The Selix family is preparing to head to Jamaica this year on their first overseas trip as a family. Passports for their three young children were the only things missing. They chose the University of Iowa (UI) Passport Office to process their applications due to its location, ease of scheduling, and availability of appointments. They also happened to be the 1,000th client served by the passport office since its opening and were happy to help International Programs celebrate this milestone.
“We were looking for a passport office and found out the university has one,” said Joseph Selix. “So we called here and you got us in right away. It was very easy, and you made it really nice.”
Shari Sorensen is one of the passport agents responsible for guiding people through the process.
“I believe having a passport facility in the heart of downtown Iowa City is advantageous not only for the UI campus, but for the surrounding community overall,” remarked Sorensen. “Our location is near financial and retail services where money orders (if customers do not have personal checks) and/or passport photos can be obtained, which are necessary to complete the passport application packet.”
Children must be present when applying for passports, which is a formal process that can take 15-30 minutes. Selix appreciated the welcoming environment created by the passport staff, including providing crayons for their children.
“It was great, it was just amazing all around,” said Selix. “They got to color; they got to hang out. They were very happy about it. It was super easy, and we really appreciated the experience.”
The UI Passport Office, which opened in November 2021, serves the UI campus and surrounding community. Passport agents can help process new U.S. passport applications and child/minor renewal applications.
For more information or to make an appointment, visit the UI Passport Office website.
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.