Family Resources
Connecting families to Upper Iowa University.
Upper Iowa University Family Resources
Check out these resources you can use to answer questions, get prepared and offer advice to help your student succeed and thrive at UIU.
Download our First Year Information Brochure
- Academic Calendars & Schedules – Upper Iowa University (uiu.edu)
- Know the Academic Support Resources: Academic Support Services – Upper Iowa University (uiu.edu)
4 tips to support your student’s academic journey:
- Encourage your student to talk to their instructors and academic advisor. All faculty have office hours dedicated to meeting with students.
- Help break the stigma using academic resources! Encourage your student to visit the writing and tutor centers before an issue arises. Our academic resources are FREE!
- Include the cost of books in financial decisions. Having the materials needed for each class is essential to success.
- Consult the academic calendar when planning vacations or flights. Missing class (especially final exams) can be detrimental to your student
To receive accommodations in college, students have to self-identify which is different than high school. Students have to self-identify and register with my Office of Student Accessibility Services to move forward with accommodations and other advocacy needs. Please visit the Student Accessibility Services Page for more information and the application form: Student Accessibility Services | Upper Iowa University (uiu.edu)
- Annual Safety and Security Report: Safety & Security – Upper Iowa University (uiu.edu)
- Dining Services: https://uiu.campusdish.com/
Residence Life
- Residence Life – Upper Iowa University (uiu.edu)
- Knowing the rules https://uiu.edu/about/policies-reports/student-handbooks/
- Residence Life FAQs: https://uiu.edu/experience/residence-life/residence-life-faqs/
- REFUND POLICY: Students who withdraw from all classes with UIU will be subject to the university’s policies regarding refunds to their room and board.
Fall Semester | Session 1 | Session 2 | |
Charge | Refund | Last Date of Residence | Last Date of Residence |
25% | 75% | Week 1 | Week 1 |
50% | 50% | Week 2 | Week 2 |
100% | 0% | Week 3 – Week 8 | Week 3 – Week 8 |
Spring Semester | Session 3 | Session 4 | |
Charge | Refund | Last Date of Residence | Last Date of Residence |
25% | 75% | Week 1 | Week 1 |
50% | 50% | Week 2 | Week 2 |
100% | 0% | Week 3 – Week 8 | Week 3 – Week 8 |
*Students may not make any changes to their meal plans after the first week of the semester.
- Living on campus at UIU – POLICY 702 Residency Requirement: https://uiu.edu/about/policies-reports/
Important: Students must login to myUIU and complete one of two forms: Housing Application or Residency Requirement Waiver Request
Activities
- Wellness/Recreation – Upper Iowa University (uiu.edu)
- Student Activities – Upper Iowa University (uiu.edu)
- Athletic contests: Upper Iowa University Athletics – Official Athletics Website (uiupeacocks.com)
Travel/Transportation
- Transportation Options – Upper Iowa University (uiu.edu)
- Hotels, Airbnb’s and short term rentals when visiting Fayette: Travel/Lodging/Restaurant Info – Upper Iowa University (uiu.edu)
- Campus Parking
Going to college can be a difficult transition for students and families. Below are some tips on how to make this new time in life exciting:
- Make new memories – whether a big trip or small excursions with a lot of selfies.
- Prepare them for the “basics” – laundry, how to use health insurance, emergency room v. urgent care, sewing, etc.
- Schedule a “Me” Day – You know their college start date so plan a little “me” day in advance to help get your mind off the hard goodbye.
- Be Prepared for the “I Can’t Do This” Call – that “I can’t do this” call is likely to come at one point or another; remind them why they came to college. Your advice is gold.
- Set Up Weekly E-Date – As you’re both adjusting to life apart, agree to grab a few minutes once a week on a virtual call
- Remember: No News is Good News – Remind yourself that if your student doesn’t call home often, that might just mean that they are busy, not that they have forgotten about you.
There are stages of the freshman year you should be aware of:
- The Honeymoon
- Culture Shock
- Initial Adjustment
- Homesickness or Loss of Confidence
- Acceptance and Integration
You can support your student while they navigate through the challenges:
- Help them make good financial decisions
- Support their dreams and goals
- Don’t bail them out of trouble
- Check in regularly
- Don’t hesitate to have hard conversations
- Watch out for signs they may be struggling
- Try not to be overbearing
Recommended Book List & Podcasts for Families
Books:
- Don’t Tell Me What To Do, Just Send Money: The Essential Parenting Guide to the College Years, by Helen Johnson
- Empty Nest . . . Full Heart, by Andrea VanSteenhouse
- Emptying the Nest: Launching Your Young Adult Toward Success and Self-Reliance, by Brad Sachs
- Getting Wasted: Why College Students Drink Too Much and Party So Hard, by Thomas Ven Vander
- Letting Go: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding the College Years, by Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence Teeger
- Navigating the First College Year: A Guide for Parents and Families, by Richard Mullendore and Leslie Banahan [also available in Spanish: Guia para los Padres de los Estudiantes de Primer Año, by Richard Mullendore and Leslie Banahan]
- Off to College: A Guide for Parents, by Roger Martin
- Parents of College Students Survival Stories, by Wendy David-Gaines
- You’re On Your Own, But I’m Here if You Need Me: Mentoring Your Child During the College Years, by Marjorie Savage
- University Parent Guide to Supporting Your Student’s Freshman Year
- Secrets of a Financial Aid Pro, by Jodi Okun
- From Mom to Me Again, by Melissa Shultz
- How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success, by Julie Lythcott-Haims
Podcasts:
- College Parent Central Podcast
- The College Parent Podcast
- Future College Parent Podcast
- The College Prep Podcast
- USACollegeChat Podcast
Career Development
Be an active career development parent! Are you interested in posting a job or internship opportunity? Maybe you are an alum and want to help be a network for those entering your field? Help us make connections for current and future Peacocks by helping you as well!
Donate
Make a tax deductible donation to UIU.
Peacock Pride Gear
Shop the campus store!
Events
View the myUIU calendar for upcoming events.
Suggestion Box
Have a suggestion or general questions? Contact Student Life today.
Submit a Report
Lighthouse reporting, which may be anonymous, is an option for reporting an incident. View their website, call by phone, or email. (UIU must be identified in the email).
To submit a concern about a student’s potentially harmful behavior, email [email protected]
Sign Up for the Family Newsletter
The Family Newsletter is a resource for family members to stay current on deadlines, events, opportunities and happenings at UIU.