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GRADUATION GUIDE
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This Year in News
CHANDLER BOESE & MCKENNA HARFORD @KansanNews
The 2017-18 school year was the last for a lot of things: it was the last academic year for Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little, the last school year without concealed carry being allowed on campus and the last school year without a Multicultural Student Government.
Now, reflecting upon the past remarkable year, the Kansan takes a look at some of the biggest stories and issues of the University's past nine months.
December sexual assault reported at McCarthy Hall, investigation ongo-
In January, it was revealed that a rape of a 16-year-old girl had been reported at McCarthy Hall, the apartment building where the men's basketball team resides, at the end of December, just after finals week. Five men's basketball players were listed as witnesses in the court documents, meaning they provided some sort of information in the early investigation. Deputy Chief James Anguiano of the Public Safety Office confirmed Monday that the investigation into the report is still ongoing.
ing
Chancellor stepping down, search underway for her replacement
September that she would be stepping down from her post in the summer of 2017. The closed search for her replacement, who will take office on or around July 1, 2017, is progressing well, with the committee currently reviewing applications.
Bernadette Gray-Little, the University's 17th chancellor, announced in
Union referendum voted down following controver- sial campaign
sial campaign
Students voted in April against a $50-a-semester student fee that would fund renovations of the Kansas Union beginning in fall of 2019. The campaign, which began in the fall and was led by student group Redo Your U, was briefly suspended just prior to the election, but was allowed to resume following an appeal hearing. Now, Union organizers are evaluating how to move forward.
Andrea Ringgenberg/KANSAN A crowd gathers on Wescoe Beach to protest the concealed carry laws going into effect on July 1,2017. Professor Eve Levin speaks about the history department's personal relationship with gun violence during the protest.
reflecting upon the past remarkable year, the Kansan takes a look at some of the biggest stories and issues of the University's past nine months."
partment received three reports of clown sightings, but none were confirmed and no arrests were made.
Clowns roam the streets of Lawrence
The University prepares for concealed carry despite protestations
Following a national trend of clowns being spotted at night, a few showed up in Lawrence one October night. Some photos went around Twitter and the Lawrence Police Despite protestations
Ahead of the arrival on concealed carry, the University's students, administrators and staff are making preparations, whether in policy changes, legislative action or protests. The law, which takes effect July 1,2017, is still being protested by students and staff, but the legislature has taken no action to stop it. The University has drafted a policy on concealed carry, but it is still being questioned by some on the Board of Regents.
Long, contentious election season ends in OneKU victory
The election for the next president and vice president of Student Senate included four coalitions, the most to run for the office in recent memory. The OneKU coalition, led by juniors Mady Womack and Mattie Carter, eventually triumphed. However, the road to their win was a long one, with several complaints being heard over the course of the election, including one challenging OneKU's win. Now, Womack and Carter say they're ready to get to work and put their platforms, including a sexual assault reporting platform and replacing SafeRide with Uber, into place.
Kansas cheerleaders suspended for Snapchat referencing KKK
After a controversial Snapchat featuring four Kansas cheerleaders was posted to one's account in November, all four were suspended from performing, and they later left the team. The Snapchat included three male cheerleaders wearing sweaters with "K"s on them and standing in a row, with the caption "kkk go trump" across the photo. In December, KU Athletics confirmed that one of the cheerleaders had graduated and the other three had voluntarily stepped down.
Multicultural Student Government recognized and funded by Student Senate
The Multicultural Student Government finally ended its year-long battle for recognition this April when Student Senate agreed to fund the group and write it into Senate's Rules and Regulations. Ultimately, the MSG had to compromise, taking a $1-per-student fee instead of $2 and having limited independence from Student Senate. MSG had tried many avenues for recognition, including petitioning Senate last year and vying for seats on University Senate in the fall.
Climate study reveals problems among students,
At the end of March, the University released the results of the campus climate study, which showed both assets and problems in the University community. For example, 84 percent of respondents were happy with the classroom climate, but 37 percent had considered leaving the University at some point. Since the results were released, students and faculty have said they were not surprised, but they think the numbers will strengthen the University's actions moving forward.
Class of 2017
Celebrate Graduation with the KU Alumni Association!
Grad Grill 5-8 p.m. Stop Day, Friday, May 5 Adams Alumni Center Join us for FREE Mexican food, music, photo booth, prizes and more. It's our way of saying "Congratulations on your graduation!" All graduating seniors are invited.
8:30-10:30 a.m. Coffee and photos Noon-3 p.m. Snacks, drinks, complimentary champagne flute The entire family is welcome!
Graduates receive a one-year gift membership effective through May 31, 2018, courtesy of the KU Alumni Association and KU Endowment.
Visit kualumni.org to learn more about what the KU Alumni Association has to offer you. Questions? Call 785-864-4760.
Commencement Open House Commencement Day, Sunday, May 14 Adams Alumni Center
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION The University of Kansas
Con-GRAD-ulations!
class of 2017!
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