Academic advisor

 An academic advisor at the University of Iowa is what you might have called a school counselor in high school. Students can find the name of their academic advisor on MyUI and should reach out to them with any questions regarding their degree audit, courses and scheduling, and major or minor program requirements. 

ARC

The Academic Resource Center is located in the ground floor of the Iowa Memorial Union. This service's main priority is Supplemental Instruction (SI). SI is a free, course-specific, peer-facilitated group study session available to all students.

Cambus

The black and yellow buses that cruise campus are operated by Cambus, the student-run transit system. Anyone can ride, and you don’t need fare to hop on (student fees pay the operating costs). Your student may use terms such as "Blue Route" or "Red Route" or talk about the app Transit.

Carver

Although this is also the namesake of the College of Medicine, most students dropping Carver in casual conversation are talking about Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the 15,500-seat venue for sporting events and music concerts. Carver is named after Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver, philanthropists who were avid supporters of the University of Iowa and University of Iowa Hospital Clinics. 

Commencement

This is another word for graduation ceremonies. Commencement ceremonies are held at the end of each semester in December and May.

CRWC

The Campus Recreation & Wellness Center boasts 20,000 square feet of fitness space over three levels, including a climbing wall, a competitive swimming pool, and a leisure pool.

Dance Marathon

This student organization lends support to pediatric cancer patients and their families through events such as a 24-hour dance—one of the nation’s largest student-run philanthropic events.

DI

Short for The Daily Iowan, the DI is the University’s award-winning, student-run newspaper, which is distributed free to students in residence halls, Greek housing, and apartments within carrier zones. Find it online here to stay up to date with what is happening on-campus from the perspective of student journalists.

Hancher

Back after the original building was flooded in 2008, this new performing-arts venue allows students the opportunity to see Broadway theatrical performances, famous dance and ballet companies, and a variety of other performers, like bluegrass bands or comedians. 

Herky

The University’s mascot, born from the creative pen of late UI journalism professor and Iowa alum Dick Spencer, has patrolled the sidelines at Hawkeye sporting events for more than half a century. Herky not only inspires fans to cheer on the Hawks, but he also has been the muse for two public art programs that displayed creatively attired statues of Herky around Iowa City. If your student is interested in being Herky, they hold tryouts every year.

MyUI

Online portal through which students can access their UI information and records, course websites, and a host of key resources.

Ped Mall

Downtown Iowa City is home to a pedestrian mall, flush with various dining, shopping, and entertainment choices as well as a spot to play chess. Free music concerts are popular in the summer.

Pentacrest

The Pentacrest, the centerpiece of Iowa’s main campus, includes Old Capitol and the four buildings that surround it: Jessup Hall, Macbride Hall, Schaeffer Hall, and MacLean Hall. Jessup Hall houses the Office of the President as well as the registrar’s and cashier’s offices.

SOAR

Short for Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration. SOAR takes place in the summer or winter as students prepare to start at the University of Iowa. Students will meet with their advisor virtually, work through a set of required modules called the Orientation Tile, and have the option to set up other important information. 

RA

Short for resident assistant, a student staff member who lives in the residence halls and helps students acclimate to their new home and the university in general.

TA

Short for teaching assistant, graduate students who teach courses at the university.

Transit

Transit is a free app including weather updates and bus routes and stops from Cambus, Coraville transits, and Iowa City buses. It is regularly updated to show viewers where buses are currently located, and the expected time of their arrival for each stop. 

U-Bill

This is your student’s official bill for their studies at Iowa. The University of Iowa generates University Bills (U-Bills) electronically on the first business day of the month. Once generated, these statements are accessible through a student’s MyUI account.