CLAS art history professor named fellow in medieval studies academy

April 12, 2024

By Charlotte Brookins 

Robert Bork, professor and director of graduate studies in the School of Art and Art History, is one of only seven fellows named to the Medieval Academy of America’s 2024 Fellowship Class.  

The Medieval Academy of America (MAA) was first established in 1925 and works to propagate a scholarly community with the goal of deepening and disseminating knowledge of medieval history in a way that is equitable, accessible, and inclusive. The fellowship class is nominated on an annual basis, with up to 150 fellows at one time. 

“I feel deeply honored to join this group, which includes only a few art historians,” says Bork. 

As described on its website, the purpose of the MAA’s fellowship program is to honor long-term academic achievements in the field of medieval studies. Fellows work as a group to use their raised profile as medievalists to ensure the continued vitality of their field.  

Bork, who has been with the University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for just over 25 years, says his time at the university has contributed to his development as a scholar and professor in many ways. 

“Most concretely, the university has supported my work with internal grants such as the Faculty Scholar program, the Arts and Humanities Initiative, and grants for conference and research travel,” Bork explains, referring to the AHI-funded trip in which Bork and a small group of students and staff traveled to France. On this trip, the group used laser scanners to create precise 3D models of Gothic cathedrals important to Bork’s current research.  

“The university has also supported my applications for external grants such as those from the Humboldt Foundation, the National Gallery of Art, and the American Council of Learned Societies, which have been crucial to my book projects,” he adds. 

Bork has appeared in numerous publications detailing his research in medieval studies. 

Bork majored in physics before embarking on his career in architectural history, and he notes that much of his research utilizes his multifaceted background, something that is supported by the university and college’s strength in a variety of programs. 

“I would urge students to take advantage of this breadth by taking a wide range of classes during their years here,” says Bork. “At the same time, I encourage students to share their diverse interests with their faculty mentors, since undergraduate research can open up valuable and unexpected opportunities, as I have seen in my own career.” 

Bork will be formally inducted as an MAA Fellow during the organization’s annual meeting in March. 

Harness the power of mindfulness during your student experience

April 08, 2024

In the whirlwind of academic pressures, social commitments, and personal growth, college life can sometimes feel like a balancing act on a tightrope. It's easy to lose touch with the present moment, allowing stress and anxiety to take control. However, there's a powerful tool that can help you navigate the challenges of university life with greater ease and resilience: mindfulness.

Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally focusing on the present moment, without judgment. It involves tuning into your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the environment around you, fostering a deeper sense of awareness and acceptance. While mindfulness has roots in ancient Eastern traditions, its benefits have been extensively studied and validated by modern science, making it a valuable skill for individuals of all ages, including college students.

By practicing mindfulness, you can cultivate a greater sense of clarity and focus, enabling you to tackle your academic work with enhanced efficiency and effectiveness. Research has shown that mindfulness meditation can improve attention span, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, all of which are crucial skills for success in college and beyond. By reducing stress and anxiety, mindfulness can enhance overall well-being and mental health, creating a more positive and fulfilling college experience.

In addition to its cognitive benefits, mindfulness can also foster deeper connections with others and promote a greater sense of empathy and compassion. In a fast-paced and competitive environment like college, it's easy to become self-absorbed and disconnected from those around us. However, by cultivating mindfulness, you can develop a greater appreciation for the people in your life and the experiences you share together. This can lead to more meaningful relationships, increased social support, and a greater sense of belonging.

Here are four mindfulness practices you can try out today:

Deep Breathing

Simply inhale slowly through your nose, then exhale slowly out through your nose or mouth. If it helps, you can inhale and exhale for the same amount of time; maybe four seconds. For bonus relaxation, focus on sending your breath down into your belly and expanding it like a balloon.

5 Senses Activity

This practice encourages you to tune into your sensory experience and focus on the sensations happening in the present moment.

Here's how you can do the Five Senses Activity:

• Sight: Take a moment to look around you and notice five things you can see. Pay attention to the colors, shapes, and textures of your surroundings. Try to observe with curiosity, noticing even the smallest details.
• Touch: Notice four things you can feel physically. It could be the texture of the ground beneath your feet, the warmth of sunlight on your skin, or the softness of fabric against your fingertips. Take a moment to fully experience the sensation of touch.
• Hearing: Close your eyes if it helps you concentrate and identify three things you can hear. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the auditory experience.
• Smell: Notice two distinct scents in your environment. It could be the smell of your coffee or perfume or the aroma of the air around you.
• Taste: Finally focus on your sense of taste and identify one thing you can taste. It could be the lingering flavor of your last meal or the minty freshness of toothpaste. If you don't have anything to taste, you can simply focus on the sensations in your mouth, such as the feeling of your tongue against your teeth.

Body Scan

A body scan is a mindfulness practice that involves systematically directing attention to different parts of the body, starting from the toes and moving upward to the head. It helps increase awareness of physical sensations, relaxes the body, and promotes a sense of calm and presence.

Here's how to do a basic body scan:

• Sit or lie down in a comfortable position, with your spine straight and your body relaxed. Close your eyes if it helps you focus.
• Begin by taking a few deep breaths, allowing your breath to flow naturally and rhythmically. Notice the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves your body.
• Direct your attention to your toes. Notice any sensations, such as warmth, tingling, or tension. Take a moment to fully experience the sensations in your toes before moving on.
• Slowly shift your attention upward, focusing on each part of the body in sequence. Move from your toes to the soles of your feet, then to your ankles, calves, knees, thighs, and so on, gradually scanning upward through your body.
• As you scan each part of the body, pay attention to any sensations you encounter. Notice areas of tension, discomfort, or relaxation. Try to observe these sensations without judgment, simply acknowledging them as they arise.
• If you encounter areas of tension or discomfort, bring your awareness to your breath. As you inhale, imagine breathing into the tense or tight area, allowing it to soften and relax with each breath.
• Continue scanning upward through your body, moving from the torso to the arms, hands, shoulders, neck, and finally to the top of your head.
• Once you've completed the scan, take a moment to experience your body as a whole. Notice the sensations of relaxation and calm that may have emerged during the practice.
• When you're ready, gently bring your awareness back to your surroundings. Wiggle your fingers and toes, stretch if it feels good, and gradually open your eyes.

Gratitude

Expressing gratitude is a powerful way to acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of your life, fostering feelings of happiness, contentment, and connection with others.

Here's how you can practice expressing gratitude:

• Mentally note three things you are grateful for.
• Write down in a journal or in the notes or journal app on your phone what you are grateful for.
• Call or text someone and tell them you are grateful for them.

Mindfulness is a powerful tool that can help you navigate the challenges of college with greater ease and resilience. By cultivating a deeper sense of awareness and acceptance, you can enhance your academic performance, improve your mental health, and foster more meaningful connections with others. So, whether you're feeling overwhelmed by exams, stressed about deadlines, or simply seeking a moment of peace amidst the chaos, remember to take a deep breath and bring your attention back to the present moment. The power of mindfulness is always within reach.

Student Wellness offers free mindfulness workshops and events to support you in developing your own mindfulness practice. See below for our upcoming programming.

• Silent Retreat – Sunday, April 21^st from 1-4pm in IMU 335
• Mindfulness Workshop – Tuesdays, June 4^th – 25^th from 7-8:15pm via zoom

To learn more and register for these events, visit the student wellness website. 

CLAS music professor named 2024 UI Distinguished Chair

April 08, 2024

Students: Are you looking for a summer internship?

April 08, 2024

Did you know that the University of Iowa Pomerantz Career Center has more than 4,500 paid summer internships currently posted on Handshake? 

Don’t miss out. Now is a great time to polish up your resume and apply for opportunities! To browse postings in Handshake, click on jobs, then filters and select "internship" under job type and "paid" under compensation using the term summer. If you need help, stop by the career center for peer advising drop-in hours that are available Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Do you have an internship this summer or fall?

It’s time to talk to your academic advisor about internship course registration. Don’t wait. Late registration fees for summer begin June 24. Learn more about your options and steps for registering. 

If you’ve already landed a summer internship with a non-profit or government organization, you may be eligible for a Hawkeye Experience Grant, which allows students to apply for up to $4,000 to help defray the cost of a summer experience. Internships abroad, research, creative, and community engagement experiences may also be eligible. Applications are due on April 17. View a recorded info session to learn more. 

Be a career-ready bystander 

Prepare for your internship by completing harassment prevention training. Enroll now. 

What is it?

• Free training via ICON
• 90 minutes total, in 4 sections
• Convenient option to learn about dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace

Why?

• Make your workplace safe for you and your colleagues
• Learn about resources for UI students
• Be prepared for your career
• Add to your resume 

Career Center academic courses

The Career Center offers a variety of 1, 2, and 3 s.h. courses to develop your career and leadership skills. Search course subjects “CCP” and “LS” on MyUI when creating your schedule for fall 2024. 

Interested in building your leadership skills and knowledge? Be sure to check out the following Career Center course offerings for fall 2024:

• LS:1020 Intro to Leadership
• LS:2002 Career Leadership Academy Pt 1 *in-person and online options available
• LS:2020 Women in Leadership
• LS:2022 Leading from the Margins

 Did you know you can pursue a Certificate in Leadership Studies? Check it out!  

 Are you exploring majors and careers? Might as well get credit for it and learn how to make a plan that involves what’s best for you and your future! Both in-person and online options available. 

• CCP:1300:0001 
  Major and Career Explorations
  Aug. 28 – Oct. 9, 2024
  2:30 – 4:20 p.m. on Wednesdays
  211 EPB
   
• CCP:1300:0EXT
  Major and Career Explorations
  Aug. 26 – Oct. 11, 2024
  Arranged time, asynchronous online

The center also has sections that start in the second half of the semester. Please search for CCP:1300 on MyUI for more information. 

Third and fourth year undergraduate students who would like to enroll should email Lisa McKirgan at lisa-mckirgan@uiowa.edu to request special permission.

About the Pomerantz Career Center 

The centers' team of career coaches and peer advisors are eager to assist as you explore and prepare for exciting career opportunities ahead, whether it's student employment, internships, post-grad jobs, or grad school. It's never too early to get started! To learn more about the services offered by the Pomerantz Career Center, visit careers.uiowa.edu/.