Student Profiles

Tyler Bilyeu

Classification: Junior

Major: Psychology and Spanish Hometown: Bancroft, Iowa

Why did you choose UNI?

Once I determined what I wanted in a college, choosing UNI was simple. I knew I wanted a larger student population (no one wants to go to high school twice), but a safe surrounding community. Nestled in the quiet town of Cedar Falls, UNI offers this. Further, I knew I wanted to be challenged academically but not feel drowned in my studies. With both the University Honors Program and the countless academic services, UNI offers this as well. Finally, I knew I wanted to be involved; experience new things. With the many progressive student organizations on campus, opportunities for involvement, much like opportunities in general here, are endless.

What's the best thing about attending UNI?

UNI offers freedom. Not just the freedom most incoming freshmen seek, making the transition from high school to college, but also the freedom to choose a major, class schedule, living arrangement and success. What’s more, I feel like I have the freedom to make my mark, even on a campus of more than12,000 students.

How has the Honors Program at UNI helped you? What do you like best about the program?

Not only has the Honors Program helped me tremendously in the area of academic planning, but it has also provided me the opportunity for leadership with its student organization, the Honors Student Advisory Board. As far as what I like best within the program, I think the Honors faculty, staff are some of the best people to know on campus.

What kind of on-campus organizations/activities are you involved in? How does that involvement enrich your overall college experience?

Over the last couple of years, I have gotten involved in a multitude of groups on campus. Most memorable of these has been the gay straight alliance on campus, as well as the Honors Student Advisory Board. Serving on these two very different executive boards has been a learning experience, as they both offer very unique challenges. As far as being involved on campus in general, I think that is what separates a “college student” and a COLLEGE STUDENT. Although it can feel like a full time job at times, the interactions and experiences taken from student groups are as valuable as the ones taken from the classroom. After being part of an executive team, I feel more like a better leader, a better listener, and much more organized.

Share a memorable experience of UNI—whether it's the funniest, most embarrassing, profound, etc.

There is some omen at UNI about Campaniling during homecoming. Apparently, if you never kiss someone under the Campanile during homecoming week, you will never get married. Lets just say a vast number of people have believed in this omen, and assured is that we will not be affected by it!