Hello, Hawkeyes!
“Supporting the whole student” is a phrase we use often in the Division of Student Life, but bringing that idea to life takes intention, collaboration, and care. At its core, this work is about helping students find what I often describe as the four Ps: places where they feel a sense of belonging, people who support and challenge them, passions they can explore both inside and outside the classroom, and a clearer sense of purpose as they prepare for life beyond the University of Iowa.
In partnership with colleagues across campus, we remain deeply committed to helping students thrive. The stories in this report bring that commitment to life, illustrating how we foster connection through residential communities and campus traditions, support students through crisis, and advance their health and well-being through proactive health and wellness services.
From hands-on internships to the lasting impact of engaged alumni and the continued evolution of the Iowa Memorial Union, these stories showcase the many ways we help students learn, connect, and thrive.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the important work we have the privilege to do every day — and the lasting impact it has on our students and community.
On Iowa! Go Hawks!
Sarah Hansen
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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.
Conversations build community: Better Conversations project brings students together
In its second year, the Better Conversations project grew from a small pilot into a full residence hall model, reaching about 500 students and 12 resident assistants.
Supporting students in moments of crisis: counseling and care at Iowa
After the April 19 shooting near campus, University Counseling Service and Student Care and Assistance drew on a longstanding partnership to respond quickly and keep support available long after the immediate crisis.
Purpose at Iowa: involvement helps student discover his passion
Dalton Boess arrived unsure of his direction. A Recreational Services internship turned a marketing major into a clear path toward a career in collegiate recreation.
Featured Stories
Living learning communities: building belonging through connection, place, and purpose
LLCs turn residence halls into places where students find their people on day one — and keep finding academic support down the hall all year.
Thrive in 3: alcohol harm reduction and mental health support at your fingertips
A student-built, three-week text challenge that grew from 97 participants to 726 — and asks for a total of 27 minutes.
Hawkeye leaders: building the next generation through alumni mentorship and connection
Five former student government leaders returned in March 2026 to show current students where campus leadership can lead.
Investing in outdoor recreation
7.34 acres of failing natural turf at the Hawkeye Recreation Fields became a synthetic surface that no longer cancels games after rain.
Student health brings care within reach
Student Health averages 360 STI tests a month, and the Student Health Advisory Committee helps shape how that care reaches students.
Trusted counsel: Student Legal Services protects students' rights
A 15-month fight over a security deposit ended in a full recovery — one of 1,190 appointments Student Legal Services handled last year.
Gameday grab and go
Student Life’s Gameday Grab and Go provided students, families, fans, and visitors with quick food and hydration options as they walked to Kinnick Stadium.
During the season, the station distributed 5,280 pizza slices, 1,284 cookies, and 10,560 bottles of water and hydration drinks.
This collaborative effort among University of Iowa partners, including Hawkeye Athletics, supports the Alcohol Harm Reduction Plan by promoting safer, more responsible gameday experiences.
Creating tomorrow by dancing today
The University of Iowa Dance Marathon continues to demonstrate the power of student leadership, philanthropy, and care. Through year-round fundraising and engagement, students support pediatric cancer and bone marrow transplant patients and families at University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
The 2026 Big Event brought together more than 1,000 dancers and raised more than $1.6 million. Since its founding, Dance Marathon has raised more than $39 million for kids and families. This effort remains one of Iowa’s strongest examples of experiential learning that turns compassion into action.
260
2,949
127.25
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 2025–26 academic year.
IMU transformation well underway
The University of Iowa is investing in the future of the Iowa Memorial Union. Construction on the $81.4 million renovation began in 2025 and will continue through 2027, transforming approximately 120,000 square feet of this landmark campus space. The project addresses critical infrastructure needs while reimagining how the IMU can better support student success, belonging, and well-being for generations to come.
By the Numbers
726
Alcohol harm reduction and mental health support program.
1,190
A 15% increase over last year.
5,800
Roughly 25% of the total undergraduate population.
6,720
94% of first-year students chose to live on campus.
5,561
The second-largest incoming class in university history.
5,000
A successful partnership supporting students.
$ 1.6 M
$39 million total raised since its founding.
312
Roughly half of student organizations represented.
Photo Highlights from 2025-26
