College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

snowy white branches on a backdrop of clear blue sky with black text and a gold box reading

As spring classes begin, many of us are moving from planning into the steady rhythm of the semester.

This month’s newsletter looks back on the close of the fall semester and marks recent milestones and accomplishments from CLAS faculty and staff.

We hope you will continue share the news, achievements, student success and events happening in your programs throughout 2026 through the MarCom Story Request Form.

Thank you for all you do for this community.

CLAS announcements

a woman amongst a crowd of fellow graduates in cap in gown smiles and waves to someone in the stands

Fall Commencement photo recap

2025 fall Commencement is in the books! Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the day.

frosty tree branches, a clear blue sky, and Shaeffer Hall in the background

Employee updates

Please join us in welcoming and congratulating CLAS faculty and staff on their hiring, promotion, or transfer within the college. Check out this list of CLAS employee updates from last month.

Featured achievements

Scott Daly stands, arms cross, next to a student researcher in the lab

CLAS research team publishes exceptional findings

Associate professor Scott Daly and his research team have been honing their X-ray research methods for several years. Now, they have published their findings in the journal Chemical Science.

Anna Newnum begins new chapter leading advising and recruitment in CLAS

Anna Newnum, a dedicated student advocate and longtime advising professional, has taken on a new role as Director of Advising and Recruitment in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS).

Spotlight CLAS

Schaeffer Hall in the backdrop, frosty branches from a tree in the foreground

Foundational skills taught in general education Rhetoric course build student confidence and community

As one of the first classes required for undergraduate UI students, the general education Rhetoric course requirement paves the way for students to enhance important transferable skills.

CLAS professor Michelle Voss leads research on how exercise supports brain health across the lifespan

Voss, a faculty member in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, collaborates with researchers across the University of Iowa to study how lifestyle choices shape brain health.

Upcoming events

CLAS Staff Council Nominations

CLAS Staff Council nominations open Wednesday, Feb. 4. This is a great time to start thinking about who you might want to nominate, or to consider self-nomination.

A black and gold graphic reading, "Writing Effective Teaching Narratives."

Writing Effective Teaching Narratives Workshop

Monday, Feb. 2

12:00–1:00 p.m.

Zoom
This faculty workshop will help attendees self-assess their teaching statements and portfolio materials and provide strategies for gathering evidence of teaching excellence.