NOVEMBER 2024

Dear Colleagues,

This past month, our community shared a couple of firsts: another record-breaking freshman class and our inaugural College Conversation. It’s inspiring to see so many students choosing KU for their education—a true cause for celebration. But it also prompts me to think about the journey they embark on during their time here and what our responsibility to each student entails.

Student retention was one of the key topics we focused on at the College Conversation, and it’s something that has been on my mind since my on-campus interview for this role. Put simply, we must do better. Currently, our 6-year graduation rate is 65%, and our retention rate from first to second year is 83%. For first-generation students, these numbers are even lower: 54% and 76%, respectively. I’ve challenged the College to concentrate our efforts over the next year or two on improving first-to-second-year retention rates, which will be instrumental in raising our overall graduation rates.

While our current numbers show improvement, there’s more work ahead. We’ve made strides in enhancing our student engagement and academic experiences. We have also started a comprehensive plan to lower DFW rates, especially in first-year courses, and we are working with several departments to provide detailed data and support to help tackle the issue.

We are still working through your suggestions and input from the College Conversation regarding student retention, and I look forward to sharing back ideas and common themes that emerge. Your participation in that event was crucial to determining and implementing changes that will help provide every student the opportunity to succeed in the College. It will take all of us to make lasting change, and I’m encouraged by the College Conversation and the initiatives already underway for student success.

It is my privilege to lead such a passionate, inspiring community. Thank you for all you do for our students, faculty, and staff every day.

Arash Mafi, Ph.D.
Executive Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Professor, Physics & Astronomy

Join us for an informal lunch to come together, exchange ideas, and engage in meaningful discourse with your colleagues. 

Small seminar courses designed to spark intellectual curiosity in students while helping them develop academic skills, build community, and transition to KU. 

"Erick worked tirelessly over the summer to help complete and deliver a remodeled Metalsmithing & Jewelry lab/classroom. He even worked some evening and weekends to make sure it all happened. At the same time he prepared to teach an Advanced Metals casting class, one of the most technical classes in the area, which he has not taught previously. Erick also grained (resurfaced) all of the lithography printing stones, a very physical labor intensive process. He was also tasked with retooling some of the Textiles lab/classroom, redoing the layouts and constructing furniture.

Erick is always smiling, and eager to lend a hand even though his plate is pretty full. On several occasions he donated time in the evening and weekends to ensure these remodeling tasks (which are outside his normal job functions) were completed in a timely manner to minimize impact on classes. While he knows his efforts are appreciated by students, faculty and fellow staff, every once in awhile it is appreciated to hear it, so ... Erick, on behalf of the students, faculty and staff of Visual Art, thank you for all you do and the kind manner in which you do it!" 

Nominate your staff super star!
You all have one (probably more). We want to share. Tell us why your staff deserve a minute in the spotlight. 

CRL #5: Quantum Information
Thursday, Nov. 21 | 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Malott Room, Kansas Union

Bringing together individuals with diverse research experience to expand networks and open new research pathways that transcend the traditional silos of academic thought, foster interdisciplinary connection and jump-start novel collaborations. Watch your email for registration info. 

It's time to celebrate your graduating students. Share the names of your outstanding grads, and we'll help send them off.