Bronze Jayhawk Statue in front of Strong Hall

Compliance Spotlight Sessions

Past Sessions

The Office of Integrity & Compliance hosts panel discussions focused on compliance-related topics. See below to explore topics and to watch previously held sessions.

Digital Accessibility and ADA Title II (July 2025)

This session covers digital accessibility with a focus on compliance with ADA Title II. Higher education institutions must comply with ADA Title II standards to ensure their web content and digital resources are accessible to all users. This panel aims to explore the importance of digital accessibility at the University of Kansas, share best practices, and discuss the resources available to faculty and staff for making electronic data accessible. *Note: The referenced WCAG 2.0 ADA Compliance deadline has been extended to April 2027

Key Takeaways:

  • Digital accessibility must be built into content from the beginning rather than fixed after problems are identified.
  • If students, employees, or the public use it to access a KU service, program, or information, it should be accessible.
  • Accessible content creates a better experience for everyone, not just individuals with disabilities.
  • Accessibility requirements now align more closely with modern accessibility standards.
  • Accessibility is expected before content is published.
  • Faculty and staff should consider accessibility during content creation.
  • Retrofitting content is far more difficult than building accessibility from the start.
     

Accessibility applies to more content than many people realize. Keep accessibility in mind when working with the following content:

  • Webpages
  • PDF's
  • Word documents
  • Social media content
  • Learning management systems
  • Videos and multimedia
  • Mobile apps
  • Files hosted on external websites when required for KU programs or coursework

When creating digital content consider the various demographics of users that will access your content including, but not limited to:

  • Users with temporary disabilities
  • Users who are accessing content on mobile devices
  • Users who need larger text
  • Students listening to assigned readings
  • Users navigating content using assistive technologies

Most common issues that can be quickly remedied:

Common IssuesQuick Fixes
Missing heading structureUse built-in heading style
Poorly scanned PDFsReplace inaccessible PDFs whenever possible 
Images without alternative textAdd alt text to meaningful images
Nondescriptive hyperlinks, e.g. labeling links "click here"Make hyperlink text descriptive, e.g. "KU Accessibility Guidelines"
Documents created without accessibility reviewRun accessibility checkers

AI, Governance, Ethics & Responsible AI Adoption (October 2025)

This panel explores AI Governance, Ethics, and Responsible AI Adoption. Specifically, the discussion will cover:

  • AI-related policies at KU and KUMC
  • Taskforce and committee initiatives on each campus
  • The White House’s action plan on AI
  • AI-related legislation adopted by other states

Key Takeaways:

  • AI can enhance your work, but people remain responsible for the decisions, actions, and outcomes that result from its use.
  • Before using AI, consider the type of information being shared and whether it is appropriate for that environment.
  • Start with University-approved tools and guidance to ensure appropriate use of AI technologies.
  • Responsible AI combines innovation with accountability, transparency, and respect for privacy.
  • AI-generated content should be reviewed carefully for accuracy, context, and potential bias before use.
  • Effective AI use starts with understanding both the capabilities and limitations of the technology.

Artificial intelligence can support teaching, learning, research, and administrative work, but it does not replace human expertise, professional judgment, or accountability.

  • AI can assist with brainstorming, drafting, analysis, and problem-solving.
  • Generative AI predicts likely responses and may produce inaccurate information.
  • Users remain responsible for reviewing and validating AI-generated content.
  • Subject matter expertise remains essential when evaluating outputs.

Information shared with AI systems should be handled according to the same standards and consideration as any other university data and as outline in the University of Kansas Data Classification Policy.

  • Every interaction with an AI tool involves sharing information.
  • Confidential, sensitive, or restricted data requires special consideration.
  • Data that appears anonymous may still contain identifying details.
  • Faculty and staff should follow university data classification and privacy requirements when using AI tools.

Understanding how AI tools work, where they are most effective, and where they have limitations is increasingly important across higher education.

  • AI literacy includes understanding privacy, bias, reliability, and ethical considerations.
  • Faculty, staff, and students should develop skills in evaluating AI-generated content.
  • Responsible use requires both technical understanding and critical thinking.
  • Ongoing learning will be essential as AI technologies continue to evolve.

AI Support, Guidance & Resources

Panel Discussion on Conflict of Interest (July 2026)

This panel explores compliance considerations related to conflicts of interest (COI). This session will not focus on research-specific issues, but instead will provide an overview of key requirements and expectations across both campuses. Topics will include:

• COI requirements
• State ethics obligations
• Statements of Substantial Interests (SSI)

Please note that there are a few connection issues at the beginning of the recording, but they are resolved within the first few minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Conflict of interest processes are designed to support employees, promote transparency, and protect the integrity of university activities.
  • If you are unsure whether an activity should be disclosed, ask questions early and provide as much context as possible.
  • External engagement is encouraged when it supports professional development, public service, and the university's mission.
  • Consider how university facilities, data, personnel, and intellectual property may intersect with external activities before proceeding.
  • Professional external activities should complement, not compete with, university responsibilities.
  • Transparency helps protect the credibility of university research, decision-making and public service activities. 

Having a conflict of interest or conflict of commitment is not automatically a violation. The greater risk is failing to disclose a relationship or activity that should be reviewed.

  • External activities often provide valuable benefits to the university, professional area of expertise, and broader community.
  • The disclosure process is designed to identify, review, and manage potential risks.
  • Most situation can be addressed through appropriate disclosure and oversight.
  • Early communication helps avoid complications later. 

University employees should err on the side of disclosure when an outside relationship, financial interest, or activity could reasonably relate to their university responsibilities.

  • Actual, potential, and perceived conflicts may all require review.
  • Disclosure provides important context for supervisor and reviewers.
  • Early disclosure often makes situations easier to manage.
  • Provide complete information helps reviewers understand the circumstances.

External professional activities often contribute to teaching, research, service, innovation, and community engagement.

  • Consulting and professional expertise can create meaningful partnerships.
  • Professional service activities help advance scholarship and practice.
  • Community engagement strengthens the university's public mission.
  • Appropriate oversight helps ensure these benefits are realized while managing potential risks. 

Disclosure and oversight help protect the integrity of research, teaching, decision-making, and public service.

  • Financial interests can create real or perceived biases.
  • Funding agencies and regulatory bodies require disclosure in certain circumstances.
  • Transparent processes help maintain confidence in university decisions.
  • Appropriate management plans allow many activities to continue while mitigating risk.