Frequently Asked Questions

STUDENT FAQs

About the REACH Experience….

Where will I be living?
All REACH students live with another REACH student in Stanley Residence Hall within a shared community with other University of Iowa students. Students benefit from living in a community that encourages involvement, academics, and social interaction.  Living in the residence halls is a good transition experience that offers a support system and promotes the development of independent living skills to prepare all college students to live on their own after graduation.

Who will be my roommate?
Each REACH student completes a housing application once they are accepted into the program.  The REACH staff assigns REACH students as roommates and notifies you of your room assignment and roommate’s information in early June 2008.  We encourage you to talk with your roommate before coming to campus, so you know who is bringing what items.

Is there a curfew? How will this be enforced?
Yes. Students need to be back in the residence hall by 11:00 pm on Sunday to Thursday and by 12:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Students will be responsible for checking out when they leave the residence hall in the evenings and on weekends. Students will be asked to indicate their intended destination and will be expected to return to the building by curfew. Students will be responsible for checking back in when returning to the residence hall.

If a student leaves for the weekend, the student will be responsible for signing out for the weekend with the RA and signing in when they return.

Can I have a friend or family member visit me in my room?
Students can have guests in their room to visit, but guests who do not live in the building must leave before curfew. No overnight guests are allowed for students of the REACH Program. Each resident has the privilege of visitors as long as the guests do not infringe on the rights of other residents. Residents are responsible for staying with their guests and the behavior of their guests at all times in the residence halls.

Who is responsible for cleaning my room and hall?
Roommates are responsible for sharing the duties of cleaning your room.  This issue is discussed when you complete your roommate agreement.  You are also expected to use the bathroom and other public spaces with respect for others.  Bathrooms and other common areas are cleaned daily, but you should clean up after yourself.

Can I bring my pet to school?
For reasons of health, hygiene and safety, pets are not permitted in the residence halls, with the exception of fish.  Pets cannot be “visiting” or staying with a resident on a “short-term” basis.  Fish are allowed in tanks no larger than 20 gallons but are generally discouraged.

What are Noise and Courtesy Hours?
Hall communities serve as a gathering place for activities and interactions among residents are encouraged, but priority is given to a community that supports academic success.  Conversation and activities should be kept at a level that will not disturb the study and sleep of other residents.  It is a student’s right and responsibility to approach noisy people if their activity is bothering them.  When a student chooses not to cooperate, it is important to inform your Resident Assistant about the issue at the time it occurs.

Can I smoke in my room?
No.  The halls are considered substance-free environments so the use of tobacco, smokeless tobacco products, and smoking products is not allowed in student rooms and public areas.  Students over the age of 18 may have them in the halls, but may only use them outdoors at least 30 feet away from any hall entrance, exit, window, or air intake system.

Can I consume alcohol in my room?
All students, even if 21 or older, may not drink or keep alcohol or empty alcohol containers in the residence halls.  Any alcohol found will be thrown out and disciplinary actions, including fines, may be assigned to students present in the room.  If a student is found in a room where alcohol is present and/or being consumed, they are subject to disciplinary action whether or not they were drinking.  A parent or guardian may be informed about a student’s behavior if it is necessary as part of the consequences.

Will I be able to use a computer?
Yes.  All students living in the residence halls have a direct connection to the campus network and internet through an Ethernet cord so you may bring a computer.  Wireless connections are available in several locations around campus for students to use.  Students also have 24 hour access to computer centers (ITCs) located in each residence hall.  Students using The University of Iowa network are responsible for following the Residence Hall Network (ResNet) Acceptable Use Policy outlined in the University Housing policies.

Will I be able to bring my car with me to campus?  REACH students will not be able to bring a car to campus. Parking is very limited at the university.  Students can ride the university Cambus, Iowa City bus, or Coralville bus to easily get around town for errnad, work, or leisure activities.

What will a typical day be in the REACH Program?
You get ready for morning classes and go to breakfast with fellow REACH students in one of the dining halls.  After breakfast, you have classes in the morning.  In the afternoon, you have academic support sessions and community life experiences on some days and career education and field placements on the other days.  Each day you have time for social or leisure activities before dinner.  In the evening, you have study tables or a program to attend.

On the weekends, the staff coordinates a variety of opportunities to get involved in the campus or community.  Some of these include social activities, community service, leisure activities, and a community meal.  In the beginning of the year, REACH staff plans additional weekend programs to ensure you do not become bored and lonely.  As the semester continues, you will be encouraged to plan social gatherings and events as you learn more about the offerings on the campus and in the surrounding community.

Once on campus…

What if my roommate and I do not get along?
Sharing a room with someone offers many opportunities for interesting experiences, fun, and maybe a lifelong friendship.  Any relationship requires respect, consideration, patience, and compromise.  Good communication helps you have a successful living experience.  If problems such as different schedules, habits, and lifestyles occur, your Resident Assistant and REACH advisor are trained to help you resolve these conflicts.  It is important to talk about problems when they happen instead of writing a note or complaining to another student on the floor.  The staff mediates conflicts in roommate situations and strives to reach a compromise with the individuals involved before any room change request is considered.

At the beginning of each semester your Resident Assistant creates an Agreement with both roommates to discuss issues such as anticipated normal bedtime, study habits, guests, cleaning the room, sharing belongings, and interests to set a good foundation for the relationship.

Do I have to carry my room key and student ID with me at all times?
Yes.  With any security system, all residents play a major role to ensure their own safety.  Each student is responsible for carrying their room key and Iowa One (University ID) Card at all times.  Each roommate should lock the room door when they leave or are asleep.  In addition, you need your Iowa One Card to access the security doors in the halls, to eat in the dining halls, and to do your laundry.  The card has private information and access to money on your account, so you should not loan it to anyone. 

How do I receive and send mail?
Letters and packages are delivered to your hall front desk each day.  Your room key opens your mail box.  If a package comes to the desk for you, a “package slip” is placed in your mailbox.  You need to present your Iowa One (University ID) Card to the front desk to pick up the package.  Outgoing mail with proper postage can be left at the front desk to be picked up daily by the mail personnel.

How will I meet new people?

“I am nervous about moving away from my family because I don’t know anyone at The University of Iowa.“

This is a common statement made by most first-year college student, so it is important to remember that you are not alone on this journey.

We are excited to have you join the REACH experience and create opportunities for you to meet students in the REACH Program, in your hall community, and on campus.  College is a place to meet new people and build lasting relationships.  Talk to your roommate, a neighbor, or a RA to learn about common interests or to talk about similar concerns you may have about moving to college.  Hall activities, REACH social and leisure activities, and student organizations are great ways to meet people and even explore new interests.

What should I do if I have a concern about another student?
REACH students will interact with both REACH students and other University of Iowa students daily. The most important thing to remember is to keep yourself safe!!

If you are concerned about another student’s well-being or an issue between another student and you, it is important and courteous to talk to that student, your parent/guardian, hall staff, or REACH staff members instead of talking to other students about the situation if you feel safe talking to the other person.

If you feel an unsafe condition has been created, immediately notify a hall or REACH staff member.  If you have a reason to believe that the person poses an immediate threat to one’s safety or hall security, call University of Iowa Police at 5-5022, then immediately contact the nearest hall staff or REACH staff member.

What should I do if I feel worried or scared?
Coming to college can be a difficult transition for many reasons.  Most college students experience feelings of loneliness, homesickness, fear, or concern.  You are not alone in this experience or these feelings, so it can be helpful to talk to someone about your concerns.  You can talk to your parent/guardian, a roommate, a neighbor in your hall, your Resident Assistant, or a REACH staff member.

There may also be a time when you do not feel comfortable talking to the people listed above.  The University of Iowa offers free Counseling Services to all students.  You can contact them at (319) 335-7294 to schedule a same day appointment.

What if I feel sick?
If you need to speak to a nurse, you can call the Student Health Service’s Nurse Line at 335-9704 from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday to speak with a nurse about health information, advice, and assistance.

After hours, you can contact The University of Iowa Health Access line at 319-384-8442 to speak with a nurse about health information and assistance.

If you need to visit a doctor, you can call Student Health Service to schedule an appointment at 335-8394.

Who should I contact if there is an emergency on campus?
There are “Code Blue Phones” around campus that connect you immediately to the University Police if you have an emergency.  There are also police around campus in cars and on bikes to respond to emergency situations. 

If something happens and there is not an officer nearby, go to the closest campus building and report the emergency to a staff member.

If it is a weather-related or fire emergency, you should follow the directions given by staff or instructors at the time of the emergency.

In case of an emergency, REACH students will be able to call a REACH staff member 24 hours a day to assist with life-safety concerns.

What should I do if I feel threatened?
You should get out of the situation if possible.  For example, if you are walking alone on the street and feel you are being followed, cross the street and enter a nearby business, restaurant, or store.

If you are in a situation where you cannot get out right away, yell for help and try to fight your way to get free.

If you feel threatened by another person’s comments or actions, discuss this with a hall or REACH staff member.  If the threat is immediate, contact the University police.

What should I do if I get lost?
We recommend that you carry a campus map with you during your first semester at The University of Iowa so you can become familiar with places on campus.

If you are lost on campus and do not have a map, go to the nearest building and ask someone in an office to assist you in finding your class, hall, etc.

If you are lost in the community, go to the nearest business, school, store, or restaurant to ask an employee for directions.  You may also ask a police officer or bus driver for directions to get to the place you are going.

What should I do if my wallet, watch, computer, or money is
lost or stolen?
You should check the places you were at during the day before it went missing.  Ask other students who may have been with you to see if they can help you identify the last time you had it.  It is a good idea to carefully check your room, backpack, and other clothing you may have been wearing.

The front desk of your building has a lost and found that you can check to see if anything has been returned.  You should check with the desk for a couple days because it may be turned in at a later time.  It is also a good idea to share the information with your Resident Assistant in case someone turns in the item.

You can contact the University Lost and Found Office at 384-2797 or lost@uiowa.edu.  The office is located on the southwest side of University Capitol Centre (200 S. Capitol Street) on the lower level, and it is open 3-7 pm Monday-Saturday.  To report a lost item, please describe the item in detail and provide your name and phone number. Please allow at least 2-3 days for us to contact you.

If you think your missing item was stolen, you should contact a REACH or hall staff member right away.  You should also contact The University of Iowa Department of Public Safety at 335-5022 to report the missing items.

What if I lose my ID or think it may have been stolen?
You should check the places you were at during the day before it went missing.  Ask other students who may have been with you to see if they can help you identify the last time you had it.  It is a good idea to carefully check your room, backpack, and other clothing you may have been wearing.

The front desk of your building has a lost and found that you can check to see if anything has been returned.  You should check with the desk for a couple days because it may be turned in at a later time.  It is also a good idea to share the information with your Resident Assistant in case someone turns in the item.

If you have lost your card or think it was stolen, please contact the Iowa One™ Card (ID Card) office in the Iowa Memorial Union, 319-335-2716, or email LostID@uiowa.edu.  You will have to pay $20.00 to get a new card at the Iowa One™ Card Office.

What should I do if I have a concern about an instructor?
REACH students attend classes each day in a variety of learning environments.  It is important that you maintain open communication with your instructors and advisor about your needs and concerns.  If you have a specific concern about an instructor’s interaction, expectations, teaching methods, etc., please schedule a meeting with your advisor or another REACH staff member to discuss the matter.

What happens if I miss class?
Class attendance and participation are key parts of the learning experience for the REACH. Program.  You are responsible for attending classes, internships, and programs regularly.  Attendance and participation are included in the grade for each course, so ongoing attendance concerns may affect your grade, participation in the Program, and possibly graduation from the program.

Also, REACH staff and instructors understand that sometimes you may have a prior commitment, for example a doctor’s appointment, that conflicts with your schedule.  In this situation, please give your instructor advanced notice of your absence when possible.  If you miss a class without notification, it is your responsibility to follow-up with the instructor to talk about make-up work and a due date.

What happens if I do not complete my assignment?
You are expected to complete in-class and homework assignments.  These are included in your grade for each class. 

a) If you do not complete your assignment because you do not understand it, ask for help in class and during your evening study session.

b) If you were sick and did not complete the assignment, ask your instructor for an extended due date that would allow you to complete the assignment and receive full credit.

c) If you forgot to do your assignment, be honest with your instructor and ask for an extension.  The instructor may give you an extension, but the assignment will only be worth part of the original point values.

d) If you do not complete a late assignment, you will not receive any points for the assignment, and it will affect your class grade.

Will I receive a grade for classes and internships?

Yes.  You will be graded on class participation, in-class assignments, and homework.  You will also receive a grade for each internship.  You must earn a passing grade to earn credit for each class.

What if I need a tutor or a study mentor?
You will participate in group study sessions several nights a week and also have an individual tutor that you meet with regularly.  If you need extra help beyond the support that the REACH Program provides, we can assist you in finding a tutor by posting a job on the university website, contacting a local school for tutor recommendations, or referring you to a local educational support agency.

What happens if I get in trouble by breaking a university or hall policy?
You must follow the University of Iowa Code of Student Life, Policies and Regulations Affecting Students, the Standards of Student Behavior in the Residence Halls, the Residence Hall Guidebook, and the terms and conditions of the residence hall contract.  These documents explain general rules and academic conduct policies.  REACH staff may be involved in the disciplinary decision or action.  Typically, REACH students will follow the University of Iowa’s procedure identified for alleged violations of the Code of Student Life. 

REACH students can be dismissed from the University of Iowa and the REACH Program.  Violations of the Code of Life can result in sanctions including written warnings, probation, restitution and fines, exclusion from University facilities or activities, a no contact order, suspension, or expulsion.  A student may also be involuntarily separated from the residence halls if an infraction occurred or involved Residence Halls.  Please reference the "Dismissal" section.