August marks the beginning of the 2026–2027 academic year as the quieter pace of summer gives way to the anticipation of a new semester. Throughout CLAS, preparations are already underway to welcome students and begin another year of learning and discovery.

Before the semester begins, this newsletter offers a moment to reconnect with colleagues and recognize the work continuing across the college.

Thank you for everything you've done to prepare for the weeks ahead and for the many ways you support our students and one another. Best wishes for the semester ahead!

More CLAS news

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

CLAS announcements

HSHP moves to new Health Sciences Academic Building

The Department of Health, Sport, and Human Physiology's move creates opportunities for new experiences, collaborations, and discoveries.

Employee updates

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

Spotlight CLAS

Top 5 stories from summer 2026

Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Our most popular articles from the summer of 2026 share a theme: people and ideas thrive with the right support.

Nicholas Brown uncovers ancient Egypt through lives forgotten to history

Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Nicholas Brown recently joined the Department of Classics and Religious Studies. He uses archaeology and written records to understand how ancient Egyptians lived outside the royal courts that dominate popular images of the period.

CLAS music faculty receive NEA grant to expand Parkinson’s disease research

Wednesday, August 19, 2026
A new federally funded research initiative will explore how therapeutic group singing can improve communication, well-being, and quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Spotlight CLAS

Legacy built at Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Center continues

Wednesday, August 19, 2026
For more than 50 years, the Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Center has been the site of pioneering communication sciences and disorders research on the University of Iowa campus.

CLAS alumnus helping the next generation of Cinema students

Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Whether it's crash-course lessons or project guidance and support, Kelvin Nucico, instructional services coordinator for CLAS, is committed to helping students from start to finish.

Industry professionals bring tomorrow's creative industries into today's classrooms

Wednesday, August 19, 2026
From literary agents to filmmakers, the Industry Professionals in the Arts and Humanities program gives students direct access to the professionals shaping today's creative industries.

Upcoming events

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