Why Iowa?

Writing and communication have been at the center of the University of Iowa’s educational mission for a century. Rhetoric is an essential part.

Build a foundation

Get writing support

Learn from experts

Why is rhetoric required?

It’s simple: writing and speaking well is essential for any career path you choose. Excellent writing and speaking skills—what universities call “rhetoric”—will set you apart from your peers in the job market and help you succeed.

Write Your Story

Employers say the top skill they need is communication. They want you to know how to present your ideas clearly and persuasively. We'll prepare you to do just that so you can succeed in the classroom and workplace.

News and announcements

Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award

Tuesday, March 31, 2026
The Council on Teaching has selected Sydnee Brown and Eliza Levinson to receive the 2025-2026 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award.

Richard E. Gibson Merit Staff Award for Innovation and Excellence in Customer Service

Thursday, March 26, 2026
Congratulations to Kris Bevelacqua!

Six faculty honored with 2026 Regents Award for Faculty Excellence

Thursday, February 19, 2026
Congratulations to Carol Severino!

Scholarly Teaching Program

Friday, January 16, 2026
The Center for Teaching is pleased to share that two members of your department, Elizabeth Crawford and Spencer Jones, have been accepted into the Scholarly Teaching Program.

Events

Generative AI in Student Learning promotional image

Generative AI in Student Learning

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 9:30am to 11:00am
University Capitol Centre

How are students and faculty navigating the world of generative AI and its implications?

Join OTLT to discover what we’re learning about students’ use of generative AI and hear from faculty members about how they're creating AI guidance for their courses. Register to attend this AI research event, which will take place on Wednesday, April 15, at 9:30 a.m. in University Capitol Centre 2520D. We’ll offer light refreshments starting at 9:15 a.m.

During the event, we’ll:

Present data on students’...

Recycled Runway promotional image

Recycled Runway

Saturday, April 25, 2026 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Old Capitol Museum
The University of Iowa’s Sustainable Events class presents the 4th Annual Recycled Runway at the historic Old Capitol Museum and you’re invited!
Art & Write Night promotional image

Art & Write Night

Friday, May 1, 2026 6:00pm to 8:00pm
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

Join the long, rich, historical tradition of artists creating in our spaces.

Professional, aspiring, and amateur artists alike, make our museum your muse. The return of this popular program series welcomes guests into the Museum of Natural History's magical gallery spaces after-hours to work on sketching or writing projects with other campus and community artists.

Tell a friend, grab a notebook, and join us on the first Friday of each month. We'll provide a new inspo prompt for each session and...

Art & Write Night promotional image

Art & Write Night

Friday, June 5, 2026 6:00pm to 8:00pm
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

Join the long, rich, historical tradition of artists creating in our spaces.

Professional, aspiring, and amateur artists alike, make our museum your muse. The return of this popular program series welcomes guests into the Museum of Natural History's magical gallery spaces after-hours to work on sketching or writing projects with other campus and community artists.

Tell a friend, grab a notebook, and join us on the first Friday of each month. We'll provide a new inspo prompt for each session and...

View more events