Whether your student was home for spring break, traveled with friends, or stayed on campus, we hope they had a chance to recharge and are ready for the final stretch of the semester. Students are settling back into routines, adjusting sleep schedules, and refocusing on coursework and extracurricular activities. The weeks after spring break are especially busy, bringing midterm projects and exams, advising appointments, and planning for next year.
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Navigating spring academic choices
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As students think about their path and next steps, now is a key time to stay organized and make informed academic decisions. Share the articles linked below with your student to help them navigate mid-semester choices.
- Plan ahead for class registration
Registration for fall 2026 is approaching! Encourage your student to meet with their advisor and choose courses that support their goals and keep them on track. Read more.
- To drop, or not to drop a class?
If your student wants to drop a class, talking with an advisor or instructor can help them understand options and impacts before deciding. Read more.
- Proactively plan for finals
Encourage your student to map out deadlines for final exams and begin studying early. Small steps now can make the end of the semester more manageable. Read more.
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Severe Weather Awareness Week
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As we enter severe weather season and recognize Severe Weather Awareness Week (March 23-27), it is important for those on campus to get re-acquainted with the University of Iowa's emergency notification systems, how to prepare for severe weather, and where to find additional information.
Campus Safety will test the Hawk Alert system about 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, in conjunction with the National Weather Service and Johnson County severe weather drills. |
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May commencement reminders
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If your student is planning to attend commencement in May, remind them to RSVP for commencement by April 12. Regalia, including caps, gowns, and tassels, may be purchased online through April 17. We encourage you and your student to visit the commencement website for details and additional resources. |
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Virtual Off-Campus Housing Fair
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Student Care and Assistance will host another Off-Campus Housing Fair from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8. During the virtual event, students can connect with property managers, explore listings and rates, and consult with Student Care and Assistance or Student Legal Services staff.
When students visit offcampus.uiowa.edu during the fair, they will be greeted with a pop-up prompting them to log in using their Iowa credentials. If you are interested in exploring and supporting your student in their housing search, you can easily create a guest account, allowing you access to the virtual event. For more information about off-campus housing options and resources at Iowa, visit this site. |
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One Day for Iowa, the university’s 24-hour online giving day, is Wednesday, March 25. You can choose to support a variety of departments and programs across the university.
Gifts can be made through midnight on Wednesday, March 25, on this website. |
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Dinner Table Dialogue: Engaging American Values
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Encourage your student to join fellow Hawkeyes for a student-led discussion and dinner full of thoughtful, respectful conversation across differences about current issues.
Martín Carcasson, professor of communication studies at Colorado State University, will offer a brief talk on how values shape public issues, followed by dinner and student-led discussion as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Students can RSVP online. |
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Student spotlight: Kendal Benison
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In this month’s spotlight, Kendal Benison shares her experience working as a senior student engagement ambassador. She has made connections between what she’s learning in her job and future career plans to become an educator. Watch her story here. |
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Stop/Time Festival explores performing arts
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Encourage your student to explore the university’s new Stop/Time Festival – a two-day festival including live music, poetry and storytelling, dance and movement, and multimedia performances. This is a great chance for students to experience something new and broaden their perspectives. More details are available on the festival website. |
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Students are back in class and looking ahead to the rest of the semester. This is a great time of year to have a meaningful conversation about what’s coming up for them. Here are some conversation starters to kick things off:
- What was the best part of your spring break?
- What does the rest of the semester look like for you?
- Have you met with your academic advisor yet to talk about next semester? What classes are you most looking forward to taking?
- Do you have any ideas yet for summer plans, such as an internship, job, study abroad, or taking classes?
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Upcoming events for students
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Each month, we share a small selection of events to help you learn about the types of opportunities available to your student. See something that might interest them? Share it! The full calendar is available at events.uiowa.edu.
- Habit Hacks workshop
This four-week workshop helps students build good habits and make steady progress toward their goals.
6–7:15 p.m., Wednesday, March 25
Iowa Memorial Union
- Laurie Hernandez lecture
Hear from Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez, a Dancing with the Stars champion and author, at this free campus lecture.
6:30 p.m., Monday, March 30
Iowa Memorial Union
- Mushroom Day
Explore fungi through hands-on activities and learning opportunities.
10 a.m.–3 p.m., Saturday, April 5
UI Museum of Natural History
- Joint Campus A Cappella Concert
A night of live a cappella featuring multiple UI student groups, including Intersection A Cappella, Old Gold A Cappella, Hawkappellas, Aca-demics, and Iowa Agni. This event is free.
7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 5
Voxman Music Building
- Story Lab Spring Showcase
Join fellow students for lunch and stories on the theme of courage at this free, open-to-all event.
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Friday, April 10
MERGE, 136 S. Dubuque St.
- GradFest 2026
Students planning to graduate in May can pick up their cap and gown, check items off their graduation to-do list, and take advantage of Class of 2026 experiences, giveaways, snacks, and discounts.
9 a.m.–6 p.m., Wednesday, April 15
Iowa Memorial Union Main Lounge
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