In Academic Success, formerly Undergraduate Studies, we support the intellectual engagement and pursuit of learning by all KU students throughout their undergraduate education, from orientation to graduation and beyond. As students develop their educational goals and career interests, we provide guidance, academic support, and ensure an accessible learning environment through advising, tutoring, first year experiences, undergraduate research, service learning and comprehensive career services.
Your support today of Academic Success will have a direct impact on the success and graduation of each and every undergraduate student at the University of Kansas.
Support our OPPORTUNITY FUND
Experiences beyond the classroom, such as internships, service learning or research, have proven to enhance the student learning experience and help better prepare students for next steps. In fact, students who have these experiences are hired quickly and admitted to graduate programs more frequently than students who do not. While these experiences are a critical component of students’ resumes, there are a variety of financial barriers that prevent students from participating. Offering students financial support in this area can open a world of opportunities, influence students’ decisions about choosing a specific academic and/or career path, and position them to meet their career goals. Only 30 percent of students enter KU knowing their majors and 62 percent of students who graduate had an internship while attending KU.
In order to reach our goal of having every undergraduate student engage in an experiential learning opportunity before graduation, we need to reduce the barriers to participation by offering financial assistance and resources. For example, the Opportunity Fund supports The Professional House of Garments (The P.H.O.G.), which provides KU students with free professional and business casual attire appropriate for interviews, networking events, and the workplace.
Support our PASSPORT FUND
KU is ranked 22nd in the nation among public doctoral-granting colleges and universities for undergraduate participation in study abroad programs. One in four of our undergraduate students will study abroad during their time at KU. Research shows that students who participate in study abroad are 6 percent more likely to graduate in four years and earn a higher GPA compared to their peers who did not study abroad. One of the common barriers to study abroad is the cost of a U.S. passport. To alleviate this expense, we have partnered with KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement to establish funding to offset the cost of a passport. In 2019-20, this collaborative effort provided over 140 passports to KU undergraduate students in need through the Passport Caravan. Our goal is to expand access to study abroad to all undergraduate students, particularly first-generation, Pell-eligible, and underrepresented minority students.
Your gift will support students who might not otherwise pursue the priceless experience of studying abroad.
