Welcome back, Hawkeyes!

As students, our common goal is to have a great educational experience on and off campus. To achieve this, it is important to look out for ourselves and fellow classmates. When we see someone going through a tough time or if we are going through a tough time, we all play a role in supporting each other. 

Suicide has a vast impact – it impacts family and friends, eventually having a domino effect throughout the community. At the University of Iowa, we have a strongly shared identity as Hawkeyes. To lose a member of our community, especially to suicide, leaves everyone on campus feeling this impact. But as students, we have many resources on campus that can help.

Let’s revisit the pillars of the Iowa Challenge, and how you can use these to take care of yourself and your peers.

• Get engaged! You will be a more successful student and enjoy your time by getting involved in one or more of the many student organizations and events on campus that may matter to you. Every day we make choices that affect our college experience and that of those around us. 
• Choose to support yourself and those around you by exercising self-care and supporting others in any way you can. As students at Iowa, we are members of many communities. We are a part of the Hawkeye community, the Iowa City community, and many more! 
• Serve your communities by getting involved on campus in Iowa City working on issues that matter to you. Taking an active role in university projects can make a significant difference. 

One way we’ve exercised these pillars of the Iowa Challenge is by working with a small group of UI criminology students and UI Campus Safety to prominently display the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number (988) on all UIPD squad cars and Nite Ride vehicles. We want as many people as possible to know that they are not alone, and there is help and hope for you. 

You can exercise the pillars of the Iowa Challenge by getting involved in Fresh Check Day on Oct. 23 at the Iowa Memorial Union. Each year, the university hosts Fresh Check Day and other events to help students take a break and practice self-care. We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities. If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time, always reach out to someone you can trust, 988 is available 24/7, is confidential, and can help you or someone you know get connected to the resources necessary. 

The UI also offers many resources to support our well-being. Check out the Holistic Well-Being and Success plan to understand how the university aims to support our mental, physical, and emotional health. 

Have a great year and remember to make time for yourself. You matter and belong as a member of our Hawkeye family!