Applicability

• Open to CLAS tenure-track and instructional-track faculty.
• Faculty involved in creative writing, nonfiction writing, and publishing programs, framed within the arts and humanities, are encouraged to apply.

Policy purpose and description

The University of Iowa's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is committed to enhancing the educational experience of our students by providing them with meaningful interactions with industry professionals. This program will enable faculty to apply for funding awards of up to $10,000 to invite industry professionals to participate in workshops, masterclasses, and mentorship sessions with students. Unlike existing programs, which focus primarily on distinguished speakers giving talks and engaging with small groups of students, this initiative emphasizes hands-on professional development and industry-oriented experiences in sustained, structured interactions between industry professionals and UI students and faculty. It is an adaptable program that enables faculty to take advantage of opportunities to network with industry professionals in conjunction with emerging research and vocational opportunities and forge connections with the UI campus and students as those opportunities arise.

Objectives

• Enhance student learning and professional development: By providing students with direct access to industry experts, we aim to improve their understanding of the creative writing and publishing landscapes, arts and humanities creative work and scholarship, thereby enhancing their preparedness for professional careers.
• Foster connections between academia and industry: The program will facilitate valuable networking opportunities for students and faculty alike, bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world practice.
• Support faculty initiatives: Faculty members can propose collaborations that enrich their teaching and align with departmental goals, promoting interdisciplinary partnerships.