Sloss House to reopen in 2027

The Dean of Students Office is preparing for the next chapter of the Sloss House, one that preserves its history, invests in the building’s continued care, and maintains it as a welcoming, student-facing place located in the heart of Central Campus.

Following refurbishment and its anticipated reopening in spring 2027, the Sloss House will welcome two university-wide services to the space: Parent and Family Programs and Off-Campus Student Support. This update will allow for consistent staffing, the ability to answer questions, and help care for the 142-year-old building. This model will also help retain the informal, welcoming space students value while offering a more formalized place for off-campus and commuter students to gather and use while on campus. 

“The Sloss House is an important landmark at Iowa State University and remains open to all students,” said Toyia Younger, senior vice president for student affairs. “The house has a history of bringing people together, and it will continue to be a place where students gather, find comfort, and connect with resources.”

Each floor of the building will have distinct functions. The first floor will be available for all students to connect, study, and relax. Planned features include comfortable seating and study areas, lockers for off-campus and commuter students, and kitchen amenities such as a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee and tea. The second floor will serve as office space for the staff, improving access to specialized resources and support for students and families. Building oversight will transition to a reimagined position, the assistant dean of students for student support, reporting to Kipp Van Dyke, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students.

“Nearly two-thirds of our student population lives off campus,” shared Van Dyke. “Providing commuter students and students who live off campus with amenities like lockers, a kitchenette, and lounge space in the middle of campus helps a large campus feel smaller and increases their likelihood of remaining on campus each day and engaging with activities. Overall, we hope that all students feel welcome to utilize the space and its new amenities.” 

Following an extensive review of the Margaret Sloss Center for Women and Gender Equity, which included frequent staff turnover and recent changes to Iowa law, the Dean of Students Office made the difficult decision to close the center. Resources previously offered by the center remain available to students at other locations on campus. 

FAQ

No. The Sloss House remains a historical location on campus and will continue to be available to all students. The anticipated reopening will be in spring 2027 and will still be a staffed, student-facing location where students can study, relax, use practical amenities, and connect with university services.

Yes. Following an extensive review of the center, which included frequent staff turnover and recent changes to Iowa law, the Dean of Students Office made the difficult decision to close the center. Resources previously offered by the center remain available to students at other locations.

Dean of Students Office leadership has worked with areas across campus who previously provided services in the building. The food pantry, The SHOP, remains open to all students and the Office of Child Care and Family Services Parenting Resource Hub offers resources for students who are parents. 

Not at this time. Student organizations and other campus groups seeking meeting space may use other reservable facilities. All students are welcome to use the amenities available when the building reopens. 

Yes. The university recognizes the historical importance of Thomas Sloss—the building’s namesake—and his daughter, Margaret Sloss, who was the first woman to graduate with a veterinary medicine degree from Iowa State University. That history will remain part of the building’s identity, along with the history of previous tenants. The renewed Sloss House will preserve the legacy of the space through continued student use while adding consistent staffing and direct connections to university services.

The building will remain under the Dean of Students Office (DSO) purview. The Dean of Students Office is a unit within the Division of Student Affairs. A search will be conducted this fall for the new position within the DSO who will provide leadership of the building.

There are currently no employees in the department.