Hello, Hawkeyes!
It is my honor and privilege as a lifelong Hawkeye to lead the Division of Student Life, which supports the whole student experience.
Our team works tirelessly to help students find what I refer to as the 4 Ps – places they belong, people who will be on their team, passions to explore within and beyond their major, and a clarity of purpose as they move into the world beyond UI. We know there is no one path to success as a Hawkeye. Our job is to believe in each student: in their talents, their contributions, their well-being, and their success.
In the 2024-25 academic year, we made tremendous strides in helping students to build communities, improve their well-being, get involved, and hone their leadership skills. We partnered with student government leaders to create new options for a safe ride home, cultivated wellness through connection with nature, and built upon our renowned Iowa GROW® student employee development program.
I hope that you will enjoy this snapshot of the last year, as much as we have enjoyed reflecting and building upon it for the year ahead.
On Iowa! Go Hawks!
Sarah Hansen
Areas of Focus
The Division of Student Life fosters student success by creating and promoting educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom.
Supporting Student Mental Health at Iowa
The University of Iowa continues to innovate in the mental health support space, offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to foster emotional well-being, prevent crises, and promote resilience.
Hope Boxes — both physical and virtual — have emerged as a powerful tool in suicide prevention and emotional support.
Meeting basic needs: how the University of Iowa supports student well-being
The University of Iowa’s Food Pantry, Hawkeye Meal Share, and Emergency Fund help students meet basic needs while fostering dignity, support, and a sense of belonging on campus.
Working toward success: how student employment fuels growth, belonging, and leadership at Iowa
Programs like Iowa GROW® and the Hawkeye Work Grant are transforming campus jobs into rich learning experiences, fostering confidence, belonging, and future-ready leadership. Participants in these initiatives report higher skill development and retention outcomes compared to peers.
Featured Stories
A space for belonging: student voices shape new SDS Lounge
The new SDS Lounge provides a student-designed, accessible space that fosters community, belonging, and support for students.
Building belonging, one Thursday at a time
Thursdays on the Terrace offers weekly student-led events at the IMU, fostering connection and community while promoting healthy social choices.
Earthmind: cultivating wellness through nature
Earthmind is a nature-based wellness program that helps students reduce stress, build community, and foster personal growth.
Leading through research: how the Undergraduate Research Fellowship empowers student voices
The Undergraduate Research Fellowship lets students lead impactful projects while developing skills and shaping campus life.
Welcoming Hawkeye families: the University of Iowa’s Parent and Family Program
The Parent and Family Program connects and supports Iowa students’ families, keeping them informed and engaged to help students thrive throughout their college journey.
Rides home made easy: inside the Hawk Uber voucher pilot program
In 2024–25, Iowa students received late-night Uber vouchers for safer, affordable campus rides.
By the numbers
700
95 %
90 %
13,607
Pride Points and recognition
Every day, staff and students across the Division of Student Life dedicate time, energy, and creativity to supporting the Hawkeye experience. These pride points are a snapshot of some achievements during the 24-25 academic year.
One Day for Iowa: Hawkeye Service Breaks
"One Day for Iowa" is an annual 24-hour online giving day held by the University of Iowa, involving the Division of Student Life to support various student initiatives. Your generosity resulted in $2,480 to support Hawkeye Service Breaks! That’s enough to cover nine student trip fees for the week.
A look ahead for the Iowa Memorial Union
The Iowa Memorial Union, the University of Iowa’s central hub for student life since 1925, is set for a $75 million renovation as it nears its 100th anniversary. The project begins in 2024 with the closure of the Iowa House Hotel, which will be transformed into a well-being and mental health center offering counseling, health, wellness, and student care services.
Photo highlights from 2024-2025
