Child Life specialists at University of Iowa Children's Hospital help keep life as normal as possible for young patients while also helping keep their anxieties down.

The University of Iowa School of Music will present a free performance by the UI Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of William LaRue Jones, director of orchestral studies, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, in the Main Lounge of the Iowa Memorial Union.

Death notices for current and retired UI employees. Links to online obituaries provided when available.

The University of Iowa Museum of Art (UIMA) will hold its annual Museum Party from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 12, in the Oakdale Ballroom of the Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. This year’s theme—Splatter to Sparkle—Join the Journey!— is inspired by the recent restoration and conservation of Jackson Pollock’s "Mural."

The University of Iowa released today its Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify potential partners capable of developing appropriate and available land for a new Museum of Art, to be located directly adjacent to the core of the UI's academic campus and within walking distance for students.

UI biology researcher Andrew Forbes and his colleagues studied fly and wasp species on plants in a Chilean rainforest and found more species than biological theory would have predicted because specialized interactions between species allow a larger, more diverse number of species to live in the same place.

The University of Iowa will host the National 2015 Debate Tournament Championship, following a unanimous vote by the National Debate Tournament (NDT) Committee to accept the UI’s bid. This will be the first time the UI has hosted the NDT since its 1947 inception.

The educational program regarding sexual misconduct is transitioning to the "Every Choice" program, which will highlight different forms of prevention, including more focus on "bystander intervention," says Monique DiCarlo, UI sexual misconduct response coordinator.

UI physician Paul James says there's no question elevated blood pressure increases risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease, but cautions against medication for certain groups because side effects, including dizziness, swollen feet, and low potassium levels, can be even more harmful.

It’s not too late to sign up for the Third Annual Warrior Challenge Urban Obstacle Course race. The event is Sunday, March 30, beginning at 10 a.m. and is organized by the University of Iowa Veterans Association.

Learning lines, changing costumes, hitting the mark, taking a bow. The life of a Mainstage performer can be hectic, certainly during a production's premiere week. That's all on top of the scholarly and social aspects of being a college student. Sophomore Molly Brown, performing in "Absurd Person Singular," allowed Iowa Now a peek at her routine.

University of Iowa officials say programs to help incoming freshmen settle in to college life and meet new academic challenges are paying off: More students are returning after their first year and graduating on time.