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.

Dear university community, we hear your concerns and anger, and we share your feelings regarding the serious allegations of sexual misconduct on our campus and across the nation.

Two areas in the Office of the Dean of Students (DOS) – Leadership and Engagement (LE) and Well-Being and Basic Needs – have reorganized to better serve the needs of University of Iowa students and support Division of Student Life strategic priorities.

For University Housing and Dining, finding vendors to partner with to serve fresh, local food in on campus dining locations is a top priority. The team strives to provide quality and value to the on-campus dining experience for students. One of the many ways the team achieves this is their close partnership with local vendors. By working with these partners, the team is able to provide fresher, better-tasting foods and limit the environmental impact by reducing transportation distance.

Happy last week of classes, Hawkeyes! I wanted to alert you to a recent change to university policies that impacts our campus community. The university’s chalking policy has been updated to reflect our shared values of free speech, free expression, and the exchange of ideas. This important update applies to all university students, staff, faculty, affiliates, invited guests, and visitors.