Chapter 1 - General Description
Index
The University of Iowa
The University of Iowa was authorized by the Iowa General Assembly on February 25, 1847, just 59 days after Iowa was admitted to the Union. Today, on 1,400 acres surrounding the original state capitol, approximately 30,000 students, 2,500 faculty, 6,900 Professional and Scientific (P&S) staff, and 5,000 Merit staff carry on the life of a modern teaching, research, and service university.
As illustrated by the following excerpt from its official statement of mission adopted by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, the University has a broad mission:
Aspiration: The University of Iowa aspires to attract the most talented faculty, staff, and students; to provide an environment where they can discover and fulfill their potential; and thereby to realize its promise, which is to become one of the ten most distinguished public universities in the country.
Mission: Upon founding The University of Iowa in 1847, Iowa's first legislature entrusted it with a threefold mission of teaching, research, and public service. In pursuing that mission today, the University seeks to advance scholarly and creative endeavor through leading-edge research and artistic production; to use this research and creativity to enhance undergraduate, graduate, and professional education, health care, and other services provided to the people of Iowa, the nation, and the world; and to educate students for success and personal fulfillment in an increasingly diverse and global environment.
Strategic Plan
The University of Iowa’s aspiration, mission, values, and plans for the future are articulated in The Iowa Promise: A Strategic Plan for The University of Iowa 2005-2010. This document was formulated, with input by faculty and staff, to guide us in working together toward common goals. The University Strategic Plan can be found at www.uiowa.edu/president/strat_planning/index.html.
Administration and Governance
Created in 1909, the Board of Regents, State of Iowa governs The University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa State University in Ames, the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School in Vinton, and the Iowa School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs. The nine Regents members are appointed for staggered six-year terms by the governor, subject to confirmation by the State Senate.
The president is the principal executive officer of the University. At the University level, activities are coordinated through the Offices of the Provost, the Vice Presidents for Finance and Operations, Legal Affairs, Research, and Student Services.
Non-bargaining Merit and P&S staff participate in University-wide policy making through the University of Iowa Staff Council, which is composed of elected representatives. The Staff Council holds monthly meetings, recommends staff members to University committees, reviews committee reports, makes recommendations on University policy and procedure, and facilitates communication among constituents and between staff and central administration.
The University is organized to efficiently and effectively advance the knowledge of its students. There are eleven colleges: The Tippie College of Business, Dentistry, Education, Engineering, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Carver College of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, and the Graduate College, as well as multiple service units.
Core Values
The University of Iowa is rooted in a culture that values education. The culture is characterized by decentralized, collaborative decision making within a community that fosters open and consultative communication. The culture of The University of Iowa has been formed through historic adherence to core values. In planning, setting priorities, and making decisions, the University is guided by these seven interdependent core values summarized below:
- Excellence
- Learning
- Community
- Diversity
- Integrity
- Respect
- Responsibility