As we head into the end of the fourth week of the semester, here are a few reminders about existing CLAS and university resources that might be helpful for instructors as they work to support students and student learning. 

Learning at Iowa Framework

Learning at Iowa is campus-wide framework to promote effective learning for all students, using evidence-based strategies from cognitive science. As part of orientation, all incoming students engage in learning about the three Ms: mindset, memory and metacognition. Check out the evidence-based  resources for instructors, all of which have been successfully used on our campus by some of your colleagues! 

CLAS Undergraduate Programs Office (120 Schaeffer Hall and UCC 1112)

The College's mission is to prepare all students to be knowledgeable citizens of the twenty-first century and empower them to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. The CLAS Undergraduate Programs (CLAS UP) team is here to support faculty, instructors, academic staff and students by answering questions related to CLAS student academic polices, navigating academic concerns, and meeting graduation requirements (among many other things). Members of the CLAS Academic Advising team play a critical role in this work and we are so pleased that all undergraduate programs in CLAS have professional advisors to support students alongside faculty members. 

University of Iowa Classroom Recording Policy (also part of CLAS Syllabus Template)

Many instructors within the College might use Panopto (UICapture) to record lectures, engage in classroom activities, or to use the ICON Note Depot in order to provide a reasonable accommodation for a student. However, as noted in the 25-26 CLAS syllabus template, students are not permitted to audio or video record classroom activities without authorization. Please see the University Course Policies and Resources for Students page.  

"The unauthorized video or audio recording of academic activities (e.g., lectures, course discussions, office hours, etc.) by a student is prohibited. Students with a reasonable accommodation for recording approved by Student Disability Services should notify each instructor and provide the Letter of Accommodation prior to using the accommodation. A student may record classroom activities with prior written permission from the instructor and notice to other students in the class that audio or video recording may occur. Any and all classroom recording must be for personal academic use only. The distribution, sharing, sale, or posting of recordings on the internet (including social media), in whole or in part, is prohibited and doing so may be a violation of the Code of Student Life and/or state or federal privacy, copyright, or other laws." 

We recommend that instructors review this policy with their students within the first few weeks of class.

CLAS Academic Concern Form

If you have a student you are concerned about academically (not attending class, not responding to emails or turning in assignments), please fill out the academic concern form. You will be asked to share your name, the student’s name, and a brief summary of the concern. CLAS Undergraduate Programs (CLAS UP) staff will determine the appropriate outreach and resources to support the student. 

Supporting Students’ Mental Health and Wellbeing

Please review this guidance from the CLAS Dean’s Office and CLAS UP as well as the Supporting Students Mental Health and Wellness page. 

Instructors play a crucial role in supporting students from the very beginning of the semester. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Clear communication: Ensure students are well-informed about exam dates, formats, and expectations. Providing detailed guidelines and being available to answer questions can significantly reduce anxiety and confusion for students.
2. Encourage the use of campus resources: Normalize the use of campus resources such as tutoring centers, writing labs, and study groups. Remind students that seeking support is a smart strategy for success.
3. Mental health support: Acknowledge the stress of midterms and encourage students to take care of their mental health. Share information and resources from the Supporting Students Mental Health and Wellness webpage, including information on stress-relief activities to help students manage their well-being.