Joseph Verry is a senior from Coralville, Iowa majoring in Biomedical Engineering.

Madeline Huntley is a senior from Waukee, Iowa majoring in Marketing and Journalism.

Callie Thomas is a senior from Downers Grove, Illinois majoring in Elementary Education, with a minor in Environmental Science, certificate in Teacher Leadership, and an endorsement in Reading Education.

For most college students, balancing college demands and extracurricular activities can be overwhelming and time consuming. Students are constantly on-the-go, so eating quality food during a time that is convenient in their busy schedule can be a challenge. University Housing and Dining wanted to change that.

As you engage in social activities off campus, there has been an increase of concerns regarding sexual consent and personal safety, specifically as it relates to intoxication and unknowing consumption of controlled substances (sometimes referred to roofies or date rape drugs.) Many of these drugs mimic the effects of intoxication, so distinguishing between the two can be difficult. Alcohol is the most common substance used to facilitate sexual assault, but it is not the only one.

While we continue to respond to challenges presented by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as personal and academic stressors, it is critically important that you are taking time to care for your health – both physically and mentally.

On Oct. 5, the University of Iowa began a new partnership with CommUnity Crisis Services in Iowa City to provide around-the-clock mental health crisis and support assistance via phone, chat, and text for all students, in addition to in-person response and transport to care facilities as needed and appropriate for the situation.

If you find yourself in the position of trying to figure out what to do about a fellow student who is in medical distress due to alcohol or other substance use, you don't have to worry that doing the right thing will get you or the student in distress in trouble.

One of the expectations of the Iowa Challenge is to engage — engage in campus life and engage in the community in which you live. We know engagement looks very different right now due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we still encourage students to get involved. One way is to participate in local and state elections.

Hello Hawkeyes, like many of you, we are excited for the 2021 football season to begin Saturday.