Iowa University: Active Student Visibility

The University of Iowa has a comprehensive system in place to monitor student attendance and academic activity. The university requires all instructors to verify student attendance or academic activity by submitting a not-attending report after the tenth day of the semester. This information is crucial for compliance with federal financial aid regulations and for identifying students who may be struggling and require support. Students identified as not attending one or more courses are contacted by various offices and colleges, allowing for early intervention and assistance. Additionally, the university offers several options for students to verify their own academic information, such as enrollment status, class schedule, and grades, through the MyUI portal.

Student accounts and access

The University of Iowa provides students with access to an online student services portal called MyUI. After submitting an application, applicants will receive a HawkID and password to access the portal, where they can track their application status. The portal also provides access to various other services and information, such as transcripts, test scores, university ID numbers, admission decisions, and next steps for new students.

MyUI allows students to manage important tasks, such as accepting admission offers, paying fees, submitting housing applications, monitoring financial aid applications, setting up university email accounts, registering for orientation, and accessing placement tests and medical history forms. Additionally, students can use MyUI to browse course offerings, build class schedules, register for classes, and access class schedules, academic advising, campus maps, exam schedules, and financial aid history.

Student accounts on MyUI also enable students to access their Degree Audit, a tool that helps them track their progress toward graduation and understand how previous course work may apply toward graduation requirements. MyUI offers a "what if" feature within the Degree Audit, allowing students to explore how graduation requirements would change if they chose a different major.

In terms of account duration, student accounts on MyUI will remain active for up to one year after the graduation date. However, if a student leaves the university without graduating, their account will be removed within 30 days. Students who wish to have their account removed upon graduation or within one year after graduation can contact the ITS Help Desk to request an account removal.

The University of Iowa also offers a National Student Clearinghouse service, where students can obtain enrollment and degree verifications. Students can access and print these verifications through MyUI or in person at the UI Service Center. The Clearinghouse is particularly important for loan deferment, as most lenders now participate in this service.

Attendance and absences

The University of Iowa takes attendance and absences very seriously. The University is required by federal regulations to review students who received federal financial aid but did not pass any classes. This is to determine whether the student earned the non-passing grades while attending classes or stopped attending classes but did not officially withdraw. Students who stopped attending classes may have to repay a portion of the federal financial aid for that semester. If it is determined that a student never began attendance in some or all classes, aid may be cancelled completely.

To comply with these federal financial aid regulations, the UI Registrar requires all instructors to verify, through Maui, after the tenth day of the semester that a student attended class or participated in an academic activity. This is done by submitting a not-attending report (as defined by the U.S. Department of Education) on any day since the beginning of the class. The University requires 100% completion of this tenth-day attendance report by faculty and instructors. The UI Registrar also asks for verification of academic activity at midterm each semester.

The U.S. Department of Education defines academic activity as:

• Physically attending a class where there is an opportunity for direct interaction between the instructor and students
• Submitting an academic assignment
• Taking an exam, an interactive tutorial or computer-assisted instruction
• Attending a study group that is assigned by the institution
• Participating in an online discussion about academic matters
• Initiating contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course

Academic activity does not include logging into an online class without active participation or academic counselling/advising.

If a student is identified as not attending one or more courses on the Not Attending Report, they are contacted by several offices and colleges, including the Office of Student Financial Aid, Center for Inclusive Academic Excellence (CIAE), International Student and Scholar Services, and Academic Support and Retention. The Not Attending Report allows these offices and colleges to identify and reach out to students who may be struggling.

Instructors, course supervisors, and/or departments determine the policy on class attendance. This policy must be clearly stated on the syllabus and used to help adjudicate any issues that arise. University policy requires that students be permitted to make up examinations missed because of illness, mandatory religious obligations, certain University activities, or unavoidable circumstances. All instructors must comply with this policy, and attendance policies should be discussed with students during class and throughout the semester as needed.

Students participating in authorized activities may be expected to give each instructor a statement before the absence, signed by a responsible official, that specifies the dates and times the student will miss class. Authorized activities include participation in intercollegiate athletic teams, marching band and pep band, attendance at events scheduled by recognized University groups (such as mock trial competitions), participation in University field trips, service with the National Guard, and jury duty.

Verification of enrolment

The University of Iowa's Office of the Registrar provides official verification of a student's academic information, including enrollment status, dates of attendance, degree conferred, and directory information. Official verifications are printed on security paper with the university seal and the registrar's signature.

Students can obtain enrollment verifications for various reasons, including loan deferment, health insurance, good student discounts on auto insurance, international student IDs, and employment. Most lenders require loan repayment to begin six months after a student's last date of enrollment, so enrollment verification can be crucial for managing finances.

To obtain an enrollment verification, students have several options:

• Through MyUI: Students can log in using their HawkID and password and access their Admissions Profile to obtain verifications for enrollment status, class schedule, semester GPA, and grades/tuition report.
• In Person: Verification letters can be obtained at the UI Service Center, 2700 UCC (University Capitol Centre).
• National Student Clearinghouse: Both enrollment and degree verifications can be obtained through the National Student Clearinghouse. Students can access this via MyUI, and lenders and employers can also obtain this information directly from the Clearinghouse. The University of Iowa updates the Clearinghouse with enrollment information monthly and provides graduation information after each semester or session.

It is important to note that the University of Iowa routinely sends reports to guarantors of student loans, informing them of the student's current enrollment status and anticipated graduation date. Therefore, students should ensure that their anticipated graduation date is accurate to avoid issues with loan repayment expectations.

Admissions process

The University of Iowa offers a straightforward admissions process for prospective students. With a wide range of academic programs and a vibrant campus life, the university provides a great starting point for students to pursue their passions and begin their academic journey.

To apply, students can choose between the University of Iowa application or the Common Application, with the latter being an option for the fall session only. The University of Iowa is a member of the Common Application, a non-profit organization that provides a universal college application for applicants. The application fee is $55, which is non-refundable.

For first-year admissions, students are required to submit their ACT or SAT scores sent directly by the testing agency. The institution code for the ACT is 1356, while for the SAT, it is 6681. Providing test scores is essential, as not doing so may delay the admissions process and require additional documentation.

The University of Iowa has specific admission requirements for each of its colleges, including the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Business, Nursing, Public Health, and Education. Students enrolling for the first time will be part of one of these colleges.

Once the application is submitted, the university will send the applicant a HawkID and password to access the online student services portal, MyUI. This portal allows applicants to track their application status, view their transcripts and test scores, and access other important information.

The University of Iowa makes admission decisions on a rolling basis starting in September, so applicants can expect to receive updates throughout the admissions cycle.

Student activities and campus life

The University of Iowa offers a wide range of student activities and a vibrant campus life. With hundreds of communities and clubs, dedicated student support resources, and a perfect college town, students are sure to find their place at Iowa.

Student Organizations and Clubs

The University of Iowa boasts over 600 student organizations and clubs, providing something for everyone. These groups offer opportunities to develop technical skills, celebrate different dance forms, and build professional skills. Students can also join Fraternity and Sorority Life, with four councils offering a chance to foster understanding, serve others, and excel academically.

Multicultural & International Student Support and Engagement (MISSE)

The University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion through its Multicultural & International Student Support and Engagement (MISSE) team. MISSE aims to create a "Home Away From Home" atmosphere through four cultural centers and over 100 multicultural student organizations. These groups provide programming, service, educational initiatives, and cultural experiences to enrich the campus community.

Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)

The Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) is a central hub for students, especially during finals week, offering extended hours and designated quiet spaces for studying. Students can utilize lounges, meeting rooms, and open seating areas, with free snacks and coffee often provided. Stress-relief activities, such as therapy dogs or crafting sessions, are also available to help manage exam stress.

Campus Jobs

The University encourages students to work on campus, as it provides an opportunity to connect with a diverse range of students, faculty, and staff outside their field of study. These jobs help students build portfolios and work skills that will benefit them in their future careers.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Many students at the University of Iowa explore study abroad options to gain unique academic experiences combined with personal development and exploration. The University encourages conversations between students and their families about the purpose, location, and potential impact of studying abroad on their academic progression.

Student Leadership and Engagement

The University offers various programs and organizations for students to enhance their leadership skills, engage in civic opportunities, and network with peers. Initiatives like Hawkeye Service Breaks and Dance Marathon provide avenues for students to get involved and make a positive impact.

Frequently asked questions