This week the University of Iowa joined the Unizin Consortium, a group of universities coming together to develop new capabilities in digital learning environments, particularly in the areas of analytics and content management.

The DeGowin Blood Center at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is encouraging those who are eligible to donate blood this holiday season.

University of Iowa Staff Council’s service recognition program acknowledges all professional and scientific and merit staff who have reached 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 years of continuous service. Longevity Award winners receive a certificate and letter of appreciation from the Office of the President.

Leaders of University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics officials in Iowa City announced Monday, Dec. 15, that the state’s comprehensive academic medical center has been named as Iowa’s only Ebola treatment center. There are currently no reported cases of Ebola infections in Iowa or anywhere in the United States.

Workers on the University of Iowa campus are installing a 1,500-foot removable flood wall to encircle the Iowa Advanced Technology Laboratories (IATL) site this week.

"The Student Experience" showcases University of Iowa students who excel academically—inside and outside the classroom. This installment features Alissa Bornhoft, whose struggles with her original area of study (math) eventually uncovered her heart's desire: teaching. These challenges shaped her teaching philosophy: "It's important to be able to connect with all students."

Iowa Now will publish on a lighter schedule Dec. 22-Jan. 9. The Iowa Now Top News email digest will only be sent out once during that time—Monday, Dec. 29, to share a Year in Review through video and photos.

The University of Iowa will repair the pulley system used to raise and lower the U.S. and State of Iowa flags above the Old Capitol Museum over the upcoming academic holiday break.

The University of Iowa College of Law and Cornell College in Mount Vernon have entered into an agreement that will allow undergraduate students at Cornell to earn both their bachelor’s and law degrees in six years.

The University of Iowa will honor December 2014 graduates during a series of commencement ceremonies and other events, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 19-20.

University of Iowa President Sally Mason discussed the university's strategy for continuing to provide a high-quality education at the Presidential Forum on Thursday, Dec. 11.

"Iowa Now Minute" is a 60-second roundup highlighting recent UI activities, research, public engagement, and campus life. Look for a new video every Thursday in Iowa Now.