Dear CLAS faculty and staff, 
Summer provides an opportunity to reset and look toward the next academic year. Many of us continue our vital teaching and research responsibilities but are also feeling accomplished following spring commencement. I want to thank all our faculty and staff for their hard work leading up to and during our ceremonies. I received many heartfelt thank you notes and compliments from families following our events—this reflects your exceptional efforts.
Work continues to further the CLAS strategic plan, and you can expect to receive an update later this summer. We are proud of our progress as a college and look forward to sharing more details with you soon. Additionally, I have enjoyed reviewing your departmental progress reports—it is exciting to see your strategic plans advancing the work of your departments.
Our college is gearing up to welcome a large class of incoming freshmen, who are currently visiting campus for orientation and meeting with advisors to register for classes. I know many of you put in extra cycles to ensure courses and sections are available for our new students, and I am so grateful for your commitment and collaboration.
Next month, students will move into their residence halls and participate in activities as part of On Iowa! This includes a CLAS Welcome Party for new students and transfers scheduled for Friday, Aug. 19. More than 600 volunteers are needed across campus to make On Iowa! successful. If you're interested in helping, please consider signing up.
I hope you have been able to prioritize some time away from your desk for rest and relaxation. This summer has been heavy with many heartbreaking headlines and troublesome topics filling our screens and news feeds. Taking time for yourself is important as we navigate these challenges.
Thank you for your continued work and contributions. You are helping make this university a destination for so many, including the incoming Class of 2026.
With gratitude,
Sara Sanders, PhD, MSW
Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences