The 2017 Chancellor’s Report – showcasing KU’s top stories from the past year – will launch March 13. Digital assets will be delivered to KU Communicators via email and Hawk Drive one week prior.
 
To help Communicators launch the digital version of the Chancellor’s Report, the Office of Public Affairs will host a social media workshop today from 2-3 p.m. in the Kansas Room of the Kansas Union. As in years past, we will provide Communicators with assets and social posts to help you promote the stories that relate to your departments.
 

The annual U.S. News & World Report graduate rankings will be published March 14.

As in past years, we ask all schools and departments to refrain from public promotion of the rankings until Public Affairs publishes the main KU news release that morning. After that, you are free to publicize the rankings however you see fit. This year’s release will likely look similar to last year’s announcement.
 

A few Communicators have asked about using Facebook Live for recognition events during Commencement weekend. At this point, Facebook Live should not be considered a viable option for these events for the following reasons:
 
- Facebook Live does not allow for closed captions to be added to videos. KU strives to make reasonable accommodations to ensure all individuals can access our videos.
 
- The audio and video quality of Facebook Live videos is inconsistent and depends on signal strength and other factors that can’t necessarily be controlled during recognition events.
 
- Facebook Live is designed to be an informal live streaming option and, thus, isn’t appropriate for formal recognition events.
 
KU offers live streaming options for internal units through Information Technology. The Lied Center also provides web streaming services. Units and departments may also contract with a non-university source to provide video and captioning services.
 

This year, for the first time, students can purchase KU branded regalia to wear at Commencement and recognition ceremonies. The branded regalia includes the Trajan KU logo on one cuff and the Jayhawk on the other cuff. An optional Jayhawk zipper pull is also available.
 
Students can purchase regalia – as well as personalized graduation announcements, cap and gown portraits, and class rings – at the Spring Grad Fair scheduled for March 14 and 15 at the Kansas Union.
 
Learn more about regalia options.
 

In her latest Monday Message, "Reaffirming our core values," Chancellor Gray-Little discussed the current political environment and reaffirmed KU's most fundamental principles.

In particular, she expressed concern about the free flow of international scholars; the importance of research funding; targeted threats to specific areas of research; and diversity and inclusion.

We encourage Communicators to look to this message for guidance as you discuss these topics among your specific constituents.
 

Marketing Communications will launch the "Our Chant Rises" brand campaign this spring. We appreciate the support you’ve shown for the campaign already, and we can’t wait to share the story (and, yes, templates) with you.

Expect details on the brand kickoff for KU Communicators soon. In the meantime, contact Lauren Erickson with questions.
 

On February 20, Chancellor Gray-Little delivered testimony to the Senate Ways and Means Higher Education Sub-committee​. She provided an overview of KU's budget, successes and challenges.