Informing Parents and Guardians

The University of Iowa strives to collaborate with and educate the larger Iowa City community on violence prevention and provide education to University of Iowa students' parents and guardians on the topic of gender-based violence and discrimination. 

Information on gender-based violence and discrimination prevention is shared with parents and guardians at orientation during the Ensuring Student Success: Parents as Partners session. This session is presented by the Office of the Dean of Students, Student Wellness, and RVAP. This orientation session focuses on providing parents with strategies to engage their student in difficult conversations about alcohol, sexual assault, and other aspects of college life that impact a student’s ability to be successful. Effective strategies for addressing alcohol, sexual assault, and other concerns are presented during this session as well as healthcare resources, campus supports, and student assistance programs that are available to support students in making healthy choices and being successful at Iowa.

Parent and Family Handbook

The transition to college is an important time for students and their families, and we want to provide you with information about how the University of Iowa addresses sexual misconduct (which includes sexual assault and sexual harassment), dating violence, and stalking.

Read the Parent and Family Handbook

Difficult Conversations: Partnering for Student Success

College is a time of transition for students and families. One of the most challenging aspects of this transition can be having conversations regarding difficult situations students may encounter.

Parent and family sessions during orientation focus on providing strategies to engage students in difficult conversations about alcohol, sexual assault, and other aspects of college life that impact a student’s ability to be successful. Whether or not they choose to drink, most college students are directly or indirectly affected by the use and abuse of alcohol. Because the University of Iowa strongly values the safety of all students, it is also important to discuss interpersonal violence and sexual assault.

Effective strategies for addressing alcohol, sexual assault, and other concerns are presented by University of Iowa campus partners and resources that are available to support students in making healthy choices and being successful at Iowa. The IOWA Challenge provides a path to student success, including an expectation that students choose wisely in all areas of their lives. The University of Iowa is committed to partnering with students and their families to support a healthy, safe, and vibrant campus experience