As a new academic year is about to begin, the Office of Admissions and Scholarships is already recruiting the next generation of Jayhawks. Kansans are vital to the vibrancy and diversity of campus, and the University of Kansas is committed to ensuring students from across the state understand what KU and the community of Lawrence have to offer them. We all look forward to the time when they will become Jayhawks.

Seven in 10 KU students are Kansans and we’re proud that more Kansas students attend KU than any other university in the state. The KU freshman class ACT average is 24.8, which is also the highest ACT profile among state universities.

Each fall, the weeklong Rock Chalk Roadshow kicks off the new recruitment year. In addition, KU builds relationships many other ways, from the 12,000 phone calls we make to prospective students each year to attendance at every college fair in the state. Here’s a glimpse of how KU recruiters reach out to Kansans every year:

l More than 270 individual Kansas high school and community college visits. These visits give ample time for prospective Jayhawks to talk directly with counselors about KU and the opportunities available to them. Admissions counselors follow up with the students they meet throughout the year, answering questions about admissions and credit transfers, offering advice, and more.

l Hawk Talks throughout the state. Students and families can easily tell they’re wanted at KU when they arrive at these Jayhawk-spirit-filled information nights around Kansas. Admissions counselors help students explore everything it means to be a Jayhawk, from academics to student life and traditions.

l Attendance at every Kansas college fair. We want the best and brightest Kansans to be Jayhawks. KU admissions representatives attend every college fair in Kansas to make sure the best and the brightest know the opportunities available at KU.

l Information sessions for high school and community college counselors. Kansas counselors advise high school and community college students every day about college choices. These sessions give our staff a chance to thank counselors and provide up-to-date information about KU so Kansas students always know what’s happening on the Hill.

Additionally, admissions counselors host 275 daily campus visits and more than 500 events around the country to recruit Jayhawks. We host eight events just for Lawrence students. The KU Alumni Association hosts Jayhawk Generations picnics throughout the state, and the Office of Admissions and Scholarships is represented to welcome new Jayhawks. These events allow KU to foster new relationships with future Jayhawks, learn about their interests, and help them understand why KU is a great place to be.

Contrary to belief, there is no list of every Kansas high school senior, or of every student interested in KU, which is why the team in the Office of Admissions and Scholarships want to hear about students you think would be great additions to the KU community. You can e-mail names and contact information of prospective students to adm@ku.edu or refer students to www.admissions.ku.edu (click “Join Mailing List”.)

Genuine, personal connections are the best way for Kansas students to get to know KU. We’re committed to making those connections, whether that’s on the road or right here in Lawrence, because we know KU serves the entire state of Kansas, from Johnson City to Johnson County.