As you likely know, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a new proclamation effective at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 17 and continuing until 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 10. The proclamation states:

Thanksgiving recess begins November 22, and while we are all looking forward to the opportunity for rest and relaxation, it is important that we all continue to be mindful of COVID-19. The decisions we make during this time will have the potential to impact our health and the health of others.

Getting involved on campus or in the community is the surest way to find your home away from home while at the University of Iowa. UI students who are engaged report greater feelings of connection to other students, faculty, staff, and others in the university community. They also tend to be more successful in the classroom, and learn valuable job skills that future employers are looking for in college graduates. Best of all, by getting involved, you will develop greater self-confidence while also meeting new people, and developing lifelong connections.

Hey Hawkeyes! Like many of you, we are excited that the 2020 home football season begins this Saturday for our beloved Hawkeyes. This is undoubtedly an exciting time for many of us, however, we would like to take this opportunity to remind you of some of this year’s unique policies. As you are likely aware, fans are not allowed in the stadium for the games per B1G Ten Conference mandate, nor will tailgating be allowed.

We know that the coming election day has mobilized Hawkeyes across the political spectrum and we are excited to see so many students engaged in voting, political action, and activism. To support campus engagement in advocacy, perspective taking, and leading change, the divisions of Student Life and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion have connected with colleagues across campus to promote an array of programming through the Mindful and Engaged Hawkeyes initiative. A variety of lectures, discussions, social action activities, mindfulness sessions, deliberative dialogues encourage you to engage in advocacy, be active in your communities, learn from others' perspectives, and be inspired to lead change.

A coordinated community response to sexual misconduct on campus is essential to creating a safe and inclusive environment at the University of Iowa.

For students choosing to live on campus, the benefits of having a sense of community allow students to build a network of connections and lifelong friends. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, making those connections can be challenging. While social distancing is one of the main factors in reducing the spread of COVID-19, implementing this can often make students feel isolated and lonely.

The University of Iowa is exploring a potential external partnership for the day-to-day operations of the Iowa Hawk Shop and University Bookstore.

The University of Iowa now offers free menstrual products in all residence halls, free of charge to all students, faculty, and staff. Associated Residence Halls (ARH) is sponsoring the effort and is planning, funding, and implementing it.