Free speech training launched for new academic year

All faculty, staff and students will need to complete the state Board of Regents' annual free speech training again this year.

The virtual training, required of all students and employees at the three regent universities -- Iowa State and the universities of Iowa and Northern Iowa -- should be completed by the end of the spring 2023 semester.

The training module, which is unchanged from its launch last spring, emphasizes the importance both of using speech and expression in classroom and out-of-class activities, and respecting the protected speech and activity of others.

The online training can be completed in about 10 minutes. Faculty and staff can access the training in Learn@ISU, where "First Amendment Training Course, 2023" appears in employees' "My Enrollments" course list. Supervisors of staff members without regular access to computers should work with their employees to arrange access to a computer during their work hours.

Student employees should complete their training in Canvas.

Mobile devices may be used to complete the training, though a laptop or desktop computer is recommended. Faculty and staff also should make sure to follow instructions on the last slide of the training to properly exit the course and receive credit.

Iowa Staters who have technical problems accessing the survey should contact the IT Solution Center, 294-4000. More information about university policies related to free speech is on Iowa State's Free Speech website.