Required and recommended course syllabi information may be found on our Course Syllabi Information webpage. Refer to your college/department for more specific information on your syllabus.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly developing technology with the potential to significantly change the way we learn, work, and engage with information. Some steps and tips to guide educators to effective respond to AI in the classroom may be found on the AI in the Classroom webpage.

The Learning at Iowa initiative supports instructors in promoting equitable student learning.

Check out this compilation of Three Ms teaching strategies to help students foster growth mindset, develop metacognitive skills, and improve effective memory strategies.

Teaching Resources

As costs of attending college continue to rise, the University of Iowa is trying to find new ways to help alleviate the cost for course content. The Office of Teaching, Learning & Technology; University Libraries; and the Hawk Shop bookstore are working on affordable content initiatives as outlined below.

ICON Direct 

Being prepared with course materials positively contributes to a student's academic success.  As a founding member of the Unizin Consortium, the University of Iowa aims to provide students with more affordable access to course content. The partnerships between Unizin and major academic publishers allow ICON Direct participants to save on both eTexts and online learning platforms such as Pearson's MyLab or McGraw Hill's Connect. All enrolled students are given access to these digital materials for their classes through ICON. More information.

OpenHawks: UI Libraries’ Open Educational Resources Grant Program

OpenHawks is a campuswide grant program that funds instructor efforts to replace their current textbooks with Open Educational Resources (OER) for enhanced student success. for enhanced student success. The program is open to faculty, staff, and graduate students who teach for-credit courses and medical residencies at the University of Iowa.

Visit the OpenHawks website to find more information, including specifics on funding categories and amounts, as well as the next call for proposals.

Hawk Shop Bookstore Rentals

Save money by renting your books. The Hawk Shop carries over 1000 rentable titles.  We purchase from hundreds of vendors to get the most competitive prices.  At the end of the semester you just return your rented books to the Hawk Shop in the Iowa Memorial Union.  You can rent eligible books in the Hawk Shop at the Iowa Memorial Union or online.

The Center for Teaching advances teaching and learning excellence at Iowa. The center is an advocate for evidence-based, reflective teaching and a leader in instructor professional development, responsible for sparking and shaping transformative conversations about teaching and learning on campus and beyond.

Our team collaborates with UI instructors; teaching assistants; department, collegiate, and university administrators; students; and campus partners to create structures and policies that enhance teaching and learning excellence. Get started today:

• Schedule a one-on-one consultation with the Center for Teaching. Popular topics include developing a syllabus, brainstorming assignments, creating an inclusive learning community, and setting goals for and documenting your teaching. Consultations are free, voluntary, and confidential. 
• Build your support network. Register for the Center for Teaching’s interactive pedagogical workshops and join a faculty community.
• Subscribe to our Newsletter to learn about future Center for Teaching events, resources, and updates.

To find additional resources and upcoming events, please visit teaching.center.uiowa.edu. 

Contact the Center for Teaching at [email protected].

The Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology provides expertise, tools, and services to optimize teaching and learning through learning sciences research, ICON, teaching and learning data, and advanced classroom and instructional technology.

To help you set your semester up for success:

• Learn how to integrate academic technology into your course with Instructional Services. Register for a technology training session  or book an appointment with a Student Instructional Technology Assistant (SITA).
• Explore the university’s classroom technology. Find a Classroom Guide specific to your assigned classroom or request a demonstration of your classroom with our Learning Spaces Technology team.
• Discover how your students engage with digital course materials and tools (e.g., ICON, clickers, eTexts) to generate actionable insights. Contact Research & Analytics for a consultation.
• Subscribe to our newsletter to learn about upcoming events, services, and the latest news about incorporating technology, learning analytics, and more into your teaching.

Connect with the Office of Teaching, Learning, & Technology at teach.its.uiowa.edu.

As part of the university’s strategic plan efforts to support excellence in teaching and learning, the Office of the Provost and the Teaching Effectiveness Task Force implemented updated guidance on the comprehensive assessment of teaching at the University of Iowa in fall 2024.

Developed with input from college leaders, department leaders, and faculty from a wide range of tracks, ranks, and disciplines, the new framework for the assessment of teaching is the culmination of work first started by the ACE Task Force in 2018. The framework establishes that assessment of teaching should be based on at least two sources of evidence and a teaching statement that, when taken together, demonstrate these characteristics:

• Learning-centered teaching practices that are engaging and inclusive.
• Integration and alignment of learning goals, course materials, assignments, activities, and assessment strategies.
• Responsiveness to feedback from students and peers related to supporting student learning. 
• Commitment to ongoing growth and professional development as an instructor.

Additional information about each source of evidence, as well as resources and guidance to help instructors collect and use these materials for assessment of teaching, can be found on the Office of Provost website.

Most departments have a limited number of TA appointments available. Graduate Teaching Assistantships serve two purposes: (a) assistance in the instructional program of the University and (b) the preparation of future college teachers. In order to achieve both aims, scholastically superior graduate students who show exceptional promise as teachers are selected for graduate teaching assistantships. All appointments are made by the dean of the appropriate college on recommendation of the department.

Note: Student teaching assistants at the University are included in an organized collective-bargaining unit recognized by the University and the State of Iowa. Faculty who utilize teaching assistants in their courses should become familiar with the requirements of the bargaining agreement. Information is available from department executive officers, from Employee and Labor Relations, 121-20 USB, 335-0052.

The University of Iowa Libraries is the state's largest library system and includes the Main Library and six branches that serve specialized areas of study (Art Library, Lichtenberger Engineering Library, Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, Pomerantz Business Library, Rita Benton Music Library, and Sciences Library).

UI Libraries Information for Faculty

Teaching a Community-Engaged Course can be exciting and deeply rewarding. Research indicates these courses are a high impact learning practice, often leading to deeper student understanding of course material, higher overall GPAs, and better retention rates. 

88% of students who took a Community-Engaged Course at the University of Iowa said their project helped them better understand course content.

If you teach a course that includes work with a community partner, apply for the Community Engaged Course (CEC) designation and promote your course to students interested in community engagement. This short, simple online form is reviewed by the Office of Community Engagement who will also assist you with any questions you might have. Applications for Spring course designations are due in mid-October. CEC-designated courses will be designated on MyUI and will also be listed on the Office of Community Engagement website: engagement.uiowa.edu.

Benefits of designating your course as a CEC include:

• Community engaged courses receive extremely favorable reviews from students at Iowa. Recent survey data indicates that over 90% of students at Iowa who took a community engaged course would enroll in another community engaged course. The designation via MyUI is the best way for students interested in engagement to proactively seek out your course.
• The Office of Community Engagement offers assistance with syllabus development and modification, community partnerships, assessment and evaluation, and other items needed to successfully teach a community engaged course.
• The CEC designation is a good way to connect with other instructors teaching community engaged courses. The Office of Community Engagement offers gatherings for CEC instructors who would like to learn more about community engaged teaching and consider opportunities for collaboration.

Apply for the CEC designation for your course.

For questions about the designation, e-mail Jan Warren, Community Engagement Manager at [email protected].

The Stanley Museum of Art welcomes faculty from all disciplines to the museum to support learning objectives, including sharpening observation skills, studying artistic techniques, exploring culture, and building empathy. 

You can explore the museum’s collection and teaching resources. Contact us to discuss ways that the museum can support your research or teaching. Schedule a self- or staff-led tour or object study visit of works not currently on exhibit.

Distance and Online Education supports instructors with all aspects of designing and teaching online courses at Iowa: course administration, instructional design, media development, technical support and exam services.

Teach Online

Distance and Online Education partners with faculty to design and deliver engaging, effective online instruction. Our knowledgeable staff provides consultation on all aspects of designing and teaching a fully online course: online course administration, instructional design, media development, technical support, and exam services.

We are ready to help you explore and implement new strategies, technologies, and best practices in online education. Start by browsing our curated do-it-yourself online professional development resources. Ready to develop your online course? Schedule a consultation or apply for the next Design4Online cohort.

• Learn more about Distance and Online Education
• DIY Professional Development - Explore online teaching and learning best practices.
• Teaching Online Preparation Course - Self-paced, self-enroll course includes helpful tips for new and experienced instructors.
• Design4Online Program - Comprehensive cohort-based program assists instructors in designing or redesigning online courses through the implementation of best practices and leading online pedagogy.
• Faculty teaching online courses can request DOE services:
  • Online Course Administration - As the main point of contact during online course delivery, the course administration team provides online instructors with targeted assistance and support.
  • Instructional Design and Course Redesign - Developing an online course is different from preparing to teach a face-to-face course. Our instructional designers collaborate with faculty to develop engaging, effective online courses.
  • Media Development - From high-end, production studio recordings to voiceover PowerPoint, the media team collaborates with instructors throughout the production process.
  • Exam Creation and Delivery - Our exam services team assists online instructors in the development and delivery of proctored online exams to facilitate an efficient and secure exam process for both instructors and students.

The purpose of the Guidelines Regarding Political Activity by Faculty of the University of Iowa is to ensure that UI faculty members know their rights and responsibilities under applicable policies as they engage in discourse about political matters.

Faculty Support & Guidance is designed to assist the campus community in responding to situations in which faculty members are targeted by individuals or groups outside of the university based on the content of the faculty member’s scholarship, teaching, clinical care, and/or service.

The Office of the Vice President for Research has as its goal the support and advancement of research, scholarship, and creative activity on our campus. Through a broad variety of activities and services, the Office of the Vice President for Research seeks to play an important role in the underpinning of these creative activities in the public and private sectors in our region.

Researcher Handbook: This electronic guide is designed to assist all researchers (new and existing) as they navigate the complex research environment at the University of Iowa, from getting started at the institution, through getting research subject approvals, applying for grants and contracts, and much more.

New Faculty Research Navigation Tool

The Division of Sponsored Programs (DSP) offers a range of services for faculty, staff, and students seeking external funding for research, training, service, and other scholarly endeavors that enrich the University of Iowa and its broad and far-reaching communities. DSP staff can advise and assist you with the following and more:

• proposal preparation questions related to specific funding opportunities,
• interpret sponsor guidelines,
• review and approve grant and contract proposals and detailed budgets,
• negotiate contract and grant terms and conditions,
• facilitate post-award project management, and
• monitor and advise on issues of regulatory compliance.

Learn more about the Division of Sponsored Programs. Contact [email protected].

The Human Subjects Office (HSO) is the administrative office for the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the UI Human Research Protection Program (HRPP). The HSO also houses the Conflict of Interest in Research Office, the Clinical Trials.gov Program and provides support for use of the single, central or external IRB model.  We offer many resources for faculty, staff and student researchers, but the most important ones for new UI faculty are outlined in the HSO/IRB Overview and Resources. We especially want to call your attention to the following

• Resources for Faculty/Staff
• Research Navigation Tool
• Human Subjects Protection Training Requirements (See #9 or #14)
• UI IRB Standard Operating Procedures and Researcher Guide

The UI IRB uses a homegrown eResearch application system called HawkIRB. Visit the Education and Training page of the HSO website for information about HawkIRB trainings, IRB office hours, and other resources. Additional information is available on the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Our staff are available to assist you by phone (319-335-6564) or email ([email protected]).

The Office of Undergraduate Research is the hub for undergraduate research at the University of Iowa. We promote undergraduate involvement in research and creative projects at the University of Iowa. We do this by facilitating mentorship in these works and providing platforms for students to explore research communication. We host several events during the year aimed at showcasing student research and undergraduate professional development.

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is proud to have several funding opportunities available for undergraduate researchers.

• Fellowships fund mentored undergraduate researchers for the summer and/or academic year via a scholarship.
• Travel awards support conference or professional development travel
• Research supply grants provide funding for students to purchase supplies for a project or to travel to access materials such as archives or museum collections

The Research Development Office (RDO) is a core unit within the Office of the Vice President for Research. The RDO team orchestrates campus-wide initiatives that spark collaboration such as Innovation Labs and Ideas Labs. We strategically oversee internal funding initiatives to ignite research and discovery on campus, in our local communities, and beyond. We help facilitate connections to resources enabling motivated researchers to identify funding opportunities, develop grantsmanship skills, and create connections that support successful research proposals.   

• Write Winning Grant Proposals Phase I and II: Phase I comprehensively addresses both practical and conceptual aspects that are important to writing competitive grant proposals. Phase II consists of four to six months of ongoing virtual consultation regarding a specific grant application.
• NSF CAREER Club: The NSF CAREER Club is designed to give assistant professors (or equivalent) who are eligible to submit CAREER awards the knowledge and resources to craft competitive CAREER applications. Club participants will take part in events and services including editing, graphic design, and review services.
• NIH K Club+: The K Club+ is designed to give early career researchers who are eligible to submit NIH K Awards the knowledge and resources to craft competitive K applications. Club participants will take part in events (e.g., grant writing training) and services including editing, graphic design, and review services.
• External Grant Review: RDO facilitates external reviews of proposals to external funding agencies. External review of proposals prior to submission provides critical feedback to strengthen the proposal improving the overall likelihood of success.
• Research Services Fair: Join your colleagues for an afternoon vendor-style fair that provides an opportunity for researchers to learn about campus resources and services available for their research and scholarship.

Research Development Office Events

The University of Iowa Research Foundation (UIRF) is here to help amplify the impact of your research.

Research and scholarship from faculty and staff at the University often lead to the discovery of innovations that can improve the quality of life for people in the state, the nation, and worldwide.  UIRF works to obtain intellectual property protection—like patents and copyrights—on these innovations and partners with industry for the commercial development of new products and services.

• Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) - Oversees programs in: biological, chemical, lab, occupational, and radiation safety; and waste/environmental management.
• Iowa Research Online – Iowa Research Online (IRO) collects and showcases the innovative research scholarship and creative work produced by the University of Iowa’s talented faculty, students, and staff. Its purpose is to foster discovery and collaboration as well as demonstrate the impact of teaching and learning in Iowa and beyond.
• ITS Research Services - Assists with both high performance and parallel computing and data visualization.
• UI Research Park - Is located within the corporate limits of Coralville. 
• Obermann Center for Advanced Studies - Is dedicated to scholarship and provides a uniquely supportive environment where scholars working individually or in collaboration can reflect, write, and meet in easy interchange.
• Public Policy Center - An interdisciplinary research hub that supports and hosts University of Iowa faculty and student social scientific research. PPC has the physical space for collaborative work and meetings, and UI faculty and students are encouraged to reserve spaces for their research.
• University Research Council - Advises the Vice President for Research in the formulation, review, and application of policy guidelines for University research funding.
• University Libraries - The University of Iowa Libraries is the state’s largest library system and includes the Main Library and six branches that serve specialized areas of study (Art Library, Lichtenberger Engineering Library, Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, Pomerantz Business Library, Rita Benton Music Library, and Sciences Library).
• Writing Resources for Faculty - part of the Office of the Provost resource series.

Below are links to administrative units that may provide internal and/or external funding opportunities:

• Office of the Vice President for Research
• Graduate College
• International Programs

Funding requests should be routed through the departmental executive first, then the collegiate dean who will forward them to the appropriate administrative office.

Most departments have a limited number of RA appointments available. Faculty research assistantships are awarded to qualified graduate students and serve two purposes: (a) to provide research service to professorial members of the academic staff and (b) to provide apprenticeship experience for graduate students who are in training in research. Not more than twenty hours of service per week are required of a half-time assistant. Other part-time service is scaled in proportion, and a limited academic schedule is permitted.

Note: Most student research assistants at the University are included in an organized collective-bargaining unit recognized by the University and the State of Iowa. Faculty who utilize research assistants should become familiar with the requirements of the bargaining agreement. Information is available from department executive officers, from Employee and Labor Relations, 121-20 USB, 335-0052.

Created in 1909, the Iowa Board of Regents provides governance and oversight to Iowa's three public universities - the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and University of Northern Iowa. The nine Regents (one of whom must be a full-time student enrolled at one of the three state universities) are appointed for staggered six-year terms by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Iowa Senate. The Board maintains a listing current members and staff contacts at their website.

The president, appointed by the Board of Regents, is the principal officer of the university, with additional administrative responsibility assigned to the executive vice president and provost, the vice president for finance and operations, the vice president for research and economic development, and the vice president for student life.

The university’s organization places major administrative responsibility at the collegiate level through the collegiate deans. The university is comprised of eleven colleges that offer undergraduate and graduate education, professional education, and education and training in the health sciences.

The University of Iowa continues to honor a long tradition of shared governance in which university-wide policies and initiatives are made in collaboration with the campus’s many leaders and shared governance representatives.

Charter and non-charter committees are established in an effort to assure that University-wide services and activities will be carried out in the best interests of education and society. The membership of University charter committees is generally composed of faculty, staff members, and students in varying proportions according to the committee's primary interest.

The Emeritus Faculty Council is the executive committee of the Association of Emeritus Faculty of the University of Iowa, and serves as an advisory body to the university administration.

There is an extensive list of faculty organizations oriented to professional service. Many groups are organized around advocacy issues, including those listed on DEI Across Campus.

Faculty Promotion and Tenure Procedures

Professional Rights and Responsibilities

• Professional Ethics and Academic Responsibility
• Mandatory Reporting Requirements for Academic and Administrative Officers Under the UI Policy on Sexual Harassment (pdf)
• Confidential and Non-confidential Resources Cards (pdf)
• Working at a Public University

Classroom Policies

Research Ethics and Compliance Policies

Guidelines Regarding Political Activity by Faculty at the University of Iowa (PDF)

Learn more about Faculty-Related, Administrative, and Student/Instruction-Related Policies

• Getting Off to a Good Start is a guide to resources and advice to help you as you begin your career at the University of Iowa.
• Faculty Support & Guidance is designed to assist the campus community in responding to situations in which faculty members are targeted by individuals or groups outside of the university based on the content of the faculty member’s scholarship, teaching, clinical care, and/or service.
• The purpose of the Guidelines Regarding Political Activity by Faculty of the University of Iowa is to ensure that UI faculty members know their rights and responsibilities under applicable policies as they engage in discourse about political matters.
• Faculty Writing Groups and General Writing Resources (PDF) provide a list of articles, sites, and technology. The University of Iowa Writing Center is a valuable writing resource.

Iowa Welcome

University Benefits provides information and education on benefits to all UI employees and departments. We are committed to supporting talent, engagement, and the employee work experience, as well as administrating a competitive, comprehensive benefits package to suit you and your family's needs. 

New UI Employees

Benefit Overview Materials

Benefits Enrollment Guide

University of Iowa/TIAA

Local financial consultants with TIAA are available for individual meetings. They offer one on one consultations in a way that fits your schedule. These can be held at the local TIAA office in Coralville, virtually over Zoom, or on campus, depending on your location. These meetings can be tailored to assist in meeting your financial goals and address questions such as, "am I saving enough for retirement", "am I managing my investments appropriately" and "am I setting myself up to have a financially secure income all throughout retirement".

To schedule a meeting with a local consultant please visit tiaa.org/schedulenow or directly with one of the consultants below:

Ricardo Diaz, Financial Consultant - Schedule a Meeting with Ricardo Diaz

Mark Hagen, Sr. Financial Consultant -  Schedule a Meeting with Mark Hagen

Cindy Webb, Financial Consultant - Schedule a Meeting with Cindy Webb

How to enroll with TIAA (pdf)

The University of Iowa is committed to providing accessible course content to all students, including students with disabilities and users of assistive technologies. Per University policy, each faculty or instructional staff member is responsible for the accessibility of their course content.

The University of Iowa IT Accessibility Group (UI ITAG), located in the ITS Information Security and Policy Office, works with campus partners including Student Disability Services, the Office of Teaching, Learning & Technology, and the Division of Access, Opportunity, and Diversity to maintain resources, tutorials, and reference materials to help faculty and instructional staff develop and deliver accessible, inclusive digital course content.

UI ITAG also offers custom consultation, training, assessment, and referrals throughout the academic year for faculty and instructional staff seeking to learn more about Accessibility@Iowa. Accessibility consultation and services are available at no cost to University faculty and instructional staff.

To learn more or to schedule a consultation, please visit https://itaccessibility.uiowa.edu/faculty or email [email protected].

University of Iowa faculty and staff employed 50% time or more in a permanent position, as defined by UI Human Resources, are eligible for a parking assignment to a Faculty/Staff parking facility. Parking assignments may be available in Faculty/Staff parking facilities to employees who work less than 50% time on a space-available basis. Discounted passes are available for unlimited rides on the Coralville Transit. To purchase permits, visit Parking Portal. Iowa City Transit is fare-free at this time.

New Employee Resource for Parking and Transportation

If you have questions regarding parking, please visit Parking and Transportation, email [email protected], or call 319-335-1475.

The Office of the Provost offers interactive sessions designed for different stages in the faculty lifecycle. Learn about and register for new faculty orientation, workshops, and resources designed to support faculty members throughout their careers.

The Faculty Development Plan (FDP) facilitates the planning, support, and feedback that faculty require to support career progression, regardless of rank or track. It requires introspection and input from the faculty member to help them take charge of their career development. This tool may be a useful adjunct to the annual review, and serve as a focus for that conversation.

Supported by a partnership between the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost and the Division of Access, Opportunity, and Diversity, the University of Iowa is an institutional member of the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD). The NCFDD is an independent faculty development center dedicated to supporting academics in making successful transitions throughout their careers.

Access your membership

Professional Development Awards are the heart of the university's faculty development awards program. This is a competitive program designed to encourage scientific inquiry, research, artistic creation, clinical/technical expertise, and innovation in teaching. 

Named in honor of distinguished UI faculty, the May Brodbeck Humanities Fellowship and the James Van Allen Natural Science Fellowship provide an opportunity for other scholars to contribute to the fields of study in which these distinguished faculty are most clearly recognized.

Old Gold Summer Fellowships are limited to faculty on nine-month appointments, provide funding through the colleges for summer work on an approved developmental project.

The University of Iowa is proud to recognize the achievements of our exceptional faculty. Many national and international organizations recognize exemplary faculty accomplishments.  The Office of the Provost is pleased to review these awards with faculty members, and assist with the application process where possible.

The Office of the Provost and university offer numerous leadership development opportunities, including the Iowa Academic Leadership Academy (IALA) for new and aspiring academic leaders, coaching/mentoring; DEO workshops; campus leadership conversations; and BTAA programs. 

Leadership at Iowa: Iowa can help you reach your goals and realize your potential, whether you are new to leadership, building on years of experience, or wanting to learn a few new skills.

The Office of Access and Support offers professional development opportunities for campus.

We strive to connect, empower, and transform all who engage with our office through professional development opportunities consisting of group workshops, self-guided learning options, and open-access resources. Join a previously curated session or request your own.