News for faculty and staff

A close-up of a graduation cap adorned with glitter, sequins and flowers.

Celebrating Iowa’s fall 2025 graduates

A new class of Hawkeyes is ready to soar — and we couldn’t be prouder of all they’ve achieved. This fall, nearly 1,700 University of Iowa undergraduate, graduate, and professional students will earn their degrees. They’ve engaged, excelled, and stretched themselves in ways that embody what it means to be a Hawkeye.
 
Two students with their arms up in triumph at the commencement ceremony. They are facing the podium and are surrounded by other students in caps and gowns.

Commencement ceremonies begin Dec. 18

Want to join the celebration of Iowa’s newest class of graduates? Mark your calendars for fall commencement ceremonies. In-person and livestreamed ceremonies for the colleges take place Dec. 18–21. Read more for dates, times, locations, and speakers for each ceremony.
The Iowa Advanced Technology Laboratories building on the UI Campus, designed by architect Frank Gehry in a post-modern style

Iowa celebrates its iconic Frank Gehry building, IATL

World-renowned architect Frank Gehry, who designed UI’s Iowa Advanced Technology Laboratories (IATL), died on Dec. 5. University architect Rod Lehnertz discusses the history of the bold, postmodern designed IATL, and a wing of the original design that is now under construction.
 
The board of regents logo: White background, gold state of Iowa, Board of Regents in blue script and Governing Iowa's Public Universities on the bottom.

Iowa Board of Regents announces revenue, efficiency study for state universities

At its meeting on Dec. 3, the Iowa Board of Regents charged the Investment and Finance Committee, chaired by President Pro Tem Kurt Tjaden, with creating a revenue enhancement efficiency study for the state’s public universities. The review will make specific recommendations to the board on new and additional revenue streams and cost efficiencies. Watch Regent Tjaden’s comments on the board’s YouTube channel.
Dr. James Byrne, designer of the new device to improve bladder cancer chemotherapy, in his laboratory

New device aims to improve bladder cancer treatment experience

UI Health Care researchers designed a new device to improve convenience and quality of life for bladder cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. About the size of a dime, the device floats in the bladder and slowly delivers the drug. Patients don’t need to stay at the clinic and would be able to remove the device themselves.
 
Reese Rosenmeyer, CRISP scholar, talks with kids during Teddy Bear Clinic. Children pretend to be doctors to stuffed animals.

Small-town roots, big goals: Rural scholar aims to bring health care home

Growing up in rural Algona, Iowa, Reese Rosenmeyer remembers her grandfather’s long drives for cancer treatment. Today, she’s training to bring care closer to home through the Carver Rural Iowa Scholars Program, which offers mentorship, rural clinical experience, and loan repayment to prepare future physicians. Learn more about her journey.
A yellow tablet or e-reader with a book on the screen

Instructors making strides in course accessibility with help of training program

UI instructors resolved nearly 25,000 accessibility issues in ICON this fall using built-in tools and a training called Course Accessible for Everyone, or CAFÉ. Participants say the training is easy to follow and helps identifying and fixing issues feel manageable even when the volume seems daunting.

 
A person shoveling snow on stairs

News you can use: 9 tips for safe snow shoveling

Prevent injuries this winter with these tips for shoveling safely. Be proactive (treat walks and driveways in advance), shovel difficult areas first, and take breaks. It may take longer to finish the job, but recovering from injuries takes longer.
A close up of Rachel McLaren, associate professor of communication studies

UI relationship expert shares insight on the power of holiday cards

Rachel McLaren, associate professor of communication studies, says that despite email and social media, the tradition of sending paper holiday cards is still alive. Learn how sending cards can help you build, support, or reshape relationships with friends and family.

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