Warmer days and a well-earned spring break are here. 

With the home stretch near, that means commencement is approaching. CLAS ceremonies will take place at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 17. About 30-40 volunteers are needed for each ceremony to run smoothly. Be on the lookout for opportunities to sign up to help at commencement soon! 

Thank you for all you do and for being a part of CLAS.

CLAS announcements

Nominate staff for an award

Do you have an outstanding colleague you want to highlight? Nominations are open for the CLAS Leadership Award and Mary Louise Kelley Staff Excellence Award. Submissions are due Friday, April 11.

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

Khandelwal recognized with the university’s highest teaching honor

Meena Khandelwal, associate professor of anthropology and gender, women’s and sexuality studies, was among four faculty members awarded the 2025 President and Provost Award for Teaching Excellence for her commitment to student learning and success. 

Khalastchi wins National Jewish Book Award

Daniel Khalastchi, director of the Magid Center for Writing, was among the winners of the Jewish Book Council's 74th National Jewish Book Awards. He received the Berru Poetry Award for his book, The Story of Your Obstinate Survival.

Spotlight CLAS

Physics and astronomy teams up with engineering student to build Lego model of TRACERS

The Department of Physics and Astronomy plans to gift the Lego model to faculty and staff who contributed to the large project ahead of its launch this spring.

Vecera receives Lola Lopes Award for Undergraduate Student Advocacy

Shaun Vecera, professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, was recognized for his direct interactions with students and his advocacy for improvements to resources and policies that affect student learning. 

Check out more CLAS stories by visiting our news section. 

Upcoming events

One Day for Iowa

Wednesday, March 26 
12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. 
Online

Iowa's 24-hour online giving day is next week. Our college and more than 40 CLAS academic departments and programs are participating. Help CLAS take over social media and take part in engagement challenges during the 24-hour event! When you participate, you could win $250-$500 for the college or our programs. Learn about our collegiate efforts this year to support experiential learning opportunities for students.

DVIP donation drive

March 24-April 10 
Various drop-off locations

Similar to last year, CLAS Staff Council is hosting a donation drive for the Domestic Violence Intervention Program. Items needed include diapers, pull-ups, women's clothing, personal products, and more.

For more CLAS-specific events, visit the university events calendar.