The University of Kansas (KU) is the flagship university of the State of Kansas system and is a major comprehensive research and teaching university that serves as a center for learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor. Established in 1865, the University has four principal locations -- the main campus, Lawrence; the Medical Center campus, Kansas City; the KU School of Medicine-Wichita; and the Edwards Campus, Overland Park, Kansas. The University’s current leader is Chancellor Douglas Girod. The University is fully accredited by the North Central Association, Higher Learning Commission. Many academic programs are also accredited including the Applied English Center (accredited by CEA). The National Science Foundation and the Carnegie Foundation both classify the university as a top research university, and it has been a member of the elite Association of American Universities since 1909.The University has 13 schools – Architecture/ Design, Business, Education, Engineering, Health Professions, Journalism, Law,  Medicine, Music, Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Welfare and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, which includes the School of the Arts, School of Languages/Literatures/Cultures (over 40 languages are offered at KU), and School of Public Affairs and Administration. The University offers over 50 undergradaute/graduate certificate programs, over 140 undergraduate degree programs and 232 masters, doctorate, and professional degree programs. In FY 2018 the university awarded 7,214 degrees and certificates. The University is known world-wide for its Special Education program and its Public Administration program is the best in the United States. Forty-seven graduate and three online graduate programs have been highly ranked by US News and World Report when compared to other public American universities. The library system has 12 facilities with almost 5 million volumes. Special libraries include art and architecture, engineering, law, medicine, music, rare books and manuscripts, and regional collections. The University provides a wide range of services for students. On-campus housing options include residence halls, scholarship halls, and single student apartments. Student services include academic advising, career/employment centers, counseling and psychological services, child day care, disabled student services, financial aid offices, health center, international student office, legal aid services, money management services, multicultural affairs office, veteran's center, women’s resource center, writing center, and student unions. Student fitness/recreation facilities are extensive and are used for intramurals sports, club sports, classes, and personal enjoyment. The Student Involvement and Leadership Center works with over 900 university-related student organizations -- including academic, arts, cultural/ethnic, environmental, honorary, housing, political (campus and partisan), recreation, religious, service, social, special interest, sports clubs, student government, fraternity and sorority organizations. The University belongs to NCAA-Division I with many intercollegiate sports and one of the top college basketball programs in the world. The main campus is located in the heart of Lawrence on a ridge called Mount Oread with more than 150 major buildings. National Geographic named KU’s main campus one of the nation’s most beautiful.  With a population of over 97,000, the beautiful city of Lawrence offers a wide range of services including shopping, theaters, restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, recreational facilities, city parks and churches. Clinton Reservoir, 1 mile west of town, provides water sports opportunities. Topeka, the state capital, is 25 miles to the west. Kansas City is 40 miles to the east with many more shopping areas, restaurants, museums, theaters, sporting events, and an international airport. More information about the University of Kansas can be found at https://www.ku.edu/.