May 20th Academic Affairs

The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) Academic Affairs meeting on May 20, 2026, focused primarily on educational program updates and policy discussions. Key procurement-related actions included the approval of a redesigned Master of Education in Science of Literacy program from Washburn University, which involved curriculum updates aligned with current literacy legislation. The board also discussed the rollout of reduced credit bachelor's degrees (RCBDs), emphasizing the need for clear naming conventions and transparency to ensure these degrees meet learning outcomes and maintain competitiveness. A survey targeting over 3,200 industry stakeholders was prepared to gauge employer awareness and acceptance of these degrees, with results expected to inform future policy and program adjustments. Additionally, the board reviewed ongoing efforts to define diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical race theory (DEI CRT) policies, with plans to refine definitions based on stakeholder feedback before final adoption. No direct contract awards or procurement decisions were reported, but the discussions on program development and policy set the stage for future educational procurement and implementation activities.