Author
About a third of ISU students in residence halls faced record heat with no AC
At its hottest, Jenna Morsovillo’s Iowa State University dorm room hit 95 degrees. Even with seven fans circulating air in the space, she and her roommate have taken to sleeping on the floor when it gets too warm in their lofted beds. Having moved into Wilson Residence Hall earlier than others on Aug. 11, the […]
University professors incorporate AI into classrooms for curious students
As higher education grapples with AI technology making its way into classrooms, some Iowa educators are embracing what they see as a tool for learning and a chance to hop on ever-more prevalent technology. Professors at Iowa State University and the University of Iowa are incorporating AI, or artificial intelligence, into their curriculum in the […]
Iowa State University cooling system back in operation after Thursday fire
Iowa State University’s cooling system is back in operation after a fire caused by equipment failure shut down air conditioning across campus Thursday afternoon. The university announced Friday morning that crews were able to repair the system sooner than initially expected, but it will take time for campus buildings to cool to regular temperatures. Friday […]
Iowa community colleges allocate time, money to combat cybersecurity threats
Des Moines Area Community College is a harder target for cyberattacks and scams than it used to be, President Rob Denson said, but it takes constant effort and vigilance to stay that way. He and his staff will receive fake attachments, fraudulent messages from people claiming to be coworkers and applicants with intentions of taking […]
Iowa College Aid executive director resigns
Iowa College Aid Executive Director Mark Wiederspan has resigned from the position, according to the Iowa Department of Education. “Dr. Mark Wiederspan resigned his position leading the work of the Bureau of Iowa College Aid at the Iowa Department of Education, effective Aug. 16,” a statement from the department said. “The Department of Education appreciates […]
State to provide $5 million for commercial driver training
Community colleges working to help drivers get their commercial driver’s license will get a boost from the state with a new grant program. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Thursday that $5 million in infrastructure grants are being made available to community colleges for their commercial driver’s license (CDL) training programs. Qualifying programs can put funds, administered […]
Regents approve U of I acquisition request for Mercy Hospital of Iowa City
The University of Iowa will move ahead with plans to purchase Mercy Hospital of Iowa City after receiving approval from the state Board of Regents. The hospital filed for bankruptcy and announced the plan for acquisition early Monday. Regents approved the university’s request to purchase the hospital with a bid of at least $20 million. […]
Iowa universities hope to foster diversity in the wake of affirmative-action ruling
As Iowa universities respond to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision banning affirmative action in admissions, the future of other diversity efforts in higher education remains uncertain, according to one legal expert. The Supreme Court recently struck down affirmative-action policies at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, concluding they violated the […]
Regents hear from university presidents on budgets, programs and aid
Each of Iowa’s public universities received praise from the state Board of Regents at its Wednesday meeting for their work in program expansions and increased support for students and faculty. The University of Iowa, Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa had their fiscal year 2024 budgets approved by the board at the virtual […]
DMACC ushers more students into Google-backed tech education program
Even more Iowa students will have the opportunity to prepare for careers in technology through a specialized program at Des Moines Area Community College after current trainees exceeded expectations, college officials say. More than a dozen DMACC students are just a couple of months from being ready to enter the tech field through an 18-month […]
Drake University announces new leader of the Harkin Institute
Drake University’s public policy institute has a new leader at the helm. Drake University President Marty Martin named Matthew Reed as the new executive director of The Harkin Institute of Public Policy & Citizen Engagement in a Wednesday announcement. Before taking on this role, Reed served as vice president for academic affairs at Brookdale Community […]
More than 10,000 Iowans to have federal student loan debt forgiven
More than 10,000 Iowans will have their remaining federal student loan debt wiped out under fixes to the U.S. Department of Education’s income-driven repayment plans. According to data released by the Department of Education Tuesday, 10,730 borrowers in Iowa are eligible to have their loans automatically discharged in the weeks ahead, totaling $465 million in […]