The University of Iowa has long been a home base for writers and humanists who produce high-caliber scholarship and creative work.

Working together, the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Office of the VP for Research, Office of the Provost, and several other university centers and institutes invest substantially in the humanities disciplines—history, classics, languages, literature, philosophy, religion, and world-renowned writing programs. 

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Substantial financial support for research and teaching initiatives

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Services

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Comprehensive services to assist faculty and students in their scholarly work

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Dedicated space/time allocated for research and teaching activities

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Recognition and celebration of achievements and contributions of our community

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Upcoming Events

OSA at the 110th Annual Meskwaki Powwow promotional image

OSA at the 110th Annual Meskwaki Powwow

Friday, August 7 to Saturday, August 8, 2026 (all day)
Meskwaki Powwow Grounds
OSA educators will be joining the Meskwaki Cultural Center and Museum staff in the History Exhibit tent at the 110th Annual Meskwaki Powwow! Learn about archaeology and OSA's Tribal partnerships. Chat to archaeologists and try some hands-on games and activities!
OSA at the 110th Annual Meskwaki Powwow promotional image

OSA at the 110th Annual Meskwaki Powwow

Saturday, August 8, 2026 (all day)
Meskwaki Powwow Grounds
OSA educators will be joining the Meskwaki Cultural Center and Museum staff in the History Exhibit tent at the 110th Annual Meskwaki Powwow! Learn about archaeology and OSA's Tribal partnerships. Chat to archaeologists and try some hands-on games and activities!
Application Deadline: Fall 2026 Obermann Writing Collective promotional image

Application Deadline: Fall 2026 Obermann Writing Collective

Thursday, August 27, 2026 5:00pm
111 Church Street

This program offers accountability to artists, scholars, and researchers working on any kind of writing project (articles, essays, fellowship or grant applications, dissertations, book projects, edited volumes, etc.) who want dedicated time, a cozy space, and a community for the practice of writing.Each group meets once a week for 1.5 hours in the Writers' Attic at the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies (111 Church St.). Weekly writing sessions include brief check-ins, goal setting, and...

Past Events

Wide Lens: LISTENING promotional image

Wide Lens: LISTENING

Thursday, May 8, 2025 5:30pm
Voxman Music Building

In a world full of noise, we often try to listen—to conversations with colleagues and family, to music in our headphones, to videos blasting from our smartphones. We hear all these things daily, but what does it mean to truly listen? In what sense do devices also listen to us? What is the role of silence in listening? How has listening changed over time? Can political tensions be solved through listening? How is listening both an art and a science?

This Wide Lens event brings together researchers...

Obermann End-of-Year Writing Retreat promotional image

Obermann End-of-Year Writing Retreat

Monday, May 12 to Friday, May 16, 2025 (all day)

Have you been waiting all school year to make serious progress on your book manuscript, article, or grant application? Jump-start your summer writing project at the Obermann End-of-Year Writing Retreat May 12–16, 2025!

Fifteen participants will enjoy a week of quiet productivity apart from the distractions of campus at the beautiful North Ridge Pavilion in Coralville. Daily catered lunches will provide an opportunity for exchange and discussion with other writers across campus. Each day will...

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