Stanley Student Challenge

What is the Stanley Student Challenge?

In an attempt to get more students involved and engaged with the events and activities happening at the Stanley Museum of Art, we are inviting any and all University of Iowa students (graduate or undergraduate) to undertake the Stanley Student Challenge. 

Those interested in participating will receive a punch card, detailing the semester's schedule of student-focused programs. Students should attend at least three of the listed events on the card throughout the semester, getting their card stamped at the front desk for each one. 

During finals week, students will be able to turn in their stamped cards for a prize: custom SMA merch!

 

A photo of a student, in profile, working on their sewing project; fabrics, sewing supplies, and other materials are scattered in front of them on a table covered with a blue gingham tablecloth.
An image of the Fall 2025 Stanley Student Challenge card, which lists the time and date of fall student events.

What events count towards the challenge?

In order to successfully complete the Stanley Student Challenge, students must get at least three stamps on their challenge card. The challenge resets each semester--stop back at the start of each fall and spring semester for a new challenge card and another chance at a prize.

Below, you will find a list of the student-specific events on the card. These Night at the Museum events were developed in conjunction with the AY25/26 Campus Engagement Coordinator, Lauren Smith.

In addition to the events listed, students may also attend general/ public programs (a full calendar of events can be found here) and/or visit the Stanley on their own time to receive a stamp.

Fall 2025 Challenge Events

Night at the Museum: The Art of Voting promotional image

Night at the Museum: The Art of Voting

Thursday, September 11, 2025 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art
We’re welcoming students back to the Stanley Museum of Art with the semester’s first Night at the Museum! Night at the Museum is our series of monthly events for students, hosted Thursday evenings when we are open late. This month we are once again collaborating with Hawk The Vote, a student group dedicated to helping folks here at the University of Iowa register to vote in local, state, and federal U.S. elections. HTV representatives will be available in our lobby to help you register, and...
Night at the Museum: Collage Night promotional image

Night at the Museum: Collage Night

Thursday, October 9, 2025 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art
Once a month, the Stanley hosts events designed to introduce the museum to University of Iowa students through engaging and creative activities. Nights at the Museum events occur on Thursday nights when the museum is open late. These events are planned and developed with the assistance of the Campus Engagement Coordinator, a student employee who works with museum staff to engage student audiences. Information about past Nights at the Museum can be found here. Attending student events also...
Night at the Museum: Chill & Create promotional image

Night at the Museum: Chill & Create

Thursday, November 13, 2025 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art
Join us for our next installment of Night at the Museum, a series of monthly events for UI students that occurs on Thursday nights when the museum is open late.This month, our session is aimed at helping students destress around midterms by making and viewing art. To do this, we're teaming up with Dana Keeton, a local artist, art therapist and mental health counselor.All night in the lobby, we'll have snacks and art materials provided for creative mask making. Dana will take interested students...
Study at the Stanley promotional image

Study at the Stanley

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 10:00am to 4:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art
Make the Stanley your study spot for finals week. We'll have free cocoa, coffee, cider, and snacks available all day Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).Stop by for a few hours to study for your exams: grab a snack, replenish your study supplies (we'll have post its, highlighters, and more) and take a quick break — either by exploring the galleries or playing with a fidget toy.
Study at the Stanley promotional image

Study at the Stanley

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 10:00am to 3:59pm
Stanley Museum of Art
Make the Stanley your study spot for finals week. We'll have free cocoa, coffee, cider, and snacks available all day Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).Stop by for a few hours to study for your exams: grab a snack, replenish your study supplies (we'll have post its, highlighters, and more) and take a quick break — either by exploring the galleries or playing with a fidget toy.
Study at the Stanley promotional image

Study at the Stanley

Thursday, December 18, 2025 10:00am to 3:59pm
Stanley Museum of Art
Make the Stanley your study spot for finals week. We'll have free cocoa, coffee, cider, and snacks available all day Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).Stop by for a few hours to study for your exams: grab a snack, replenish your study supplies (we'll have post its, highlighters, and more) and take a quick break — either by exploring the galleries or playing with a fidget toy.

Spring 2026 Challenge Events

Night at the Museum promotional image

Night at the Museum

Thursday, February 12, 2026 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art
Once a month, the Stanley hosts events designed to introduce the museum to University of Iowa students through engaging and creative activities. Nights at the Museum events occur on Thursday nights when the museum is open late. These events are planned and developed with the assistance of the Campus Engagement Coordinator, a student employee who works with museum staff to engage student audiences. Information about past Nights at the Museum can be found here. Attending student events also...
Night at the Museum promotional image

Night at the Museum

Thursday, March 12, 2026 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art
Once a month, the Stanley hosts events designed to introduce the museum to University of Iowa students through engaging and creative activities. Nights at the Museum events occur on Thursday nights when the museum is open late. These events are planned and developed with the assistance of the Campus Engagement Coordinator, a student employee who works with museum staff to engage student audiences. Information about past Nights at the Museum can be found here. Attending student events also...
Night at the Museum promotional image

Night at the Museum

Thursday, April 9, 2026 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art
Once a month, the Stanley hosts events designed to introduce the museum to University of Iowa students through engaging and creative activities. Nights at the Museum events occur on Thursday nights when the museum is open late. These events are planned and developed with the assistance of the Campus Engagement Coordinator, a student employee who works with museum staff to engage student audiences. Information about past Nights at the Museum can be found here. Attending student events also...
Study at the Stanley promotional image

Study at the Stanley

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 10:00am to 4:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art
Make the Stanley your study spot for finals week. We'll have free coffee, lemonade, punch, and snacks available all day Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).Stop by for a few hours to study for your exams: grab a snack, replenish your study supplies (we'll have post-its, highlighters, and more) and take a quick break — either by exploring the galleries or playing with a fidget toy.
Study at the Stanley promotional image

Study at the Stanley

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 10:00am to 3:59pm
Stanley Museum of Art
Make the Stanley your study spot for finals week. We'll have free coffee, lemonade, punch, and snacks available all day Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).Stop by for a few hours to study for your exams: grab a snack, replenish your study supplies (we'll have post-its, highlighters, and more) and take a quick break — either by exploring the galleries or playing with a fidget toy.
Study at the Stanley promotional image

Study at the Stanley

Thursday, May 14, 2026 10:00am to 3:59pm
Stanley Museum of Art
Make the Stanley your study spot for finals week. We'll have free coffee, lemonade, punch, and snacks available all day Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).Stop by for a few hours to study for your exams: grab a snack, replenish your study supplies (we'll have post-its, highlighters, and more) and take a quick break — either by exploring the galleries or playing with a fidget toy.

What is the prize?

Students who complete the Stanley Student Challenge at the end of a given semester are eligible for their choice in prize: either a free Stanley-customized baby Baggu bag, or our new Stanley-customized water bottle. 

Students will be able to pick up their prizes any time during finals week when the museum is open. Prizes will not be available before or after this time period. Students must turn in their completed Stanley Student Challenge card to receive the prize. 

Check back each year for new prize offerings!

Gallery Host Josie holds up the two Stanley Student Challenge prizes--a custom Baggu and water bottle.
The Stanley Student Challenge water bottle is blue, with white vinyl lettering that reads "Art is for everyone"
A photo featuring the Stanley Student Challenge Baggu bag prize. A white bag with green design on it, featuring the slogan "art is for everyone" and drawings of various works of art from the Stanley Museum of Art.

FAQ

Who can participate?

Any University of Iowa student can participate.

How can I get a challenge card?

Fall semester challenge cards will be available at the front desk beginning on Tuesday, August 27 (the first week of classes).

Spring semester challenge cards will be available at the front desk beginning on Tuesday, January 21 (the first day of classes).

How do I get my challenge card stamped?

Challenge cards can be stamped by gallery hosts at the front desk, or by event staff at the welcome table during special events. 

If you're worried about losing your card before the end of the semester, don't forget to sign in via SWIPE so your attendance is recorded, as well!

What if I lose my card?

When you visit the museum, be sure to sign in at our SWIPE kiosk to track your attendance. In the case of a lost card, museum staff can access SWIPE to verify your attendance at events. 

If you lose your card and would like a replacement or to verify your attendance at events in order to receive a prize, please reach out to Assistant Curator of Student Engagement Allie Tokarski, at allison-tokarski@uiowa.edu. 

When can I pick up my prize?

Prizes will be available for pickup during finals week at the end of each semester. Even if you complete the challenge and get your three stamps before the end of the current semester, you must wait until the prize pickup window to receive your prize. Sorry for the inconvenience! 

What is the prize?

Students are currently able to pick between two prize options: a custom Baggu bag and a custom Nalgene water bottle.

Check back each year for potentially new prize options!

Baggu BagNalgene Water Bottle

This custom reusable bag was designed by Campus Engagement Coordinator 23/24 Alexis Belme.

Perfect for your lunch, a six pack, extra shoes, or a trip to the corner store.

  • Carries up to 50lbs comfortably in hand
  • Folds into its own flat 4" × 4" pouch
  • Measures 18" × 10" × 4"
  • Recycled ripstop nylon
  • Machine washable

This custom Nalgene bottle was designed by Josie Duccini (Gallery Host Lead) and Annelies Knight (Campus Engagement Coordinator 24/25). 

  • Holds 32 oz.
  • Made from 50% certified recycled content, further offsetting the use of fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Threaded and tethered lid
  • BPA/ BPS free
  • Made in the USA