Sylvia Mikucki-Enyart, associate professor of communication studies at the University of Iowa, shares advice to help everyone walking past the Hallmark aisle navigate what can be a beautiful but emotional day.

Making small changes to text — such as using clear fonts, good contrast, and readable sizes — helps more people read and understand what you share. These steps matter because not everyone sees or processes text in the same way, so better design makes information accessible to everyone.

Caring deeply about your work can fuel engagement but also put you at risk for burnout. Learn practical ways to support colleagues’ passions while reinforcing healthy boundaries, recognizing what motivates others, and creating a culture where people feel valued and able to sustain their well-being.

AI can make quick work of responding to an email or analyzing a spreadsheet, but it comes with the risk of exposing personal or restricted information, financial data, and more. Learn when to use university-supported AI and when it’s OK to use public AI.

Mobility is part of university life, but every time you log in from a hotel, coffee shop, or home network, you extend the university’s digital footprint beyond campus. That flexibility is powerful, but it is also a target for phishing and the compromise of personal devices. Learn simple actions you can take to protect your digital security.

The UI’s Charter Committee on Sustainability is accepting nominations for its Campus Roots initiative, which recognizes and celebrates sustainable practices across campus. Teams of two or more people can submit their projects for consideration and those selected will have a tree planted in their honor. Submissions are due April 1.

Travel with confidence knowing your health coverage goes with you. Download the Wellmark app for quick access to your benefits, coverage details, ID cards, in-network providers, and 24/7 telehealth options like Doctor on Demand. Learn more on the benefits webpage.

Change is a constant in higher education, and staying grounded supports both well-being and effectiveness. Focusing on hope — not as wishful thinking, but as a steady, intentional practice — can create clarity and forward momentum. Small, purposeful actions and strong connections help sustain energy, resilience, and confidence in what comes next.

Increasingly sold online, counterfeit car seats look like popular, federally-approved brands, but fail basic safety and crash-test standards. The Stead Family Children’s Hospital Child Passenger Safety team offers tips for identifying fakes and how to find and install a legitimate one.

Transparency strengthens teams, reduces uncertainty, and supports well-being — especially during times of change. Prioritizing clear, honest communication can ease stress, build trust, and create space for meaningful dialogue, even when conversations are difficult.

Social media platforms are designed to keep you scrolling — but the habit can be hard to break. In this episode of "Talk of Iowa" on Iowa Public Radio, UI professors explain how social media affects your mental health and offer practical ways to set boundaries, stay present, and protect your well-being.

Smartphones keep us connected, but they can also distance us from the people and moments right in front of us. Everyday scrolling can interrupt attention, relationships, and well-being — and small, practical changes can help create more meaningful, phone-free connection.