University of Kansas Strategic Framework

• The framework outlines KU’s mission-critical priorities, foundational support areas, and high-level metrics and targets. ​

• It’s our shared playbook for how we make decisions, set priorities, and take action across all our campuses.​

• It will not be a 5- or 10-year plan, but rather a perpetually evolving framework. Built-in accountability and transparency processes will support ongoing monitoring and adaptation. ​

• The framework builds directly on existing campus-level plans — Jayhawks Rising and the KU Medical Center Strategic Plan — ensuring clear continuity. It incorporates the priorities, insights and processes that have already generated meaningful progress and momentum.

The draft strategic framework is organized around the following elements: 

Mission Priorities 

• Student Success 
• Healthy Communities 
• Research & Discovery 

Mission Amplifier 

• Kansas Athletics 

Our mission priorities form the foundation of the Jayhawk experience. Kansas Athletics serves as a powerful mission amplifier, extending the reach and visibility of the University in ways that enhance impact and engagement. 

Mission Drivers 

• Students 
• Faculty and Staff 
• Federal, State, Local and Corporate Partners 
• Alumni 
• Donors

Our internal and external stakeholders are central to advancing our mission. The Jayhawk experience is shaped and sustained by the contributions of students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and partners, whose collective efforts enable the University to achieve its desired outcomes.  

Mission Outcomes 

• Public Impact 
• Prepared, Engaged, and Satisfied Graduates 
• New Knowledge and Innovation 

Internal Mission Supports 

• Operational Excellence and Administrative Efficiency 
• Organizational Culture and Employee Satisfaction 
• Communication and Engagement 
• Data-Informed Decision-Making 

The internal mission support areas represent the systems, practices and capabilities that ensure we advance our priorities efficiently and effectively. 

Institutional Values (IRISE) 

• Integrity 
• Respect 
• Innovation 
• Stewardship 
• Excellence 

Across all efforts, our work is guided by the IRISE values, which foster a cohesive, values-driven culture and strengthen our institutional environment.

Beginning in April 2026, KU’s Strategy Office initiated a six-month, university-wide engagement process. This effort is designed to inform, engage and gather feedback from faculty, staff, students, affiliates and external partners.  

The goal of this process is to refine the framework based on broad input, ensuring it reflects a shared vision—one in which all members of the KU community can see their role and understand our collective purpose and impact. 

In addition to refining the framework, design teams for each mission priority and internal support area will be established throughout summer and fall 2026. These teams will: 

• Define key metrics and performance targets 
• Recommend strategies to drive measurable impact 
• Incorporate feedback gathered through the engagement process 

Design teams will include representatives from across the KU Lawrence–Edwards and KU Medical Center campuses, ensuring diverse perspectives and alignment across the institution. 

In spring 2027, the finalized University of Kansas strategic framework will be formally launched. The Strategy Office and the University Cabinet will lead implementation and alignment efforts across schools and support units throughout 2027. 

Beginning in fiscal year 2028, the University of Kansas strategic framework will be fully implemented and existing campus-level strategic plans will be phased out to ensure alignment under the One KU approach.