This spring new leaders were elected for University, Faculty, Staff and Student senates, which work with senior leadership to represent and support campus constituents. The leaders have already transitioned or will transition into their new roles in the coming weeks. 

Each fall incoming students learn the skills to be active bystanders through Jayhawks Give a Flock, a program that empowers students to take an active role in preventing sexual violence.

Volunteer facilitators are needed for sessions on Aug. 10 and Aug. 16. For the two-hour course, two facilitators co-present a pre-set curriculum. Facilitators will need to take a three-hour training session to learn the curriculum prior to the event.

For those not interested in being a facilitator, volunteers are also needed to assign students to rooms, check in on presenters and more. The sessions will be held on:

Volunteers can sign up for a single session or multiple ones. Those interested in volunteering should complete the Jayhawks Give a Flock Interest Form.

KU has selected David Dietz as the next dean of the School of Pharmacy. Dietz is currently a professor and chair of the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology as well as the associate dean of research strategy at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. He will begin his new role Aug. 1.

As dean of the pharmacy school, Dietz will lead the school’s faculty and staff with a clear vision and strategies to strengthen research and academic programs. He will be responsible for personnel, budgets, alumni engagement, fundraising, and government and industry relations. He will also be a strong proponent for pharmacological research, professional pharmaceutical education and the school as a whole. He will bridge pharmacy research across the school, campus, KU Medical Center and the University of Kansas Health System.

Due to prior commitments, there will be no virtual town hall today for the Lawrence and Edwards campuses. The next virtual town hall will be livestreamed on the Provost Office website at 4 p.m. May 12. 

KU faculty and staff can watch the April 28 virtual town hall, which focused on immigration issues. Hosted by Jennifer Roberts, senior vice provost for academic affairs and graduate studies, the discussion covered recent immigration changes and the support KU is providing to the international community as well as those who are traveling abroad.  

Submit a question or topic suggestion through the anonymous online form. 

May 15

In the Human Resources course "What, Why and How to Delegate," participants will define what it means to delegate, determine which tasks and responsibilities are appropriate to delegate, and examine the reasons employees hesitate to delegate. The course will also cover the process for delegating effectively and what to do when the process doesn't go as expected. 

This virtual course will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. May 15. It is open to everyone but may be more applicable to supervisors. Register through MyTalent. 

Early this morning, crews installed the bronze center fountain and bowl to the Chi Omega Fountain. The installation was one of the final steps in the major reconstruction project that started in October. Landscaping will be added throughout the week, and water is expected to be running through the fountain within the next few days.

Taylor Jones has been selected as an April 2025 Employee of the Month for her outstanding efforts to promote healthy relationships among students and caring for mental wellness. 

As a prevention educator with KU’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Education Center, Jones focuses on educating and preventing violence among students, especially those at higher risk of involvement in sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking. She works directly with students to promote healthier relationships and prevent harmful behaviors.  

More recently, Jones launched five new high-engagement events in November alone that focused on men’s mental health and sexual violence prevention. 

“Her ability to engage traditionally hard-to-reach student populations—particularly men—was a major success and showcased her skill in fostering participation and dialogue,” her nominator wrote. 

As the super glue that holds International Support Services together, Regina Sherrill has been named an April 2025 Employee of the Month. 

For more than 15 years, Sherrill has been a vital staff member at ISS, where colleagues said she works behind the scenes to ensure the office is running smoothly and sets a positive and supportive tone for the unit. 

“She is always thinking of how to ensure the work is done well, on time and in a manner that is supportive to both students and other staff,” one nominator wrote. 

An example of Sherrill’s behind the scenes work occurred during ISS’ recent move within Strong Hall, which pulled staff from several different office spaces into one location. Sherrill took the lead on the project at a time when her area had limited staffing. 

Read more about Jones and Sherrill's work on the Employee of the Month Winners webpage. 

Deadline: June 2

Nominating employees for the Employee of the Month award is a great way to recognize exceptional university staff members and show appreciation for their contributions.  

Winners receive a $750 award, a surprise visit from a member of the Provost’s leadership team and become a candidate for the 2026 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.    

Tuesdays in May

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is “Turn Awareness into Action.” To help us all spark action, the Office of Mental Health and Wellbeing is offering a weekly email series sent each Tuesday in May.

Each short message will feature insights, tips and resources to nurture your mental wellbeing and to support others in doing the same. Complete the sign-up form to subscribe to the May email series, as well as the office's monthly wellness newsletter.  

Thursday

Recognizing outstanding employees and teams, as well as faculty and staff’s years of service, the Employee Recognition Ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the Kansas Union Ballroom on the fifth floor. During the event, parking is free in the Mississippi Street garage. 

The event will announce the Employee of the Year and honor the past year’s Employees of the Month and nominees for Team of the Year. Additionally, faculty and staff will be recognized for every five years of service. 

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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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