Transportation

Parking will be provided at the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) parking ramp. Guests may walk from the IMU to Hancher for check-in, or take a free campus shuttle. Shuttles will run throughout the day, Orientation staff will also available to help direct students and families. 

Schedule Overview

7:45 a.m. Bus routes begin running between Iowa Memorial Union Parking Ramp and Hancher Auditorium

8:15 a.m. Check-in Opens; Hancher Lobby

9:00 a.m. Program Welcome; Main Auditorium, Hancher

9:35 a.m. Academic Success at Iowa; Main Auditorium, Hancher

9:50 a.m. Behind the Bill: Navigating the University Billing Process with Confidence; Main Auditorium, Hancher

10:05 a.m. Break

10:20 a.m. Welcome Home: Housing and Dining at Iowa; Main Auditorium, Hancher 

10:20 a.m. Off to a Good Start: Off-Campus Living in Your First Year at Iowa; Strauss Theatre, Hancher

10:45 a.m. Students dismissal to lunch and small groups

Student and parent lunch and afternoon sessions held separately.

10:55 a.m. Parent Panel, Main Auditorium, Hancher

11:00 a.m. Student lunch, Burge Marketplace

11:30 a.m. Parent dismissal to lunch and breakout sessions

11:55 a.m. Parent lunch, Burge Marketplace

12:00 p.m. Student Panel, Pomerantz Center C20

1:00 p.m. Student small groups, various campus classrooms

Parents will choose ONE interest session per block

1:10 p.m. Parent Interest Session #1, Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)

  • Understanding Financial Aid; Richey Ballroom, IMU 376
    • Financial Aid staff will review the steps in applying for financial aid, types of aid, understanding the financial aid offer, and how to accept loans.
  • Technology at Iowa; Iowa Theater, IMU 166
    • Learn how students can get tech-ready at Iowa and make the most of campus technology resources.
  • From Support to Success: Well-Being Panel; Black Box Theater, IMU 360
    • Learn what units and resources on campus can support your student when challenges arise.
  • Recreational Services Preview; Big Ten Theater, IMU 348
    • Explore the wide range of fitness opportunities available for students on campus, featuring multiple locations and a variety of programs.
  • Pomerantz Career Center: Connecting Students to Career Possibilities; Homecoming Room, IMU 345
    • “What can I do with my major?”; Internships; Employer connections – We assist students with all this and more at the Career Center!

1:40 p.m. Parent Interest Session #2, Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)

  • University Housing and Dining: Family FAQs for Hawkeyes in the Halls; Richey Ballroom, IMU 376
    • UHD Staff will provide key insights to help you support your Hawkeye and answer questions about living and dining on campus.
  • Technology at Iowa; Iowa Theater, IMU 166
    • Learn how students can get tech-ready at Iowa and make the most of campus technology resources.
  • Student Involvement and Belonging Panel; Black Box Theater, IMU 360
    • Leadership and Engagement supports student success by fostering leadership, service, and involvement that helps every Hawkeye feel connected and supported.
  • Student Employment: How it Works and Why it Matters; Big Ten Theater, IMU 348
    • Get a glimpse into student employment at the University of Iowa and how it can positively impact your student’s college experience.
  • Support for the Transfer Student Transition; Homecoming Room, IMU 345
    • Learn about transfer-specific campus resources and ways to support your transfer student in their transition to the University of Iowa. 

2:10 p.m. Parent Interest Session #3, Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)

  • Discover Study and Internships Abroad; Richey Ballroom, IMU 376
    • Learn about options to go abroad for either traditional study abroad or career exploration.
  • Empowering Families: Supporting Student Mental Well-Being in College; Iowa Theater, IMU 166
    • Learn how to support your student’s mental health during the transition to college.
  • Safety on Campus; Black Box Theater, IMU 360
    • As families navigate the major transition into college, Campus Safety staff will address common safety concerns and highlight the free personal safety resources available to your student.
  • Student Employment: How it Works and Why it Matters; Big Ten Theater, IMU 348
    • Get a glimpse into student employment at the University of Iowa and how it can positively impact your student’s college experience.
  • Talk with a Hawk; Homecoming Room, IMU 345
    • Have questions after a full day on campus? Connect with current Hawkeyes and get real answers about student life at Iowa. 

2:40 p.m. Students return & sign Herky, Iowa Hawk Shop, IMU

2:40 p.m. Information Fair begins, Main Lounge, IMU

Parents and students reconnect at the Information Fair. 

3:00 p.m. Orientation Cambus Shuttle; route stops at Iowa Memorial Union (IMU), University Capitol Centre (UCC), Voxman Music Building (VOX), Campus Recreation and Wellness Center (CRWC)

3:30 p.m. IVETS Welcome Session; Calvin Hall, 2nd Floor

3:30 p.m. Hawkeye Marching Band Auditions; Voxman Music Building (VOX)

3:30 p.m. First-Gen Hawks Information Session; Iowa Memorial Union, Room 345

4:30 p.m. Becoming a Hawkeye Program concludes

5:00 p.m. Orientation Cambus Shuttle Route Concludes

Special Accommodations

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Orientation Services in advance at (319) 335-1497