As part of our commitment to Excellence in Teaching and Learning, we are dedicated to fostering high-quality teaching and dynamic educational experiences that empower all students to achieve their aspirations.
Our goal is to create an environment where teaching and learning thrive, and where every student has the support and resources they need to succeed.
To achieve this, we will work to enhance support, incentives, and structures that facilitate teaching excellence and student learning. We will also provide departmental and program-level resources and ensure accountability for the implementation of sustained course and curriculum innovation. Our efforts will be guided by a deep commitment to inclusivity and equity, and will be informed by best practices and research on effective teaching and learning.
We believe that every student has the potential to succeed, and we are committed to creating a campus culture that values and supports teaching excellence at every level. By working together and embracing innovation, we can create a dynamic and transformative learning experience for all.
Highlights and Success
Providing tools to track student involvement and engagement
Hawkeye Engage provides UI students with a way to track non-academic, experiential experiences that develop key skills and help shape their career path.
Exploring impact of academic policies
A P3 project examined the role of course placement and academic probation on undergraduate student success, revealing the impacts of academic probation on six-year graduation rates. Research findings related to the project have been shared at multiple academic conferences and shared by several leading publications.
Promoting effective learning strategies
The Learning at Iowa P3 project is contributing to progress toward the University of Iowa’s goals of improving undergraduate student retention and persistence through graduation through a comprehensive strategy to help students learn how to learn.
Investing in educational, social, and cultural experiences for students
The University of Iowa is planning several new residence hall projects over the next five years, including the construction of a new residence hall on the east side of campus.
Increasing inclusion in STEM
The University of Iowa has been awarded a six-year, $377,800 grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to further develop inclusive teaching and education practices for students who have historically been excluded from the sciences.
Providing mentorship that empowers students to become leaders
Access to strong mentors, inclusive spaces, and high-impact experiences help University of Iowa students find success and develop as leaders.
"We'll continue to build on our tradition of excellence and prepare our students to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow."
Measuring Our Progress
The university has set specific five-year targets for the following high-level indicators, and will report on progress toward meeting these targets annually.
90 %
first-year retention
This 2027 target represents a 3 percent increase over the current rate for fall-to-fall retention for first-year undergraduates.
58 %
four-year graduation rate
This 2027 target represents a 2% increase over the current four-year undergraduate completion rate.
73 %
six-year graduation rate
This 2027 target represents a 2% increase over the current six-year undergraduate completion rate.