Jayhawks Rising April Update

Dear Colleague,

As we continue the rollout of Jayhawks Rising, our multi-year strategic plan for KU Lawrence and Edwards, we are building on foundations that inform our vision, mission, institutional priorities, objectives and strategies. The integration of our foundations and aspirations elevates our work by bringing together equity and excellence, making us an exceptional learning environment that lifts each member and advances society.

Our foundations are the core of our identity as a Jayhawk community, derived from:

• Inclusive Excellence
• International Engagement
• Higher Learning Commission Accreditation
• AAU Membership
• Kansas Board of Regents Strategic Plan

Inclusive Excellence ensures diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are integral to everything we do, guiding the actions of administrative and academic units in the delivery of initiatives, policies, programs, and practices to advance DEIB and driving equity and excellence at KU.

The American Council on Education’s Internationalization Laboratory provides KU with access to guidance and insights that will position the university as a global leader among internationally-engaged research universities.

Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation provides a set of standards and criteria to assure we conduct our research, education and service with integrity; we deliver highly engaging educational experiences; our academic programs are rigorous; and we adhere to federal requirements, sound fiscal management, and ethical conduct. Aligning HLC criteria with our strategic plan institutionalizes the expectations of accreditation and focuses us on ensuring quality and continuous improvement.

KU is among an elite group of 65 leading research universities with membership in the Association of American Universities. Invited to join the AAU in 1909, our membership provides us with unparalleled recognition and resources as we in turn contribute research innovation and discovery that enhances our students’ educational experience and contributes to the health and economy of the state, the nation and the world.

The Kansas Board of Regents, which governs KU, adopted a five-year strategic plan in June 2020 called Building a Future. The plan focuses on three pillars: Helping Kansas Families, Supporting Kansas Businesses, and Advancing Economic Prosperity. Many of the key metrics identified to evaluate our progress in Jayhawks Rising line up with those included in the Board’s plan, and we will continue to explore opportunities to serve our state.

Putting It All Together

As we implement Jayhawks Rising, we will continue to integrate these foundations into a seamless whole that contributes to a stronger, more strategically aligned KU. Each of these foundations is critical to our mission to educate leaders, build healthy communities, and make discoveries that change the world.

Please visit jayhawksrising.ku.edu to learn more and to view our short introductory video. We will continue to update the site with new information and initiatives as they become available.

Thank you for all you do for KU.

Together, we are Jayhawks Rising.

Respectfully,

Barb

Barbara A. Bichelmeyer

Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor