Agenda and Meeting Notes

All Team Agenda – Oct. 6, 2026

  • HLC Mid-Cycle Review Kickoff
  • Federal Regulatory Changes Affecting International Students
  • National Academies 2026 Public Summit
  • Provost Updates

Meeting Notes

HLC Mid-Cycle Review Kickoff 

Ric Steele, Vice Provost for Graduate Studies and Academic Effectiveness, formally announced the process for KU’s mid-cycle assurance review by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The mid-cycle review is scheduled for AY 2028-29. Steele shared a 10-year timeline for the full accreditation cycle and discussed how the mid-cycle review will be structured. Leads for the four criterion committees have already been designated. KU’s steering committee, made up of co-leads from each criterion committee, will coordinate across the groups and oversee the process. 

Evidence and lessons from the 2025 accreditation review will inform the upcoming mid-cycle review. Areas identified for continued improvement include advancing One KU research initiatives, strengthening assessment and program review processes across campuses, refining the strategic enrollment plan, and improving communication and transparency between administration, faculty, and staff. Mid-cycle planning efforts will also address several identified risks, including federal compliance requirements for distance education programs and assessment of student learning in non-accredited programs. 

Campus communications about HLC planning and opportunities for involvement will be shared in the coming weeks. 

Federal Regulatory Changes Affecting International Students

Roberta Pokphanh, Associate Vice Provost for Student Support & Academic Services in the Office of International Affairs, discussed recent federal regulatory changes affecting international students and scholars. 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) now limits approval of internships unless they are required for all students within a program. This change is due to the federal government reinterpreting what “integral” means and has created significant challenges for students seeking experiential learning opportunities.

Pokphanh also discussed a federal rule intended to replace the duration of status framework with a fixed period of admission for international students. Although implementation was temporarily halted by a federal court injunction, the rule could significantly affect how long students are permitted to remain in the country and complete their degrees. Provisions in the rule would restrict undergraduate students from changing majors or transferring to another institution during their first year, or if they’re on probation; English as a Second Language study would be limited to 24 months total; F-1 students would be prohibited from pursuing a same or lower-level degree if they completed a U.S. degree after the rule is implemented. 

International Support Services (ISS) has responded by providing targeted communications, hosting information sessions and town halls, updating advising resources, and revising orientation materials. Pokphanh encouraged leaders to direct students with questions to ISS as each case is distinct. Faculty and staff questions should reach out to Pokphanh directly. Additional federal changes affecting Optional Practical Training (OPT) may be forthcoming.

National Academies 2026 Public Summit

Lauren Jones McKown, Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights & Title IX, announced that KU will host the National Academies’ 2026 Public Summit focused on addressing sexual harassment and creating safer environments in higher education. The summit, Oct. 21-22, will be free and open to the public. Session information and presenter details will be released soon. The event takes place in the Kansas Memorial Union and will be livestreamed.

Provost Updates 

Arash Mafi, Chief Academic Officer, Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor for Lawrence and Edwards, discussed the Academic Affairs reorganization and ongoing review of Jayhawk Global. Mafi noted that many key functions supporting online education currently reside outside of Jayhawk Global, and this was an opportunity to rethink the long-term approach to KU Online.