Student Life

REACH Orientation: Transitioning to College Life

Summer Orientation is an opportunity for staff to share information with parents/guardians and incoming students.  We discuss the program, answer questions in preparation for fall move-in, help register students for classes, and introduce families and staff to one another. 

Fall Orientation further supports students in their adjustment to college life and their new home.  Students learn about the weekly schedule, campus life, and campus navigation.  Some leisure activities included in orientation promote teamwork.  We also guide parents on ways to support their student living away at college, address general concerns, and make the transition to college as smooth as possible. 

Living in the Residence Halls

Living away from home, while attending a college program, is an important way to learn independent life and social skills.  All REACH students live in Stanley Hall which offers an engaging and exciting community experience. 

Students participate in social activities and educational programs offered in the hall communities.  REACH staff teach students about healthy lifestyles, decision-making, problem-solving, and societal expectations. 

REACH resident staff - attentive to the needs of our students - live in the REACH hall community, attend activities with our student, support students in their transition, and handle situations that may arise in the hall.  REACH resident staff is available on evenings and weekends, and there is a professional REACH staff member on-call 24 hours a day.

REACH students live in Stanley Hall with another REACH student.  Stanley Hall is located the Burge Markeplace Dining facility.  Stanley Hall offers a living environment conducive to academic success.  Stanley Hall has amenities such as access to the Currier Fitness Room, computer lab, and a mutlipurpose room where many student activities are offered.

Residents of Stanley Hall join O.S.C.A.R. (Organized Stanley Currier Associated Residents) or Associated Residence Halls (ARH) to assist in planning hall and neighborhood activities.  REACH students are encouraged to get involved in hall and campus organizations to interact with their peers and develop leadership skills.

Campus Life

REACH students experience campus life with other University of Iowa students through participation in cultural and social events, theater performances, student clubs, and sporting events.  Students are encouraged to discover the leisure and recreational opportunities offered on the University campus.  Campus life allows students to enjoy their current interests and explore new opportunities.  Students apply their enhanced life and independent skills through real-world experiences.

The REACH Activity Calendar offers students an opportunity to plan for upcoming campus and community activities. The calendar is updated on a monthly basis.

Students in the REACH Program must follow the expectations and policies outlined in the The University of Iowa Student Services Handbook, University Housing Guidebook, and REACH Program Handbook.  REACH students will generally have the same consequences and follow The University of Iowa's disciplinary process.