"The Office of Student Life provides diverse social, cultural, recreational and educational programs and activities for the University of Iowa community. Supporting more than 400 recognized student organizations, the OSL sponsors major annual events, diversity initiatives, leadership opportunities, and arts and entertainment programs. As of 2007, OSL was part of the administration of the Iowa Memorial Union, which in turn reports to the Dean of Students.

Although student clubs and organizations have thrived at the University of Iowa since classes began in 1855, there was no central office to coordinate these activities until about 1977 with the establishment of the Office of Student Activities. By 1984, OSA was re-named the Office of Campus Programs and Student Activities (OCPSA), and, in 1998, the Office of Student Life.