Experiencing a concern related to bias or belonging?

As an educational and research institution, the University of Iowa is fully committed to free inquiry and vigorous debate. Free expression, academic freedom, and diversity of perspectives are all crucial to the fulfillment of our core mission. The robust exchange of diverse ideas is the essence of a public research university. You can learn more about this commitment at the Free Speech website. 

Navigating situations involving speech that you have experienced or witnessed can be challenging, especially if it feels personal to your identity and sense of belonging. Below is a list of resources that are available to assist students who have concerns about the actions of others that have led them to feel excluded at the university.

Resources for Support

Student Care and Assistance: Provides support to any student experiencing a crisis, emergency, or difficult time impacting their ability to succeed.

Mental Health at Iowa:  The University of Iowa is dedicated to providing quality mental health services and resources to faculty, staff, students, their families, and the community. To best support the UI community, this website was created as a central hub to easily explore the mental health resources available on campus.

Multicultural and International Student Support and Engagement (MISSE): MISSE is committed to supporting student success on the University of Iowa campus through planned activities at the four UI Cultural and LGBTQ Resource Centers, annual diversity programs, and student organization events.

University Counseling Services: UCS supports mental well-being and helps students succeed at Iowa through individual therapy, group therapy, connection to community providers, and through a wide arrange of programs. 

University Housing & Dining: Residence Education: If you have concerns that have taken place in your on-campus living, Residence Education will be able to assist you through support and navigating options.

Student Disability Services (SDS): Provides support and academic accommodations for students with disabilities. SDS collaborates with students, faculty, and staff to create an accessible educational environment for all. 

Rape Victim Advocacy Program (RVAP)*: RVAP provides free, confidential, and trauma-informed services (including advocacy, counseling, and therapy support groups) to anyone directly or indirectly impacted by sexual violence in Cedar, Des Moines, Henry, Iowa, Johnson, Lee, Washington, and Van Buren counties. Anyone includes but is not limited to individuals of any age, gender, identity, culture, etc. 

Women's Resource and Action Center (WRAC)*: WRAC works to create greater equity for individuals and communities of all identities, with a particular focus on women, through activism, social justice initiatives, leadership training, advocacy, service, and personal and professional development.

Center for Inclusive Academic Achievement (CIAE): CIAE provides programs and activities that support historically marginalized, first-generation students and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive and succeed at the University of Iowa, including academic coaching, building community, celebrating cultures, and educating students on various topics.

The Office of Graduate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Grad-DEI): Grad DEI is committed to fostering a welcoming environment for graduate student populations that are historically underserved and underrepresented in higher education through individual support for graduate students experiencing isolation, micro-aggressions, or other factors, sponsoring events and programming, and providing training, networking, and community building.

Office of the Ombudsperson (Ombuds Office)*: The Ombuds Office is a resource for any member of the university community -- including students, faculty, staff, postdocs, residents, and fellows-- with a problem or concern. They offer a safe place to discuss conflicts or any concerns you might have about the university or its policies or procedures, and we will answer your questions, help you figure out your options, refer you to other offices if necessary, and help you resolve your concerns. They can also provide informal conflict resolution, mediation services, and advocacy for fair treatment and fair process.  

*Denotes a confidential resource

Resources to Explore Reporting Options

The Office Civil Rights Compliance (OCRC): OCRC supports the university by providing all members of the community with expert advice, education, and services that ensure the university’s compliance with all applicable federal, state, and university equal opportunity, affirmative action, nondiscrimination, sexual misconduct, gender equity, Title IX and civil rights laws, regulations, and policies. The unit works with faculty, staff, and students who believe they may have been subjected to prohibited harassment, discrimination, unfair or inequitable treatment in violation of the University's policies and also provides guidance to University administrators working to resolve concerns in their designated work areas.

Office of Student Accountability (OSA): OSA is dedicated to encouraging responsible community behavior, educating UI students, and facilitating accountability in situations where violations of the Code of Student Life have occurred.

Office of the Ombudsperson (Ombuds Office)*: The Ombuds Office is a resource for any member of the university community -- including students, faculty, staff, postdocs, residents, and fellows-- with a problem or concern. They offer a safe place to discuss conflicts or any concerns you might have about the university or its policies or procedures, and we will answer your questions, help you figure out your options, refer you to other offices if necessary, and help you resolve your concerns. They can also provide informal conflict resolution, mediation services, and advocacy for fair treatment and fair process.  

University of Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS): DPS is responsible for providing emergency response on the University of Iowa campus. If you are experiencing an urgent safety concern, whether on-campus or off-campus, please call 911 for immediate assistance.

*Denotes a confidential resource