Gaining the IOWA EDGE
Iowa Edge is a fun and engaging four-day program designed to help new Hawkeyes transition to the University of Iowa before the academic year begins. Through interactive workshops, campus connections, community-building activities, and opportunities to meet fellow students, participants gain the knowledge, confidence, and support network needed for a successful start at Iowa.
This free program is open to all new and transfer students. Participants will have a full schedule each day and are expected to actively engage in all program activities. Iowa Edge is designed to enhance—not replace—the On Iowa! experience, so students will still participate in all the exciting traditions, events, and required On Iowa! programming.
Thanks to generous donor support, Iowa Edge will welcome up to 150 students in the upcoming cohort. Students living on campus will receive assistance coordinating their move-in through University Housing & Dining, while students living off campus should plan to arrive in Iowa City before the program begins.
How to Apply
- APPLY NOW! Priority deadline is June 30, 2026.
- The program will admit up to 150 students.
SUBMIT APPLICATION
Application is now open!
- Go to MyUI
- Click on the 'Admissions' tab
- Select 'Admissions Profile'
- Locate and fill out the Iowa Edge Application
What to Expect
Iowa Edge is full-day program, starting Sunday, August 16, 2026, and ending Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Students will be divided into small groups throughout the experience, with a dedicated Peer Leader, a current Iowa student who accompanies their group and participates in all the activities alongside new students. Peer Leaders often share the same majors, interests, and/or career goals as their assigned new students and provide a special insight into the Iowa experience in their major or department. All program components are essential to program completion, and students are expected to attend all events and sessions.
Sample Program Agenda
Note: this is modeled after a typical schedule from past years and represents the types of activities and general time expectations to expect in the Iowa Edge experience. Students will receive a schedule-at-a-glance prior to program start and a full detailed schedule at check-in.
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3:00 PM – Check-in and Welcome | 9:00 AM – UI Challenge Course | 9:00 AM – Morning session on student engagement and leadership | 9:00 AM – Iowa Edge program photos |
| 5:00 PM – Introductions to your Peer Leader and fellow small group participants | 12:00 PM – Lunch in the dining hall with your small group | 11:00 AM – Class building tour with your small group | 10:00 AM – Final small group program wrap-up activity |
| 6:00 PM – Dinner in the dining hall with your small group | 1:30 PM – Afternoon session on career readiness | 12:00 PM – Lunch in the dining hall with your small group | 12:00 PM – Closing banquet to celebrate your experience |
| 8:00 PM – Done for the day | 3:00 PM – Faculty and advisor panel | 1:30 PM – Afternoon session on academics and how to study in college | 3:00 PM – Experience is complete! |
| 5:00 PM – Dinner and social with the whole Iowa Edge cohort and staff | 3:00 PM – Afternoon session on wellness and campus resources for support | ||
| 8:00 PM – Done for the day | 5:00 PM – Dinner in the dining hall with your small group | ||
7:00 PM – Optional: Attend On Iowa! evening events with other Iowa Edge students and Peer Leaders OR done for the day |
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Apply
To apply for the Iowa Edge, please follow these steps:
- Go to MyUI
- Select Admissions Profile
- Locate and fill out the Iowa Edge Application
- For questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Pathways to Excellence Office at ui-pathways@uiowa.edu
Applications are available now! Priority deadline is June 30.
What date/time should I arrive on campus if I am selected for the Iowa Edge Program?
The program will start in the early afternoon on Sunday, August 16, 2026. Students who are living on campus will be assigned a move-in time on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Initial arrangements will be made between the Iowa Edge staff and University Housing & Dining, and then students will receive information in their university email about how to confirm and secure their move-in time.
Students who are not living on-campus should plan to be in Iowa City and ready to start the program in the early afternoon on Sunday, August 16. Exact times will be sent closer to the event dates.
Will our meal plan be active during the program, or do we have to pay for our meals?
During the Iowa Edge program, some meals are provided by the program, but students will also need to depend on their meal plans for some meals. For students without meal plans, dining hall meal tickets will be provided.
Is there an itinerary of activities?
Students will be provided with full detailed itineraries for the program during check-in on Sunday. Until schedules are sent closer to the program, see the sample program on the page above.
I might miss a day of the Iowa Edge Program date. Can I still apply for the program?
Since the Iowa Edge program is limited in the number of students who can participate fully, we can only accept students who can commit to completing the program in its entirety. Every activity is carefully planned to create a robust experience for new students to support their transition to Iowa. Students who accept their admission into the program are expected to attend all events and activities on the schedule.
I am participating in the Honors Primetime program, Hawkeye Marching Band, or another program with conflicting times with the Iowa Edge Program. Can I still participate in Iowa Edge and my other program simultaneously?
Honors Primetime has options for students to choose from. If you would like to participate in Iowa Edge you would need to enroll in the online section of Introduction to Honors. Please discuss with your advisor for their advice and pros and cons.
Unfortunately, due to significant time overlaps, students can’t participate in the Iowa Edge program if they participate in Hawkeye Marching Band or any other conflicting program.
Students who are part of First Gen Hawks are encouraged to participate in Iowa Edge. First Gen Hawks will not conflict with Iowa Edge programming.
Who are the Peer Leaders and what do they do?
Peer Leaders are current Iowa students who serve as mentors throughout the Iowa Edge program and the academic year. Most of the Peer Leaders participated in Iowa Edge in their first year at Iowa, and all are trained on campus resources, academic tips, how to get involved, and advice for how to have the best experience and succeed at Iowa. Peer Leaders and Iowa Edge participants are matched into small groups, and they most often share the same majors, interests, and/or career goals as their assigned new students to provide a special insight into the Iowa experience in their major or department.
