Student experience and achievement

Two University of Kansas Debate teams closed out the final round to win a tournament hosted by Southern Nazarene University. Additionally, KU debate members have excelled in recent British Parliamentary debate appearances.

The University of Kansas School of Law students will once again assist eligible community members with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Last year, the VITA clinic filed 141 returns totaling $223,486.

Lucciana Cáceres Holgado, a senior from Cusco, Peru, whose research interest focuses on planets beyond our solar system, was chosen as the recipient of a $15,000 scholarship from the Society of Physics Students intended for one graduate student nationwide. Though still an undergrad, Cáceres Holgado was picked for her track record of research and community involvement.

The KU Engineering Expo will take place Feb. 22-23, with a public open house during Sunday's events. School of Engineering students organize this annual event for K-8 students from across Kansas.

A new theatre work being staged at the University Theatre gives 21st century vibes to a classic tale of belonging. Told in metatheatrical style, the play by Kaela Mei-Shing Garvin explores love, friendship and loss, showing the power of theatre to help audiences appreciate life’s daily experiences. Performances begin March 6.

The 45th class of University Scholars and their faculty mentors were recognized during a reception hosted by the University of Kansas Honors Program.

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.

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.

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.

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.