The University of Iowa defines student engagement as the intentional participation in meaningful learning experiences that foster academic success, sense of belonging, holistic well-being, and community involvement. Through engagement, students develop the knowledge, values, skills, and behaviors that support their success at Iowa and beyond.

Research consistently shows that engagement is one of the strongest predictors of student success. Tinto (2000) found that engagement is a significant factor in student persistence, while Quaye and Harper (2014) found that students who actively participate in educationally purposeful activities are more likely to persist through graduation. Pascarella and Terenzini (2005) similarly concluded that the impact of college is largely shaped by how students engage with the academic, interpersonal, and extracurricular opportunities available to them.

Engagement also contributes to students' intellectual, personal, and professional development. Through experiences such as student organizations, leadership roles, research, service, internships, study abroad, and campus employment, students develop practical skills, strengthen connections to the university community, and gain experiences that support their success both at Iowa and beyond. Leadership experiences, in particular, help students develop a greater sense of responsibility, commitment, and connection to their organizations and the institution (Quaye & Harper, 2014).