Student Frequently Asked Questions

About the REACH Experience...
Where will I be living?

Who will be my roommate?

Is there a curfew? How is this monitored?

Can I have a friend or family member visit me in my room?

Who is responsible for cleaning my room and hall?

Can I bring my pet to school?

What are Quiet and Courtesy Hours?

Can I smoke in my room?

Can I consume alcohol in my room?

Will I be able to use a computer?

Will I be able to bring my car with me to campus?

What will a typical day be in the REACH Program?

Once on campus...

What if my roommate and I do not get along?

Do I have to carry my room key and student ID with me at all times?

How do I receive and send mail?

How will I meet new people?

What should I do if I have a concern about another student?

What should I do if I feel worried or scared?

What if I feel sick?

Who should I contact if there is an emergency on campus?

What should I do if I feel threatened?

What should I do if I get lost?

What should I do if my wallet, watch, computer, or money is lost or stolen?

What if I lose my ID or think it may have been stolen?

What should I do if I have a concern about an instructor?

What happens if I miss class?

Will I receive a grade for classes and internships?

What if I need a tutor?

What happens if I get in trouble by breaking a university or hall policy?

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 hall 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 is this monitored?
Yes. Students need to be back in the residence hall by 11:00 pm on Sunday through Thursday and by 12:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

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

If a student leaves campus for the weekend, the student completes a campus leave form and gets approval from the advisor and parent/guardian.

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 Quiet and Courtesy Hours?
Hall communities serve as a gathering place for interactions among residents are encouraged, but priority is given to a community that supports academic success.  Conversation should be kept at a level that does not disturb the study and sleep of other residents.  It is a student’s right and responsibility to approach noisy people to ask them to be quiet.  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 substance-free environments so the use of tobacco, smokeless tobacco products, and smoking products is not allowed in student rooms and public areas. 

Can I consume alcohol in my room?
No. Students 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. 

Are computers available for use?
Yes.  All students connect to the campus network and internet through an Ethernet cord if you have a computer in your room.  Wireless connections are available around campus for students to use.  Students also have 24 hour access to a computer center (ITC) in Stanley-Currier Hall.  Students using The University of Iowa network are responsible for following the Residence Hall Network (ResNet) Acceptable Use Policy.

Can I bring my car with me to campus?  REACH students cannot 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 errands, work, or leisure activities.

What is a typical day in the REACH Program?
You get ready for morning classes and go to Burge Marketplace for breakfast with fellow REACH students.  After breakfast, you have classes in the morning.  In the afternoon, you have academic support sessions and community life experiences.  On some days you have career education and experiences.  Each day you have time for leisure activities and 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 outings, community service, leisure activities, and sports eventsl.  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 are encouraged to plan social gatherings and events as you learn more about the offerings on the campus and in the surrounding community.

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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.  You need your University ID Card 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 your hall community and on campus.  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. 

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 talk 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 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.

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 and internship.

What if I need a tutor?
You will participate in group study sessions several nights a week.  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, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and the Residence Hall Guidebook.  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.

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