FAQ

Where are classes held?

Workshop sessions are held in classrooms in campus buildings near the residence halls. Some workshops include field trips to local events or news agencies. Most sessions will be held in the new state-of-the-art Adler Journalism Building, opened in January 2005. For more information on the Adler Journalism Building, visit the School of Journalism and Mass Communication website.

What should I bring?

• cell phone
• alarm clock
• comfortable shoes for walking
• umbrella
• pens/pencils
• notebooks/paper
• materials individual to your workshop (you’ll receive a list a couple weeks prior to the Workshops)
• camera (Photojournalism Students)
• Towels (not white)

What will my room be like?
Workshops students have the opportunity to experience University of Iowa living accommodations in Burge Residence Hall.

Students will stay in air-conditioned doubles. Please make roommate request by emailing conferences@uiowa.edu  such requests will be honored when possible. Students otherwise will be matched with students who are of the same gender, are in the same age range and attend different schools to provide workshoppers with a broader social experience.

Sheets, a pillow, pillow cases, and blankets will be provided, but if students prefer, they may bring their own. To avoid confusion with residence hall linens, we recommend that students not bring white bedding. You must bring your own towels. The towels must not be white.

As is common in college residence halls, bathrooms are located down the hall from the student rooms; students may wish to bring bathrobes and waterproof sandals to wear to and from the showers.

Residence hall rooms do not have telephone sets, but pay phones are available in the Burge lobby.

What if I have dietary needs?
You can find all the information you need about menu items at the website of the Burge Marketplace.

Who are the counselors?
Each dorm floor will have at least one counselor-in-residence. Counselors are teachers, professionals and college students who know how to make students feel welcome and safe. They are responsible for you while you are at the Workshops.

What happens when I arrive?
On-site registration for all high school student workshops is Sunday, July 24, 2016, in Burge Hall, where students will reside. The Workshops registration desk opens and dorm check-in begins at 4 p.m. Sunday. Registration will be held from 4-5 p.m.

A map of Burge Hall is located here. For those arriving from out of town on Interstate 80, take Dubuque Street exit going south. Turn right on Church Street. It will curve and turn into Clinton Street. See map.

Workshops check-in will be inside the main lobby of Burge Hall.

How does checkout work?
A closing assembly will be held Thursday, July 28 — the last day of the Workshops — to recognize students who did outstanding work during the week.

Students may check-out of the dorm after the ceremony, beginning at noon, and must be done by 2 p.m.

Can I bring my car?
If you travel by vehicle and intend to leave your vehicle here during the week while residing in the residence halls, you must store it in a university storage lot. After you have unloaded your gear and checked into your room, please notify the Workshops counselors that you have a car to store. There will be a counselor assigned to lead you to the parking lot and give you a return ride to the dorm. There is a $150 charge to store your vehicle, payable to the Workshops at registration.

If I live near by, do I have to stay on campus?

Because classes are held during the evenings as well as during the days, students are encouraged, but not required, to stay on campus.

Students not residing or eating on campus should deduct $100 from the registration fee.

Students not staying in the dorms should check in with the Workshops desk in Burge Hall between 4-5 p.m. Sunday, July 26, to get schedules and begin Workshops activities, including a group dinner, that day.

The rest of the week, commuters are on their own for meals. Meals may be purchased in Burge Hall, where in-residence Workshops students will eat. Prices are $7 for breakfast, and $10 for lunch or dinner. There are also eateries nearby.

All students can eat during the opening-day dinner, as well as evening snacks, which are provided by the Workshops.

Will someone meet me at the bus station or airport?
Students in need of being picked up at the bus station or airport must complete and return a Transportation Request Form.

What if I need to arrive late, check-out early, or leave for a short time?
Students who will not be arriving or departing within the assigned times will need to fill out an Early or Late Arrival or Departure Form. In the past, students have requested to be absent during free time or meal times to have meals with Iowa City relatives. Students who wish to do this will need to fill out a Temporary Absence Form. All of these forms will need to be signed by students’ parents or legal guardians.