We know that if HR benefits are not at the top of your mind yet, they will be soon, as you make big decisions around health insurance, retirement, and other voluntary options. These decisions can be a lot to process. This is why we are hosting a "How to at KU" session dedicated to all things benefits! Join us on July 29 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. and bring your benefits questions, as Erin Hammond, HR Benefits Specialist, will be joining us. Representatives from HR will also be available to answer your benefits questions at New Faculty Orientation (don't forget to RSVP below!). 

For now, you can review all benefit options on HR's benefits page. Additionally, for those of you on a nine-month contract, please review the Academic Year Reserve Program in which you may elect to withhold a portion of your net wages during the academic year and have those wages paid out over the summer. 

Have we mentioned how excited we are to see you at New Faculty Orientation? We have a great couple of days planned to help you get started and make connections with your colleagues. Additionally, we get to host this orientation in KU's new state-of-the-art Welcome Center! Check out this short video for a sneak preview of the innovation and partnerships that occurred to make our new Welcome Center and updated Adams Alumni Center a reality.

What is the Boulevard?

"The Boulevard," more officially known as Jayhawk Boulevard, is the central road that runs through KU Lawrence campus. Beginning at the North, where Oread Avenue changes into Jayhawk Boulevard, is where the KU Welcome Center sits. Along the Boulevard, you will see many iconic KU buildings, between the KU Memorial Union to the Chi Omega fountain. This is a well-traveled pathway for many students, staff, and faculty, with limited vehicle traffic during the fall and spring semesters. Join us on our Coffee and Campus Tour on Wednesday, August 19, to experience the Boulevard for yourself and learn its history. Registration for Coffee and Campus tour is a part of New Faculty Orientation registration (link below). 

The Office of Faculty Affairs centers our work on three priorities: Faculty Advancement & Recognition, Faculty Development & Growth, and Faculty Relations & Policy.

In the Office of Faculty Affairs, we help educate and communicate the role of policy related to faculty at KU. In doing so, we develop, review, interpret, and support adherence to policies that intersect with faculty roles. Not only do we support units by reviewing and providing feedback during the development of their policies, we also help units and unit leaders understand how to apply policy and how policies align across the university. In addition, we work with faculty to understand the policies that apply to them so they are supported in doing their work in alignment with university and unit policies.  

Additionally, Faculty Affairs reviews all university policy that intersects with faculty and offers guidance and resources to units when creating new or updating existing policies.

Have questions before the semester begins? Get a head start with our Drop-In and "How to at KU" sessions.

All summer Drop-In and OFA "How to at KU" sessions are virtual and will feature an expert(s) on the topic who is available to answer any questions you might have and help you get started in planning for your fall semester.

No registration is required for Drop-Ins; simply join any of these meetings from Zoom! Need to connect to Zoom through your KU account? Visit here. 

Upcoming Drop-In sessions:

Wednesday, July 8 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. (CST) (come and go)

Drop In: Relocation & Dual Career Services

Tuesday, July 14 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. (CST) (come and go)

Drop In: Office of Faculty Affairs

Monday, July 20 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. (CST) (come and go)

Drop In: International Affairs

If you are interested in our upcoming "How to at KU" sessions, please register ahead of time so we can prepare! Our summer How to series will help you become an expert at Canvas, our online learning management system, and make sure your courses are set up with accessibility in mind.

Upcoming "How to at KU" sessions:

Thursday, July 9 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. (CST) 

How to at KU: Canvas Course Design and Planning

Thursday, July 16 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. (CST)

How to at KU: Accessibility in Microsoft Products

 Thursday, July 23 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. (CST) 

How to at KU: Accessibility in Adobe, LaTex, and Unique Software

 Wednesday, July 29 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (CST) 

How to at KU: Setting up Your Benefits

Thursday, August 6 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. (CST)

How to at KU: Accessibility from a Professional Lens

Save the date for New Faculty Orientation:
August 17 & 18!

Our New Faculty Orientation for full-time faculty takes place over two days and serves as an opportunity to hear from campus leaders; learn more about KU’s students; and become acquainted with key units that support teaching and research, provide course design resources, help with grant writing and funding, and foster professional development. Most importantly, New Faculty Orientation will provide you with a chance to connect with each other. 

Additionally, we are hosting a New Faculty Orientation campus tour on Wednesday morning (Aug. 19). Join us for coffee and donuts, and a guided tour to learn more about our beautiful campus.

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.

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