What is NAASE?

The National Academy of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering (NAASE), the only early entrance program at a Division I public research institution, creates a residential community for students as they leap from their junior year in high school to the stimulation of university research and course work.

Students entering through NAASE are regular University students—taking classes, using libraries and labs, living in residence halls, and planning their studies. Like all other first-year students, NAASE students choose majors from any of the University’s undergraduate colleges. Yet first-year NAASE students have the advantage of living together in the honors residence hall, supported by meetings with the professionals at the world-renown Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education, right next door.

The NAASE program includes the following structure and support:

• A first-year weekly seminar with Belin-Blank Center staff members. Topics in this seminar include study skills, learning styles, time management, communicating with faculty, study abroad opportunities, preparing for graduate school, and many other issues and topics associated with the successful transition to college.
• First-year students all live in the honors residence hall, Daum Hall. Daum is attached to the Blank Honors Center, which houses the Belin-Blank Center, through a skywalk. Also located in the Blank Honors Center is a computer lab, library, commons lounge, classrooms, and study rooms.
• During their first-year, students have individual biweekly meetings with a Belin-Blank Center graduate assistant to discuss any issues or questions they have as they begin their studies at Iowa.
• The staff of the Belin-Blank Center provide advocacy for NAASE students across campus. This advocacy continues throughout their time on campus. Advocacy comes in many forms from the B-BC, including letters of recommendation and connections to other offices across campus.
• The Belin-Blank Center staff plan cultural and social events throughout the year. These events, which include shows at Hancher Auditorium, Thanksgiving lunch and spa days, and our annual graduation luncheon, provide opportunities for students to get to know older NAASE students as well as interact with each other and the staff of the Belin-Blank Center.
• A University Programs Peer Advisor program exists, providing first-year students with upper class peer advisors with whom to contact and connect with regarding questions about being a student at Iowa. These peer advisors are chosen from our outstanding upper class NAASE students, and they work closely with the staff of the Belin-Blank Center.
• The Belin-Blank Center, students, and parents work together. Communication is open between all parties, and all are working towards a shared goal: the success of the student.