Jump Start Scholars FAQs

What is Jump Start Scholars?

The Jump Start Scholars Program is designed to build connections with peers, faculty, and staff for incoming students needing academic and financial support. The program is led by peer educators (whom we call Pathfinders) and maintains support throughout the fall semester as students enroll in a Jump Start Scholars Strategies course. Students will complete the program with an understanding of their four-year academic plan, university bill and payment method, and campus resources. Please contact jumpstart@uni.edu or call 319-273-4705 with questions!

When is Jump Start Scholars?

Jump Start Scholars will take place from Sunday, August 17 - Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Students who sign up for the program commit to the four days of programming.

If I have already attended summer orientation, why should I also attend Jump Start Scholars?

The Jump Start Scholars program provides an extended orientation opportunity for new students, with benefits ranging from early move-in to your campus residence hall to more connections with new students, faculty and staff members, and in-depth exploration of university resources before classes begin. Jump Start Scholar students also participate in fun and interactive sessions on topics such as student involvement, budgeting, academic planning and leadership.

Is the room that I move in to for Jump Start Scholars the same room I will be living in during the academic year?

Yes. Jump Start Scholars students will move in to their assigned residence hall room one week early at no additional charge, with the requirement that participants attend all Jump Start Scholars program sessions. Residence hall move-in for Jump Start Scholars participants will take place on Sunday morning, August 17, 2025.

Will meals be provided during Jump Start Scholars week?

Yes. Students will receive a meal plan for the duration of Jump Start Scholars week.

Do I have to attend all activities throughout Jump Start Scholars week?

Yes. Each participant must commit to attending all sessions during Jump Start Scholars week.

What kind of activities will I participate in during Jump Start Scholars week?

Students will participate in a variety of fun and educational sessions, with topics such as student involvement, budgeting, academic planning and leadership. You will participate in these activities with a small group of other new students, guided by a current UNI student known as a Pathfinder.

When will I receive more information about orientation and Jump Start Scholars?

After accepting your offer to the University of Northern Iowa for the fall 2025 semester, eligible students will receive an invitation via email to sign up for both summer orientation and the Jump Start program. Sign up for orientation is available at success.uni.edu/orientation and sign up for Jump Start Scholars is available at success.uni.edu/jumpstart.

Will I be able to participate in the Panther Welcome program if I am a part of Jump Start Scholars?

Yes. Jump Start Scholars will conclude on Wednesday afternoon, August 20, 2025 and Panther Welcome programming will begin afterward. For more information about Panther Welcome, visit success.uni.edu/panther-welcome.

What should I pack for Jump Start Scholars programming?

Students are encouraged to bring the following items: water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, athletic or comfortable clothing, swimsuit, notetaking items, and backpack to carry items.

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