KU employees will have an opportunity to rest and recharge during winter break. From Dec. 25 to Jan. 1, all KU campuses will close and eligible employees will receive paid leave without the need to use accrued leave.  

Below are a few reminders for the winter break recess:

Employees can visit the Winter Recess website for more information. 

Faculty eligible for the voluntary separation incentive program have until 5 p.m. today to apply. Those interested must submit a Notice of Interest Form.  

Individuals approved for VSIP will retire from KU on May 22, 2026. The incentive payout for accepted participants is one year of base salary, minus required deductions. Detailed information about the program can be found on the 2025 VSIP website, including the full guidelines and FAQs.    

Employees will be notified if their application has been accepted by Dec. 9. Approved employees will receive a Notice of Retirement form, which must be submitted by 5 p.m. Dec. 23. 

On Nov. 17, KU’s American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellows convened for an inaugural gathering to facilitate conversation about future research potential and to strengthen collaborations across all KU campuses.  

The fellows will continue to meet each semester to explore opportunities for research collaboration; exchange information from AAAS, KU leadership and other sources; discuss involvement in national science policy; and encourage AAAS membership and future fellow nominations.  

Election as an AAAS Fellow is an honor in the scientific community and recognizes individuals who uphold the standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity. 

Read more in KU Today. 

Starting today, the City of Lawrence is closing Ninth Street from Indiana Street to Louisiana Street until the spring to begin the next phase of the Jayhawk Watershed stormwater project. Through-traffic will be detoured to Iowa Street to Sixth Street and then to Kentucky Street. However, employees may see increased activity near the Lawrence campus as Lawrence Transit Route 3 will deviate to 11th Street between Ohio Street and Mississippi Street before returning to the regular Ninth Street route.  

This project replaces aging and undersized stormwater, water and sanitary sewer pipes to mitigate localized flooding in the area.  

More information can be found on the City of Lawrence website. 

Join the Office of the Provost for its final TGIT of 2025 from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Hawks Nest on the Kansas Union's first floor. The event will provide an opportunity for faculty and staff to connect and enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages.  

Grab a colleague and enjoy some much-deserved relaxation before winter break. RSVPs are encouraged for planning purposes. 

Faculty and staff are invited to an interactive workshop led by Avi Kluger, professor of organizational behavior at Hebrew University Business School. The workshop will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday in the Nancy Walthall Doane Lecture Hall of Capitol Federal Hall. 

In his “A Taste of Listening Workshop,” Kluger will include a series of interactive games and exercises, exploring how communication dynamics shift when attention, empathy and curiosity come into consideration. Activities include mirroring exercises, storytelling with partners and guided listening challenges that highlight what makes conversations meaningful. The event will conclude with a reflective listening circle to share insights and deepen understanding.

Registration is required. 

Faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate a student deserving of a University Award. These awards recognize students who embody service excellence, dedication or whose academic achievements remain stellar. The student will then be prompted via email to complete an application for the award.  

Nominations close at 5 p.m. Thursday; however, students will be able to apply until Jan. 22.

The Bales Choral Society will present its fall semester concert at 7 p.m. Saturday at the St. Lawrence Catholic Center, 1631 Crescent Road. 

John Rutter’s “Gloria” highlights the program, which also features Rutter’s “Shepherd’s Pipe Carol,” Joseph Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto 3rd movement, Giovanni Gabrieli’s “Canzon Septimi Toni a 8,” Claude Daquin’s "Noël I," and “It was a Sunday,” which was composed by Bales Choral Society member J.R. Speake. 

The Bales Choral Society is made up of KU faculty, staff and students who represent many departments and disciplines across campus. KU brass and percussion musicians make up the orchestra. 

The choral society is under the direction of Wolfgang Reisinger, visiting professor of organ and church music from Vienna, assisted by graduate students in the music program. Cory Reames and Max Linares are featured conductors for the concert. 

Admission is free, and no ticket is required. Doors open at 6:40 p.m. and parking is available in regular lots on the KU campus. 

On Friday KU IT will be implementing a change to DUO Multi-Factor Authentication. This change should not impact most campus users. In the event authentication cannot be completed after the update, assistance is available through the IT Help Desk at 785-864-8080 or itcsc@ku.edu.

KU IT will perform a routine cleanup of IT accounts and groups that have been inactive for an extended period. No impact is expected for active accounts. Questions or concerns can be directed to regular IT Support groups or the IT Help Desk at 785-864-8080 or itcsc@ku.edu.

New and returning Jayhawks will receive a warm reception during Winter Welcome 2026, which will be held from Jan. 20-25. The campuswide week of programming and events will provide students with support and access to socially and educationally enriching opportunities, creating lasting memories and connections. 

The Center for Orientation and Transition Programs is asking participating units to complete the Call for Programs survey by Dec. 10. Offices hosting multiple events or offering the same event on multiple days should submit a separate form for each event. Be sure all required information is included. Incomplete submissions will not be accepted. 

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute will unveil its spring course catalog at two preview events next week:

Lifelong learners, instructors and staff will celebrate the next season of classes and trips. Refreshments will be provided.

The course catalog will go online on Dec. 9. Registration opens that day as well. Programs are focused on those 50 or over, but learners of all ages are welcome.

Your KU email account is the official channel for important university communications.

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