When Iowa public schools began teaching cursive writing again in 2024, teachers had few resources to turn to. That’s why Shawn Datchuk, professor of special education, and a team at the Iowa Reading Research Center created a free online tool that includes curriculum, videos, and more. Datchuk says handwriting boosts reading, writing, and learning skills — and pencils are still less expensive than laptops.

The University of Iowa is conducting a review of low-enrollment undergraduate majors to ensure that they align with student demand, workforce needs, and the university’s educational mission.

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has recognized the University of Iowa with its Community Engagement Classification, reaffirming Iowa’s commitment to community engagement and its leadership connecting education with public service.

More than 200 employees across campus were recognized in December with a high-five thanking them for excellent customer service, positivity in the workplace, and meaningful collaboration. Read some of the recognition shared among colleagues.

A $6.1 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration will enable Cambus to add six new diesel-electric hybrid buses to its fleet. The new buses will increase service reliability and rider comfort, and reduce operational costs.

After a tragic accident left 8-year-old Brody Pearston with severe burns, UI Health Care’s Burn Treatment Center team helped him recover using innovations pioneered at Iowa. Find out how the center’s renovation project will expand care for patients of all ages.

After a national search, Brad Rohrer has been named the university’s next chief information officer and associate vice president. Rohrer succeeds Steve Fleagle, who will retire this spring after 40 years of service to UI. Rohrer, vice president for information technology at the University of Miami, will begin on Feb. 23.

Farrukh Bashir has been named associate vice president and director of University of Iowa Facilities Management. Bashir succeeds Lynne Finn, who will retire after a decade of service to the university. Bashir, assistant director of Facilities Management at the University of Minnesota, will begin on Feb. 2.

Tippie business analytics professor Patrick Fan isn’t a physician, but his research and collaboration with health care faculty could improve cancer care. Fan is using AI and data from thousands of patients to create models that predict a cancer patient’s risks and prevent complications during care. Fan’s work could help care teams improve outcomes and enhance patient comfort.

Tippie business analytics professor Patrick Fan isn’t a physician, but his research and collaboration with health care faculty could improve cancer care. Fan is using AI and data from thousands of patients to create models that predict a cancer patient’s risks and prevent complications during care. Fan’s work could help care teams improve outcomes and enhance patient comfort.

UI business analytics professor Jeff Ohlmann is studying the viability of a new concept called crowdshipping, where businesses ask in-store customers to deliver online orders in exchange for a gift card or reward. Find out why Ohlmann says the concept, already being piloted by big box stores, could work for small businesses.

In the 1930s, Sheryl Stoll’s mother wasn’t allowed to compete in the Iowa high school girls state basketball tournament because the school superintendent thought it would be too strenuous for young women. That memory, and meeting Iowa women’s basketball coach Jan Jensen, inspired Stoll to create an endowment called the Iowa High School Girls Basketball Pioneer Fund that supports women’s basketball at Iowa.