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Regents authorize 2025–26 free‑speech survey; universities report high First Amendment training completion for incoming students
Summary
The Free Speech & Student Affairs Committee authorized a board office‑led 2025–26 free‑speech survey and heard university reports that embedding training in required first‑year courses produced high completion rates (UI ~98% for first‑year/transfer undergraduates). Regents discussed strategies to improve faculty/staff and graduate completion.
The Free Speech & Student Affairs Committee heard updates from board staff and university representatives on First Amendment training and authorized the 2025–26 free‑speech survey.
Jason Pontius outlined a new data table in the docket showing completion percentages and said next‑year materials will expand to include completion within the first year students arrive on campus. UI reported that embedding free‑speech training in a required first‑year course (Success at Iowa) produced a 98% completion rate for first‑year and transfer undergraduates; UI has piloted a paired civic‑dialogue module titled "From Free Expression to Responsible Expression." ISU reported similar embedding of training in Cyclone 101 and improvements via Workday delivery for faculty and staff; UNI is piloting new graduate‑assistant orientation modules and has placed emphasis on capturing new students at entry.
Regents pressed on how success is measured. Committee members said a 100% goal is aspirational but that metrics should include early capture of new students and additional outreach to working professionals enrolled as graduate students. Pontius asked to authorize the board office to begin the 2025–26 survey work in consultation with committee members; the committee authorized the survey (to be administered Jan–Feb, with reporting in April) by general consent.
The committee also discussed content refresh strategies (social media modules, variation across years) and operational delivery (timely reminders, administrative nudges) to sustain completion over time.
