Participants shared stories of how they came to be a part of the University of Iowa, and many agreed that a strong sense of communitywas a draw in the beginning and a factor that continues to contribute to their decisions to make a life here. All present observed important and ongoing problems of inequality and exclusion that they and colleagues face. And everyone expressed as well a sense that, within the university and in Iowa City, they have found community theymight not find elsewhere — from professional aspects such as a thriving, prolific culture aroundwriting, emphasis on creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration, and abundant opportunities to pursue research, to quality-of- life elements such as excellent public schools, parks for children, a vibrant queer community, and a manageable small citywith a quirky, artsy personality.
“After my first visit, I walked away saying, ‘Iowa is it.’ There was the intellectual life, the creativity, the curiosity, the camaraderie, the solidarity. It was amazing,” one participant said. “I felt like I understood what my mentors always told me when they said I’d know when it’s the right place.” So, what happens next? Once a new CLAS faculty or staff member—or student—joins the UI, how can the College work to support people’s careers, recognize their value as community members, and honor their experiences as humans? Considering this question, conversation participants voiced concerns about faculty retention, especially for faculty of color. The group agreed that colleagues often leave for a pay increase, and that there are also contributing factors of service fatigue, invisible labor, and at times disrespect— particularly for women and people of color. “Think about just the constellation of time, money, and resources, and then also, respect and celebration,” one participant said. “Sometimes we do the respect and celebration and don’t talk about the resources. Or we talk about resources, but not respect. These need to come together.” The group thought that time and pay should take into account DEI efforts, which typically fall on the shoulders of underserved and underrepresented, and often untenured,
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I felt like I understoodwhat my mentors always told me when they said I’d knowwhen it’s the right place. “
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