The KU Police Department has become the first university police department in the state to achieve full accreditation through the Kansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program and the third agency overall. 

The Kansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, facilitated by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, is a voluntary initiative built on standards of professional, high-quality police service designed specifically for Kansas agencies. The program is composed of 167 standards that target excellence in all aspects of policing, including leadership, training and resource management. To become accredited, an agency must provide proof of meeting these standards in both policy and practice. The intensive accreditation process involved every section of KUPD.  

“I congratulate all members of KUPD who assisted with this effort and give special thanks to our accreditation coordinator, Sergeant Ridge Bunde, who put it all together,” Chief Nelson Mosley said. “This honor recognizes a police department that is on the cutting edge and deeply engaged with the community.”  

The KU Police Department is holding a recognition ceremony at 2 p.m. Aug. 19 in the Public Safety Building. Mosley and staff will be presented with an official KLEAP plaque by Andover Police Chief Buck Buchanan, the chair of the Kansas Accreditation Council. 

Volunteer spots remain open for welcoming new and returning Jayhawks to the Lawrence campus during Move-In on Aug 20 and 21. Volunteers are needed to greet families at residence halls and direct them to unload and move their vehicle to long-term parking. Additionally, volunteers may request to help students move items to their room. 

The greatest need for volunteers is for Aug. 21, with shifts open from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shifts are also available on Aug. 20 from 7 to 11:30 a.m. and 11 to 2:30 a.m.   

Volunteering during Move-In is a great way to connect with incoming students and their families, as well as other KU faculty and staff. To sign up for volunteer shifts and for additional information, visit the Student Affairs website. For additional information about volunteering during move-in contact Keesa Shrader, associate director of business and strategic initiatives for Housing & Residence Life, at keesashrader@ku.edu

The sidewalk along Crescent Road in front of Lindley and Ritchie halls recently reopened to pedestrian traffic as crews finished waterproofing and foundation work along the north side of Lindley. However, the sidewalk across the street shut down last week as construction ramps up on the KU Entrepreneurship Hub. Pedestrians are reminded to follow the detour signs for the designated pathway along Crescent Road's south sidewalk and not walk in the street. 

Changes to vehicle traffic have also occurred. Crews fenced in the sidewalk and section of Naismith Drive west of The Hub site. Along Naismith from University Drive to Crescent, access will continue to be provided to driveways and fraternity and sorority parking lots. However, that section of road is closed to through traffic, which includes vehicles traveling south along Naismith Drive and westbound traffic on Crescent turning north on Naismith. Eastbound traffic on Crescent will still be able to turn south onto Naismith.

The sidewalk and road closures are expected to last through the duration of the construction project, which will be about a year.

Justice Duncan is being recognized as an Employee of the Month for his work to keep KU Operations’ storeroom running efficiently, supporting Facilities Services crews across the Lawrence campus.

Duncan began working for KU Operations in 2022, moving equipment and furniture across campus. In October he transitioned to the KU Operations’ storeroom, which is in the KU Operations’ warehouse along Westbrooke Drive. The storeroom provides supplies and equipment for Facilities Services employees to repair “just about anything on campus,” Duncan’s nominator said. 

As a storeroom clerk, Duncan manages inventory control, purchasing and receiving. He also checks out materials to KU tradesmen so they can complete work orders. It’s a job that requires accuracy, organization, customer service skills and the ability to maintain smooth daily operations.  

“He’s the kind of employee who makes everyone else’s job easier,” one nominator said. 

As a detective for the University of Kansas Police Department, it is not uncommon for Eli Hodge to encounter difficult and demanding situations through his work. Despite that pressure, he has maintained an empathetic, detailed and hands-on approach to law enforcement, which has earned him the recognition of being an Employee of the Month.  

On a day-to-day basis, Hodge investigates criminal offenses, completes administrative investigations and reviews, and contributes to the development and execution of crime prevention strategies and community engagement initiatives. He also serves as a taser instructor, armorer and primary contact for the evidence room. 

Hodge’s peers noted his ability to remain focused and calm in “tough situations,” allowing him to help the community in numerous cases. 

“Eli is a rock for this department,” his nominator said. “He is steady, hardworking and unwavering in his commitment to the community he protects.” 

Read more about Duncan and Hodge's work on the Employee of the Month Award Winners website.

The deadline for the next round of submissions for the Employee of the Month award is Sept. 1. Nominating employees for the award is a great way to recognize exceptional university staff members and show appreciation for their contributions.

Winners receive a $750 award and a surprise visit from a member of the Provost’s leadership team. They also become a candidate for the 2027 Employee of the Year Award.   

Eligible nominees must have a half-time or greater appointment in a regular, ongoing position with one year of service at KU or a recognized affiliate. Nominate a colleague using the online nomination form.

This morning the southbound lane of Burdick Drive, west of Green Hall, will be closed to through traffic for utility maintenance work. Irving Hill Road will be reduced to one lane at the intersection of Burdick Drive. Traffic controls will be in place to direct traffic through this area. The lane is expected to reopen by noon today. While the lane is closed, parking lots 6 and 110 next to Green Hall will remain open and accessible. 

Also scheduled for today, Naismith Drive’s north and southbound lanes will be reduced to one lane between Schwegler Drive and 18th Street for street maintenance. Additionally, eastbound 18th Street between the Parking Lot 112 entrance and Naismith will be closed, as well as the entrance for Schwegler off of Naismith. Access to Parking Lot 90 will be available from 18th Street. All roads are expected to reopen by 7 a.m. Tuesday. 

Refer to the KU Smart Campus map for locations. 

The PERIOD Project, in collaboration with Custodial Services, has been adding mirror clings to bathrooms across the Lawrence campus to share information on where to find free menstrual products.

A QR code will take visitors to a complete list of stocked restrooms. All members of the campus community are encouraged to help themselves to supplies as needed. 

PERIOD, a Student Affairs initiative launched in 2019 in partnership with Student Senate coalition Rise KU, supports student learning by supplying free menstrual products in restrooms across 30 on-campus buildings. 

More information about the history of the project, as well as the full directory of stocked bathrooms, can be found on the Health Education Resources Office site. Questions can be sent to studentaffairs@ku.edu. 

KU employees can schedule a one-on-one session with a TIAA financial consultant on Aug. 20 and Sept. 2 to discuss how to plan for their financial goals in retirement.  

The financial consultants can answer questions about having the appropriate mix of investments, saving enough for retirement and taking income from a retirement account after employees stop working.  

A consultant will be available for individual sessions from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 20 and Sept. 2 in the Kansas Union’s Alcove D. Space is limited, so employees need to RSVP for sessions by scheduling an appointment online or calling 800-842-2252. 

KU employees will have the opportunity to learn about the resources available at the Watkins Memorial Health Center during KU Employee Wellness’ next Move-N-Learn.  

From 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. Wednesday, Ellen Herman, Watkins Health Services administrative director, will lead a tour of Watkins, explaining available resources such as the faculty and staff clinic, pharmacy, lab, imaging, physical therapy and sports medicine. She will also share information on student services, which can help faculty and staff make informed referrals to the clinic.  

The group will meet in the lobby. KU employees should register for the session through MyTalent. KU affiliates can email wellness@ku.edu to register. 

KU Employee Wellness’ next Lunch-N-Learn will cover how to plan, support and find resources to help parents age.  

Megan Poindexter, executive director for the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County, will provide an introductory overview of common issues, such as Medicare, senior housing options and legal concerns. She’ll also share definitions of concepts that may be new to those with aging parents, answer questions and offer follow-up resources for learning more about these complex issues. 

The virtual session will be held from noon to 12:50 p.m. Aug. 26. KU employees should register for the session through MyTalent. KU Medical Center employees and affiliates can also register online. 

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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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