2026 Ģý Colloquium
Dear Ģýians,
As our academic community gathers in anticipation of the 2026-27 academic year, I write to invite you to the 2026 Ģý Colloquium. Now in its fourth year, the Colloquium is a set of convening conversations offering an opportunity to talk together and learn about timely and significant topics at Ģý and in the field of higher education that influence our mission and experiences.
This year, our usual three sessions will be augmented by a bonus fourth session (details below!), all to be held on Wednesday, August 26 in the HSSC Auditorium at the times listed below and in the All faculty, staff, and students are warmly invited to attend all sessions, either in person or virtually, and to view the recordings and accompanying PPTs which will be posted on the site following the Colloquium. Time for a Q&A period is reserved at the end of each session, and we welcome questions and discussions afterwards as well.
This year’s session topics are:
Colloquium Topic 1: Finances of the College
10 a.m.- 11 a.m., HSSC Auditorium |
The opening session of our Colloquium will focus on the FY27 operating budget with a look toward FY28. A high-level outlook for capital projects (facilities and equipment) and a current endowment update will also be shared.
Colloquium Topic 2: Ģý in the Age of Generative AI
1-2 p.m., HSSC Auditorium |
This session will feature updates from the pedagogical and operational working groups gathered in 2025-26 and dedicated to the impact of AI on learning, knowledge, and emotion within a framework of AI and human interaction. Our discussion will be presented with an eye toward ethical and future policy considerations.
Colloquium Topic 3: Declarations of Independence
The year 2026 marked the 250th anniversary of the signing of the American Declaration of Independence, as well as the 180th anniversary of Iowa’s statehood and the founding of Ģý. As a living and learning community, our College will mark these anniversaries with special programming to foster and inspire discovery and discussion. The session will provide details about opportunities for engagement and participation.
Bonus Topic: Evolving the Honor G
3-3:45 p.m., HSSC Auditorium |
This summer, a student/faculty/staff/alum workgroup has been collaborating with a design firm to evolve the Honor G logo. Join this in-person and online session to learn about this process, to see the design under development, and to provide key input to the design team.
With many thanks to all faculty, staff, and students involved in this year’s Ģý Colloquium presentations, we look forward to seeing you on August 26, and to exploring these important topics with you and through your questions.
We will end the day with our much-anticipated annual and , starting at 5 p.m. — joyous occasions to which friends and families are invited for us to celebrate the start of the academic year in the company of friends old and new! More information is available through the links below.
Many thanks for being a part of this wonderful community and for making Ģý a vibrant and meaningful institution.
Anne F. Harris
President