What are Course Evaluations?

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Hi everyone! I hope everyone enjoyed a restful fall break and got to spend time with loved ones. I understand how burned out you must all be, especially with the next few weeks packed with last-minute assignments and papers before exams. But I’m manifesting that we all have a strong finish to this final stretch. Between your studies, the university asks that we take the time to fill out our course evaluations for the semester.

What are Course Evaluations?

Assessing the Classroom Environment (ACE) is an online assessment tool used for course assessments at the University of Iowa. This system gathers feedback from students regarding their instructor and generates a set of standard summary reports. ACE allows for greater access to course evaluations for students and faculty. It distributes evaluations for all courses. The system offers quick access to results and reporting tools, flexibility in design, and ease of distribution. It assists instructors in better understanding and modifying their instruction to meet the immediate learning demands of their students.

In these course evaluations, you will be asked to rate how friendly, accommodating, and equitable your instructor was in grading, and how much they helped you feel like you got the most out of the course overall. Instructors can enhance their courses and receive feedback on their success as a teacher by using the outcomes of ACE evaluations. These anonymous assessments typically take a few minutes to complete, and your instructor won’t be able to find out who submitted them.

How do I access Course Evaluations?

ACE Online emails students a list of the courses for which they have evaluations to complete. Those who have taken courses that have lasted ten weeks may be familiar with this process. This email provides instructions on how to use your MyUI or ICON site to access the link to these assessments. This is how to find access to them through MyUI.

Make sure to fill these out before winter break! Your instructors will truly benefit from your feedback. Remember these are anonymous so be honest about what you liked and what you didn’t like about your courses. Good luck!

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Staying on Top: Exam Season

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The midterm season can be a stressful time for college students. With multiple exams and deadlines to manage, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, with the right strategies, you can make it through this period with your sanity intact. Here are some tips that have helped me and can help you survive the midterm season.

  1. STUDY. Oh and…STUDY!
    Create a study schedule that includes all your exams and deadlines. This will help you stay on track and avoid cramming at the last minute.
  2. Find a group of friends to study with
    Studying with others can help you stay motivated and learn from your peers. Consider forming a study group with classmates who are taking the same courses as you.
  3. Use academic resources
    Many colleges offer academic resources such as tutoring services and writing centers. Take advantage of these resources to get extra help when you need it. Resources that have been super helpful to me are the university’s Math Lab and library study spaces.
  4. Take care of yourself
    Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. Taking care of your physical health will help you stay focused and energized.
  5. Stay positive
    Remember that midterm season is temporary, and it will be over before you know it. Stay positive and keep working hard, and you’ll make it through this challenging time.

Whether you’re studying for a midterm or exam, or just trying to stay on top of assignments, by following these tips, you can survive midterm season in college and come out on top. Good luck!

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Songs to Add to Your Fall Playlist

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Hi guys! As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, we know fall has arrived. This season is all about cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and spending time with loved ones. Before the bitterly cold winter season approaches, I’ve put together a list of songs that will be sure to help you make the most of this chilly, fall season.

  1. “My Love Mine All Mine” by Mitski:  This indie song has a dreamy vibe that’s perfect for fall. The lyrics describe a love that’s all-consuming and the melody is ethereal.
  2. “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire: This song is a classic that’s perfect for any time of year, but it’s especially fitting for fall. The lyrics describe the changing seasons and the melody is upbeat and fun.
  3. “Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood: This song is all about cozying up with your loved ones during the colder months. The lyrics are romantic and the melody is upbeat.
  4. “Black Magic Woman” by Carlos Santana: This song has a mystical vibe that’s perfect for fall. The lyrics describe a woman who casts a spell on the singer and the melody is hauntingly beautiful.
  5. “This Must Be the Place” by Talking Heads: This song is all about finding your place in the world and feeling at home. The lyrics are uplifting and the melody is catchy.
  6. “Good Looking” by Suki Waterhouse: This song is the perfect vibe for fall weather and Suki has such an amazing voice.
  7. “Autumn Leaves” by Chris Brown, Kendrick Lamar: This song is a little bit on the sadder side, but it describes a beautiful analogy to fall and is another great song to listen to.
  8. “Season of the Witch” by Donovan: This song has a spooky vibe that’s perfect for Halloween. The lyrics describe the magic of autumn and the melody is catchy and fun.
  9. “Autumn Leaves” by Nat King Cole: This classic song is perfect for the fall season. The lyrics describe the beauty of autumn leaves and the melody is soothing and relaxing.

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How to Make the Most of Your First Month in College

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Hi guys! As you may already know, starting college is an exciting experience. It’s a time of new beginnings, new friendships, and new opportunities. So, here are some tips to help you make the most out of this time:

  1. Get to Know Your Way Around Campus

    Spend some time becoming familiar with the main areas of your campus. This could involve knowing where your classes are, where the library is, figuring out Cambus routes, and where the student services and recreational spaces are. As you work your way around campus, you will feel more at ease and confident. Along the way, you might possibly discover a new study spot.

  2. Attend Events. Get Involved

    The University of Iowa hosts lots of events that are designed to help you acclimate to college life. Attend as many of these events as possible. They provide valuable information about campus resources, academics, and student organizations. It’s also a great opportunity to make new friends.

    The desire to get even more involved on campus could come about after attending those events. Become a part of clubs that interest you. Engaging in campus activities enables you to interact with like-minded people and engage in activities you find enjoyable. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people, gain leadership experience, and make the most of your college experience.

  3. Build Connections with Classmates

    During the first week, introduce yourself to your classmates. Start conversations with them. Early connection-building can result in study groups, friendships, and a support network throughout every step of your time in college.

  4. Establish a Routine

    I consider this to be the most important. Make a schedule including the times of your classes, study sessions, and make time for breaks. You can manage your time and stay organized by following a schedule. To keep track of deadlines, assignments, and extracurricular events, use a planner or calendar. Notion is an absolute lifesaver for me when I’m trying to manage my life, so I definitely suggest using it.

  5. Use Campus Resources

    Colleges provide a variety of resources to aid in students’ achievement. Utilize the writing center, the tutoring services, and your professor’s office hours. Learn how to use the library’s research resources. These tools can support your academic success and enhance your college experience.

  6. Self-Care!!

    Given how hectic college life may be, it’s important to prioritize self-care. Take every precaution you can to look after yourself. Get enough rest, eat healthy meals, and get enough exercise. You’ll be able to maintain focus and give your best performance if you take good care of your physical and mental health.

  7. Remember that it’s OK to Ask For Help

    Making that big transition to college can be very overwhelming. Keep in mind that there are people on campus who are committed to making sure you succeed. Remember that is okay to ask for help when needed and take advantage of the many support resources on campus.

Guys…remember to have fun! College is a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with new adventures, friendships, and opportunities for growth. Make the most of every moment and make lots of memories to cherish forever.

By following these tips, you can make the most of this exciting time and set yourself up for success. Make the most of your college experience right away by embracing the chances, difficulties, and progress that it brings.

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My Experience with the Iowa Edge Program

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At first, I was scared to go to college because it meant stepping out of my comfort zone and entering a completely new environment. The thought of leaving behind familiar faces and routines and starting fresh in an unfamiliar place was intimidating. I worried about the academic challenges and whether I would be able to keep up with the coursework. It was also intimidating to think about making new friends and figuring out where I fit in a wider group. I was wary of making this transition because of the uncertainties that come with such a large change.

In all honesty, Iowa Edge was something I signed up for last minute. They mentioned they would provide free meals, and if you got in, you would be promised an early move-in date. What I didn’t know was that it was a multi-part program, and the thought of four days of activities for one semester credit hour was quite overwhelming.

Despite initial thoughts, Iowa Edge turned out to be one of the best ways for me to begin my freshman year. I developed friendships that I want to continue throughout my time in college and discovered a lot about what makes the University of Iowa a great place to be.

What is Iowa Edge? What was it like?

The University of Iowa is a big school filled with a lot of opportunities. However, that idea can be a little overwhelming for some people. The University of Iowa’s Iowa Edge program offers a four-day workshop where students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and first-generation college students have the opportunity to know one another and support one another as they adjust to college life. The purpose of this program is to help you transition to campus life, find where you fit in, and build connections with faculty to help you with your career goals.

I moved in on August 13 and after saying goodbye to my family, I checked in at the IMU to meet my Iowa Edge group. I was at first nervous, but as I got to know my group members a little better, my anxiety gradually subsided.

The next four days were filled with a ton of activity. We participated in an outdoor challenge course, toured buildings on campus, heard from faculty members about their experiences, and had meals together as a group. The excitement of my peer leader (shoutout to Kennedy!), I believe this was a major factor in why I found this experience to be so memorable. They were the most approachable person I’ve ever met, making sure that each member of their group felt involved in events, constantly providing us with sound advice, and attempting to address all of the questions we had. The friendships I formed with the people in my group were another factor that made this experience so memorable. After the first day meeting, it felt like I had already made close friends with these amazing people. We were able to encourage one another during the course of the program and they all had interesting stories to share.

The final day’s activity was the one that stood out to me the most. It was called, was “If I Had to Choose.” We were put in a room with signs that read: race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, social status, etc. These signs were placed around the room by the peer leaders. They posed questions to us and instructed us to stand under the words that related to the subject the most. Students would then describe their reasoning for choosing the term and share a related experience. This activity was a great way to end the program because it allowed us to be vulnerable and the peer leaders did a good job of creating a safe space for expressing our feelings. After listening to others and sharing my own experiences, I felt more connected to my group and felt better about my college experience.

Overall, I found this program to be incredibly beneficial because it let me get a head start on my future as a college student. I feel more at ease knowing where to find resources on campus and that I have a strong network of people to lean on for support. My initial reluctance to spend four days with strangers vanished as I realized how much work had gone into making this program a place where everyone felt included. My experience with Iowa Edge was very meaningful and I would highly recommend this program to incoming first-year students.

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