Because of changes in federal financial aid regulations, The University of Iowa now requires that every instructor verifies the occurrence of students’ “academic activity” through the 10th day of the semester (see important definitions below).

The University of Iowa and students could lose federal Title IV financial aid if we fail to comply with these regulations.

The University requires 100% completion of the tenth-day academic activity report by instructors for every student in each class.

Tenth-Day Attendance Verification
After the 10th day of the semester, instructors must submit verification, noting if each student has shown “academic activity” during this period. Instructors submit these reports via MAUI beginning 09/04/2012.

A student needs to accomplish at least one “academic activity” during the first ten days of the semester to be considered attending a class for financial aid purposes.

Federal regulations define “academic activity” as occurring when a student

• physically attends at least one class where there is an opportunity for direct interaction between the instructor and students.

But even if a student has not attended a single class, the following also count as “academic activity” when a student

• submits an academic assignment (in class or online)
• takes a quiz or exam (in class or online)
• participates in an interactive tutorial or is involved with computer assisted instruction
• attends a study group as assigned by the instructor
• participates in an online discussion as part of the course
• initiates contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course

“Academic activity” does not result when a student

• logs in to an online class or to ICON (or a similar site) but has no other “academic activity” online
• meets with an academic advisor

Thank you for your help. If you have questions, please contact me.