Policy Manual

Effective August 21, 2023, this chapter has been revised according to the University of Iowa 2022–27 Strategic Plan. For individual changes, see the redlined version. 

2.1(1) Statutory Definition

Iowa Code Chapter 263 establishes the University of Iowa. It defines its purpose as providing the best and most efficient means of imparting to men and women, upon equal terms, a liberal education and thorough knowledge of the different branches of literature and the arts and sciences, with their varied applications. It shall include colleges of liberal arts and sciences, law, medicine, and such other colleges and departments, with such courses of instruction and elective studies as the Board of Regents may determine from time to time.

2.1(2) Regents' Statement

The Board of Regents has further refined the mission statement of the university: The State University of Iowa is committed to undergraduate, professional, graduate, and continuing education. To discharge this commitment, as part of its established mission, the university engages in teaching, research, and appropriate extension, health, and other public services. The university is recognized as having a broad mandate in order that it may continue to be a distinguished state university, offering preprofessional courses, the full panoply of undergraduate liberal arts and science courses, graduate and professional work in law, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, engineering, and allied fields related to these professional disciplines, as well as social work, business administration, journalism, education (early childhood, elementary, secondary, and higher), library science, and all the liberal arts and sciences. It will offer no major programs in agriculture; architecture; forestry; industrial arts; veterinary medicine; agricultural, aeronautical, or ceramic engineering. It will be characterized by a general orientation toward human growth, the health sciences, the humanities, the fine arts, and the social sciences. It will continue to maintain strong programs in the physical and biological sciences and engineering (IAC [681]12.1 and 12.3).

2.1(3) University Statement

1. Mission. Upon its founding in 1847, the University of Iowa was entrusted by the state legislature with a threefold mission of teaching, research, and public service. In pursuing that mission today, the university: 
   1. Provides exceptional teaching and transformative educational experiences that prepare students for success and fulfillment in an increasingly diverse and global environment;  
   2. Advances scholarly and creative endeavor through leading-edge research and artistic production; and 
   3. Brings learning and discovery into the service of the people of the State of Iowa, the nation, and the world, improving lives through education, health care, arts and culture, and community and economic vitality. 
2. Vision. The University of Iowa will be the destination of first choice for a diverse and talented body of students, faculty, and staff, who will craft new chapters of exploration, discovery, creation, and engagement. Together, we will advance the university’s standing as one of the most distinguished public universities in the country. 
3. Core Values. Our core values frame both who we are and who we aspire to be as a university community. As we plan, set priorities, and make daily decisions about how to carry out our mission, we are guided by these five interdependent commitments:
   1. Creativity.  We discover new ways to see the world and make it better. We are dedicated to pursuing new knowledge and artistic creation and using those discoveries to have a transformative impact on our state and in our local, national, and global communities.
   2. Community. We are committed to collaboration and active engagement. We value the contributions of every individual, while recognizing that our greatest successes come when we work together toward creative contributions — often across disciplines and departments, and often with community partners.
   3. Excellence. We expect the best from ourselves in all that we do. We measure ourselves by exacting standards, honor high aspiration and achievement, and expect all members of the university community to strive for excellence.
   4. Inclusion. We affirm and celebrate all backgrounds and identities. We achieve excellence by attracting and retaining a diverse, talented population of students, faculty, and staff, and building a welcoming and accessible environment in which individuals feel valued and respected and have the opportunity to thrive.
   5. Integrity. We are honest, fair, respectful, and ethical. We hold ourselves to the highest standard of professional and scholarly ethics, are accountable for our decisions and actions, exercise responsible stewardship of the resources with which we are entrusted, and treat one another with honesty and fairness.
4. Goals.
   1. Excellence in teaching and learning: Foster high-quality teaching and dynamic educational experiences that empower all students to achieve their aspirations.
   2. Innovative research and creative discovery: Advance the success of University of Iowa scholars, researchers, and artists and build on the university’s distinctive strengths in areas of current and emerging research and creative discovery.
   3. 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.
   4. 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.
   5. 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.