Aug. 26 marks the start of the fall semester and a new academic year at the University of Iowa.

UI President Sally Mason extends a special welcome to students, underscoring the university's commitment to their success. For the whole UI community, she emphasizes changes taking place on campus—the brand-new Learning Commons in the Main Library, and a series of building projects slated for completion over the next three years.

"It's an exciting time to be part of this vibrant and forward-moving university community," she says. Watch the short video above for more.