Jocelyn Roof
University of Iowa![](https://compact.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/70355563_jocelyn_roof-516x344.jpg)
Jocelyn Roof is a second year undergraduate student at the University of Iowa studying political science and sociology. Originally from Waterloo, Iowa, she came to UI and immersed herself into opportunities including student government, peer mentoring, and activism. Jocelyn has been visible on campus as a student leader, increasing student voter registration and civic engagement efforts. During the last two years she has also been involved in advocacy and research projects related to social and educational policy, equity and inclusion, and community partnerships. Jocelyn recognizes that civic engagement work requires persistence and collaboration, and she is striving to create sustainable efforts at the University of Iowa so more students can have transformative civic action experiences.
Personal Statement
It is my firm belief that higher education should prepare students for success not only in their future careers, but in their roles as change agents in communities around the world. In my time at the University of Iowa I have taken on several roles with the ultimate goal of imparting the value of civic action to my peers, the university administration, and the community at large.
Through my position as Governmental Relations Chair in student government, I advocate for student issues at the local, state, and federal levels. This role gave me the opportunity to co-lead voter registration and turnout efforts on campus by starting the "Hawk the Vote" campaign. Through collaboration with twenty politically-oriented student organizations and countless community partners, our team was able to register nearly 3000 students to vote. I serve as a Resident Assistant on campus as well, working on an individual level with first year students and serving as a resource and support system as they navigate the transition from high school to college. Additionally, I am a social and education policy research intern at the UI Public Policy Center where I work in partnership with the local school district on increasing equity and reducing implicit bias for the K-12 schools.
I plan to make the most of the next two years of my undergrad by expanding this education policy research to my home school district, continuing to be a Resident Assistant, and planning for voter engagement in 2020. I will also be working with university administrators to create a community space on campus focused on civic action so every Hawkeye has the chance to create intentional connections with service-oriented and community outreach partners.