Agenda and Meeting Notes

All Team Agenda – July 7, 2026

• Budget Update
• UAKU Implementation Updates
• KBOR Approved Definitions for DEI/CRT

Meeting Notes

Budget Update

Jason Hornberger, Vice Provost for Finance, provided a financial update and previewed a more comprehensive budget discussion to take place with Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice Chancellor Jeff DeWitt. Information available in October, including enrollment, state appropriations and federal research funding, is expected to provide a clearer picture of the university’s financial position. Hornberger also shared that the One KU Finance reorganization is ongoing and is expected to continue through December.

Hornberger reviewed KU’s core financial objectives and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to investing in market pay, with another round of market-based salary adjustments anticipated in FY27. 

Hornberger summarized preliminary enrollment trends for the fall semester, noting that headcount and student credit hour figures are not official until 20th day numbers. The Kansas Board of Regents agreed to tuition changes: Resident undergraduate tuition increased by 4%, while non-resident undergraduate and graduate tuition rates increased by 5%.

During the 2026 legislative session, KU Lawrence and Edwards campuses received a 2.5% reduction in state appropriations, partially offset by a 1% state pay plan and associated fringe benefit funding; the KU Medical Center did not receive a reduction. State support for the Kansas Geological Survey and Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center was preserved. Hornberger highlighted several inflationary pressures facing the university, including an 8% increase in utility costs and significant increases in state health insurance expenses over the next two years.

UAKU Implementation Updates

Amy Mendenhall, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, provided a short update on UAKU implementation, noting that in April, the collective bargaining agreement was ratified and recognized by KBOR and the Kansas Department of Administration. Mendenhall shared a timeline of next steps and meetings related to titles, compensation, intellectual property, and the supplemental salary fund program. Additional information, including collective bargaining workshops, will be shared online on the Faculty Affairs website.

KBOR Approved Definitions for DEI/CRT

Ric Steele, Interim Vice Provost for Academic Affairs; Mike Leitch, Deputy General Counsel; and Arash Mafi, Chief Academic Officer, Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor of the Lawrence and Edwards campuses; discussed the Kansas Board of Regents’ work to implement the DEI/CRT-related budget proviso included in the state budget. Discussion included key requirements and KBOR’s implementation timeline. The group also presented and discussed optional statements that faculty can include in their syllabi. Guidance will be shared broadly with faculty and academic staff in the coming weeks.