News & Features
Anti-Violence Coalition shares progress during spring Open House
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
The UI Anti-Violence Coalition (AVC) celebrated the progress made on the Anti-Violence Plan at an Open House on April 10th. The Open House featured a poster session showcasing projects and the people working to cultivate a safe and respectful community.
Tiffini Stevenson Earl honored with the David J. Skorton Award for Staff Excellence in Service
Thursday, April 11, 2024
2024 Diane L. Finnerty Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Legacy Award nominations are open
Monday, February 5, 2024
UI expands 24/7 Support and Crisis Line services to faculty, staff, postdocs
Monday, January 29, 2024
How four months abroad made me appreciate my disabilities and become a better advocate for myself
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Study: diverse college classrooms linked to better STEM learning outcomes for all students
Monday, December 11, 2023
Connecting Shakespeare to my multiracial background in the heart of London
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Homecoming week in full swing
Thursday, October 5, 2023
While UI has already held great Homecoming activities this week, even more fun is packed into this weekend. If you plan to show some Hawkeye pride with your student in Iowa City, check out some events, including tomorrow’s Homecoming parade with Caitlin Clark and Spencer Lee, before Saturday’s game.
Changes, improvements to application will delay FAFSA to December
Thursday, October 5, 2023
The 2024-25 FAFSA is undergoing major changes and improvements, delaying the availability of forms until December. These changes will include expanded eligibility for federal aid and a more efficient application process. Read more about the changes and how to prepare for this year’s application.
Pen before shovel: Adele Vanarsdale helps UI design its future
Monday, October 2, 2023
UI Mathematics marks 25 years of expanding access to doctoral education
Friday, September 22, 2023
Student Inspires Mother's ADA Work at Iowa
Friday, September 22, 2023
Class of 2027 by the numbers
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Beginning-of-Semester Campus Message, Fall 2023
Thursday, August 24, 2023
Why you shouldn’t let a disability keep you from studying abroad
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Joint Letter from Department of Justice and Department of Ed Office for Civil Rights
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Faculty, resident physicians mentor students during Black Youth Summit
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Activities include developing guidelines for inclusive hiring, creating conversation around DEI topics, and promoting IT accessibility
Developing learning communities to support BIPOC and international teaching assistants
Thursday, April 13, 2023
New learning communities are fostering connection and knowledge sharing among Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) and international teaching assistants at Iowa.
Note from Liz on the intersection of Freedom of Expression and DEI
Friday, April 7, 2023
The Intersection between Freedom of Expression and DEI.
Note from Liz on Trans Day of Visibility
Friday, March 31, 2023
On this Trans Day of Visibility, the University of Iowa and the Division of DEI want everyone in our LGBTQ+ community to know that during these challenging times, you matter to us!
Belonging: Pt. 1
Monday, March 20, 2023
This series was reported by Emily Kestel, Michael Crumb, Sarah Bogaards and Nora Felder. All photos are contributed, except where otherwise noted.
Editor’s note: As a business publication, one of the most pressing issues we’ve covered is workplace inclusion. We have covered numerous stories on the topic – related to race, gender, veterans, people with disabilities, the LGBTQ community, immigrants, working parents and more. We do this because it’s our mission to help businesses do business better, and as businesses continue looking to recruit and retain top talent, understanding the nuances of diversity, equity and belonging at work is paramount.
This is part one of a three-part series looking at how the state’s history and values play a role in workplace inclusion. Businesses do not operate in silos, but are part of a greater societal ecosystem within our communities and states. We felt there was no better way to start this series than to talk about Iowa’s history with inclusion, because an understanding of the past is needed to see how we got to the current moment. Part two, which will publish March 17, will focus on how this affects the workforce, and part three, publishing March 24, will talk about how leaders can approach solutions.
Belonging: Pt. 2
Monday, March 20, 2023
This series was reported by Emily Kestel, Michael Crumb, Sarah Bogaards and Nora Felder.
Editor’s note: This is part two of a three-part series looking at how the state’s history and values play a role in workplace inclusion. As businesses continue looking to recruit and retain top talent, understanding the nuances of diversity, equity and belonging at work is paramount. Part one focused on Iowa’s history of inclusion, this part focuses on how this affects the workforce, and part three will talk about how leaders can approach solutions.
– Emily Barske, Business Record editor
Iowa History Month: Iowa’s Juneteenth roots run deep
Monday, March 6, 2023
Message to the HR Community (including all UI Health Care org units)
Friday, March 3, 2023
Message to the HR Community (including all UI Health Care org units)
Quarterly Harassment Prevention Education
Join LGBTQ+ activist Jim Obergefell at the IMU
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Join Jim Obergefell at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Iowa Memorial Union for a lecture sponsored by the University Lecture Committee. Obergefell draws from his unique experience at the heart of the Supreme Court marriage equality ruling to move and empower audiences to stand by their beliefs and prove that love always wins.
UI faculty member's new book presents stories of joy amid slavery
Thursday, February 23, 2023
In a recent PBS installment of Amanpour and Company, Tara Bynum, professor of English and African American Studies at Iowa, talks about her new book, Reading Pleasures: Everyday Black Living in Early America, which explores the ways that four early Black writers named and expressed happiness and joy despite living during slavery.
Campus safety tips and resources following tragedy at MSU
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Last week’s tragedy at Michigan State University hit close to home for many members within the University of Iowa community, and it’s natural to have questions about what campus and local authorities are doing to train for, prevent, and respond to a similar incident here. Read about the UI Department of Public Safety’s protocols and procedures and steps you can take to be informed and prepared.
Study: UI is economic powerhouse for Iowa
Thursday, February 23, 2023
The University of Iowa is not just the home of the Hawks. It is an economic powerhouse for the state of Iowa, supporting one out of every 19 jobs and adding about $8 billion in additional annual value to the state’s coffers, according to a study commissioned by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa.
Hancher to announce new Broadway subscription series, new festival, and new season lineup
Thursday, February 23, 2023
The University of Iowa’s Hancher Auditorium will offer a new Broadway subscription series for Iowa theater fans as part of its 2023-2024 season. The package will include four hit Broadway shows at a discounted price. Hancher is also planning a new October festival, Infinite Dream. Learn more about Hancher’s exciting offerings.
UI encouraged alumna Sawsan Daws to continue leading in STEM
Monday, February 20, 2023
Sawsan Daws graduated from the University of Iowa (UI) in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in applied physics with a concentration in optics. Originally from Saudi Arabia, Daws chose to pursue her undergraduate studies in STEM at the UI because she was intrigued by the research facilities and resources the UI offered to its students.
UIHC offers inclusive hair and skin products, setting new standard for care
Thursday, February 9, 2023
The emergency department and each inpatient unit within University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics now carries inclusive hair and beard care products to accommodate patients with varied hair textures. Offering a variety of personal care products seems like a no-brainer, but UI Health Care is one of the first academic medical institutions to offer kits that take these differences into consideration.
Anne Frank Initiative established at the University of Iowa
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
A new International Programs (IP) affinity group, the Anne Frank Initiative (AFI), launched last week, and its mission is to investigate Anne Frank’s literary contributions and her legacy in a more contemporary context.
Manisha Skaria balances career, campus involvement, and family
Monday, February 6, 2023
International Programs postdoctoral scholar Manisha Skaria gives advice to international students/scholars who may be balancing work with raising a family here at UI. She is also an active member of the International Student Advisory Board.
Pentacrest Museums Annual Report 2022
Monday, February 6, 2023
The University of Iowa Pentacrest Museums are happy to share our 2022 Annual Report with you today. We hope you'll find many examples of how your museums carried out the UI Strategic Plan with care. We encourage you to join us this year at the Old Capitol Museum or the Museum of Natural History for some exploration, a tour, or a program.
February Note from Liz
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
A note to campus from Liz Tovar, executive officer and associate vice president of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for February 2023.
New Underrepresentation Reports Available from OIE
Monday, January 23, 2023
For those involved in faculty and staff recruitments, updated data (as of November 2022) on the underrepresentation of women and racial/ethnic minorities in faculty, P&S, and Merit positions at UI is now available. Please use this updated information when planning new searches to determine whether the positions are in an underrepresented group and require additional outreach efforts.
Creating space at the table: A DEI conversation with leadership
Friday, January 20, 2023
In late November, Sara Sanders, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Liz Mendez-Shannon, CLAS DEI director, and Liz Tovar, executive officer and associate vice president of the UI Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, gathered at Wild Bill’s Workshop in the School of Social Work to discuss unity and belonging—and how these spaces can help the college and UI make progress on DEI issues.
CLAS 2022 DEI Annual Report
Friday, January 20, 2023
The DEI Committee and college community develop a yearly plan to address the strategic priorities of CLAS to cultivate an inclusive environment and build a supportive infrastructure within the college. With this backdrop in mind, it is imperative to build the capacity for thriving within our community while affording faculty, staff, and students the time to think innovatively, practice authentically, and revise programs when warranted to best serve the needs and aspirations of our growing community.
Overwhelming majority of UI faculty, staff, students report feeling valued, engaged
Thursday, January 19, 2023
2022 Campus Climate, Working at Iowa survey results also show areas for improvement
UI receives grant to improve inclusion in STEM courses
Thursday, January 12, 2023
The University of Iowa has been awarded a six-year, $377,800 grant as part of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Inclusive Excellence 3 initiative. The grant will support the development of inclusive teaching and educational practices in introductory STEM courses and aligns with the "Excellence in Teaching and Learning" priority outlined in the Strategic Plan for 2022-2027.
Kelly receives National Endowment for the Arts fellowship
Thursday, January 12, 2023
UI faculty member Donika Kelly is one of 36 recipients of a National Endowment for the Arts creative writing fellowship for 2023, which awards $25,000. Kelly’s most recent poetry collection titled, The Renunciations, won a 2022 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award in poetry. Read more about Kelly and this prestigious fellowship.
HP vendor acquisition forces firm deadline for those due on or before 12/31/2022
Friday, November 18, 2022
A message from Liz Tovar on upcoming winter celebrations.
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Dr. Liz Tovar shares a message on winter celebrations.
Updating your confidential personnel records to UI Faculty and Staff
Monday, October 24, 2022
Updating your confidential personnel records to UI Faculty and Staff
Learning to decode the brain
Thursday, September 29, 2022
Growing up in Puerto Rico, Héctor Sánchez Meléndez made up his mind to study the brain and go to medical school. But as a neuroscience major at the University of Iowa, he has discovered a passion for research. Now, he wants to establish a lab back home.
Using art to help heal a community
Thursday, September 29, 2022
University of Iowa graduate Abel Ortiz-Acosta organized the painting of 21 murals to honor the children and teachers whose lives were lost in a mass shooting at a school in Uvalde, Texas.
Stirring the imagination through lighting, costumes
Thursday, September 29, 2022
While some theater graduate programs require students to focus on one specialty, the University of Iowa allowed Alastair Sigala Ramirez to pursue both of his passions.
Legacy of a Latinx Leader
Thursday, September 29, 2022
Nancy “Rusty” Barceló has shaped history.
She has been a catalyst and champion for change in higher education – not just on the University of Iowa campus but across the nation.
UI offers new voluntary online training for faculty and staff to cultivate a more inclusive campus community
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
University of Iowa faculty and staff now have access to a new voluntary training program that simulates real-life conversations around important issues in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Latinx Heritage Month: Doctoral student’s area of study fueled by her background
Thursday, September 15, 2022
For Maria Leonor Márquez Ponce, a Humanities for the Public Good internship at the University of Iowa Libraries’ Special Collections and Archives is more than a summer gig—it’s also a way to connect with her own past and to find inspiration for her future.
Air Force ROTC cadet breaks barriers for those who follow
Thursday, September 15, 2022
Third-year student Gursharan Virk recently became the first Air Force cadet granted permission to wear traditional Sikh garb as part of his military uniform.
September 2022 Note From Liz
Monday, September 12, 2022
A note from Dr. Liz Tovar to the university community for September 2022.
Over 40 scholarships and grants available for UI students to study abroad
Thursday, September 1, 2022
2022 Message to the HR Community (including all UI Health Care org units)
Thursday, September 1, 2022
Message to the HR Community (including all UI Health Care org units)
Religious Guidelines Updated
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Religious Guidelines have been updated for the University of Iowa entering the Fall 2022 semester.
Welcome Home Hawkeyes! Week of Welcome events scheduled. Join us Aug. 22 - 26, 2022
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Week of Welcome Activities planned for UI Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Dig, Bridge, Collectively Act
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
When Margaret Mitchell, a white woman, asked Timnit Gebru, a Black woman, to join the ethical AI team at Google, Gebru didn’t know what to say. Though she was flattered and intrigued, she was aware of…
Isandra Martínez-Marrero nombrada como la nueva Directora de Participación Cultural y Análisis
Thursday, June 2, 2022
Position announcement for Isandra Martínez-Marrero as the new director of cultural engagement and analytics at the University of Iowa in Spanish.
Isandra Martínez-Marrero announced as the new director of cultural engagement and analytics.
Thursday, June 2, 2022
Position announcement for Isandra Martínez-Marrero as the new director of cultural engagement and analytics at the University of Iowa.
End of the Semester Note from Liz
Monday, May 16, 2022
End of Semester Note from Liz looking back at the year.
New BUILD Summer Virtual Cohorts launches
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Summer Virtual Cohorts is the newest program offered by the Building University of Iowa Leadership for Diversity (BUILD) initiative for UI faculty, staff, postdocs, and graduate students. This six-week series will support and challenge participants through the guided completion of their BUILD certificate. Participants will engage in 13 hours of training, including active discussions with fellow cohort members and a certified cultural intelligence coach.
2021 Student Campus Climate Survey data show strong sense of belonging
Thursday, March 24, 2022
The University of Iowa Enters Next Phase of Its Campus Climate Survey Effort detailing the results of the 2021 UI Student Campus Climate results.
UI participation in AAAS SEA Change program provides resources, accountability for DEI growth
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
The University of Iowa has become a charter member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) STEMM Equity Achievement (SEA) Change program. This initiative, which aims to help colleges and universities advance institutional transformation of diversity, equity, and inclusion, aligns with UI’s ongoing strategic planning process, and will provide a mechanism for institutional review, accountability, and evolution in DEI on campus.
February Note from Liz
Thursday, February 10, 2022
Dr. Liz Tovar drops a note for the campus for the month of February 2022.
Name changes highlight new focus on service to the university community.
Thursday, January 20, 2022
Name changes for the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Center for Diversity and Enrichment and Diversity Resources units highlight new focus on service to the university community.
Campus Climate survey coming this March
Thursday, January 20, 2022
The division of diversity, equity, and inclusion is entering the next phase of the UI’s evolving campus climate survey project. The division will release reports from 2021 student data over the six weeks and then launch a new campus-wide climate survey for students, faculty, and staff on March 29, 2022.
Voluntary free speech and navigating challenging conversations program to launch for faculty, staff, and students.
Thursday, January 20, 2022
University of Iowa students, faculty, and staff will have the opportunity to participate in a new program focused on free speech and navigating challenging conversations starting in mid-February.
A year of positive change for the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Iowa.
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
The 2021-2022 year-end review for the University of Iowa Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
University of Iowa Finance and Operations outlines plan for growth in DEI for Unity Week 2022
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
January 2022 Unity Week Note from Liz
Monday, January 17, 2022
Happy New Year, and welcome back to campus! While it is cold outside, we are excited to see everyone back on campus to begin the spring semester. My hope is everyone had a safe and enjoyable winter break.
December 2021 Note from Liz
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Liz Tovar, AVP of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Iowa drops a December Note of thanks to the campus.
Message to the HR Community (including all UI Health Care org units)
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Message to the HR Community (including all UI Health Care org units)
2021 Diversity Seed Grant Awards Announced
Thursday, December 2, 2021
2021 University of Iowa Diversity Seed Grant Awards
Message to UI Human Resources Community on Harassment Prevention
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Message to UI Human Resources Community on Harassment Prevention 10.5.21
A message to our campus community
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
A message to our campus community from Angie Reams and Liz Tovar on sexual misconduct.
Andre Perry hired as the director of arts, engagement and inclusion and senior advisor
Thursday, August 26, 2021
Andre Perry hired as the new Director of arts, engagement and inclusion and senior advisor in the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Iowa.
Update: University begins renaming process to support new Office of Institutional Equity
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
The University of Iowa is taking action to streamline the process to report free speech violations, bias, discrimination, equity, and sexual misconduct by forming the Office of Institutional Equity.
Tabitha Wiggins named Director of the Center for Diversity and Enrichment
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
Announcement of Tab Wiggins appointment to the full-time role of Director of the Center for Diversity and Enrichment.
156 years in June
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
A new Note from Dr. Liz Tovar, AVP of DEI at the University of Iowa on Juneteenth.
Letter to the university community on the Derek Chauvin Trial
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Letter to the University Community
2021 Diversity Catalyst Awards Announced
Thursday, April 15, 2021
The University of Iowa Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion announces the 2021 Diversity Catalyst Award winners and details April 21, 2021, DCA virtual reception.
Support your fellow Hawkeyes during this time - a note from Liz
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
A Note from Liz on Daunte Wright - April 14, 2021
Dr. Tovar appears on the HERkys' Voice Podcast
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Dr. Tovar appears on the HERKys's Voice Podcast
MEMORANDUM regarding Bmindful calendar updated to correct dates listed for Passover
Thursday, April 1, 2021
MEMORANDUM to UI Faculty, Staff, and Students regarding Bmindful calendar updated to correct dates listed for Passover
An open letter to transgender students
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
An Open Letter to Transgender Students from the University of Iowa Transgender Council, March 2021
An open letter to our University Community on anti-Asian harm
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Letter to Asian American students, international students from Asia, Pacific Islanders, and the Pan Asian community of support from the Division of DEI, International Programs, and the Pan Asian Council.
Official Statements
Message to UI Human Resources Community on Harassment Prevention
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Message to UI Human Resources Community on Harassment Prevention 10.5.21
A message from UI leaders on the shooting of Jacob Blake
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Official Statement from the University of Iowa
A message from UI leaders on next steps following George Floyd demonstrations
Friday, June 5, 2020
Official Statement from the University of Iowa