KU Environmental Studies

This summer, Potter Lake is getting a makeover for its 113th birthday. A major project will begin in May to dredge the lake, rebuild portions of the original edge wall, and improve the spillway and sediment basin. Part of the work will be to collect turtles, frogs and reptiles and relocate them to a pond in KU’s West District.

KU continues efforts for reaffirmation of accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, whose peer review team will visit in 2025. Criterion 3 focuses on teaching and learning, particularly in quality, and level of resources and support. One such example of Criterion 3 in action is Environmental Geopolitics, a class where students learn to communicate their research through podcasting and publishing their work.

Three outstanding University Honors students have been selected as the KU nominees for Harry S. Truman Scholarships. The prestigious national awards, which provide up to $30,000 for graduate study, are given to college juniors for leadership in public service.

UGRA recipients are awarded a $1,000 scholarship as they work on mentored research and creative projects. Students apply for UGRAs by writing a four-page research proposal under the guidance of a mentor. Faculty reviewers evaluate the applications based on the merit of the applicant’s proposal and a recommendation from the mentor.