News and updates for faculty and staff

Kevin Campbell

Kevin Campbell receives Horwitz Prize for muscular dystrophy discoveries

Kevin Campbell, professor and chair of molecular physiology and biophysics at the UI Carver College of Medicine, is among the recipients of the 2025 Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize from Columbia University. Awarded annually for groundbreaking work in medical science, the prize recognizes Campbell’s work that revealed biological causes of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and provided the foundation for breakthrough treatments.

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4 Iowa alums longlisted for National Book Award

Four UI graduates — Angela Flournoy, Yiyun Li, Kevin Moffett, and Joy Williams — are among the authors being considered for the prestigious National Book Award. The longlist includes 10 titles each in five categories: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translated literature, and young people’s literature. Finalists are announced in October and the winners in November.

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Why you receive research recruitment emails and how to opt out

At any given moment, more than 4,400 active research projects are taking place on the UI campus. To conduct this important research, UI faculty and graduate students need participants for their projects, and they regularly use emails to recruit volunteers. Learn more about why research studies are important to the university, and how you can opt out of receiving recruitment emails.

Herky donating blood

UI Homecoming Committee to host 3-day blood drive

The UI Homecoming Committee will host a three-day blood drive Sept. 22–24 in the Richey Ballroom of the IMU. The Abbott & Big Ten We Give Blood Drive Competition pits all Big Ten schools against each other to see which school can collect the most blood donations. Hawkeyes can donate at any blood center or blood drive across the U.S. until Dec. 5. The winning school will receive a $1 million grant to support student and community health.

Hawkeye Marching Band in 2024 Homecoming parade

Show your Hawkeye pride at Homecoming Sept. 21–27

Our favorite campus tradition takes place next week, Sept. 21–27, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate. Homecoming royalty will be crowned at the pep rally on Thursday, Sept. 25, and the Homecoming parade, with former women’s basketball head coach Lisa Bluder as grand marshal, will kick off at 5:45 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, followed by a concert with rapper and singer Teezo Touchdown. Check the schedule of events to see all the ways to join in on the fun.

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Vaccinations can help you stay healthy this fall

With the fall semester underway, now is a good time to make sure you’re up to date on vaccinations. Vaccines are still one of the best ways to prevent illnesses such as measles, whooping cough, pneumonia, shingles, COVID, and influenza. And your health insurance through the university allows you to get most vaccines for free. Call UI Health Care at 800-777-8442 to schedule an appointment at your convenience.

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Know the difference between Hawk Alerts and Crime Alerts

Confused about the difference between Hawk Alerts and Crime Alerts?  Read more about when, how, and why UI Campus Safety issues these alerts and what you should do when you receive one.

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Build your digital accessibility skills with convenient training options

Creating accessible digital content is easier than you might think, and new training opportunities are available to boost your skills. Options include a self-paced Accessibility 101 course, brief how-to videos, and instructor-led trainings. Helpful tools and small changes to daily habits will ensure that the UI’s digital materials are accessible to everyone and in compliance with federal law.

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Register now for fall HawkAI introductory courses

Ready to explore the exciting world of artificial intelligence and machine learning? The UI is offering free Level 1 HawkAI Certificate courses this fall. Open to all faculty, staff, and students, the courses require no prior experience. Learn AI fundamentals and ethical considerations, and stay ahead with powerful tools such as Copilot and ChatGPT.

Iowa Staff Council lockup

Staff Council recap: Supporting employee well-being

At the September Staff Council meeting, Diana Kremzar, director of UI Family Services, highlighted available resources for family caregiving and financial coaching. Bronwyn Threlkeld-Wiegand, director of the UI Employee Assistance Program (EAP), shared updates to EAP services and the R U OK initiative. Read more about the meeting.

In the know: More news, information, and resources

  • Hear more, share your thoughts on Burlington Street Bridge project: The City of Iowa City is seeking your input as planning work continues on the Burlington Street Bridge — Building Better Connections project. You can provide your thoughts on the proposed conceptual alternatives in this online survey through Oct. 10. There also will be a public meeting to discuss the project at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, at Emma Harvat Hall. Read more about the project here.
  • UI to conduct Hawk Alert test on Sept. 25: Campus Safety will test the Hawk Alert system on Sept. 25. Please use this opportunity to review your settings and add a cellphone number to your profile. Text message is the fastest way to receive an alert.
  • Join the 1stGen@Iowa Mentor Network: The 1stGen@Iowa Mentor Network is a space where first-generation undergraduate, graduate, and professional students can connect with faculty and staff for informal guidance and support. To become a mentor, go to this webpage and complete the form by Friday, Sept. 26.

Events

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