University of Kansas Provost Office

Last week the 2026 cohort of Staff Fellows presented recommendations for strengthening employee recognition and appreciation at KU. The written report “All Jayhawks, One Nest: Building appreciation and recognition at the foundation of KU culture, one twig at a time,” is available to view online, as is the fellows' recorded presentation.

The cohort's work focused on identifying meaningful, inclusive and consistent approaches to recognition that supported employee engagement, reinforced KU’s commitment to a positive workplace experience, and helped identify strategies and initiatives for cost-effective and sustainable action.

Learn more and find links to view the report and presentation in Campus Insider: https://t.e2ma.net/webview/rylo7y/f0339f63644ec043457e4771da3b7cc8

KU congratulates the more than 100 faculty and academic, support, and unclassified professional staff affiliated with the Lawrence and Edwards campuses who retired during the 2025-26 academic year.

At a luncheon during the spring semester, the retirees from the academic year were individually recognized and thanked by Chancellor Douglas A. Girod and Chief Academic Officer, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Arash Mafi.

Anita Abel, associate director in the Office of Research, won the grand prize of two round-trip tickets to anywhere Southwest Airlines flies.

Find a full list of the past year's retirees and photos from the event in Campus Insider: https://t.e2ma.net/webview/rylo7y/f0339f63644ec043457e4771da3b7cc8

Leslie O'Neil, band office manager in the School of Music, and Robert Waller, interim business manager in the School of Pharmacy and financial analyst in the Budget Office, were selected as May Employees of the Month.

O'Neil's peers noted her collaboration, dedication and support of several activities in the school and the band program. Waller's colleagues recognized his dedication to handling the duties of multiple roles and attention to detail.

Read more: https://t.e2ma.net/webview/nzzc7y/3c2e3e709f9397300ac3d6c7e76ef77d

Applications for the Fall 2026 Employee Tuition Assistance Program are due at 5 p.m. July 3. Timely submission is required, and late applications will be denied.

The Employee Tuition Assistance Program provides eligible employees with assistance to cover tuition for up to 12 credit hours per calendar year. Visit Human Resources’ tuition assistance webpage for more information and eligibility requirements: https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance

Read more in Campus Insider: https://t.e2ma.net/webview/bacw6y/271b432e4bd02ceae54e02e148baf817

Annual staff self-evaluations are due by June 30. Notifications have been sent via email, and the evaluations can be accessed in MyTalent. Step-by-step instructions for completing evaluations are available at https://humanresources.ku.edu/performance-management-system.

Please note:

▪️June 30: Staff self-evaluations are due.
▪️Aug. 28: Supervisors must submit their evaluations of direct reports.
▪️Aug. 31: Following the supervisor’s evaluation, employees must acknowledge the completed review.
▪️Sept. 3: Supervisors must finalize the process by submitting their acknowledgment.

Read more in Campus Insider: https://t.e2ma.net/webview/bacw6y/271b432e4bd02ceae54e02e148baf817

In preparation for the World Cup this summer, KU will require a valid parking permit for all Lawrence campus lots, including those zoned for housing. Overnight parking on campus will also require a valid permit.

In previous summers, KU had opened its green zone lots, which are housing lots used by students living on campus. From June 1 through July 24, a valid KU parking permit will be required for green lots. Accommodations will be made for summer camp participants and their families.

Additionally, from June 11 to July 13, lot 300 sections A-D and lot 302 will be available for public parking for a fee of $10 per vehicle via the HONK app. These lots are in the Lawrence campus’ West District, next to the Lied Center and south of Becker Drive, respectively. A shuttle will run every 15 minutes from these lots to the Lawrence Transit Central Station at Bob Billings and Crestline Drive, which will connect to KC2026 routes within the city and region.

KU has ensured that parking will continue to be available in lots 300 and 302 for those with valid KU permits. Permit holders will not need to pay an additional fee to use these lots during this time.

Read more in Campus Insider: https://t.e2ma.net/webview/bacw6y/271b432e4bd02ceae54e02e148baf817

Beginning June 1, most academic and administrative buildings on the Lawrence campus will be closed to the public between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. The increased security measures are part of KU’s efforts to ensure a more secure environment during the World Cup.

Faculty and staff who need access to their buildings before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. will need to use their KUIDs and enter through doors with key card readers.

Anyone with a KUID card issued before May 2017 or without a card due to loss, theft or damage will need a new card to access buildings outside of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To request a new card, go to the Card Center's website.

Read more in Campus Insider: https://t.e2ma.net/webview/ri5g6y/8b9568b17a06c68e962ab261b536c6f3