A Destination University
We started this journey with a destination in mind, to become the top choice university for the next group of diverse and talented students, faculty, and staff. To get there, we put a plan in place and called on the campus community to help us carry it out. As we reflect on our progress so far, we can see that the work is already paying off.
We are building upon our strengths in research and scholarship, implementing strategies and best practices to help our students achieve new heights, and furthering a campus culture that celebrates excellence, prioritizes well-being, and embraces our core values.
While we are proud of what we have accomplished, this is just the beginning. Together we will enhance the University of Iowa’s standing as one of the most distinguished public universities in the country.
Continuing Our Progress
As we advance through Year 2 of our strategic plan, we’re making significant progress toward our goals. We are achieving new highs for student graduation and retention rates, strengthening our efforts to support faculty success, implementing strategies to further boost our research profile, and increasing services to support the health and well-being of our community. Our strategic investments through the P3 Program are starting to pay off and so are our collective efforts to foster a welcoming and respectful campus environment.
Thanks to the collaborative spirit, talent, and dedication across our campus, we are on pace to fulfill our shared vision for the University of Iowa.
Latest Updates
UI identifies distinctive collaborative opportunities
The university will focus strategic university investments, cross-campus partnerships, and strategic plan initiatives on the key areas of writing and communication, brain science and mental health, and cancer research and patient care.
Two world-class leaders welcomed under Transformational Hiring Program
Iowa is continuing to showcase that it is a destination university through its Transformational Faculty Hiring Program, with two recent hires further elevating the university's academic excellence.
UI adopts new framework for the assessment of teaching
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 have developed updated guidance on the comprehensive assessment of teaching at the University of Iowa.
Faculty fellows to lead initiatives supporting strategic plan
Five University of Iowa faculty members have been selected as faculty fellows for FY 2025 to work on projects bolstering support for faculty success and student learning.
Priorities and Goals
The five priorities of the strategic plan are interconnected, building upon each other to position our institution for success.
Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Foster high-quality teaching and dynamic educational experiences that empower all students to achieve their aspirations.
Innovative Research and Creative Discovery
Advance the success of UI scholars, researchers, and artists and build on the university’s distinctive strengths in areas of current and emerging research and creative discovery.
Welcoming and Inclusive Environment
Facilitate proactive campus cultural change to cultivate a more respectful, inclusive environment that embeds diversity and equity into the Iowa experience.
Holistic Well-Being and Success
Provide a comprehensive foundation of support for individuals throughout all stages of their relationship with the university, beginning by attracting and retaining talented students, faculty, and staff who will contribute to a thriving university community.
Transformative Societal Impact
Expand the university’s impact on local and regional communities, the state of Iowa, and the world by leveraging its areas of distinction, the resources entrusted to it, and the collective talent of its people.
What's Next
Our Strategic Plan Action and Resource Committee (SPARC) is building upon the progress of year 1 and is busy at work implementing year 2 of the plan. For the strategic plan to be successful, we need continued participation and support from members of the campus community. Your ideas, input, and engagement are critical to us achieving our goals.