Postdoctoral scholars and fellows (job codes FP01 and FP02) are eligible for a number of benefits and services. Questions regarding how to access to your university benefits should be directed to the service providers below. A summary of benefits available to FP01 and FP02 postdocs can be found here. 

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of services available to postdocs. If you know of a campus service that should be listed here, please contact (postdoc-office@uiowa.edu).

Mental health and counseling services

The university has a number of mental health services available to postdocs. For the most up-to-date information, visit this page. 

Employee Assistance Program 

Provides integrated services to postdocs and family members to promote emotional well-being and to increase engagement and productivity among members of the UI community. All postdocs are eligible for EAP services such as confidential, short-term counseling, as well as referral to community resources. Neither FP01 or FP02 Postdocs are eligible for the liveWELL program.

University Counseling Service 

Postdocs (FP01/FP02) are eligible for free individual counseling, couples counseling, group counseling, outreach programming, support groups, and consultation services. 

To view more options, visit mentalhealth.uiowa.edu. 

Campus services, assistance, and wellness

Office of the Ombudsperson

A resource for any member of the university community with a problem or concern. They provide informal conflict resolution, mediation services, and advocacy for fair treatment and fair process. To address any challenges you may face, please review this flow chart of procedures and resources for postdoctoral scholars and fellows.

Student Care and Assistance

Student Care & Assistance provides assistance to University of Iowa students and postdocs experiencing crisis and emergency situations. 

Student Wellness

Postdocs are eligible to receive services from Student Wellness. Student Wellness offers wellness consultations, group workshops, events and other programming for students on nutrition, fitness, stress management, alcohol and drugs, tobacco/e-cigarettes, sexual health, and sleep. 

Student Health

Postdocs are eligible to receive services from Student Health. Student Health provides care to registered UI undergraduate students, graduate students, professional students, and postdocs. Student Health is staffed with medical doctors and physician assistants who are board-certified in family medicine, gynecology, and psychiatry.

Food Pantry at Iowa

The Food Pantry at Iowa provides free nutritious food and basic necessities for University of Iowa students, graduate and professional students, postdocs, staff, and faculty. More information regarding hours, locations, and frequently asked questions can be found on the site linked above.

Transportation & Parking 

Postdocs (FP01/FP02) are eligible for staff parking privileges in Hancher, Finkbine, and Hawkeye Commuter lots, as well as a discounted bus pass for Iowa City and Coralville Transit. To purchase parking and/or bus passes, contact the Parking and Transportation office, located at 840 Evashevski Drive, 319-335-3824. The UI Cambus provides free bus service to the UI campus.

Off-Campus Housing Service

Provides resources for locating off-campus housing in Iowa City and surrounding areas

University Recreational Services Membership 

Postdocs (FP01/FP02) are eligible for discounted memberships through the Recreation Membership Incentive Program even though they cannot complete the Personal Health Assessment. To purchase a membership, visit the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center, Field House, or reach out to Shea McMurray (shea-mcmurray@uiowa.edu). Questions about postdoc memberships should be directed to Shea McMurray.

Family Services 

Provides information and resources for childcare, new parent resources, elder caregiving, veteran/military families, and flexible work arrangements

Income Tax Resources

The Tippie College of Business and International Student and Scholar Services provide income tax resources for postdocs (FP01/FP02). 

Staff Language and Culture Services

Provides language instruction, cultural training, and communications support. International Student and Scholar Services offers programming and resources for international scholars. The University offers English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, as well as a variety of more informal English language learning opportunities such as Campus Conversation Partners and Communication Skills for Professionals. 

Course Audit

Postdocs at the University of Iowa (FP01/FP02) are eligible to audit one University of Iowa course per semester without being assessed tuition and mandatory fees for that course. To qualify for this benefit, the postdoc's supervisor must verify that auditing the course will contribute to his or her professional development in their current position. In addition, the postdoc must apply as a non-degree student https://grad.admissions.uiowa.edu/apply/applying-nondegree-graduate-student. After apply as a non-degree seeking student, postdocs should fill out this application to audit form: https://workflow.uiowa.edu/entry/new/16379

University of Iowa Writing Center 

Provides free, one-on-one consultations on any kind of writing project to any member of the University of Iowa community. This includes support with manuscripts, emails, personal statements, cover letters, scholarship and job application materials, and creative writing. They are located in room 110 of the English Philosophy Building and offer video conference appointments and document review in addition to in-person appointments.

Common university benefits topics

Questions or concerns?

For general questions about services and your postdoctoral experience at Iowa, please contact Postdoctoral Affairs in the Graduate College (postdoc-office@uiowa.edu).