CLAS faculty and staff,

We know this week may feel different for many in our community. As always, we remain grateful for the care and support you show our students and one another.

This month we highlight awards, wellness initiatives, events, and research that reflect the energy and impact of our college. Spring is a time to celebrate, and across CLAS there is so much to be proud of.

Moments like this year’s Phi Beta Kappa induction remind us of the academic excellence that defines CLAS and the role we all play in supporting our students.

As we approach the conclusion of our strategic plan, please also take a moment to read this update from Dean Sara Sanders highlighting our progress as a college.

Thank you for being part of CLAS.

More CLAS news

Check out more CLAS stories by visiting the news section of the CLAS website.

CLAS announcements

Developing AI tools for ancient manuscript restoration

By combining AI with human expertise, Paul Dilley is exploring ways to reconstruct texts that have remained unreadable. 

Employee updates

Please feel free to reach out to introduce yourself to new people or congratulate your colleagues on their accomplishments.

Featured achievements

Speech-language pathology rises to #3 in latest ‘US News and World Report’ ranking

Monday, March 16, 2026
Two graduate programs in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders again rank among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report's Best Graduate Schools rankings for 2026.

Five CLAS researchers shine in 2026 Discovery and Innovation awards

Monday, March 16, 2026
This year’s recipients are advancing high-impact work that addresses complex challenges, fuels innovation, and delivers meaningful benefits to communities in Iowa and around the world.

Spotlight CLAS

Help shape wellness in CLAS

Monday, March 16, 2026
Our college has launched the CLAS Wellness Ambassadors committee to support our campus community's well-being. Share what programs and resources you’d like to see by completing this short survey.

Phi Beta Kappa honors exceptional CLAS student scholars

Monday, March 16, 2026
CLAS faculty and staff helped honor a historic Phi Beta Kappa cohort during the society’s 250th anniversary induction, celebrating student achievement and academic excellence.

Upcoming events

March is National Nutrition Month

In celebration, liveWELL and Health, Sport, and Human Physiology students are hosting 30-minute EatWELL virtual food demonstrations throughout the month. Visit the link to register to attend these free events and explore more nutritious recipes and resources.

CLAS Staff Council DVIP & RVAP donation drive

Monday, March 30–Friday, April 17 Ten drop-off locations

CLAS Staff Council is hosting a donation drive to benefit the local DVIP & RVAP (Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crisis Services). Between March 30 and April 17, bring your donated items to any of the ten drop-off locations listed in the linked flyer. To see the complete list of DVIP & RVAP's current needs, visit their website.

For more CLAS-specific events, visit the university events calendar.