Jump Start FAQs

What is Jump Start?

Jump Start is an extended orientation program open to all students but specifically designed to facilitate the successful transition of students of color and historically underrepresented students to the University of Northern Iowa. Students from ethnic and racial minority groups and students who have participated in AVID and TRIO programs (such as Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search) are mailed invitations to Jump Start. Other students are welcome to contact jumpstart@uni.edu or 319-273-4705 if they are interested in participating as well.

When is Jump Start?

Jump Start will take place from Saturday, August 17 - Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Students who sign up for the program commit to the five days of programming.

Jump Start check-in and residence hall move-in is on Saturday August 17, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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

The Jump Start 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 students also participate in fun and interactive sessions on topics such as campus diversity, student involvement, budgeting, academic planning and leadership.

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

Yes. Jump Start 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 program sessions. Residence hall move-in for Jump Start participants will take place on Saturday morning, August 17, 2024.

Will meals be provided during Jump Start week?

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

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

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

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

Students will participate in a variety of fun and educational sessions, with topics such as diversity, 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?

After accepting their offer to the University of Northern Iowa for the fall 2024 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 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?

Yes. Jump Start will conclude on Wednesday afternoon, August 21, 2024 and Panther Welcome programming will begin afterward. For more information about Panther Welcome, visit success.uni.edu/panther-welcome.

I'm trying to sign up for Jump Start but it's not working. Who do I contact?

Students are welcome to contact jumpstart@uni.edu or 319-273-4705 if they are interested in participating but having trouble with the registration form.

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