Division of Student Affairs
Mission
We help students succeed.
We help students prepare for responsible citizenship, personal fulfillment, and success in life by supporting their efforts to learn through their experiences, achieve their academic goals, and strive for excellence in all.
We do this by:
- Developing environments that are safe, welcoming, inclusive and healthy;
- Providing services that are professional, supportive and personalized; and
- Fostering meaningful student engagement in campus and community life that develops leadership, educates about diversity, and contributes to learning.
Values
In seeking to accomplish this mission, we are committed to:
- Encouraging the development of the whole student and involving all students in the life of the University;
- Cultivating a caring and diverse campus community that values respect for all people, the open and free exchange of ideas, and responsible and ethical behavior;
- Maximizing our effectiveness through responsible stewardship of resources, support of innovation, and creativity in problem solving;
- Working collaboratively across campus and community, and fostering a work environment for our staff which encourages continuous improvement and professional development.
Orientation
Orientation programs are offered for new students to acquaint them with available educational opportunities and university services and to assist them in the class registration process. Most new freshmen who begin their study in the fall semester attend a summer orientation program during the preceding June or July. Transfer students are invited to either a spring or summer transfer orientation program. Students who do not begin their study during fall semester attend orientation and register just before classes begin for that term. Parents of new students are invited to participate in a special parent orientation program.
Housing
Application for Rooms in Residence Halls
Official admission to the University of Northern Iowa is a prerequisite to application for housing in the residence halls. Once new students are admitted, the Department of Residence sends an invitation for the student to apply for housing online. This invitation is included with the student's letter of acceptance from the Office of Admissions. The Department of Residence Web site includes information about each residence hall, the dining operations, and the housing and dining contract. The residence hall and dining contract serves as the official application for housing in the residence halls. The application process includes completion of the contract, payment of the $25 application fee and a $200 prepayment. Payment is also accepted online. Paper contracts are available and will be sent at a later date to those who do not complete the contract process on the Internet.
The 2-Year Advantage option features a price freeze for housing and dining rates from year one to year two of the contract. Additional benefits include waiver of the prepayment for the second year of the contract and early move-in at no additional charge.
Room assignments are made on a date-of-prepayment basis. If an applicant finds it necessary to cancel the contract before occupying the room, the prepayment refund or forfeiture is based on the date of written notification and fulfills the terms of the contract terms and conditions.
Inquiries should be directed to:
Department of Residence
Redeker Center
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0252
319-273-2333 or toll free 866-207-9411
live@uni.edu
Occupancy
Residence hall occupancy begins officially on the Friday prior to the first day of classes for Fall semester; and the Friday before classes begin for the Spring semester. If a reserved room is not occupied on the first day of classes and arrangements have not been made with the Department of Residence for later occupancy, the reservation will be cancelled and prepayment forfeiture and penalties will be applied as stated in the contract terms and conditions.
The residence hall and dining contract covers an entire academic year or the balance thereof; separate contracting is necessary for the summer session. If the contract is terminated before the expiration date, appropriate provisions of the contract will apply. The student is responsible for any financial liabilities incurred prior to the date of termination and 40% of the remaining portion of the contract.
Residence Halls
Students living in on-campus residence halls have the advantage of easy access to all classrooms, campus activities and campus resources. Residence hall rooms have a broadband Internet connection for each occupant and cable television. A local telephone connection, furnishings and utilities are included. The Department of Residence is designed to provide housing to 4,600 students in ten residence halls. In addition to student rooms, each residence hall offers office support services, lounges, study rooms, recreational areas, laundry rooms, and other facilities for the comfort and convenience of the students. Computer labs are located in residence facilities throughout campus. A professional staff member supports activities that promote academic success and social events that build a strong sense of community.
Floors within each residence hall accommodate approximately 40 students and are designated as houses. Each house sponsors its own social, cultural, and recreational programs. There are houses reserved for first-year students and houses reserved for upperclass students. Rooms for single occupancy, double occupancy and triple occupancy (suites) are available. One resident assistant (a student staff member) lives in each house to serve as a resource person for the members of that house.
Women's halls include Hagemann and Lawther. Coeducational housing is provided in Bartlett, Bender, Campbell, Dancer, Lawther, Noehren, and Shull Halls. All rooms in Shull Hall are designed for single occupancy and are available to upperclass students only. Continuous housing (during academic break periods) is available in Bartlett, Bender, Dancer, Noehren, Rider and Shull Halls. All halls are open during the Thanksgiving and Spring breaks.
ROTH Complex
Apartment and suite-style housing is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Residents with good academic and behavioral status qualify for housing in ROTH. ROTH residents may prepare their own meals or buy one of the many dining plans available. Students interested in ROTH as their home away from home, can get additional information and submit a contract for ROTH housing online at http://www.uni.edu/dor or contact Department of Residence, Redeker Center 319-273-2333 or toll free 866-207-9411 or ROTH 319-273-7051.
University Apartments
One- and two-bedroom unfurnished apartments are available to married students, single parents with families, graduate students, and non-traditional students. Assignments are made on a date-of-application priority basis with married and single student parents with families having priority over graduate and non-traditional students. Information on the University Apartments community is available online at http://www.uni.edu/dor. Applications and all inquiries should be directed to:
University Apartments Office
3900 Jennings Drive - Hillside Courts
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
319-273-6232
Dining Service
Dining service is provided in numerous locations across campus. The community meal plans are available to first-year students. Upperclass students have expanded flexibility with meal plan options. Students who live off campus may contract for service and enjoy the quality and convenience of on-campus dining.
Housing and Dining Contracts
Contractual responsibilities are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Refer to terms and conditions of the current contract. The current terms and conditions are available at http://www.uni.edu/dor.
Advising
Advising - Mission Statement
Academic advising is a critical component of the teaching and learning environment at UNI. Advising is a personalized educational experience, empowering students to explore, articulate, and achieve their academic, career, and life goals.
Vision Statement
UNI aspires to create the best academic advising experience for each student.
Advising Goals
1. Promote a culture of quality academic advising through advisor education, recognition, and reward, and advising program assessment.
2. Assist students in understanding the nature and purpose of higher education.
3. Ensure that all students have access to knowledgeable and respectful advisors.
4. Provide accurate information about university requirements, policies, and procedures.
5. Encourage, support, and guide students to take responsibility for meeting their own educational, personal, and career goals.
Office of Academic Advising
The Office of Academic Advising serves as the academic center for deciding students who are exploring majors, students changing majors, and students reassessing their current academic situation. Students in the process of exploring major options are assigned an advisor in the Office of Academic Advising.
The Office of Academic Advising places students at the center of our advising and believes students are capable, with sufficient information and support, of directing their own academic lives at UNI. This requires that students be active participants in the academic advising process.
The Office of Academic Advising can help students:
- find a major
- link majors with careers
- relate career goals to majors
- select appropriate courses and other educational experiences
- adjust semester course schedule
- tailor academic program to fit interests
- enroll in a credit bearing course: 170:050 Career Decision Making
- interpret institutional academic requirements
- develop decision-making skills
The Office of Academic Advising is open to all students who wish to receive assistance in selecting majors, minors and certificate programs; identify and resolve academic difficulties. Individual conferences, special programs and course help are offered to students, who have not decided upon a major, to set realistic academic goals.
Questions related to new student advisement and undergraduate advising should be directed to Academic Advising, 242 Gilchrist, 319-273-3406.
Career Services
http://www.uni.edu/careerservices
The Career Services department helps all UNI students to develop skills employers and graduate schools value. Experienced staff and peer assistants provide expertise in resume development, interview skills, and career development, helping students explore careers, develop job search materials, and hone their interviewing skills through mock interviews.
The Cooperative Education/Internship Program helps students find an internship where they can earn money, earn academic credit, and gain career-related experience for their resumes while they prepare for employment after graduation.
Career Services maintains active contacts with hundreds of employers, and provides students with information and support to prepare for career opportunities before and after graduation. Besides providing on-line job listings via UNI CareerLink, the department also provides employer contacts through on-campus interviewing and four career fairs each year; two of which are geared toward education majors.
For further information regarding any of these services visit the Web site or contact the Career Services office at 319-273-6857.
University Health Services
University Health Services provides comprehensive mental health, physical health, and wellness services to students enrolled at the University of Northern Iowa. Services include consultation, treatment, and a full range of health promotion, wellness, and recreation activities.
Health Clinic and Pharmacy
The Health Clinic and Pharmacy are located in the Student Health Center, on the south side of 23rd Street next to the Schindler Education Center. The Health Clinic provides out-patient medical services Monday through Friday when classes are in session.
Emergency coverage is available at any of the hospital emergency rooms in the Cedar Falls and Waterloo area. Ask-a-Nurse advice may be obtained by calling 319-272-2600.
A group accident and sickness insurance plan may be purchased through the university on a voluntary basis for those without medical insurance. International students are required to have health insurance as a condition of admission. More detailed information concerning services and hours is available at http://www.uni.edu/health 319-273-2009.
Counseling Center
The Counseling Center is located on the upper level of the newly renovated and expanded Student Health Center. The Counseling Center is staffed with professional counselors and psychologists who provide confidential counseling services to students without charge.
Appointments for counseling may be made directly at the Counseling Center or by calling 319-273-2676. More information is available at http://www.uni.edu/counseling.
Office of Disability Services (ODS)
The Office of Disability Services is located within the Counseling Center in the Student Health Center. The ODS works with students to ensure that all persons with disabilities have access to university activities, programs, and services. To obtain information regarding services, call the ODS at 319-273-2676. More information is available at http://www.uni.edu/disability.
Wellness and Recreation Services
The Wellness and Recreation Center, located next to the UNI-Dome, is home to Wellness and Recreation Services.
Program information is available at the WRS Web site http://www.uni.edu/wellrec.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Vocational Rehabilitation Services is a state agency funded with federal and state monies. The University of Northern Iowa provides office space for a counselor and secretary in Baker 30. If a student has a physical or mental impairment which constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment, they are eligible to apply for services. Students will be required to discuss and/or provide documentation of their disability. Students may apply for services if they are having difficulty with course work or accessing services on campus due to their disabling condition.
Rehabilitation Services may include:
medical and psychological assessment
technological assessment
vocational assessment
counseling and guidance
physical and/or mental restoration services which may include therapy, wheelchairs, hearing aids, eye glasses, etc.
special adaptive equipment or devices
training for employment tuition assistance may be provided based on financial need
personal assistance
assistance with job search
Students who are interested in more information about Vocational Rehabilitation Services may contact the office at 319-273 6348.
International Services Office
Undergraduate and graduate students who come to UNI from countries throughout the world are served by a central office. Through the International Services Office, students are assisted in making arrangements to come to the campus from their home countries and in their daily campus activities while they are pursuing their educational careers.
The Office of Admissions receives and acts on undergraduate applications and graduate applications. It is the responsibility of International Services to issue Certificates of Eligibility to all admitted students (both F-1 and J-1) and invited scholars/researchers/professors. The office sends out housing contracts for on-campus housing along with other pre-departure information to all admitted undergraduate and graduate students, and meets the students at the Waterloo or Cedar Rapids airport when they arrive.
Throughout the year, International Services sponsors educational and social programs. Students may also seek the assistance of the International Student Advisor in academic, personal, and immigration matters.
For information concerning international admissions, consult the Web site at http://www.uni.edu/intladm. For additional assistance, undergraduate and graduate applicants should contact the Office of Admissions at 319-273-2281 or write to the Office of Admissions, UNI, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0018.
Student Activities and Honors
Co-curricular activities are encouraged at the University of Northern Iowa because of the important contribution these activities make to the total education of the student. The university maintains an extensive program of co-curricular activities: intercollegiate athletics, theatre, forensics, publications, music, social life, student organizations and interest groups, intramural sports and recreational activities, and sports clubs.
Speech and Debate. The forensics program (speech and debate team), under the auspices of the Department of Communication Studies, encourages participation of all interested students, both in debate and individual events regardless of major. The forensics squad participates in some 20-25 intercollegiate forensic meets per year on a regional and national basis. Participants may choose to enter debate or individual events. Further information is available at http://www.chfa.uni.edu/comstudy/organizations/forensics.asp.
Fraternities/Sororities. The Greek community at UNI consists of nationally affiliated (National Interfraternity Council and National Panhellenic Council) social sororities and fraternities, and nationally affiliated (National Pan-Hellenic Council) historically African-American sororities and fraternities. The Greek community has a long, rich tradition of supporting student involvement and development, and providing service, social and leadership opportunities. Formal and informal membership recruitment and intake processes take place each semester. More information is available at http://www.uni.edu/studentorgs/greeklife.
Honor Organizations. Superior achievement in various academic disciplines and in extracurricular activities is recognized in honor organizations. Information on these organizations may be obtained from the Student Involvement and Activities Office, Maucker Union, or at http://www.uni.edu/maucker/siac/.
Intercollegiate Athletics. Various intercollegiate sports are available to both men and women at UNI. The university engages in intercollegiate athletic competition in a total of 18 sports. Men may participate in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, indoor and outdoor track, and wrestling. Women also compete in basketball, cross country, golf, and indoor and outdoor track, as well as in soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball.
UNI Athletic teams participate within Division I of the NCAA. UNI Football is part of the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS, formerly 1-AA). The University Athletics Program is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, the Missouri Valley Football Conference, and the Western Wrestling Conference. All intercollegiate athletic programs are governed and operated in accordance with NCAA, Conference, and university rules and regulations. In some instances, university rules and regulations may be more restrictive than those of the NCAA and/or Conference.
Interest Organizations. Numerous organizations sponsored by departments and specialized interest groups provide students the opportunity to become better acquainted with other students and faculty as well as to explore leadership skills and perpetuate interests outside the classroom. Many of the organizations have no membership requirements other than an active interest in the work for which the club exists and regular attendance at the meetings. Information on specific interest organizations can be obtained in the Student Involvement and Activities Office in Maucker Union, or at http://www.uni.edu/maucker/siac.
Maucker Union Advisory Board. The Maucker Union Advisory Board, comprised primarily of students, provides feedback and guidance on all issues related to Maucker Union administration, facilities, and programming. More information is available at http://www.uni.edu/maucker/siac.
Music. Music organizations and ensembles are open to all students by audition. Participation by non-music majors is encouraged. Credit is available to all who participate. Among the groups offered are: Concert Chorale, Chamber Choir, UNI Singers, Women's Chorus, Varsity Men's Glee Club, Basketball Pep Band, Wind Symphony, Panther Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Bands, University Orchestra, Opera/Music Theatre, plus several instrumental ensembles. For further information go to http://www.uni.edu/music.
Northern Iowa Student Government. The legislative branch of Student Government at UNI is the Student Senate. The executive members include the president, vice-president, director of administration, director of public relations, and director of diversity and student life. A Supreme Court, which comprises the judicial branch, also exists. The Northern Iowa Student Government promotes cooperation between students and faculty, seeks solutions to student concerns, and represents the entire student body in matters affecting student interests. More information is available at http://www.uni.edu/studentorgs/nisg/index.htm.
Professional Performing Arts on Campus. See The Fine and Performing Arts at UNI section
Religion. Surrounding the campus are various student religious centers. Information on specific religious organizations may be obtained in the Student Involvement and Activities Office on the plaza-level of Maucker Union.
Social Life. The social life at the University of Northern Iowa is flexible, designed to meet the ever-changing interests and needs of the students and university community. Social opportunities include popular and cultural film programs, art exhibits, fine arts productions, live musical entertainment, dances, campus-wide events, speaker programs, forums, and community service projects. Much of the program planning relies heavily on student involvement. Information pertaining to involvement is available through the Student Involvement and Activities Office in Maucker Union, or at http://www.uni.edu/maucker/siac.
Station KULT-LP. Station KULT is the student-managed and -operated radio station of the University of Northern Iowa. The station operates at 94.5FM and on Channel 5 of the Campus Cable Television System. KULT programming consists of music, UNI sporting events, and news. The studios and offices of KULT are located in the lower level of Maucker Union. For further information go to http://www.uni.edu/KULT.
Student Government. The student government associations include the Northern Iowa Student Government, the Residence Halls Association, the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, National Panhellenic Council, the Maucker Union Advisory Board, and the individual residence hall senates.
Student Publications. The Northern Iowan is written, illustrated, and edited by students for campus-wide distribution. This student newspaper is distributed twice a week during the fall and spring and once a week during the summer session.
Theatre. Any enrolled student is welcome to audition or volunteer for production responsibilities in the major productions or many student productions produced by Theatre UNI and UNI Lyric Theatre. Seasons typically include classical, modern and contemporary drama, opera, musical comedy, and theatre for youth. The theatre also produces in the summer season. All members of the university community are invited to attend productions in the Strayer-Wood and Bertha Martin Theatres. For additional information visit the Web site http://www.uni.edu/theatre.
Wellness and Recreation. Wellness and Recreation Services, located within the Wellness and Recreation Center, offers campus-wide programs in informal recreation/fitness/aquatic opportunities, intramural sports, instructional activities, as well as various health, wellness, and educational programs. The Wellness and Recreation Center provides: (10) multi-purpose gymnasiums/courts for basketball, volleyball, soccer, and tennis; (6) racquetball/wally ball courts; (8) lighted outdoor tennis courses; a leisure pool with whirlpool and water slide; an eight lane, 25-yard lap pool; (5) aerobics/dance studios; a 38.5-foot climbing wall; the UNI Outdoor Pursuits Center; West Campus Complex with 2 rugby and 2 soccer fields; a free weight room; a spacious fitness area with cardiovascular and strength training equipment; a running track; a wellness resource lab with a relaxation and massage room, self-care and wound-care stations, a wellness library and small computer center; and men's and women's locker and shower facilities. For more information visit the Wellness and Recreation Services Web site at http://www.uni.edu/wellrec.