This section assists those who work with international students in an academic capacity, including professors, instructors, and academic advisors.

If clarification is needed, or to consult regarding a specific case, please contact International Student and Scholar Services by email or phone at 319-335-0335.

A special listserv is also available for departments. This listserv is ideal for those who interact with international students and scholars in F-1 or J-1 status at the University of Iowa. Reminders of immigration-related regulations and deadlines will be sent throughout the year to enable academic advisors, faculty, HR staff, and others to help keep track of the legal needs and deadlines of their international students and scholars.

Additional materials for supporting international students during pandemic:

Academic Advisors and the iHawk System

To complete many international student requests, ISSS often must get input from academic advisors regarding the student’s new academic plans. This happens through use of our online iHawk program, where students initiate a special e-form based on the action needed. The student inputs the email address of the academic advisor, who receives an alert via UI email asking them to log in and answer a series of questions regarding the student's academic situation. You may simply click on the link provided in the email and it will automatically log you in.

Please understand this is supplemental input only. Any final decision on granting or denying an immigration benefit rests solely with the Designated School Officials (DSOs), i.e. ISSS advisors, who are granted authority from the Department of Homeland Security.

Resources for Students

  • Time management tips from anywhere in the world
  • The International Student Advisory Board’s tips on Learning from Outside of the U.S. (see @isab_uiowa on Instagram or @isabiowa on Facebook for graphic version).
    • Keep in touch. Talk to your friends, and keep in touch with your Iowa City community. Set up times to video chat, schedule watch parties, and take part in virtual events on campus.
    • Accessing textbooks. You might not have the same access to textbooks if you’re outside of the US. Reach out to your professors, make use of library resources, and get ebook versions (or even audiobooks) from places like Amazon and Chegg.
    • Take care of yourself. Taking care of your emotional and physical wellbeing is important. Your sleep schedule might be affected, but make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating on time, and taking plenty of breaks.
    • Ask for help. Let your professors, TAs, and supervisors know if you ever need any help. Introduce yourself through email and let them know that you are currently outside of the US. Don’t hesitate to reach out, and never be guilty of requesting specific accommodation in order to successfully attend classes.
    • Be proud of your achievements. Studying at home, especially in a different time zone isn’t easy. Reward yourself for even the smallest success.