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

Benefits for Faculty and Staff

The Engage website and engagement record connects students with various engagement opportunities, including high-impact practices, to help them develop as individuals and be more successful while at the University of Iowa and after they graduate. The benefits include:

  • Improved student experience with more holistic focus on integrated learning
  • Better ability to point students toward experiences that influence their success, including experiential learning opportunities
  • A clearer pathway for all UI students beginning as an engaged new student through to remaining an engaged alumni
  • Improved ability of students to articulate how their experiences have prepared them for further education or employment through purposeful reflection
  • Timelier access to data in order to make strategic and programmatic decisions that support student success

Get Involved

Faculty and staff interested in getting involved can get started at any time. Our suggested pathway is outlined below.

  • Encourage students to view their engagement record and explore the Engage website for engagement opportunities
  • Help students reflect on their experiences. You can review the competencies and suggested reflection questions on this page
  • Support students who are trying to figure out how to get started by connecting them with engagement advising
  • Any questions about a student’s engagement record can be sent to getinvolved@uiowa.edu
  • Add an engagement activity (see below). 

Submit an Activity to the Student Engagement Record

Faculty and staff are invited to contribute to the Student Engagement Record by submitting co-curricular activities that provide meaningful engagement opportunities for students.

This form is intended for activities that are not already captured in authoritative university data sources (such as course enrollment, official student employment, student organization rosters, etc.). If you're unsure whether your activity is already recorded, please reach out to Teri Schnelle at teri-schnelle@uiowa.edu before submitting.

To submit an activity:

  • Complete the initial submission form:
  • Await approval
    • Once your activity is reviewed and approved, you will receive a follow-up form to provide the activity’s start and end dates and a list of participating students.
  • If you have any questions or need assistance with the submission process, please contact Teri Schnelle at teri-schnelle@uiowa.edu.

Informing Students of Their Engagement Record

Consider sharing the following information with students after adding an activity to their engagement record: 

"This experience has been added to your Engagement Record in MyUI. The Engagement Record brings together your involvement across campus—including activities, roles, and the skills you’ve developed—so you can see how your experiences connect to your growth as a student.

By reviewing your record, you can begin to reflect on what you’ve learned and how your experiences have helped you build skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving.

Students often use their Engagement Record to:

  • Build or update a résumé or CV
  • Prepare for interviews or applications
  • Identify next steps in their involvement journey

You can access your Engagement Record in MyUI and download a version tailored to your goals."