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The Commons in the News

The Commons offers opportunities to engage through in-person and virtual programs, dialogues, and events. We invite you to read more about what we've done, and where we're going.


Prominent News



Five postcards featuring color photographs of buildings overlap each other on a white background
The University of Kansas and community organizations, along with KU faculty members Tim Hossler and Elise Kirk, have published a set of 10 postcards about the experiences of Langston Hughes while he lived in Lawrence. Community members can pick up postcards for free at locations on the Lawrence campus and around town.
Woman with brown eyes and curly hair sitting in front of a tree
The Spring 2026 Kenneth A. Spencer Lecture at the University of Kansas will feature mycologist, curator, author and educator Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian. Additionally, The Commons will partner with Haskell Greenhouse and the KU Field Station to offer two outdoor opportunities with Ononiwu Kaishian within local landscapes.
woman presents from podium, gesturing toward screen
The Commons will host Red Hot Research events for University of Kansas faculty on Oct. 30, Nov. 6 and Dec. 4. One Red Hot Graduate Research event will take place Nov. 13.

More news

woman presents from podium, gesturing toward screen

The Commons announces Red Hot Research dates for fall 2026

The Commons will host Red Hot Research events for University of Kansas faculty on Oct. 30, Nov. 6 and Dec. 4. One Red Hot Graduate Research event will take place Nov. 13.
Five postcards featuring color photographs of buildings overlap each other on a white background

KU and community partners publish postcards celebrating the life of Langston Hughes in Lawrence

The University of Kansas and community organizations, along with KU faculty members Tim Hossler and Elise Kirk, have published a set of 10 postcards about the experiences of Langston Hughes while he lived in Lawrence. Community members can pick up postcards for free at locations on the Lawrence campus and around town.
Woman with brown eyes and curly hair sitting in front of a tree

The Commons will host mycologist, author Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian for the Kenneth A. Spencer Lecture

The Spring 2026 Kenneth A. Spencer Lecture at the University of Kansas will feature mycologist, curator, author and educator Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian. Additionally, The Commons will partner with Haskell Greenhouse and the KU Field Station to offer two outdoor opportunities with Ononiwu Kaishian within local landscapes.
Woman with blond curly hair gestures to screen with flowers

The Commons announces Red Hot Research Events for spring 2026

The Commons at the University of Kansas will host Red Hot Research sessions in February, March, April and May, including one session in conjunction with the Office of Faculty Affairs and one Red Hot Graduate Research event. The first event will take place at 4 p.m. Feb. 20 at Watson Library, 3 West.