Each semester, University Dining recognizes Employees of the Semester as part of our 1 Degree Higher Program. Nominations forms are available for all staff to nominate their peers in the department. The committee breaks out the nominations by classification (student, merit, P&S) and selects one winner for each.

Living on campus at the University of Iowa provides students with numerous benefits including location, convenience, and a safe place to live. Many students choose to elevate their rooms by decorating it to show their individual style in order to create an environment they can thrive in during the school year.

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.

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.

Living on campus at the University of Iowa presents students with an opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment. This past year, the COVID-19 pandemic brought many changes to the on-campus living experience. However, residence hall support teams have been a constant presence for students to help them stay connected during this unprecedented year.

When the University of Iowa began making plans for the Fall 2020 semester, students, faculty, and staff knew that this would be a semester like no other in the institution’s history. While many worked to redefine the classroom and research experiences, University Housing and Dining focused on the elements of living on campus. While many students were completing much of their coursework online, they still chose to live and dine on campus.

For students choosing to live on campus, the benefits of having a sense of community allow students to build a network of connections and lifelong friends. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, making those connections can be challenging. While social distancing is one of the main factors in reducing the spread of COVID-19, implementing this can often make students feel isolated and lonely.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented the university community with a wide variety of unique and unprecedented challenges. In the midst of these challenges, University Housing and Dining continues to be a leader in adapting to meet the needs of students and ensure that individuals who are unable to return home are safe on campus. From an expedited move out, to take-out style dining, and higher cleaning standards in the residence halls, housing and dining is committed to maintaining a safe environment even in uncertain conditions.

College can be a stressful time in any student’s life. The ever-changing schedule and rigorous academic, professional, and social demands can leave a student feeling like there is no time left in their day for self-care. For many students, there is balance between good stress and bad stress. Good stress helps to encourage and motivate a student. Bad stress, however, may leave a student feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed.

At the University of Iowa, all students belong to a community. By choosing to live on campus as a part of one of our Living Learning Communities (LLC) students can make the most of their college years. We know that transitioning to living independently can be challenging, so living on campus offers the freedom of independent living while providing students with resources and support structures. The Living Learning Communities we have make it possible for all students to make friends and connect with campus while broadening horizons.