Resources
Academics
The Academic Success Center provides opportunities for students to develop skills that promote success, practice leadership, and become self-directed learners through the delivery of centralized, high-quality academic support services that are responsive to the needs of the campus community. We offer individualized and group-facilitated experiences through course-specific and general academic assistance. All of our programs and services are designed to help you learn how to learn and become an independent, self-directed, and self-regulated learner.
The University Honors Program brings together some of Iowa State University's brightest and most motivated students to take advantage of both intellectual and social opportunities. Honors scholars gain early exposure to research and leadership as well as benefit from creating an individualized educational path adding breadth and depth to their academic experience.
The Iowa State University catalog contains a wealth of information for current students pertaining to academics. A listing of all majors, programs, minors and certificates can be found here along with all course offerings and their descriptions. Information about registration policies and academic standards can also be found in the catalog.
National Student Exchange (NSE) offers students a domestic alternative to study abroad. The National Student Exchange offers low-cost options for ISU students to study out-of-state at culturally diverse campuses within the United States, US Territories, and Canada. Participating in NSE can broaden your educational perspective, help you see more of the world, and build connections for future goals.
The Office of the Registrar, located in the Enrollment Services Center, handles much of the behind-the-scenes documentation of academics. Here you can find the academic calendar containing important semester deadlines, along with frequently used forms related to academic programs. Information about degree audits, class registration, graduation, and tuition/fee rates are also hosted on their website.
The Parks Library houses millions of reference materials for academic study and research. With such a large collection it can be daunting to know where to start your research project, and the Biology Research guide provides a helpful resource for life science majors.
The Schedule of Classes lists courses being offered at Iowa State University for the current and next semester. These course listings assist students in planning out their next term and it also has a built-in schedule planner.
Located in the Memorial Union, the Study Abroad Center assists students who are interested in studying outside the United States. They provide information about study abroad programs, various scholarship and financing options, have a lending library of travel books, peer advisors to help answer questions, and more.
For students thinking about taking courses at another institution to transfer to Iowa State University, TRANSIT is a useful tool to help determine how those courses will apply to the Biology major. If a course has been previously evaluated by the Registrar, it will be listed in TRANSIT. Some courses are not direct equivalents of Iowa State courses and should be discussed with a Biology Program advisor for their applicability.
The Writing and Media Center (WMC) helps students become stronger, more confident communicators. The WMC is a welcoming and inclusive peer tutoring center where friendly Communication Consultants offer individualized assistance to students working on any form of written, oral, visual, or electronic communication. For Biology students, this includes help with lab reports!
Campus Life
Lost? The online campus map can help you get to where you need to go.
CyRide is the city bus system for Ames, Iowa. It is a collaboration between the City of Ames, Iowa State University (ISU), and ISU's Student Government. CyRide operates 13 fixed routes, a Dial-A-Ride service for persons with a disability, and a late night service called Moonlight Express. It can take you just about anywhere on or off campus in the City of Ames.
Our residence life, facilities, administrative, business, marketing, conference and technology staff work to ensure a safe, supportive learning and social environment where students can thrive as they pursue their adventure at Iowa State. Our vision is to serve as the premier living environment for advancing student success at Iowa State University.
SU Dining is a large campus organization that serves a variety of customers. Our residential dining centers, cafés, convenience stores, food court, restaurants, catering department, commissary kitchen, bakery and food stores are all here to serve you. We work closely with student and faculty groups to ensure that we are meeting and exceeding the needs of the Iowa State community.
Information Technology (IT) Services provides a number of technology-related resources for students. The Solution Center can help troubleshoot computer and network problems, and Computer Service offers repair for computers and other equipment. Students can also check out media equipment such as laptops, digital cameras, projectors, and microphones.
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) supports and empowers Iowa State University's students who self-identify as African American, Asian American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Latinx, Native American/Alaskan Native and/or Multiracial, and advocates for their holistic development across the University.
The Student Activities Center coordinates the hundreds of student clubs on campus and also organizes other recreational opportunities. Enjoy arts and crafts at the Workspace, unwind with bowling and billiards, listen to some live music at the Maintenance Shop, or catch a movie with Cyclone Cinema.
Located in the Memorial Union, the Veterans Center is a place where you can go for Veteran-related questions. We are here to help with the unique challenges associated with transitioning into a university setting. We have outstanding staff ready to serve you, including VA Certifying Officials, as well as point people in Accounts Receivable, Financial Aid and more. Our office has developed a variety of programs designed to help student Veterans, military personnel, and their families build connections with one another and make the most out of their Iowa State adventure.
Career Services
Career Exploration Services is a division of Student Counseling Services that helps students figure out one of college's big questions: what do I do after I graduate? If you aren't sure what path you want to take or just want some new ideas, visit Career Exploration Services to investigate various career directions. With a lending library of career-related books and assessment tests to better understand your skills, they can help you figure out who you are and what you want to do with your life.
Every semester Iowa State University hosts some of the largest career fairs in the nation. For Biology majors, the primary career fairs of interest include People to People Career Fair, Agriculture and Life Sciences Career Day, and the Business, Industry and Technology Career Fair.
Located in Curtiss Hall, the CALS Career Services serves students and alumni through outstanding career counseling, support and encouragement and by providing employment opportunities well-suited to their goals and passions, and to help meet the growing demand for our graduates through strong, mutually beneficial relationships with employers.
Located in Carver Hall, LAS Career Services provides career development education for Iowa State University students and alumni. They can assist with writing a resumé or CV, composing a cover letter, searching for a job or internship, preparing for an interview, evaluating and negotiating job offers, and all other career-related questions you may have.
CyHire provides information on professional full-time and internship opportunities for students and alumni. Registered users can manage their online accounts to send resumes for job postings & interviews and access information about Career Fairs and Information Sessions.
The Student Job Board is provided by the Student Employment Center (SEC) and offers a way for students to search for jobs that employers have posted. Both on-campus and off-campus jobs are available, some of which are subsidized under the Federal Work Study Program, Undergraduate Research Assistant Program, or other programs. Current students can access the job board in AccessPlus.
Health and Wellness
Recreation Services at Iowa State University is your home for gyms, group fitness classes, intramural sports and outdoor recreation on campus. Their multiple facilities feature amenities ranging from indoor swimming pools, rock climbing walls, exercise machines, and more. Equipment rentals are also available for outdoor recreation and every semester Rec Services organizes field trips during fall and spring breaks.
Iowa State University’s OneApp scholarship portal is a centralized system for submitting scholarship applications. The Office of Student Financial Aid, academic colleges and departments, and other campus units (ex: Student Affairs Central Office, Program for Women in Science and Engineering, Student Accessibility Services, etc.) will use the information available in OneApp to select scholarship recipients. An index of privately funded scholarships is also available.
The Student Accessibility Services office (SAS) supports students with disabilities to enable equal access to education and university life. SAS believes that equity, social justice, and diversity are essential to creating/maintaining an environment of equal access and opportunity for all. If you have special medical or mental health needs that require accommodation for academics, housing, dining, or other aspects of university life be sure to contact them for assistance.
Student Counseling Services (SCS) provides clinical and campus-based services to help students achieve their educational and personal goals. SCS supports the holistic well-being of every Iowa State student and promotes a healthy and inclusive community through clinical services, outreach, consultation, crisis intervention and collaboration with campus partners. Student Counseling Services provides confidential prevention, intervention, information and referral services to Iowa State students.
The mission of the Office of Student Financial Success is to reduce Iowa State University students’ loan debt and improve the overall financial health of Iowa State University students through education and understanding of how to finance their higher education. Their office can assist with budgeting, spending, credit cards and scores, student loans and repayment, managing debt, basics of personal finance, and more.
Funded by Iowa State University Student Government, Student Legal Services (SLS) is a legal aid office that provides free and confidential legal services for students currently enrolled at Iowa State University and recognized Iowa State University student groups. The attorneys advise and often represent students in a variety of cases and are available for consultation with respect to most legal matters.
Located in A37 Friley Hall, Student Wellness is a department within the Division of Student Affairs focused on holistic wellness. We work with students to create a university environment that promotes health and wellbeing. We also provide programs and opportunities that are designed to equip you with life-enhancing skills so you can thrive academically and personally at ISU and beyond.
Thielen Student Health Center (TSHC) is a full-service health clinic staffed with physicians, advanced registered nurse practitioners, and trained healthcare professionals available to see you for your primary health care needs. With a state-of-the-art laboratory and digital x-ray right here in the clinic, we’re able to treat a variety of illness and injury right here on campus. In addition, we have a physical therapy department right upstairs and a pharmacy as you walk out the door. We’re a one-stop-shop for students who don’t have time to be sick!