Graduate Student Success means fostering a sense of belonging and creating a supportive environment for all graduate students. The Graduate College is committed to enhancing community, promoting well-being, and offering opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth through events, safe spaces, and welcoming initiatives.
Grad Success and Belonging at Iowa
We are committed to fostering a welcoming environment for all graduate students. We support outreach, recruitment, retention and success through programming that enhances a sense of belonging, community connection, and personal well-being. Our efforts include:
Sponsoring events and programming through our Connecting Communities and Scholars' Table.
Providing training, networking, community building, and celebrating achievements to establish a foundation of support on campus.
Holding space for students who experience isolation, and any other factors that may deter a student’s academic mission.
Offering the Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP)—a Big Ten Academic Alliance—which provides undergraduate students with research experience to create a gateway to graduate education.
In addition, the Graduate College is committed to funding students through fellowships, scholarships, and travel support in order to ease economic burden and protect time for scholarly pursuits. We also work closely with university partners including the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, Student Life, and International Student and Scholar Services.
Graduate College Fellowships Incentive Award
The Graduate College Fellowships Incentive Award offers financial support for students who wish to apply for national competitions. We also work with the Big 10 Academic Alliance on recruitment efforts—one of which is the FreeApp program.
For more information, please contact our Coordinator for Graduate Success and Belonging, Jackie Chu at grad-belonging@uiowa.edu.
Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP)
The Graduate College’s Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) is an award-winning eight-week immersion program designed to provide undergraduate students with in-depth research experiences. SROP is a gateway to graduate education in a Big Ten Academic Alliance Initiative at the University of Iowa.
Connecting Communities
Explore this series of events designed to help graduate students connect with communities, fostering a strong sense of belonging and shared experiences at the University of Iowa.
Scholars' Table
Engage with fellow graduate students and a visiting faculty guest in meaningful discussions over a shared meal, fostering intellectual connections and building a identity-supportive academic communities at Iowa.
Graduate Student Government
Joining student government as an Iowa grad student lets you influence campus policies, advocate for peers, and build leadership skills. It’s also a great way to connect socially and strengthen your sense of community.
Virtual Conversation Series
A digital platform for graduate students to engage in discussions on graduate school, connect with alumni, and explore topics such as mentoring network building and community engagement through research.
Well-Being at Iowa
Discover resources and programs on the University of Iowa's Well-Being page designed to support graduate students in achieving a balanced and healthy lifestyle, both personally and academically.
ENGAGE Iowa
Explore the University of Iowa's Engage platform to find student organizations, events, and opportunities specifically tailored to graduate students, helping you connect with peers and enhance your campus experience.
Upcoming Events
Report a Concern
The University of Iowa's Office of Institutional Equity is the central receiving agency for any reports regarding discrimination in three major categories:
- Sexual harassment/misconduct; Title IX, or gender discrimination gender
- Discrimination, harassment, or ADA
- Equal employment, affirmative action, or harassment prevention education
Visit the Division of Access, Opportunity, and Diversity website to learn more about how to file a complaint or receive support for any concerns.