The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) and rpk GROUP (rpk) are collaborating on a project to ensure the six KBOR bachelors-granting institutions are offering academic programs that align with Kansas’ goals for the State’s higher education enterprise, meet student expectations for programs centered on student success and increasing their employability, and efficiently deliver faculty and staff resources across each institution, division, and department. KBOR and rpk will work with system and campus stakeholders to ensure transparency and collaboration to create recommendations to optimize the system to achieve increased student outcomes and institutional efficiencies. rpk will provide KBOR with Academic Portfolio and Workload reviews. Both deliverables will include actionable recommendations and frameworks for future analyses to allow KBOR to continuously improve the system and elevate further the work institutions are doing to serve the citizens of Kansas.
To this end, KBOR and rpk formed a Steering Team to inform the project’s development, review analyses as they are completed, provide feedback, and raise opportunities for additional communication and stakeholder engagement. The Steering Team met on the dates below.
Academic Portfolio and Workload Reviews FAQ
Academic Portfolio and Workload Review Feedback Form
Steering Team Meetings:
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April 6, 2022 |
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June 6. 2022 |
N/A |
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| June 28, 2022 | Presentation | N/A | Summary |
| July 21, 2022 | Presentation | N/A | Summary |
| August 25, 2022 | Presentation | N/A | Summary |
| September 22, 2022 | Presentation | N/A | Summary |
| October 27, 2022 | Presentation | N/A | Summary |
| December 1, 2022 | Presentation | N/A | Summary |
The members of the Steering Team are the following:
Project Leaders
Daniel Archer – Vice President for Academic Affairs, KBOR
Sam Christy-Dangermond – Director of Academic Affairs, KBOR
Cindy Farrier – Director of Data, Research and Planning, KBOR
Kansas Board of Regents
Blake Benson
John B. Dicus
Cheryl Harrison-Lee (Chair)
Carl Ice
Shelly Kiblinger, Ed.D.
Cynthia Lane, Ed.D.
Diana Mendoza
Jon Rolph (Vice-Chair)
Wint Winter, J.D.
Emporia State University
Diana Kuhlman - Vice President for Administration & Finance
JoLanna Kord, Ph.D. – Assistant Provost
Ray Lauber – Executive Director of Human Resources
Fort Hays State University
Jill Arensdorf, Ph.D. – Provost
Angela Pool-Funai, Ph.D. - Assistant Provost/Dean of the Graduate School
Joe Bain, J.D. - University General Counsel
Kansas State University
Chuck Taber, Ph.D. – Provost
Tanya Gonzalez, Ph.D. – Interim Associate Provost
Debbie Mercer, Ph.D. – Dean, College of Education
Pittsburg State University
Howard Smith, Ph.D. – Provost
Paul Grimes, Ph.D. – Dean of Kelce College of Business
Jamie Brooksher, J.D. – University General Counsel
University of Kansas
Barb Bichelmeyer, Ph.D. – Provost
Chris Brown, Ph.D. – Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
Jen Roberts, Ph.D. – Vice Provost of Academic Affairs
Wichita State University
Shirley Lefever, Ph.D. – Provost
Linnea GlenMaye, Ph.D. - Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
Ashlie R. Jack, Ph.D. - Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness
KBOR and rpk GROUP established a Data Team to align data definitions, guide data collection, provide qualitative information, and ensure the framework captures institutional differentiation. The Data Team met on a bi-weekly basis. Data Team meetings occurred on:
April 7, 2022
June 1, 2022
June 22, 2022
July 13, 2022
July 28, 2022
August 10, 2022
August 24, 2022
October 19, 2022
The members of the Data Team are the following:
Project Leaders
Daniel Archer – Vice President for Academic Affairs, KBOR
Sam Christy-Dangermond – Director of Academic Affairs, KBOR
Cindy Farrier – Director of Data, Research and Planning, KBOR
Kansas Board of Regents
Marti Leisinger, J.D. – Associate Director
Nathan Snyder – Project Developer
Emporia State University|
JoLanna Kord, Ph.D. – Assistant Provost of Institutional Effectiveness
Christy Schreck – Assistant Director, Institutional Research
Fort Hays State University
Kristi Mills – Institutional Research Manager, Institutional Research
Min Sangki, Ph.D. – Assistant Vice President, Institutional Effectiveness
Darren Stieben – Coordinator, Institutional Research
Kansas State University
Bin Ning, Ph.D. – Associate Provost, Institutional Research and Assessment
David Warren – Senior Data Analyst – Institutional Research
Pittsburg State University
Tammy Higgins – Director of Institutional Research
Melinda Roelfs – Registrar
University of Kansas
Corinne Bannon – Director for Institutional Effectiveness
Gwen Bohling – Assistant Director for Official Reporting
Mason Jackson – Principal Analyst
Barbara Russell – Research Analyst
Matt Schuette, Ph.D. – Associate Director of Institutional Research, Medical Center
Nick Stevens – Chief Data Officer|
JoAnn Williams – Principal Analyst
Wichita State University
Tiffany Franks – Assistant Director, Office of Planning & Analysis
David Smith – Senior Research Analyst, Office of Planning & Analysis
David Wright, Ph.D. – Chief Data Officer and Associate Vice President
KBOR and rpk established a Faculty Advisory Group Comprised of faculty representatives from the six state universities. The Faculty Advisory Group is charged to remain informed of the project, ask questions and ensure institutional stakeholders know how to ask questions, and raise opportunities for additional communication and stakeholder engagement. The Faculty Advisory Group met on May 19, 2022. The group will reconvene at regular intervals to receive project updates.
Emporia State University
Brenda Koerner, Ph.D.- Associate Professor, Faculty Senate President, 2021-2022
Fort Hays State University
Janet Stramel, Ph.D. – Professor, Faculty Senate President, 2021-2022
Kansas State University
Laura Littrell, Ph.D. – Director, Faculty Senate President, 2021-2022
Pittsburg State University
Amy Hite, DNP – Professor, Faculty Senate Executive Committee, 2022-2023
University of Kansas
Nate Brunsell, Ph.D. – Professor, Faculty Senate President-Elect, 2022-2023
Wichita State University
Jeff Pulaski, M.F.A. – Director, Professor of Graphic Design
University of Kansas Medical Center
Holly Hull, Ph.D., Associate Professor - Faculty Assembly Committee Chair, 2021-2022
2025 kansas fafsa challenge
- Highest FAFSA Completion Rate
- Schools with at least 70% FAFSA Completion rate
School size is based on the building headcount as of the September 20th count day, as reported to KSDE. The data is then categorized according to KSHSAA classifications.
The Kansas FAFSA Tracker shows each high school's FAFSA Completion rate.
Competition Structure
The Kansas FAFSA Challenge will be active from October 1*, or when the FAFSA opens, until June 30 each year. We use senior class size data as reported to KSDE, and the FAFSA completion numbers for this year as reported by FAFSA state-wide data. The winning schools will be announced and recognized annually at a Board meeting.
*The 2025-2026 FAFSA application opened for students on November 21, 2024
2025 FAFSA Challenge Leaderboard
| 1A | 2A | |||
| Highest Completion Rate | Highest Completion Rate | |||
| Elk Valley High School | 100% | Smith Center Jr Sr High | 81% | |
| Logan High | 100% | Wichita County Junior-Senior High School | 74% | |
| Macksville High | 100% | Ellinwood High | 70% | |
| Wheatland High School | 100% | Marion High | 68% | |
| St John High School - Beloit | 100% | St Mary's Colgan High School | 68% | |
| 3A | 4A | |||
| Highest Completion Rate | Highest Completion Rate | |||
| Southeast Saline High | 69.8% | Clay Center Community High | 71% | |
| Bishop Ward High School | 69.7% | Labette County High School | 64% | |
| Halstead High | 67% | Bishop Miege High School | 62% | |
| Garden Plain High | 67% | Rock Creek Jr/Sr High School | 60% | |
| Hoisington High | 66% | Louisburg High | 56% | |
| Eudora High School | 56% | |||
| 5A | 6A | |||
| Highest Completion Rate | Highest Completion Rate | |||
| Sumner Academy of Arts & Science | 82% | Mill Valley High School | 59% | |
| St. James Academy | 65% | Olathe Northwest High School | 58% | |
| Bishop Carroll Catholic High School | 63% | Blue Valley North High | 56% | |
| St Thomas Aquinas High School | 62% | Washburn Rural High | 56% | |
| Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School | 61% | Blue Valley West High | 55% | |
| Schools with 70% or higher FAFSA Completion Rate | ||
| School | KSHSAA Classification | Completion Rate |
| Elk Valley High School | 1A | 100% |
| Logan High | 1A | 100% |
| Macksville High | 1A | 100% |
| Wheatland High School | 1A | 100% |
| St John High School - Beloit | 1A | 100% |
| Otis-Bison Junior/Senior High School | 1A | 91% |
| Linn High | 1A | 86% |
| Ness City High | 1A | 84% |
| Decatur Community Jr/Sr High | 1A | 83% |
| Sumner Academy of Arts & Science | 5A | 82% |
| Quinter Jr-Sr High | 1A | 82% |
| South Gray High | 1A | 81% |
| Smith Center Jr Sr High | 2A | 81% |
| Thunder Ridge High School | 1A | 75% |
| White City High | 1A | 75% |
| Wichita County Junior-Senior High School | 2A | 74% |
| Washington County High School | 1A | 73% |
| Victoria Junior-Senior High School | 1A | 72% |
| Clay Center Community High | 4A | 71% |
| Rawlins County Jr/Sr High School | 1A | 71% |
| Stafford Middle School/High School | 1A | 71% |
| Ellinwood High | 2A | 70% |
| Northern Valley High | 1A | 70% |
| Southeast Saline High | 3A | 70% |
| Bishop Ward High School | 3A | 70% |
| Clifton-Clyde Sr High | 1A | 70% |
2024 FAFSA Challenge award winners recognition
fafsa completion project Data access
Kansas school districts are able to see your individual high school students FAFSA through the FAFSA Completion Project.
Each district submits a request for access, and the designated district contact is responsible for distributing the data to individual schools.
Here is more information: FAFSA Completion Project information
Here is the application form: FAFSA Completion Project application
Track your progress with the Kansas FAFSA Tracker
The Kansas FAFSA Tracker allows schools to see weekly updates of their FAFSA completion percentages. This website shows a calculated FAFSA percentage for every Kansas High School* and creates a leaderboard for Kansas high schools and each KSHSAA division.
(*Schools will only show on the leaderboard if they have at least 5 FAFSA completions. Click the FAFSA state-wide data to see the most recent number of FAFSA completions for your school)
If you see an error or cannot find your school contact:
To see a brief walk thru on how to use the Kansas FAFSA Tracker website: Kansas FAFSA Tracker Demo Video (7 mins)
Note from Federal Student Aid:
School names will not be displayed if they have never had at least five application completions for any reported time period.
If a school name is listed, but has fewer than five application completions for a given time period, the value of “<5” will be used as a placeholder for the number of application submissions and completions. Applications from these schools are, however, included in the district calculations.
Announcements from Federal Student Aid on data:
Do you have concerns related to your high school within the data or on the FAFSA form? Our “FAQ” and “Data Details” pages reflect recent changes and trending questions, including the definition of a senior, why some schools are not listed on the FAFSA form, and common errors or misconceptions when analyzing the data.
FAFSA Event Resources
One of the best ways to increase FAFSA completion rates and support your students and families in navigating the FAFSA is by holding a FAFSA completion event at your school. Listed below are some lessons & resources you can share with your school community. Everything you need to plan, experts to call, and steps to follow to host a FAFSA event for your students & parents.
Planning a FAFSA Completion Event
FAFSA & Financial Aid Resources
FAFSA Completion Event Webinar Recording- January 21, 2021
Kansas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (KASFAA)- Counselor Training Webinars
If you are a high school or college counselor looking to help students enter or navigate postsecondary education, many resources are available to you and your students. Explore some of the common options below.
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| Explore resources to assist high school students in applying to colleges and universities. Apply Kansas is our annual initiative where high schools host events to support seniors in their college applications, aided by school staff, community supporters, and postsecondary volunteers. | During three days, any Kansas resident, regardless of age or income can apply for free at any of our 7 public universities, 19 community colleges, 6 Technical colleges, and the 21 private member institutions of the Kansas Independent College Association. Click the image to check out the eligible programs. |
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| The Board of Regents administers several state scholarships available to students at colleges and universities across Kansas. Explore some of the options available for your students. | Explore the wide array of resources available on this page to support you in helping your students and families. From training sessions and helpful materials to walkthroughs and video links, we’re here to assist you! |
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| Kansas DegreeStats provides cost information for every degree at a public university or college in the state, along with the average earnings of graduates from those programs. Degree Stats classroom lesson you can use with your students or adapt to your needs. | Learn about the requirements for admission to state universities in Kansas and alternative options for Kansas residents. |
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| More than 100 courses transfer seamlessly across the 32 public colleges and universities in Kansas. Help your students explore those transfer options and discover their path to degree completion. | Students can earn credit at Kansas colleges and universities for demonstrating skills and knowledge equivalent to college-level learning. Options for earning this credit include AP, IB, CLEP exams, and military experience. |
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| In partnership with the Kansas State Department of Education, the Kansas Board of Regents will recognize high schools with the highest percentage of students completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. | Concurrent enrollment partnerships (CEP) facilitate the teaching of college-level learning at high schools to help students get a head start on their college careers. Learn more about CEP between Kansas high schools and postsecondary institutions. |
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| We aim to empower advisors in guiding students through their educational journey. Here, you'll find a wealth of tools, strategies, and insights to enhance your support as students navigate their path to success. | Institutional list of courses aligned with the Systemwide General Education Framework "buckets". This list is a valuable resource for advising contacts as they support students in completing individual buckets—or the full framework. Completion of a bucket or the entire framework is transferable across all systemwide institutions. |
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| Starting with the high school graduating class of 2028, students are required to obtain 2 postsecondary assets before graduating. A list of postsecondary assets can be found on the KSDE website. |
POST-SECONDARY PLANNING RESOURCES
Any resources are meant to be used in your program or shared with your students. If you have something that you think would be helpful to share with other counselors in Kansas, please email Mistie Knox,
Kansas Qualified Admission Requirements: This link will take you to the Kansas QA webpage, where you can learn more and download a flyer to share with your students
Kansas Admission Guide: This document lists every higher education institution in Kansas, provides links to admission and financial aid, and shows priority scholarship deadlines when appropriate.
Conference Presentation Materials
Kansas School Counseling Association Conference - May 27, 2025
Topics covered: Apply Kansas, All Star High School, Apply Free Days, Systemwide General Education Framework, and Systemwide Transfer.
Kansas State College Advising Corps Pre-Service Training - August 7, 2024
Topics covered: Apply Kansas, Apply Free Days, All Star High School, Transfer Portal, Math Pathways, Systemwide Transfer, Systemwide General Education, Academic Degree Maps, Scholarship, CTE resources, and other helpful resources available through KBOR.
Slides from Presentation
Recording (25 min)
Kansas Association for Career and Technical Education Conference - July 30, 2024
Topics covered: Students Right to Know Act, KS Degree Stats, Systemwide Transfer, Transfer KS portal, Math Pathways, Kansas Apply Free Days, Statewide Articulation Agreements, Excel in CTE, CTE Credential and Transition Incentive, Scholarships, Kansas Promise Act, and Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment.
Kansas School Counseling Association Conference - May 28, 2024
Topics covered: Apply Kansas, All Star High School, Apply Free Days, Systemwide General Education Framework, and Systemwide Transfer.
previous KBOR WEBINARs
2024 High School Heroes webinar series
September: Essential KBOR Resources for You and Your Students
Featuring: Important Websites and Resources for Year-Round Student Support
Slides from presentation
Recording (30 min)
October: Unlocking Student Success: Expert Advising Tips and Tricks
Featuring: Best Practices in Advising to Leverage Dual Credit Options
Panelists:
- Kris Farmer, Director of Advisement and Retention at Cloud County Community College
- Loni Jensen, Director of High School Partnerships at Butler Community College
- Luke Dowell, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Seward County Community College
- Nikki Brown, Assistant Director of the Academic Advising and Career Exploration Center at Fort Hays State University.
- Sara M. Smith, Assistant Dean of Instruction at Highland Community College
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Jake Brillhart, Academic Advisor at the University of Kansas Jayhawk Pre-Law Advising
Recording (60 min)
November: FAFSA: Essential Updates and Insights
Featuring: Important updates, resources, impact of the FAFSA, and the FAFSA Completion Challenge
Slides
Recording (20 min)
December: Fast Track to Degree: Accelerating Success During High School
Featuring: AP and Cambridge International
Presenters:
Andy Houpt, Kansas School Development Manager at Cambridge International
Pam Kerouac, Higher Education State Policy Consultant at Cambridge International
Mike Nick, Senior Director of K12 State Partnerships at College Board
Cambridge International Slides
AP College Board Slides
Recording (45 min)
CLEP for high schools
Tuesday, September 10th, 9-10am
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) has been assisting students in earning college credit since 1967. With 34 exams in 5 broad categories, CLEP is used by students of all educational levels, military-affiliated students, and varying educational backgrounds to show mastery of college-level material. Discover the latest research that supports CLEP for students and institutions, data and trends of CLEP participation, best practices of how to utilize CLEP as well as resources for both students and educators.
Presenter: Gini Beran, Director of CLEP Outreach
Recording (30 min)
2024 july - College trends and students right to know act
The presentation explored key trends in higher education, including data on high school graduation rates, college enrollment patterns, and the college going rates based on student demographics. We also covered statistics on Pell Grant eligibility, ACT college readiness benchmarks, and disparities in readiness across race, ethnicity, and family income. Additionally, we highlighted resources from the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) designed to support students in their postsecondary planning.
Recording (16 min)
2024 April - FAFSA for Educators Details
Educators working with high school students are invited to join KBOR and KASFAA to learn more about financial aid and ensure students receive the most accurate and up-to-date information. Whether you are seasoned at assisting students with financial aid or new, don’t miss this valuable opportunity to better support your students on their path to higher education.
Topics include: Types of Aid Available, Overview of Eligibility, Typical Timeline, Importance of filling out the FAFSA for all students, and some time for Q&A. The same topics will be covered on each date.
Presenters: Mistie Knox, KBOR Associate Director, Academic Affairs & Leah Nicholson, KASFAA Chair of the Outreach Training Committee
Recording (46 min)
2023 NOVEMBER- 2024 FAFSA CHANGES & UPDATES
Wed. Nov. 8 12:30pm- FAFSA Changes & Updates
The Department of Federal Student Aid is changing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Scheduled to open for students in December 2023, this "Better FAFSA" will expand eligibility for Federal Financial Aid, Reduce Barriers for certain students populations & offer a better user experience for those completing the FAFSA. This webinar will share the changes in the new form that we know now, show counselors how to help their students and families create an FSA ID now, review expectations and likely deadline changes for the delayed FAFSA opening and share more information about our Kansas State Scholarships.
Presenters: Michele Arellano, KBOR Director for Student Financial Assistance & Tara Lebar, KBOR Associate Director, Academic Affairs
FAFSA Changes & Updates (Click the link for YouTube Webinar Recording)
Presentation Slides & Presentation Resources
2023 APRIL- SYSTEMWIDE GENERAL EDUCATION PACKAGE
Tues. April 11 10:00am- Systemwide General Education for KS High School Professionals
The Kansas Board of Regents recently approved a new Systemwide General Education Package for all public higher education institutions beginning in the fall of 2024. This 34-35 credit hour general education package should transfer as a complete set to any other Kansas public institution, which will undoubtedly change how we advise our transfer students and high school students taking concurrent & dual credit courses. Come and learn about the basics of the new policy, the seven-course categories, how our systemwide transfer courses fit into the plan, and any potential exceptions. Get ready to start thinking about how your advising might look different for the class of 2024!
Presenter: Tara Lebar, KBOR Associate Director, Academic Affairs
Systemwide Gen Ed Overview for KS HS Professionals Webinar Recording
Presentation Slides & Systemwide Transfer Courses for Gen Ed Resource
KBOR Systemwide General Education Website
2022 SEPTEMBER- KBOR COUNSELOR RESOURCES & STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
Wed. Sept 28 10:00am- KBOR Counselor Resources & Student Scholarships
The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) has several tools to help high school professionals assist their students with post-secondary planning. Come learn about the programs, resources and scholarships available for you and your students!
Presenters: Tara Lebar, KBOR Associate Director, Academic Affairs & Michele Arellano, KBOR Director of Student Financial Assistance
KBOR Counselor Resources & Student Scholarships Webinar Recording
If you are a high school or college counselor looking to help students enter or navigate postsecondary education, there are a number of resources available to you and your students. Explore some of the common options below.
Ready to finish your Kansas State High School Diploma? START NOW!
Are you 16 or older?
The GED® exam is a four-subject high school equivalency test that measures skills in four subjects: Science, Social Studies, Mathematical Reasoning, and Reasoning Through Language Arts. Click here for more information on the Kansas GED!
Are you 21 or older?
The Kansas Pathway to Career High School Equivalency program was designed for the busy adult who has not completed their high school education nor is currently enrolled in a high school program. You can work toward your high school diploma as well as obtain a college certificate or credential. Click here for more information!
START NOW by contacting a Kansas adult education center near you or by calling 785-430-4289.
