Welcome to the 2025-26 Academic Year

Dear Jayhawk, 

We are about to welcome new and returning students with high spirits and a lifetime of opportunities before them. Our academic programs and support efforts help them develop into creators, problem-solvers, professionals, achievers and leaders. It’s a transformation we are fortunate to both influence  and witness. Their growth and upward trajectory are strengthened through your commitment to constant learning, exploration and collaboration. Our students’ potential and future aspirations are tied to your excellence in teaching, research and service as faculty and staff. 

As scholars and higher education professionals, we can use every interaction with our students – and with each other – to improve our community in ways that help each of us rise above any challenges we face. KU’s IRISE values and campus culture charter of Integrity, Respect, Innovation, Stewardship and Excellence set the standards for how we act on our campuses and how we treat others. Our IRISE values were developed in partnership with University Governance leaders and serve as an agreement within the community about what it means to act as a Jayhawk. Please take a moment to review the IRISE values and contemplate how you can apply them. 

Freedom of Expression 

Our IRISE values guide us and our students as they continue to learn more about and apply their right to freedom of expression. 

In a setting as diverse as KU, at some point we will likely encounter ideas, opinions and philosophies from others that we personally find disagreeable or offensive. Although offensive speech can be painful, it is generally considered protected speech under the First Amendment. When it happens, we need to strongly encourage and facilitate civil and respectful discussion and interaction while also doing our best to ensure we do not inhibit or penalize expression protected by the First Amendment. Threats, incitement of violence and targeted harassment are not protected. The Kansas Board of Regents provides guidance in its Statement on Free Expression.

Academic Freedom

As a leading research institution, we are privileged to explore ideas, pursue research and discuss novel and challenging findings and ideas, whether that occurs in our classrooms, in our hallways, or at our conferences. At KU we value academic freedom that advances our understanding and knowledge as we conduct our research, teaching and scholarly activities. You can read more about our dedication to academic freedom in Section 4 of the Code of Ethical Conduct.

Support for Mental Wellness

We continue to face challenging times that affect people differently. Please be aware of how those around you – coworkers, students, colleagues – are faring and connect them to support if you notice them struggling in any way. The Support Care and Referral Team, a collaborative effort of Student Affairs and Human Resources, offers care and wellbeing guidance to all members of the KU community – students, staff and faculty. Students also have access to services through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). 

Each one of us can make a difference in someone’s life. Learn to spot the signs and put the individual in touch with campus and regional resources. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 9-8-8 on any activated phone, will automatically connect to a crisis call center. You can learn more about the lifeline and resources at the HeadQuarters Kansas in Lawrence or the Johnson County Mental Health Center.

Support for Teaching and Instruction

The Center for Teaching Excellence website offers support and guidance to address your questions about teaching and learning. CTE also provides a broad array of programs and resources to help instructors at every turn. The Center for Online and Distance Learning also provides free course design, course transformation and implementation services for online, hybrid and flexible courses. Additional instructional resources and academic career support are available through KU Libraries, Spencer Museum of Art, KU Information Technology and the Office of Faculty Affairs and its programs for faculty development and growth.

Resources, Offices and Policies to Know

KU has numerous resources to guide us, as well as shape and support our academic year, and our interactions with students and each other. This year, our annual required training – including topics of cybersecurity and harassment prevention – will need to be completed during the fall semester. Additional policies, resources and offices may help you find quick access to other helpful information

A few sites to further highlight this semester include:

• How to get classroom technology support from KU Information Technology,
• The Office of Faculty Affairs,
• The fall 25 academic calendar,
• The Religious Observance Calendar,
• The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX for reporting incidents of discrimination and harassment
• KU’s inclement weather policy, and
• Protection of student records (FERPA)

As a leading research institution and top-tier public university, it is our mission to provide access to higher education for citizens of the State of Kansas and beyond. In doing so, we each must do our part to ensure each member of our community experiences connection and belonging. Our interactions and engagement with each other should be based on mutual respect for each other. Ultimately, we each are her to promote and support the personal and professional success of each individual.

Beginning of a Great Semester

This academic year at KU will be filled with growth and exciting times and breakthrough discoveries and advances that improve the world. Our faculty, staff and student employees have worked hard to build KU Lawrence and Edwards into a force for learning, innovation and achievement. Please take a moment to appreciate and celebrate the Jayhawk community and all it represents.

Thank you for all your efforts to prepare for the semester. Your work lifts our students, advances our discovery and innovation, and supports the success of your colleagues. 

Respectfully, 

Barb

Barbara A. Bichelmeyer

University Chief Academic Officer/Provost &

Executive Vice Chancellor, KU Lawrence and Edwards Campuses