illustration programs, won two awards in the professional category.
Thu, 10/30/2025
Sen. Jerry Moran among honorees as KU celebrates first-generation Jayhawks, advocates
The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs (CEOP) will celebrate first-generation Jayhawks and their advocates during the seventh annual “I Am First Too” poster unveiling ceremony at the Kansas Union Ballroom from 3-4 p.m. Nov. 3.
Wed, 10/29/2025
Chancellor Girod begins term as board chair of Association of American Universities
The member presidents and chancellors of the Association of American Universities have elected University of Kansas Chancellor Douglas Girod as chair of the AAU Board of Directors.
Wed, 10/29/2025
Hall Center for the Humanities 2025 Mini Wheat State Tour spotlights Atchison, Kansas
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Hall Center for the Humanities is once again hitting the road for its Mini Wheat State Tour, a program that introduces KU faculty and staff to the state’s history, culture and communities. ...
Wed, 10/29/2025
Veterans Day 2025: KU Lawrence campus events to honor military service
In honor of Veterans Day, the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence will host/participate in a variety of events Nov. 8-12. Events are open to the public, unless otherwise noted.
Wed, 10/29/2025
KU Libraries call for applications for 2026 travel grants enabling hands-on access to primary source materials
Researchers from across the United States and abroad are invited to apply for a 2026 Spencer Research Library travel grant, designed to support in-depth research using the library’s collections and facilitate direct access to curator and librarian expertise.
Tue, 10/28/2025
Wagstaff & Cartmell funds million-dollar scholarship at the University of Kansas School of Law
The Kansas City–based law firm Wagstaff & Cartmell made a $1 million gift to its existing Wagstaff & Cartmell Scholarship Fund. The additional funding will continue to support outstanding law students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and a commitment to advancing the practice of law.
Mon, 10/27/2025
KU chemistry professor who worked with recent Nobel Prize winner chosen for exclusive physics society fellowship
Brian Laird, professor of chemistry at the University of Kansas, was named to the prestigious American Physical Society Fellowship Program shortly after learning a researcher he previously worked with won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Mon, 10/27/2025
New Audio-Reader grant aims to expand regional arts accessibility
The Arts Accessibility Forum, funded through a grant from the Kansas Arts Commission, aims to bring together arts professionals with members of the disability community to discuss methods of increasing the number and quality of accessible arts experiences across Kansas and beyond.
Mon, 10/27/2025
Study documents wind regulations across all Kansas counties, can help guide energy policies nationwide
Researchers at the University of Kansas have published a study based on the Kansas Energy Transition Atlas. The site documents wind energy regulations across all 105 of the state's counties, and findings from the study document which regions of the state tend to have enabling or blocking restrictions, how agriculture influences policy, whether voting habits play a part and more.
Mon, 10/27/2025
Week of activities for KU Homecoming begins Oct. 27
The University of Kansas will host its 113th Homecoming, sponsored by Central Bank, Oct. 27-Nov. 2. The week culminates with the KU football game against Oklahoma. KU Alumni has announced finalists for major student and faculty awards to be presented during the Homecoming game.
Fri, 10/24/2025
KU Bookstore offering in-house printing, new ‘KU Bookstore Originals’ Line
The KU Bookstore at the University of Kansas has launched new in-house apparel printing services, making it easier than ever for university departments and student organizations to create custom apparel.
Fri, 10/24/2025
Haunting Humanities returns with a wicked lineup of attractions
The Hall Center for the Humanities at the University of Kansas will bring the mysterious, the magical and the macabre to downtown Lawrence Oct. 29 with Haunting Humanities, the all-ages “science fair for the humanities” with a Halloween twist.
Fri, 10/24/2025
Research reveals people desire social distance from spouses of those with mental illness
In a new book chapter, Elizabeth Felix, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Kansas, employs a vignette survey experiment to investigate the extent to which the public wants social distance from people with certain mental illnesses, as well as their romantic partners.
Thu, 10/23/2025
Haskell/KU Joint Committee launches to strengthen collaboration, support for faculty and staff
Aligned with the longstanding Haskell Indian Nations University/University of Kansas memorandum of understanding, a joint committee will meet each semester to identify opportunities for partnership, streamline existing collaborative efforts, and foster a supportive environment that promotes shared goals and success.
Thu, 10/23/2025
KU scholars, communications professionals invited to Science Communication Workshop
The Center for Digital Inclusion and KU partners are co-hosting a science communication workshop designed to strengthen how researchers share their work with the public. The event will take place from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Nov. 14. Registration is now open.