This story was updated at 5:30 p.m., April 25, 2012.
Post-event coverage
For a glimpse of President Obama's UI visit, see the following:
- The president comes to Iowa: Photos of the president's arrival and speech at the UI Field House.
- The scene outside: Students and others line up for the speech, while protesters make their voices heard.
- College and the American dream: UI President Sally Mason's remarks at the event.
- 'Typical Wednesday—waiting to see Obama':Social media users documented their experiences, posted their opinions, and created online hubbub.
Overview
President of the United States Barack Obama returns to the University of Iowa campus today, Wednesday, April 25, for an address on college affordability. (Read the White House press release.)
Here's what you need to know about attending today's speech, at a glance:
- Come early. Doors at the Field House open at 10 a.m., but expect lines. General public enters at the southeast entrance. Media and those with disabilities may enter at the northeast entrance.
- Use public transportation. Parking near the Field House will be difficult, if not impossible, so park downtown and take the free Cambus.
- Bring your ticket. You can't get in without one. At the same time, bear in mind that a ticket doesn't guarantee entry. While there's plenty of space in the Field House, it is limited.
- Don't bring bags, umbrellas, water bottles, or other prohibited items spelled out here.
- Get all the other details here.
Coverage
Not attending President Obama's speech? You can watch it live via White House video stream or on UITV, which will rebroadcast the speech at 7 and 11 p.m. Wednesday.
University Communication and Marketing will provide live updates via the university's Facebook and Twitter (#obamaatui) pages, as well as post-event coverage on the Iowa Now website.
UI Hospitals and Clinics access
Patients with clinic appointments scheduled for Wednesday should expect slight delays due to increased traffic. UI Hospitals and Clinics staff are contacting patients to provide additional info on parking, etc. See more information for UI Health Care patients.
Excited, hopeful
Students share their excitement for the president's visit and discuss what they hope to hear the president address in this video filmed outside the Iowa Memorial Union, where tickets were distributed on Monday, April 23. See photos of Monday's ticket line, too.
Scenes from 2010
President Obama last visited the University of Iowa for a March 2010 address on health insurance reform legislation. See video and photos from the visit.
Media experts on education affordability, policy, politics available
Several University of Iowa experts are available to media to share their expertise in regard to President Obama's visit and to address affordability in higher education and politics. Click here to learn more.
Focus on affordability
President Obama's emphasis on keeping college affordable is a familiar focus for University of Iowa leaders. Learn more about how the UI is keeping the college dream alive for all:
• Affordable and valuable: Iowa's tuition remains relatively low, but the university continues to cut costs, boost aid, and develop programs that help students succeed.
• 'They're paying me in knowledge': Dane Pratt's work in a University of Iowa laboratory does bring him some extra cash to help offset the costs associated with his education, but the lab experience has proven to be the true reward.
• Boots on the ground: For Navy veteran Adam Connell, navigating life on a college campus proved almost as challenging as navigating the seas in search of pirated ships. Fortunately, he found the help and support he needed.
• Giving veterans a hand: The University of Iowa wants to do more than help military veterans enroll in college; it wants to make sure they succeed once they’re here by providing financial, academic, and even moral support.
• Head start on becoming a Hawkeye: The University of Iowa's 2 Plus 2 program and other partnerships with community colleges are providing students with economical new routes to bachelor's degrees.
• It's more than just money: Emily Busse may only be a college junior, but her résumé already rivals those of some young professionals. The Daily Iowan's next editor-in-chief has been free to pursue several professional opportunities thanks to the financial relief provided by scholarship money.