Greetings faculty colleagues,
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The fall semester is officially underway, and campus has come alive with energy and purpose. With the start of a new academic year, I want to provide a reminder about our purpose in the Office of Faculty Affairs and highlight how we may be a resource to you.
The Office of Faculty Affairs serves and supports all faculty and academic staff in a variety of ways throughout their career cycle. We frame our work in three priority areas: Faculty Advancement and Recognition, Faculty Relations and Policy, and Faculty Development and Growth.
First, through Faculty Advancement and Recognition, we support the faculty hiring process, facilitate processes such as sabbatical leaves and promotion and tenure, support the distinguished professor selection process, and host Distinguished Professor lectures. We also facilitate university teaching and service awards, professorships and fellowships, and support the nomination process for external research prestigious and highly prestigious awards.
In terms of Faculty Relations and Policy, we approve processes that pertain to external activity reporting, workplace leave, differential allocations, and additional pay. We are also involved with the development and review of policy that overlaps with the faculty role, offer support through policy education, collaborate with governance on faculty and academic-related topics, and engage in collective bargaining with United Academics of KU around conditions of employment.
Lastly, within our focus on Faculty Development and Growth, our office provides faculty and academic staff with the tools and opportunities to succeed in all career stages through professional development, which begins prior to orientation and includes programming such as small group learning circles, programming relevant to the varied career stages of a faculty member, KU Faculty Development Academies Week, and also programming for campus leaders through our Associate Deans, Chairs, and Directors series.
Through our work in these three areas, our team in the Office of Faculty Affairs has the opportunity to meet and interact with hundreds of faculty and academic staff each year. These shared moments of learning, conversation, partnership and community help guide our office in how to best support all faculty members. We will soon be sharing a new highlights publication, which will showcase our work from this past academic year in service to the faculty community and its impact across our three areas of service. We plan to share this publication with the faculty community next month.
We know that recently change has seemed to be more of a constant than an exception — and that is especially true in the climate of higher education. But through it all, our commitment to our students, to our university, and to advancing our society continues to guide us forward. While we may not control every variable, we do control how we respond, how we show up, and how we move forward together. As we continue to navigate change and the unknown, please remember that the Office of Faculty Affairs is a resource that is here to support you in your work.
Thank you for showing up with purpose as you do the work that makes KU an exceptional learning community.
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With gratitude,
Amy Mendenhall
Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
Professor, Social Welfare
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Big Jay at New Faculty Orientation
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We are a policy resource for you
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The Office of Faculty Affairs interacts with faculty-related policy at various levels. We provide guidance on unit and university-level policy changes, consult and share the faculty perspective in the creation of new policy, and offer trainings and resources for understanding and navigating policy. We would like to share several of those resources we have previously created, as they are timely for the beginning of a new semester:
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Watkins Health Services has reported an increase in COVID-19 cases since the first day of classes. Please remind your students of basic steps to help protect themselves and others from health risks caused by COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. This can include reminding students to promptly notify you about class absences due to illness. Watkins is available to assist students with testing and symptom management, but please refrain from sending students to Watkins simply for the purpose of documenting their illness. Our Excused Absences Policy FAQ can serve as a quick reference as you navigate student illnesses and questions on class attendance as it relates to the University Excused Absences policy.
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As a reminder, faculty and staff must seek prior University approval for external professional activities to ensure that conflicts of time commitment are properly managed according to the Commitment of Time, Conflict of Interest, Consulting, and Other Employment policy. Our External Activity Request resource outlines the necessary steps and frequently asked questions for submitters and reviewers/approvers. You can also find links to the external activity request forms here.
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As a campus community, we are tasked with providing care and support for our community, while also respecting each person’s right to free expression. Our Freedom of Speech and Expression page connects you with all freedom of speech and expression-related policies, as well as your rights and responsibilities as KU faculty members, and a one-page printable reference document.
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Faculty Learning Circle: New faculty mentor groups
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Join your new faculty colleagues this fall for small group connections and discussions centered on what it means to be a new faculty member at KU. We will host four groups who will each meet three times during the fall semester. We encourage you to sign up for the group with the times/dates that work best for you! Each group is facilitated by one of our Faculty Affairs Program Fellows and will be sharing and exploring resources and advice, and will be introducing you to our campus and faculty community.
Find the session that works best for you and join in on the conversation this fall to get started on your faculty journey and career-long connections!
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Program dates:
Group A - Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m. on Sept 3, 24, and Oct. 22
Group B - Tuesdays from 12:30-1:45 p.m. on Sept. 9, 30, and Oct. 21
Group A - Mondays from 1:00-2:15 p.m. on Sept. 29, Oct. 27, and Nov. 10
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Faculty Learning Circle: Productivity: Balancing time to get things done
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Over several sessions throughout the semester, we will explore a productivity framework that supports behaviors that allow us to engage more effectively with our tasks and commitments, create more mental space, and focus on what matters most. Join Dr. Marilu Goodyear, Associate Professor in the School of Public Affairs and Administration and Coach for David Allen's: Getting Things Done, who will facilitate each of the FLC sessions and provide optional coaching sessions that will support you in applying the framework and concepts.
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Program dates:
Monday, Sept. 15; Monday, Oct. 6; and Monday, Oct. 27; from 3:00-4:30 p.m. (all sessions take place in 145 Strong Hall)
Online coaching (optional): Monday, Sept. 29; Monday Oct. 20; and Monday, Nov. 10 from 3:00-4:30 p.m.
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Distinguished Professor Lecture: Raj Bhala
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Please join us for “Deceitful Destruction of International Trade Law: America First and Xenophobic Autarky", an inaugural lecture presented by University Distinguished Professor Raj Bhala, J.D.
Please register in advance for this lecture. Reception to follow. The event will be live-streamed and recorded for those who cannot attend in person. Learn more about Bhala's presentation and scholarship.
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Monday, September 15 at 5:30 p.m.
Kansas Room, KU Memorial Union
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| Early Career Faculty Foundations Series: Fall 2025
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Already feeling the hustle and bustle of the semester? And wishing you had a moment to take a breath and invest in your own career development? We have just the program for you!
Calling all Early Career Faculty at KU!
The Office of Faculty Affairs has designed, along with partners from across various units at KU, a day of development sessions featuring topics in instruction and innovation, research and discovery, and professional development and learning. We have partnered with CTE to focus on your most pressing classroom questions and to offer best practices in thinking about course learning outcomes, with the KU Office of Research for grant development resources and to meet with colleagues from KU’s core research labs and research centers, and with campus experts to support you in working effectively with staff and students, whether you are in the classroom or lab, the studio or out on fieldwork. And the best part, we provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks!
Join us and your colleagues for this day of learning!
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| Friday, September 26, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Capital Federal Hall, Colloquium Room
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Distinguished Professor Lecture: Robin Kundis Craig
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Please join us for “Just Add Water: Private Property Rights and Environmental Protection in a Panarchical Reality", an inaugural lecture presented by Robert A. Schroeder Distinguished Professor of Law Robin Kundis Craig, J.D.
Please register by October 13 for this lecture. Reception to follow. The event will be live-streamed and recorded for those who cannot attend in person.
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Monday, October 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Kansas Room, KU Memorial Union
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Various dates: The Center for Teaching Excellence invites faculty to join a working group this fall. Topics include: AI, online teaching, alternative grading, teaching scholarship, and more.
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Thursday, Sept. 11: Engaged Reading: 'On Freedom,' by Maggie Nelson, supported by KU Libraries, the Hall Center for the Humanities, the Spencer Museum of Art, the Institute for Policy and Social Research, and The Commons, will be facilitated by Shannon Stewart (Assistant Professor of Theatre & Dance) and Maggie Unverzagt Goddard (Assistant Professor of Museum Studies).
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Thursday, September 18: Join the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX for Belonging @ KU: Rural Life, Culture, and Community featuring Dr. Tom Mueller, Director of the Kansas Center for Rural Health and Dr. Donna Ginther, Distinguished Professor of economics and Director of the Institute for Policy & Social Research at KU.
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Tuesday, October 21 - Wednesday, October 22: Save the date now for KU's annual Academic Analytics Site Visit. Academic Analytics (AcA) supports KU faculty through activity management tools that help faculty identify funding opportunities, generate materials for the P&T and review process, and manage and share their research activities. Look out for more session details in your inbox soon!
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Wednesday, October 22: All KU staff and faculty are invited to attend and cultivate more holistic support, networking, and community-building at this year's Staff & Faculty Rapport events.
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NCFDD membership and programming |
Let's get to writing - together!
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Have a grant proposal to start, a journal article to complete, or do you need to get started on that book chapter? As the semester picks up, plan ahead and challenge yourself to get your writing project done this fall! Faculty Affairs is partnering with NCFDD to provide the supportive virtual space to write with your KU colleagues and to hold yourself accountable during our KU/NCFDD 14-Day Writing Challenge! Our writing challenge takes place from Monday, October 20, through Sunday, November 2. Plan to finish your semester strong and join us!
As a reminder, KU is an institutional member of NCFDD, which ensures all KU academic faculty and staff can register for an NCFDD membership at no additional cost. To join the NCFDD community, be sure to sign up here.
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Calls you don't want to miss |
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Sunday, September 7: Apply to be a Digital Humanities Fellow. The Fellows cohort is designed to form the foundation of an ongoing, institution-wide conversation about issues in the public and digital humanities. Fellows will workshop projects, attend events, and be granted unique access to networking opportunities and training in DH methods and tools.
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Friday, September 12: The First-Year and Transfer Student Seminar program is now accepting course proposals for Fall 2026. FYS/TS instructors have a unique opportunity to introduce KU’s newest students to their discipline through innovative, relationship-based teaching practices, as well as participate in a learning community with fellow FYS/TS instructors. We are accepting both new courses and previously taught, upper-division courses adapted for a first-year/transfer student audience that meet KU Core 34 goals in US Culture and Global Cultures. All instructors teaching in the Fall 2026 semester must commit to attending an all-day professional development session in May.
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Wednesday, October 8: KU International Affairs has opened nominations for two competitive awards that recognize faculty who engage in internationalization across campus.
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Misty Heggeness, Associate Professor of Public Affairs and Economics, is taking on an additional role this fall! Heggeness is this year’s Faculty Senate President.
“This year my hope is to interact more with and support the work of the university union and related constituents to align overall faculty goals for the near future.”
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Dates to be aware of and share with students
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Monday, September 8: First Period Drop ends, last day to withdraw/drop without a “W”, last day to request a petition to late enroll form
- Tuesday, September 9: Second Period Drop begins
- Monday, September 15: Census Day – 20th day of classes, last day to add/swap classes, last day to petition for late enrollment, last day for 50% refund
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Monday, September 16: Credit/no credit option available, 0% refund begins
- Thursday, September 25: Timetable/schedule of classes published to the web for spring 2026, advising begins
- Monday, September 29: Deadline for credit/no credit
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All dates above apply to full semester courses. Some deadlines may exclude certain schools and colleges. See the entire Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 calendar on the Registrar’s website.
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Faculty Insight User Testing Group 2025 Report
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In fall 2024, Analytics, Institutional Research & Effectiveness (AIRE) and the Office of Faculty Affairs (OFA) formed a small, cross-disciplinary group of faculty to provide feedback on KU’s faculty activity management system, Faculty Insight. Over a six-month period, the members of this group attended a Faculty Insight training session led by AIRE, updated all parts of their Faculty Insight profile, participated in feedback sessions with AIRE, OFA, and other user testers, and provided detailed, constructive feedback via survey. A report has been created from this feedback that you may view at this link.
Some tool enhancements have already begun, and we will continue to share those here as more develop. OFA will continue to partner with AIRE and Academic Analytics (the developers of Faculty Insight) to make as many additional updates and resources as feasible within the tool.
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| Duplication capability
Faculty can now duplicate an existing record within their Activity Manager. After locating the existing record to copy from the Activities tab, click on three vertical dots in the Actions Column and select Duplicate. A new window will open populated with information from the copied record. At this point, the details in the record can be adjusted as needed.
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OFA's Conference Room is moving!
The conference room connected to the Office of Faculty Affairs in 145 Strong Hall is in the process of moving downstairs to 36 Strong Hall. All programming, events, and meetings previously scheduled in the 145 space are in the process of being moved to the new Strong 36 Conference Room in Outlook. If you have any questions about the new location, please reach out to us at facultyaffairs@ku.edu.
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Explore KU's new AI guidelines and website
Over the past year, the University of Kansas AI Taskforce has worked to explore the responsible use of generative AI (GenAI) across campus. This cross-functional group developed a set of guiding principles and launched a new website to inform, support, and empower the KU community in navigating GenAI tools. The GenAI website provides practical insights, policy alignment and ethical considerations for using GenAI in academic, administrative and research settings. The taskforce’s work reflects KU’s commitment to innovation, integrity and excellence. Learn more about AI at KU.
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Schedule a class visit or workshop with the KU Wingspan
KU Wingspan: Center for Learning and Writing Support offers a variety of class visit options to fit your needs and typically include quick introductions to the Wingspan, where a staff member will come to your classroom to review our services, hours, location, and appointment system. To set up a class visit, fill out this Workshop Request Form and select "Overview of Learning & Writing Support (Class Visit)" as the workshop.
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Student Survey of Teaching reminders
Student Surveys of Teaching (SSTs) at the University of Kansas are a critical tool used by the University to gather feedback from students regarding their classroom experiences and the effectiveness of their instructors. SSTs aim to provide systematic and standardized insights into students' perceptions of their courses and instructors. The feedback collected is used to support teaching improvements and to recognize teaching excellence within the university community.
SSTs are distributed to all students enrolled in KU classes towards the end of each course. Unique survey links are sent to the students' KU email addresses and are available in their Canvas accounts. To see when the surveys for your class(es) are scheduled to be distributed, visit AIRE’s distribution schedule.
For courses with multiple instructors, students provide feedback on the course once and are given the opportunity to provide feedback on each instructor.
The SST website contains resources for accessing results, results dashboard access and navigation, response rates, and interpreting, exporting, and sharing results. This website also includes a copy of the communication students receive, where students can find their survey links in Canvas, and a copy of the survey instrument. For questions or assistance with Student Surveys of Teaching, please reach out to aire-help@ku.edu.
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Digital accessibility compliance resource
The Office of Integrity and Compliance hosts quarterly panel discussions focused on compliance-related topics. The Compliance Spotlight on July 10, reviewed digital accessibility, with a focus on compliance with ADA Title II. Higher education institutions must comply with ADA Title II standards by April 2026 to ensure their web content and digital resources are accessible to all users. The panel explored the importance of digital accessibility at the University of Kansas, shared best practices, and discussed the resources available to faculty and staff for making electronic data accessible. View the recording here.
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Student programming available to faculty at the Natural History Museum
Students and instructors can explore the museum through self-guided or instructor-led visits, with activities that cover the exhibit development process, the relationship between humans and other living things, and the intersection of science and art. Learn more and schedule a visit or tour.
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1450 Jayhawk Blvd. | Lawrence, KS 66045 US
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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.
© The University of Kansas. 2025.
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