Resources for the Spring Semester

Dear Colleague, 

Welcome to the start of the spring 2026 semester.

As higher education professionals we take great pride that our research, education and service transform the lives of our students and improve the wellbeing of our state, region and nation.

Now that we’re all back, please take a moment to remind yourself of the following resources that can help you, your students and your colleagues navigate the semester. We can use every interaction with our students – and with each other – to lift our community in ways that help each of us rise above any challenge we face.

KU’s IRISE values and campus culture charter of Integrity, Respect, Innovation, Stewardship and Excellence set the standards for how we treat each other. Our IRISE values were developed in partnership between university and governance leaders and serve as our agreement about what it means to act as a Jayhawk. Please review the IRISE values online and consider how you can apply them.  

Freedom of Expression 

In a setting as diverse as KU, we each are bound to 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 engage in civil and respectful dialogue while also ensuring we do not inhibit or penalize expression protected by the First Amendment. Threats, incitement of violence and targeted harassment are not protected. KU’s Free Speech website provides resources and information for employees and students. 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 challenging findings in our classrooms, hallways, and at our conferences. At KU we value academic freedom that advances discovery, education 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 impact people in different ways. Please be aware of how coworkers, students, colleagues are doing 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 also have access to services through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).   

In an emergency, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988 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 provides a broad array of programs and resources to help instructors.

The Center for Online and Distance Learning 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, to support our academic endeavors, and our interactions with students and each other. Policies, resources and offices may help you find quick access to 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 spring 2026 academic calendar,
• The Religious Observance Calendar,
• The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX for reporting incidents of discrimination and harassment,
• The office of International Affairs,
• KU’s inclement weather policy, and
• Protection of student records (FERPA)

When You Aren’t Sure

If you experience a difficult, urgent situation and aren’t sure where to turn, please reach out to your administrative or academic unit leader’s office for guidance. Together, we will work to ensure there is prompt, coordinated support.

Beginning of a Great Semester

This semester will be marked by growth, breakthroughs and advances that serve our students and build our state. Our faculty, staff and student employees have worked hard to create KU Lawrence and Edwards as a force for learning, innovation and achievement.

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