Monday, September 8, 2025
Written by
Student Life Communications

Engaged Hawkeyes Week is a great way for students to discover opportunities and connect with campus resources. If your student wasn’t able to attend, there’s no need to worry—there are many ways to get involved year-round. 

Engagement advising

A smart first stop is to make an appointment with an engagement advisor. Engagement advisors help students explore opportunities and create an action plan that fits their goals and interests.

Student involvement on campus is documented through an engagement record that outlines activities, dates involved, roles, as well as competencies/transferrable skills gained. This is a great supplemental piece to include with job applications as students pursues their future career.

Student employment: more than just a paycheck

On-campus jobs play an important role in student success. Research from Iowa GROW® (Guided Reflection on Work) finds that students who work on campus report being better prepared for life after graduation when supervisors help them connect classroom learning with their job responsibilities.

  • Develop transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving
  • Build connections with staff, faculty, and peers
  • Strengthen their sense of belonging on campus

Students can find positions through Handshake, the university’s student employment platform.

Student organizations and leadership opportunities

With hundreds of student organizations—academic, cultural, service, recreational, and creative—there’s something for every interest. Students can:

Professional staff in Leadership, Service, and Engagement are available to help students identify organizations that fit their goals and provide advising for leadership development.

Student government

Undergraduate Student Government (USG) and Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) give students a voice in shaping campus life. Even if your student doesn’t plan to run for office, they can join committees, contribute to initiatives, and attend open meetings—gaining leadership experience while making a positive impact.

Undergraduate research

Undergraduates work with faculty across disciplines to gain hands-on experience, strengthen critical thinking, and prepare for graduate school and careers. To get started, encourage your student to use the Office of Undergraduate Research’s guide: How to Start.

Events and community building

Attending events is an easy way to meet new people and explore interests. Students can find opportunities—from cultural festivals and lectures to service projects and performances—on the Engage events calendar and at events.uiowa.edu.

  • Build friendships and networks
  • Explore interests beyond the classroom
  • Feel connected to the Iowa community

Final thoughts

Even if your student missed Engaged Hawkeyes Week, their opportunities are just beginning. From employment and student organizations to research and campus events, Iowa offers countless ways for students to learn, grow, and thrive.