If you’ve been away from campus and unplugged over the summer, you can easily get up to speed with what happened while you were away by reviewing this list.
Barbara Wilson is the University of Iowa’s new president
Barbara J. Wilson became UI’s 22nd president on July 15. She was previously the executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs for the University of Illinois System.
Iowa named Duke Slater Field at Kinnick Stadium
The University of Iowa Athletics Department named the field at Kinnick Stadium Duke Slater Field. Slater, who played for the Hawkeyes from 1918–21, was the first Black student-athlete in school history to earn All-America honors. He also was the first Black player inducted to the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame in 1951 as a member of the inaugural class.
Board of Regents approved a tuition increase for 2021–22 academic year
At its July meeting, the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, approved an increase resident and nonresident tuition for the University of Iowa by $283 for the 2021–22 academic year.
Iowa Department of Education, UI to launch pre-K–12 school mental health center
The new Iowa Center for School Mental Health will leverage the capacities of the Iowa Department of Education and the University of Iowa College of Education’s Baker Teacher Leader Center to expand training opportunities for student teachers and practicing teachers, provide professional development resources and services in schools, and conduct research on the effective delivery of these services to students.
Cambus introduced route numbers
In July, Cambus added route numbers to its route names following a recommendation from the Iowa City Area Transit Study. The change was made to help riders better identify routes, identify different variations of similar routes, and increase clarity in the Transit mobile app.
Iowa was named Fiske Guide’s ‘Best Buy’ for 17th consecutive year
For the 17th straight year, the University of Iowa was designated a “Best Buy” in the Fiske Guide to Colleges. Each year, Fiske names 20 colleges and universities—10 public and 10 private—as “Best Buys” where students receive a quality academic experience at a relatively low cost.
UI began Future of Work pilot period on Aug. 2
Some staff in colleges and central service units began exploring alternative work arrangements as part of the university’s Future of Work pilot period on Aug. 2. During the fall 2021 semester, some staff—in consultation with their supervisors and human resources—will be working in remote, hybrid, or flexible work arrangements. The pilot period, which ends Dec. 31, will enable the university to explore whether alternative work arrangements are a viable long-term option.
Gigi Durham named faculty ombudsperson
In June, Meenakshi (Gigi) Durham was named faculty ombudsperson in the Office of the Ombudsperson. Durham is director of the Nonfiction Writing Program and professor of journalism and mass communication with a joint appointment in gender, women’s, and sexuality studies. The faculty ombudsperson is tasked with offering a confidential, neutral, informal, and independent resolution services to ensure all members of the university community receive fair and equitable treatment.
7 projects approved for P3 funding
After a rigorous proposal and selection process, the University of Iowa awarded seven interdisciplinary projects with more than $12 million in funding generated by the public-private partnership (P3) with its utility system.