WRITER: Lauren Fox

KU provost fields questions from University Senate, says using controversial Regents policy on tenure would be a ‘last resort’

For months, University of Kansas faculty and staff have voiced their displeasure regarding a Kansas Board of Regents policy that would temporarily eliminate faculty tenure protection at universities. And on Thursday afternoon, they asked KU provost Barbara Bichelmeyer why KU was the only Regents university that had not rejected the policy. At a University Senate meeting, Bichelmeyer said she was “absolutely ...

After being sued for allegedly violating student’s First Amendment rights, Haskell president restricts how employees can communicate

Story updated at 7:07 p.m. Thursday: The president of Haskell Indian Nations University is once again being accused of writing an unconstitutional directive — this time addressed to his employees — by a nonprofit dedicated to protecting free speech rights on college campuses. On March 11, Haskell President Ronald Graham sent a directive to Haskell employees regarding the “chain of command” and how ...

Frances Horowitz, former KU vice chancellor and child development specialist, dies at 88

A former University of Kansas vice chancellor who went on to become president of the Graduate Center at the City University of New York died on March 15. Frances Horowitz was vice chancellor for Research, Graduate Studies and Public Services at KU from 1978 to 1991. She first came to KU in 1960 as a guest research associate with KU's Bureau of Child Research, which is now called the Life Span Institute. Later, ...

Sigler Pharmacy and Theatre Lawrence partner to host vaccine clinics — and entertainment is included

A local theater and a pharmacy have teamed up to host one of Douglas County’s COVID-19 vaccination sites, and when someone gets a shot at the theater, it comes with a show. Sigler Pharmacy has been using Theatre Lawrence as its vaccine clinic site since late February. During clinics, the will-call window and bar area become check-in spots, the lobby is the vaccination site and the stage is the observation ...

University Press of Kansas to continue operating, will implement cost-saving measures such as producing fewer titles

After being under review due to “significant” financial challenges, the University Press of Kansas announced recently that it would continue its work — with some new cost-saving measures in place. The provosts of Kansas’ six Regents universities, who make up the press’ Board of Trustees, placed Kevin Smith, dean of libraries at the University of Kansas, as the new director of the press. Smith said ...

Haskell to return to in-person classes in fall, as well as hybrid, online options

After an entirely remote 2020-2021 school year, Haskell Indian Nations University will once again hold in-person instruction in the fall. A Sunday email from Haskell Registrar Lou Hara states that Haskell will hold in-person, hybrid and online classes in the fall. Any class listed with a room and Haskell building will be an in-person class, Hara's email states. When asked for a copy of the email, Hara directed ...