New Graduate Student Information Guide

Department Contacts

Contact us with any questions or concerns that come up during your time here. We’re happy to help!

Professor Boxiang Wang

  • Director of Graduate Studies, Statistics and Data Science Graduate Advisor
  • boxiang-wang@uiowa.edu
  • (319) 335-2294
  • 261 SH

Professor Zhiwei "Josh" Tong

Tammy Siegel

Olivia Tobin

Heather Roth

Important Dates

Domestic Students

August 19, 2025 --- Latest date by which you should arrive in Iowa City

August 20, 2025 --- Graduate College Orientation

August 21, 2025 --- Department Orientation for all new graduate students, Fall Open House Welcome Event

August 21-22, 2025 --- New graduate student advising meetings

August 22, 2025 --- Department Orientation for new Teaching Assistants (TAs), I-9 meetings for new TAs

August 25, 2025 --- Classes begin

International Students

July 11, 2025 --- Earliest date you may enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status

August 10, 2025 --- Latest date by which you should arrive in Iowa City

August 11-15, 2025 --- International Student Orientation

August 20, 2025 --- Graduate College Orientation

August 21, 2025 --- Department Orientation for all new graduate students, Fall Open House Welcome Event

August 21-22, 2025 --- New graduate student advising meetings

August 22, 2025 --- Department Orientation for new Teaching Assistants (TAs), I-9 meetings for new TAs

August 25, 2025 --- Classes begin

Set up your University of Iowa email

All University of Iowa students are required to activate their assigned uiowa.edu email address. All official communication from university offices will be sent via email to your University of Iowa email address. This address usually follows the pattern firstname-lastname@uiowa.edu (it may also include a number).

How to access your email

  1. Log in at Microsoft 365 to sign-in to your university email. Enter your credentials in the format of HawkID@uiowa.edu when prompted for your HawkID and password.
    1. Note: If you have forgotten your HawkID or password, visit the HawkID Tools page to locate or reset your account.
  2. Click on the Apps icon on the left side of the screen, and then click on the Outlook icon along the top of the screen to view your email.
  3. Download the Outlook application to access your email on your mobile devices.

MyUI, HawkID, University ID, and your Admissions Profile

After you applied, you were sent a HawkID and password to access MyUI, the university's online student services portal. Log In to MyUI and find your Admissions Profile under the "Admissions" tab at the top of the page or by clicking the Admissions Profile tile in the “Admissions Information” section of the home page.

Troubleshooting Log-in Issues

  • If you forget your HawkID, contact the Admissions Service Center at admissions@uiowa.edu or 319-335-3847 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time (excluding holidays).
    • You can also try looking up your HawkID using your University ID, last name, and birth date here
  • If you forget your password, request a Password Reset.
  • You can find additional information to change your password, look up your HawkID, unlock your account, set up two-step authentication with Duo, and more HawkID tools here: https://hawkid.uiowa.edu/

What is on your Admissions Profile?

  • Your transcripts and test scores. You can check to make sure we've received all of the materials we need to support your application for admission.

  • Your university ID number. Located in the Personal Information section, this will be your identification number while at the university. Be sure to include it in all your correspondence with us. Please also update your contact information in MyUI if your email, address, or phone number changes.

  • Our admission decision. MyUI also will display your Regent Admission Index score (if applicable), your major, residency classification for tuition purposes (whether you are classified as an Iowa resident or nonresident), your honors status, and any university scholarships you've been awarded.

  • Your next steps. The profile is designed to guide you through the steps you need to take before beginning your studies at Iowa.

Using your Admissions Profile to Conduct University Business

After you are offered admission, you can continue to use your Admissions Profile and MyUI to conduct additional transactions important to your future as a Hawkeye.

  • Accept our offer of admission and pay the acceptance fee by credit card. You can also print out an acceptance form, if you prefer.

  • Set up your free university email account. This is free for admitted students, and allows the university to quickly send you important information. To avoid missing important communications, you can redirect your University of Iowa email account so our messages are sent to your personal email account (such as an account on Yahoo or gmail, etc.).

  • Keep track of enrollment requirements. Find information about immigration documents, student health insurance, medical history forms and immunization verification, Graduate College orientation, obtaining your Iowa One Card, and more required actions to take before your first day.

Additional MyUI Features

  • Allow others to see select information in your MyUI account, such as your U-bill or your grades. You decide what information to share.
  • Browse course offerings based on subject, instructor, or academic department.
  • Build your class schedule using the list of when, where, and by whom courses are taught.
  • Register for classes.
  • Access your class schedule, academic advising, maps to your campus buildings, final exam schedule, and financial aid history.
  • Check your grades.
  • Review and pay your university bill.

Living in Iowa City

Housing

Graduate students at the University of Iowa typically live in off-campus rental housing. The Division of Student Life’s Off-Campus Living Guide is a great resource for students looking for off-campus housing in the Iowa City area. The university also offers an Off-Campus Housing Listing website. You can browse listings here and find general resources for renters here.

Getting Started

Prior to looking into off-campus housing, it is important to look at all your options and resources. The Division of Student Life has compiled a list of resources for students to use before, during, and after their off-campus experience. Below are some links to relevant information to look at during your apartment search:

Looking for a Roommate?

Finding a roommate can be a great way to save money on rent. The university offers a way to connect with other students looking for roommates. Create an account with the Off-Campus Housing Service here to get started.

Know Your Rights as a Tenant

Student Legal Services (SLS) strives to educate tenants on their rights and responsibilities throughout the renting process. Students can take proactive steps to protect themselves from being taken advantage of by landlords and property managers. If you have questions about your renting situation, contact Student Legal Services or another attorney. SLS offers free lease reviews to students. You can find SLS’s Tenants’ Rights Guide here, available in English, Arabic, Hindi, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.

Iowa City Resources

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) has compiled several resources concerning life in Iowa City that may be helpful for all students who are new to Iowa City.

New Graduate Student Orientation- August 20-22

Graduate College Orientation- Wednesday, August 20

To help you prepare for your graduate and professional studies and settle into the Iowa City area, the Graduate College hosts the Graduate and Professional Student Orientation on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. As you transition into graduate school life, the Graduate College is here to help. You can reach them at grad-orientation@uiowa.edu.

Graduate Student Community
  • Online Graduate and Professional Student Orientation & Resources Site
    • Click here to enroll
    • New modules will be released every month, April through August, and you will have access to these resources during your entire time at the University of Iowa
  • GradNav Newsletter
    • Sign up for the biweekly professional development newsletter to receive news & information on upcoming events
    • Click here to sign up
Informational Sessions

Check out the Graduate and Professional Student Orientation informational session offerings. All sessions will be held virtually on the morning of orientation. Links will be added to this page as orientation nears. Recordings from all the sessions will be available in late August.

  • Welcome Session 10:00 - 11:00 A.M.
    • Welcome from the Dean & Doctoral Student Panel
  • Session 1 11:10 – 11:40 A.M.
    • Time Management: Plan for Success
    • Grad Student Teaching Resources
    • From Ideas to Impact: Exploring Writing, Digital Scholarship and Community Engagement Resources
  • Session 2 11:50 A.M. - 12:20 P.M.
    • Mental Health Awareness & Resources
    • Top 10 Library Resources and Services for Grad Students
    • Grad Success Center
  • Session 3 12:30 - 1:00 P.M.
    • Using AI Tools in Grad School
    • Cultivating Your Community in Grad School
    • Working with Mentors
  • Benefits, Billing & Payroll: 101 1:15 - 2:45 P.M.
    • Gain valuable insights from representatives of the Billing, Benefits, and Payroll offices as they guide you through navigating financial matters during your academic journey. Learn about tuition payment options, available benefits such as healthcare and insurance, and understand the intricacies of payroll procedures to ensure a smooth transition into graduate life.
Engagement and Resource Fair
  • Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
  • Time: 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
  • Location: Main Lounge, Iowa Memorial Union (125 N Madison St., Iowa City, 52245)

Why come to the fair?

  • Have dinner from local food trucks
    • Please stop by the registration tables outside the IMU Main Lounge before the event to pick up your $10 voucher. Supplies are limited!
  • Have a free professional photo taken
  • Meet Herky and listen to live music on the IMU Amphitheater
  • Learn about new activities and ways of thinking
  • Develop a sense of community on and off campus
  • Find groups that will help build skills and your resume
  • Meet other new students with similar or differing interests

What to expect

  • Each organization sets up a booth to showcase its offerings, which encompass diverse interests ranging from ways to become involved in the university and local community to campus resources
  • Check this website to find updated lists of vendors and participating organizations as the event gets closer

Transportation & Parking

Department Orientation- Thursday, August 21

Fall Open House Welcome

9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

241 SH

Stop by the admin office to mingle with other students, staff, and faculty. There will be snacks and department merch available while supplies last!

New Graduate Student Advising Meetings

By appointment

Students will set up an appointment to meet with their advisor and discuss their individual plan of study on Thursday, August 21. Following this meeting, students will be authorized to register for courses on MyUI.

  • Actuarial Science MS and Statistics PhD (Actuarial Science concentration)
    • Advisor: Professor Zhiwei “Josh” Tong
      • Office: 374 SH
    • Click here to book your appointment
      • Make sure you choose Zhiwei Tong from the “select staff” dropdown menu when booking your appointment
  • Data Science MS, Statistics MS, and Statistics PhD (other concentrations)
    • Advisor: Professor Boxiang Wang
      • Office: 261 SH
    • Click here to book your appointment
      • Make sure you choose Boxiang Wang from the “select staff” dropdown menu when booking your appointment

Department Orientation- Friday, August 22

Department Orientation Presentation (all new graduate students)

9:00 – 10:00 A.M.

Group introductions and general policy and procedures.

Group Photo (all new graduate students)

10:00 – 10:15 A.M.

Major Information Sessions (all new graduate students)

10:30 – 11:30 A.M.

Students will divide into smaller groups for an introduction to their specific major/program.

New TA Orientation (new TAs only)

12:30 – 1:30 P.M.

Our Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) will review expectations and go over your specific roles in our department. Topics will include teaching, grading assignments, class preparation, teaching tips, common problems and questions, quizzes and exams, weekly meetings, appropriate office use, harassment prevention training, and more.

TA Meetings by Course/Instructor (new TAs only)

1:45 – 2:30 P.M.

Students will meet with their direct supervisors (the instructor of the course they will TA for) to discuss expectations and procedures.

I-9 Sign-ups for New Graduate Student Employees (new TAs only)

3:00 – 4:00 P.M.

21 SH

  • Who needs to have an I-9 completed?
    • All new incoming graduate students who will be employed (TA/RA/GA)
    • Any returning graduate students who weren’t employed last semester but now will be
      • If you were on fellowship last semester, that doesn’t count as employment, so you will need an I-9
  • Review this list of acceptable and unexpired documents students need to bring to appointments.
  • Our departmental time for I-9 sign-ups is Friday, August 22, at 3:00-4:00pm in 21 SH.
    • However, if you are on campus earlier in the month of August, you can sign up for an individual I-9 appointment.
  • Federal law requires an I-9 form (employment eligibility verification) be completed at the beginning of new employment. With an appointment start date of August 20, 2025, the deadline to complete the I-9 process is end of business day on August 25, 2025.
  • There are two parts to the I-9 form process
    • Part 1- the employee completes online either on or before the first day of employment
    • Part 2- the employer completes with the employee within 3 business days following the first day of employment
    • Please follow the instructions below for this two-step process.
      • Step 1: Go to the online I-9 website and enter the required personal information. There will be a prompt to select a location. Select the appropriate department in the dropdown menu (all CLAS departments begin with 11). There is also an option to select "I don’t know my location."
      • Step 2: Meet with an authorized staff member in person to verify the identification document(s) so they can submit the I-9 form. Here is the list of acceptable documentation to choose from to bring to the I-9 appointment. International F-1 students will need to show their passport and I-20 document.
    • We encourage new graduate students to complete this at their earliest convenience. For more information about the I-9 process, please review the University I-9 Information website. If you have any questions, please email the CLAS HR team.
New TA To-Do List (New TAs only)

8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.

  1. Stop by 241 SH between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. on Friday, August 22 to pick up your office key and check out any textbooks you need for your TA duties.
  2. Keep an eye on your unfulfilled compliances and complete them by their due dates.
    1. You can view your compliances on Employee Self-Service My Career My Compliances. Enroll in these trainings by clicking on “View Details” and then “Enroll in Course.”
      1. You will not be able to access Employee Self-Service until after you have official employee status. You will likely not be able to log in until sometime after August 1.
    2. These compliances will include FERPA and Harassment Prevention online trainings.

ISSS & Graduate College Orientation Schedule
Calendar schedule of ISSS and Graduate College orientation

Department Orientation Schedule
Image of Department Orientation Schedule 2025

Register for Classes

Register for Classes

Students will register for classes after meeting with their advisor on Thursday, August 21. The Office of the Registrar has developed a fantastic resource guide to help students with the process of registering for classes. Click here to check out their website for helpful information, resources, dates, and deadlines for registration at University of Iowa. You will use MyUI for all registration-related tasks. Certain key points are copied below.

Preparing for Registration

Registering for classes involves selecting and enrolling in classes you plan to take for the upcoming semester. This process is important to ensure you're meeting your degree requirements and staying on track for graduation. Registering for classes each semester usually includes the following steps.

  1. Take Care of Registration Holds
    Registration holds prohibit you from registering for classes until you take action to resolve the hold. Most holds can be taken care of via MyUI. To check for registration holds, log in to MyUI and navigate to the courses/registration tab. Any holds will be displayed at the top of the screen. Questions about holds should be directed to the office that placed the hold.
  2. Plan Your Schedule 
    Before registration opens, you should plan your schedule. You can use registration tools in MyUI, such as Sample Plans, MyPlan, and Schedule Builder, to help you select your classes. Review the course numbering system in the General Catalog and ensure you meet the prerequisite(s) of the classes you plan to enroll in. Understanding your enrollment status is an important part of the planning process because it impacts your financial aid eligibility and tuition and fees, among other things.
  3. Meet with your Academic Advisor 
    It's important to meet with your academic advisor to ensure your course selections align with your academic goals and degree requirements.
  4. Register Online 
    Your first enrollment of the semester is called Initial Registration. New and transfer students register during orientation. You can register for classes using Schedule Builder or Course Search in MyUI. If you need to change your schedule after you register, use the resources on the Registration Changes page to help. If a class you want to enroll in is full and has an available waitlist, you can add yourself to the waitlist.
  5. Be Aware of Important Deadlines 
    The Academic Calendar includes the important dates and deadlines throughout the academic year, including start and end dates; registration periods, such as the last day to register, drop, or withdraw; and holidays, breaks, and exam periods. You can also use the Course Deadline tool for specific deadlines for any one course, including off-cycle courses.

MyUI Registration Tools

You will use MyUI, the University of Iowa's student portal, to enroll in classes. There are two registration tools available in MyUI that can be used based on your needs: Schedule Builder and Course Search.

 

Registration with Schedule Builder

Schedule Builder is a web-based schedule planner that allows you to generate multiple schedule options within minutes. You must be logged into MyUI to access the Schedule Builder functions.

With Schedule Builder you can:

  • Generate schedules based on your individual needs.
  • Exclude or include courses/sections.
  • Block time out for practice, club meetings, work, etc.
  • Choose location and/or delivery mode.
  • Add your favorite schedules to “preferred schedules” to review the schedules at a later date.

When you are permitted to register, you may return to Schedule Builder to review your saved schedules and register for courses. Adding courses to Schedule Builder does not register you for them, you must complete the enrollment process.

How to Use Schedule Builder

Click here for step-by-step instructions to help you navigate the Schedule Builder functionality, including course filters, course cart, building schedules, viewing schedules, preferred schedule registration, registration changes, and troubleshooting errors.

Schedule Builder FAQs

 

Registration with Course Search

The Course Search feature in MyUI is a searchable online list of courses available for multiple sessions and is available to the public without a HawkID login required. Course Search can be found in the courses/registration tab of MyUI. Course Search provides additional filter options not available in Schedule Builder. You can also enroll in classes one-by-one and make registration changes using Course Search.

Course Search Registration by Section Type

Click here to find information on how to register for different section types, including stand-alone sections, lectures with mandatory/preferred labs and/or discussions, independent study courses, adding to a waitlist, and auditing a course.

Registration Links

Facilities
Schaeffer Hall (SH)

20 East Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52242

Home to the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science. Most of your classes will be in this building. Here you will find the administrative office, TA offices, and faculty and staff offices.

Administrative Office

241 Schaeffer Hall

This is where you will find your mailbox and the department’s conference room. This is also where you can find administrators Heather, Olivia, and Tammy, as well as our Department Executive Officer (DEO), Professor Kung-Sik Chan.

Your Mailbox

All graduate students and faculty will have a mailbox in our main office. Please check your mailbox at least once a week!

TA Office and Desk Assignments

Graduate Assistants will be assigned a desk in one of our offices on the second or third floor of Schaeffer Hall. Students will find out their office assignments after New TA Orientation on Friday, August 22nd. Students can check out their office keys between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. on Friday.

TA desks are assigned in the following priority order: Ph.D. and Fellowship candidates, research assistants, half-time teaching assistants, quarter-time teaching assistants, and graders.

Having a desk is a privilege, and your desk area and office space should only be used for university business. Please remember to keep the rooms clean and take all trash out to the large bins in the main hallways.

Important Information for International Students

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)

ISSS is your greatest resource for all inquiries related to your status as an international student.

General Contact Information
  • Phone:      319-335-0335
  • Fax:            319-335-0280
  • E-mail:      isss@uiowa.edu
  • Address:  1111 University Capitol Centre
  • Instagram: @uiowaisss

                   The University of Iowa

                   Iowa City, Iowa 52242-5500

                   USA

Virtual and In-Person Advising Hours

9:30 - 11:30 a.m. (U.S. Central Time) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

1:30 - 3:30 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday

  • In-person advising is in 1111 University Capitol Centre (UCC). To sign in for Zoom advising, visit https://apps.its.uiowa.edu/swipe2/site/isss/signin/virtual/walkin (you should bookmark that link!) and click on the button with the arrow. After entering your HawkID and password, select the reason for the appointment. If you do not have a HawkID, please call us at 319-335-0335.
  • Students and scholars can virtually sign in no more than 30 minutes before the start of advising. Swipe will not let you sign in more than 30 minutes before advising begins or after it ends.
  • After you sign in, just wait! Once an advisor has been assigned to you, Swipe will show a green button so that you can launch Zoom and ask your questions. Please remember not to close your browser tab until Zoom launches.

New Student Resources for International Students

Visit the ISSS New Student webpage here: https://international.uiowa.edu/ISSS/new-students 

Pre-Arrival Resources
Academic and Cultural Resources
Iowa City Resources

Spoken Proficiency of English in the Classroom (SPEC) Test

All students for whom English is not a first language (as self-reported on their admissions application) and who have first-time appointments as graduate teaching assistants (TAs) are required to take a test to assess their effectiveness in speaking English before they are assigned assistantship responsibilities. This is based on a policy overseen by the Office of the Provost (see the University of Iowa Policy Manual III-13), which was derived from a Board of Regents mandate (see Iowa Code 262.9 #24-5).

 

Prospective TAs will take the Spoken Proficiency of English in the Classroom (SPEC) test. The SPEC test assesses TAs' ability to communicate in English in a classroom context in their own field of study. All students for whom English is not a first language have been preregistered for the SPEC test. You should receive an email in the first week of July with instructions on how to sign up for a specific date and time. These tests will be administered fully online from July 28-August 15. Please register for a test date on July 28, 29, 30, or 31 so we can make sure you are authorized to teach before the beginning of the school year.

 

Please see the resources below for more details about the Speaking Proficiency of English in the Classroom (SPEC) Test and Teaching Assistant Preparation in English (TAPE) Program:

International Student Orientation

ISSS will host International Student Orientation August 11-15, 2025

Goals
  • Support transition to student life and academics at the University of Iowa
  • Highlight cultural adjustment and immigration regulations to successfully maintain F-1/J-1 status
  • Connect new students with each other
Orientation Fee

All graduate and professional international students are charged a matriculation fee of $325.

Orientation Schedule

A full schedule of orientation events will be available on the Pre-Arrival Checklist in iHawk before orientation. Complete all the items on the Pre-Arrival Checklist in iHawk to receive your schedule. Attendance is expected at all orientation sessions.

Small Groups

You will be assigned to a Small Group where you will connect with other new students, participate in activities, and ask questions to support your transition to the University of Iowa. Your Small Group Leaders are experienced current students who will facilitate your Small Group Meetings.

Orientation ICON Site

Resources and video recordings of orientation sessions will be posted in the International Student Orientation ICON site. ISSS will send an invitation email to your University of Iowa email account, and you must accept the invitation to access the ICON site.

Helpful Orientation Links

2025 Federal Updates

ISSS 2025 Federal Updates webpage: https://international.uiowa.edu/ISSS/2025-federal-updates

  • Stay on top of all presidential proclamations and federal agency actions which appear to be related to international students by checking the ISSS 2025 Federal Updates webpage frequently.
  • If there is any change that affects those in F or J status, ISSS will explain the change in detail on this webpage.