As the spring semester begins, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) encourages faculty and staff to remind students about available mental health support through the embedded counseling program. This program, which started as a collaboration with the schools of Law and Social Welfare, places clinicians in buildings across campus to improve access to mental health services. 

Currently, three embedded clinicians are on campus, located in Green Hall, Daisy Hill Commons and the Kansas Union. Operating in these buildings allows clinicians to collaborate with faculty and staff to meet the needs and understand the culture of the populations they support.  

Since July 1, embedded clinicians have supported more than 147 students through appointments, plus an additional 780 through outreach and education events. More information about the program can be found on CAPS webpage. Academic units interested in having an embedded clinician for their area are encouraged to contact Chris Corbett, director of CAPS. 

Applications are being accepted until Jan. 28 for the 2026 Staff Fellows Program. The Staff Fellows Program allows university staff to build capacity as leaders, gain experience to grow their careers and work together on a campus project. 

Employee recognition and appreciation will be the topic for the 2026 cohort. Fellows will explore how to enhance employee engagement through recognition and appreciation efforts that build employee morale and acknowledge that every role matters and contributes to KU’s mission, vision and values.  

The 2026 Staff Fellows cohort will have an opportunity to conduct research, engage with senior KU leaders and identify strategies and initiatives for cost-effective and sustainable action in conjunction with KU’s IRISE Values. 

The program is open to staff employees at all levels of the organization, regardless of job title or management status. Participants are expected to attend three-hour sessions twice a month this spring and commit time to complete readings, meet with mentors and perform project-related assignments.  

For more information on qualifications and the application process, visit the Staff Fellows webpage. 

The Office of Faculty Affairs is accepting nominations for University Teaching Awards until Feb. 2. Departments and schools are encouraged to think broadly and inclusively when considering nominees. This collection of awards recognizes faculty at all points in their careers and ranks, including awards specifically for lecturers and academic staff.      

Nominations are open for the following awards:   

Throughout the spring semester, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Barbara Bichelmeyer will hold virtual town hall meetings once a month.   

The first town hall meeting will be held from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 29 and will provide updates on federal changes for research and international affairs and cover employee compensation. 

Other town hall dates include Feb. 19, March 26, April 23 and May 14. To submit a question or comment for a future town hall discussion, please use this form. 

See how KU’s award-winning teachers motivate students to take risks, make discoveries, rise to their potential and make a difference. Find out more through KU Marketing’s new multimedia storytelling platform, Created by KU, which shows how KU creates a better future. 

Subscribe to receive future features. 

Join the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX for the next Belonging @ KU event, “Safety Lessons Derived from True Crime Stories," featuring Megan Dennis, lecturer of English.  

The virtual event will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 28 and will focus on the connections between true crime, literature and safety. The presence of safety is foundational to feeling a sense of belonging, and during this presentation, participants will learn about the risks of sensationalizing crime, the demographics of true crime audiences and how to translate this awareness into community safety.  

This event is free and open to all KU and KU Medical Center students, staff, faculty and affiliates. Registration is required. 

Employee Wellness’ next Lunch-N-Learn event will provide tips for managing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in the workplace. Abbie Brown, a licensed clinical psychotherapist with ADHDKC, will share practical, ADHD-friendly tips, including organizational hacks, time-management strategies, techniques to manage procrastination and ways to stay focused throughout the workday.

The virtual event will be held from noon to 12:45 p.m. Jan. 28. KU employees should register through MyTalent and KU affiliates can email wellness@ku.edu to register.   

During the spring semester, the fourth level of the Kansas Union will be under phased remodel. Minimal disruptions are expected.  

The renovations are being funded through Student Senate's student fees. The Union plans to showcase the improved space, which will include an updated lobby and gathering areas, over the summer. Renderings and additional information about the renovations can be found on the Kansas Union website. 

Faculty need to upload all spring 2026 course syllabi to Simple Syllabus by Feb. 2 to comply with KU’s Syllabus Policy. If faculty use Simple Syllabus to generate their syllabi, the requirement is met.  

Resources and guidance — including required policy language and syllabus templates — are available on the Academic Success, CTE Syllabus Resources and Educational Technology Simple Syllabus websites. 

Your KU email account is the official channel for important university communications.

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or online and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or online.

The University of Kansas is a public institution governed by the Kansas Board of Regents.