The University of Iowa challenges you to take the 5-for-5 Connection Challenge!

Social connection plays a critical role in our personal and community well-being. Strong personal relationships can have a big impact on our physical, emotional, and mental health. 

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy created the 5-for-5 Connection Challenge in response to a growing problem of loneliness and social isolation among college-age students. Completing the challenge is a way to build and strengthen your relationships and inspire others to incorporate connection into their daily lives. 

Get Started

Step 1: Commit to Connect

  • Commit to the UI challenge.
  • Pick 5 days in a row to connect with people in your life.

Commit to Connect

Step 2: Connect Each Day

  • Each day, for 5 days, take 1 simple action of your choice to express gratitude, offer support, or ask for help.
  • To track your progress, download the connection card.

Download the Card

Step 3: Reflect and Share

  • Take a moment to reflect on how connecting made you feel. 
  • Share your experience.

Share Your Experience

Reflect and Share

Your submission will be used to evaluate the program. We may contact you for permission to use your submission to promote future programs.

Group of people sitting on a lawn

Challenge Yourself and Others!

This challenge applies to everyone in the university community: students, faculty, staff, and postdocs. Share this with your coworkers for greater impact.

Questions about the Challenge? Write to trisha-welter@uiowa.edu.