Where are classes held?

Workshops will be held in person on the University of Iowa campus in Adler Journalism Building. Morning meetings will be held in an auditorium in an adjoining building, Becker Communication Studies Building. Campers will stay in Catlett Residence Hall and eat in Burge Market Place. Each camper will be assigned a counselor and a small group cohort.

I've registered for the workshops but haven't received any information. Why not?

Welcome emails were sent out the last two weeks in April and throughout May and June. A second email "ISJW Things to Do to Prepare for the Workshops" was sent mid June. Be sure to check your junk mail for the emails from the director. If you can't locate the email, please email erin-goss@uiowa.edu.

What do I need?

• Suggested items to pack:
  • Cell phone
  • Alarm clock
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Umbrella
  • Pocket change for exploring the city
  • Pens
  • Notebook/paper
  • Towels (must not be white)
  • Robe and shower shoes
  • Swimsuit (for University Recreation Pool with spa, current channel, vortex, climbing wall, and more)
  • If you bring a pillow, do not bring a white pillowcase
• Instructors will provide specific requirements, if any, for their workshops.
• Readiness to learn, have fun, and meet new people!

What will the days be like?

You’ll spend time each morning and afternoon in classes with your instructors. You’ll eat meals in the residence hall dining center with other campers and counselors. In the evenings, there will be planned, group activities or additional instruction time. First and foremost, camp is fun! Take a look at the 2024 Workshop Schedule.

Typical daily schedules:

Monday –Thursday:

      Wake-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 – 8 a.m.

      Breakfast (Market Place) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 – 8:15 a.m. 

      Morning Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

      Lunch (Market Place) . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

      Afternoon Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1:00 – 5:15 p.m.

      Dinner (Market Place) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

      Evening Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

      Room Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 p.m.

      Lights Out! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:30 p.m.

Each registered student will receive an email with links to the following information.

Online ISJW resources.

• Summer Housing Residence Hall Guide
• 2024 ISJW Guidebook
• ISJW Rules and Discipline Procedures
• Parking ramp location map
• Catlett Residence Hall
• 2024 Welcome Letter
• 2024 Parent Information
• 2024 Workshop Schedule
• Gender Inclusive Bathrooms on UI Campus

Are scholarships available?

We offer two opportunities for tuition assistance.

ISJW Financial Aid is made available through generous sponsorships from the Alan and Beverly Easton Fund in Journalism and Mass Communication, the Iowa Newspaper Association, the Gazette, Van Meter, and Hills Bank. Financial Aid applications close when funding runs out.

Full-tuition Scholarships for Linn County, Iowa residents are made available from the Marshall Incentive Program through the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.Tuition-assistance applications close when funding runs out. 

Apply for tuition assistance early, while funding is available. 

In 2024, 28 students received funding and in 2023, 27 students received funding through these tuition assistance opportunities!

Do I have to swim?

The University Recreation Pool has a spa, current channel, vortex, climbing wall, and more. It's not just a lap pool! We offer other activities to choose from as well.

Can I get an ISJW flyer to share with others?

Download the 2024 ISJW flyer with Financial Aid link!

What do students say about their experience at ISJW?

Read this story about a student experience from ISJW 2023.

At the end of camp we have a celebration of the week's activities and instructors give out awards. You can view last years' PowerPoint presentation summarizing the week's activities.