WHAT: On Iowa! welcome events, including the annual Kickoff at Kinnick, Convocation, and President’s Block Party
WHEN: Kickoff at Kinnick Friday, Aug. 22; Convocation and Block Party Sunday, Aug. 24
WHERE: Kinnick Stadium, Pentacrest, 102 Church Street
WHO: Several thousand new students; university leaders, faculty, and staff
WHY: In just four years, On Iowa! has become a campus-wide tradition, welcoming new students with five days of high-energy events that introduce academic opportunities and university life.
See more photos from last year's On Iowa! events. Read about the program's origins and role in overall UI student success initiatives.
This year’s incoming class is expected to be among the largest in UI history. Thousands of first-year and transfer students will take part in the On Iowa! program.
News media are invited to cover the program’s major events, all of which offer strong visuals, chances to connect with students and university leaders, and potential back-to-school stories:
- Kickoff at Kinnick, Aug. 22, 7:30-9:30 p.m.: Friday night rally where thousands of students take the field at Kinnick Stadium for a massive class photo, a primer on Hawkeye traditions, fireworks, and more.
- Convocation, Aug. 24, 4-5 p.m.: Academic opening to the fall semester, with remarks from UI officials and a student selected from the class of 2018 (Iowa City native Omar Shaban) on the Pentacrest.
- President’s Block Party, Aug. 24, 5-6:30 p.m.: Street party hosted by UI President Sally Mason at the president’s residence on Church Street.