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 Catlett 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 are sent April throughout June in a confirmation email at the time you register. A second email "ISJW Things to Do to Prepare for the Workshops" will be sent in June. If you've registered and haven't received these emails, 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
    • Personal toiletries
    • 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. Look at the individual workshops to see examples of student work completed during the 2024 sessions. First and foremost, camp is fun! Take a look at the 2025 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.

What if I need to cancel my registration?

If a camper cancels their registration before June 16, 2025, they will receive a full refund. Cancellations between June 16, 2025 - June 25, 2025 will incur a $75.00 cancellation fee. A camper who cancels after June 25, 2025 will be charged $210. 

FULL PAYMENT is due at the time the registration form is submitted. The University reserves the right to cancel programs for any reason, including insufficient enrollments. If the university cancels a workshop, participants will receive a full refund. 

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

Online ISJW resources.

Where should I park when I drop off my child?

You can park in the North Campus Parking Ramp, 340 North Madison Street, Iowa City, IA 52242. The entrance is located on Madison Street. You will drive past Catlett Residence Hall to enter the ramp. If you park in this ramp, on level 4, you’ll find the walkway to Catlett Hall. The main desk in Catlett Hall is located at Entrance 11. If you enter on the lower level of Catlett Hall, take the elevator to the third floor, where you'll find the main desk.

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, 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 each of the last two years, 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.

Sophia in Recreation Center Pool

Can I get an ISJW flyer to share with others?

Download the 2025 ISJW flyer!

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 talk about class accomplishments. You can view last years' PowerPoint presentation summarizing the week's activities.