Daily Brief

20th Anniversary of the LGBTQ+ Resource Center

We are pleased to host Alok Vaid-Menon at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27, 218 MSU. This event is a celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the LGBTQ+ Resource Center and a collaboration with Residence Life’s annual “Hate Has No Home Here.” The schedule is as follows:
- 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Meet and Greet with Alok while painting your own protest sign about a cause that resonates with you.
- 7:30-8:30 p.m.: Presentation by Alok Vaid-Menon
- 8:30 p.m.: Book Signing
All attendees must have either a KU ID to swipe, or a free ticket from this link. Alok (they/them) is an internationally acclaimed poet, comedian, public speaker and actor. Alok’s literary works "Femme in Public," "Beyond the Gender Binary" and "Your Wound/My Garden" have garnered global recognition. Alok has been on Good Morning America, The Daily Show and has a new Comedy Special “Biology!” ALOK’s relentless advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and the dismantling of traditional fashion norms have garnered them accolades including the ACLU Centennial Bill of Rights Award. For more information, click on Events from the left menu on our LGBTQ+ Resource Center webpage or follow our LGBTQ+ Resource Center Instagram.

LGBTQ+ Resource Center

Diane Biehl, LGBTQ+ Resource Center

KU Planetarium to Reopen to Public

We've been transforming our planetarium with a new advanced multiple-projector system which offers sharper and more vibrant visuals than ever before. The planetarium will be open Thursday, March 27, and Thursday, April 17, for presentations of our newest show. Journey through the cosmos in "Legends of the Starry Realm," where ancient myths and celestial wonders collide. From the mighty gods and fearsome beasts of the night sky, to the real astronomical phenomena that inspired them, this immersive experience blends thrilling storytelling with stunning visuals. KU staff and faculty are invited to early shows at 11 a.m.
- 11 a.m. Thursday, March 27 (KU staff/faculty)
- 7 p.m. Thursday. March 27 (open to the public)
- 11 a.m. Thursday, April 17 (KU staff/faculty)
- 7 p.m. Thursday, April 17 (open to the public)
Please note that "Legends of the Starry Realm" is designed for a general audience, but some scenes may be intense or frightening for certain viewers, especially young children.

Planetarium

Phill Reed, Physical Sciences/KU Planetarium and Observatory

Diploma Frame and Alumni Merchandise Sale - 20% off

Shopping diploma frames or alumni merchandise for graduating seniors in your department? Grad Fest, March 24-25, is the only time we will have diploma frames discounted at 20% off. Don't miss this oppurtunity.

KU Campus Store

Kyle Rex, KU Campus Store

PASSHE Women's Consortium Spring Conference

Join fellow faculty, staff and students for a day of empowerment, collaboration and inspiration at this year's PASSHE Women's Consortium Conference, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday, April 11, Bloomsburg University. The theme is "Gender Equity, Multicultural Solidarity." The registration fee covers breakfast, lunch, refreshments and attendance at all sessions and events. Faculty are $45, staff are $35 and students are free with registration. Register online.

PASSHE Women's Consortium

Marlene Nanouh Fares, Academic Advising and Student Development

Friend Inc.'s 35th Annual Auction

Going once, going twice - it's Friend, Inc.'s 35th Annual Charity Auction at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 3. The auction is live as well as online. Tickets are on sale. Grab some friends and join the fun. There will be catered food, drinks, live music and delectable desserts up for bid. To register, buy tickets and for more info, visit www.friendinc.org. For more than 40 years, Friend, Inc. Community Services is a social support organization which works tirelessly to reduce food insecurity and other household economic pressures on families throughout rural northeast Berks County. Friend, Inc. also hosts a satellite location just off campus that serves more than 250-300 KU students weekly.

Friend, Inc.

Amanda Garcia, Community Outreach Center

Searchable General Education Course List

As we begin advising students for Fall 2025, the General Education Program and Assessment Committee (GEPAC) has made a comprehensive list of GE courses available on D2L. You can access a searchable and sortable spreadsheet of all courses on the GEPAC D2L page following this sequence: Content -> General Education Resources (module 1) -> General Education Course List (the first file in the list). This document is updated on D2L at least twice per year when advising time comes around. This list should help facilitate excellent advising conversations with your students.

General Education Program and Assessment Committee

CEL League of Learning Leaderboard

The latest League of Learning leaderboard standings are in and the competition is heating up. Remember, the more you participate, the more points you earn. At the end of the semester, the top three faculty members with the highest totals will win exciting prizes. Keep attending CEL events, engaging in professional learning and climbing the leaderboard. Remember to visit our Events page for more information on how you can take advantage of upcoming opportunities to learn and earn points.

Center for Engaged Learning

Center for Engaged Learning

KU in Mexico Study Abroad

Kutztown University and West Chester University students recently returned from studying abroad, visiting sites in Mexico City, Teotihuacán, Cuernavaca, Tepotzlán and Amatlán de Quetzalcóatl. With an emphasis on indigenous perspectives and experiences, the students heard from scholars and individuals impacted by forces of globalization and development over centuries to the present day. The study abroad participants clearly resonated with the message of power and solidarity found in community building.

Jennifer Schlegel, Anthropology and Sociology