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Student LifeMission Statement - Educational and Student ServicesOur mission is to promote a student-centered university characterized by high academic standards, enriched learning experiences, and stimulating student-faculty-staff interaction. We value quality, integrity, caring, and teamwork. These values are practiced through leadership and service to students, to each other, and to the university community. OrientationOrientation 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. HousingApplication for Rooms in Residence HallsOfficial 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. 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 plan was introduced as a three-year pilot project in 2003. The 2-Year Advantage option features a price freeze for housing and dining rates from year one to year two of the contract. 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 is credited or refunded if cancelled before May 1 for Fall semester or December 15 for Spring semester. Inquiries should be directed to:
OccupancyResidence 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 the prepayment forfeited. 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 30% of remaining portion of contract. Residence HallsThe Department of Residence is designed to provide housing to 4,600 students in nine 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 50 students and are designated as houses. Each house sponsors its own social, cultural, and recreational programs. There are houses reserved for first year students, sophomore and transfer students and upper class/graduate students. 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, Noehren, Rider, and Shull Halls. Continuous housing (during academic break periods) is available in Bartlett, Bender, Dancer, Noehren, and Rider Halls. All halls are open during the Thanksgiving and Spring breaks. ROTH ComplexApartment 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 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 ApartmentsOne- 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 www.uni.edu/dor. Applications and all inquiries should be directed to:
Dining ServiceDining service is provided in 14 dining operations across campus. The customary "full meal" contract is for 19 meals per week with brunch and dinner only on Saturday and Sunday. Many other meal plan options are available each week. A student who lives off campus may contract for service among the numerous choices available. Housing and Dining ContractsContractual 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 www.uni.edu/dor. Academic ServicesExamination and Evaluation ServicesExamination Services for most major national college and professional school entrance examinations, certification examinations, and credit by examination are offered in the Advising Center. Services are provided for both enrolled graduate and undergraduate students as well as non-students. In addition to test administration, Examination and Evaluation Services provides test registration and preparation assistance, conducts student research, and provides consultation and interpretation. The Services is a resource to students, faculty, and the community concerning many aspects of educational testing and student research. Reading and Learning StrategiesAcademic Services is concerned with the reading skills and learning strategies of all UNI students. Students who suspect that the learning skills they have employed may be inadequate at the university or those searching for time-efficient ways to handle a heavy reading load are advised to register in this office for Speed Reading and Effective Study Strategies. These are free, four-week courses taught in small-group sessions to help students double their reading rate or learn how to manage time, concentrate, take notes, and prepare for exams. Students who want to focus on one of these skills specifically may meet with the Reading/Learning Strategies Coordinator or a peer instructor individually. Questions related to examinations, testing, evaluation, study skills or tutoring should be directed to Academic Services, ITTC 007, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0383. Advising and Career ServicesAdvising Services is designed to assist students in planning their educational programs, developing their academic skills, and using resources of the university to meet their specific educational needs. Academic AdvisingAdvising Services coordinates the university-wide advising program, coordinates first-year advising, and serves as the academic center for Adeciding students who are exploring majors. Academic Advising supports Student Athlete Academic Assistance. Academic Advising at Northern Iowa offers students the opportunity to individualize their educational experience with a faculty or staff member. Students are assigned to a faculty advisor in their major or a professional advisor in Advising Services if they are in the process of exploring major options. UNI prides itself in being a caring academic community which places a high value on students' active participation in their educational experience. Our philosophy is one of student-centered developmental advising. This means we place students at the center of our efforts and believe 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. Advisors assist students in selecting appropriate courses and other educational experiences, clarifying life and career goals, developing decision-making skills, and interpreting institutional academic requirements. Students are encouraged to see their advisors, but for the most part they are not required to do so. Through a wide range of advising resources, students are expected to become informed consumers who make considered choices about their personal and educational lives. Advising provided by Advising Services is open to all students. Students receive assistance in selecting majors, minors, and certificate programs; selecting courses; scheduling; and identifying and resolving academic difficulties. Individual conferences, special programs, and courses help freshmen, who have not decided upon a major, set realistic first-year goals. Questions related to new student advisement and undergraduate advising should be directed to Advising Services, Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614. Information concerning academic advising is available at www.uni.edu/acaadvis. Career Services provides services related to the broad areas of career-readiness and to the more specific area of opportunities for graduates. Career Services assists students and alumni with a range of career-related questions and concerns. Programs, consultation, and resources from Career Services can be categorized into four areas: decision-making, career exploration, career/employer information, and career-related experience. For further information regarding the following services visit the Web site at www.uni.edu/careercenter or contact the office at 319-273-6857. Decision-MakingFor those wanting assistance with the process of deciding on or changing career directions, Career Services offers written, videotaped, and internet-based information on career options, occupation requirements, and employment trends, as well as career interest inventories and a computerized career guidance program. A credit-bearing course designed to help students make career decisions is available, as well as individual counseling. Career ExplorationPrograms from this area offer students and alumni a variety of ways to explore their career interests by connecting with professionals in settings that range from business and industry to government, education and other nonprofit settings. Career exploration activities provided include job shadowing, informational interviewing, and short-term, noncredit, hands-on career-related experiences. Activities are open to both declared and undeclared majors. Career/Employer InformationJob-seekers and students exploring career options and opportunities can find print, video, and computerized information on industries, employers, and job openings, as well as information on job-search processes and strategies. Professional counselors provide one-on-one consultation on locating and using such career- and job-search related information. Career-Related ExperienceThe Cooperative Education/Internship Program helps students to make the transition from college to the professional work world by gaining work experience before graduating. Participants in the program earn academic credit and generally receive pay or a stipend for their work. Cooperative Education/Internship experience provides students with career- and major-related experience and opportunities to develop professional skills. Studies have shown that students with applied experience such as that offered by Co-op/Internships Program have an edge in the job search process. Post-Graduation Planning and AssistanceThis area assists prospective graduates and alumni from all academic areas and degree levels with preparing for and locating positions in employment and/or graduate school in accordance with their qualifications and personal interests. Services provided include career and job search counseling and advising; an on-line vacancy service; candidate referral to local, regional, and national employers; on-campus interviewing; and career fairs and other recruiting events involving school systems, graduate schools, businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. The service also provides workshops and other resources on job hunting skills, including mock interviews. Credential services are available to those seeking graduate school admission, as well as to teachers, administrators, and others seeking positions in educational settings. Individuals are highly encouraged to use Career Services throughout their college careers. University Health ServicesUniversity Health Services provides comprehensive mental health, physical health, and wellness services to students enrolled at the University of Northern Iowa. Wellness services are also available to employees, retirees, and their families. Services are provided by a professional staff including psychologists, physicians, physician assistants, nurses, health educators, counselors, a pharmacist, and a laboratory/x-ray technician. Services include consultation, treatment, and a full range of health promotion and wellness activities. Health ClinicThe Health Clinic is temporarily relocated on the first floor of Dancer Hall for the period May 2004 to August 2005, while the Student Health Center is renovated and expanded to meet students' needs. The Health Clinic will move to the Student Health Center, on the south side of 23rd Street next to the Schindler Education Center, August 2005. Medical and pharmaceutical services will continue throughout that time. The Health Clinic provides out-patient medical services Monday through Friday when classes are in session. Students and spouses, who have paid a health fee, are eligible for care. The clinic includes examination and treatment rooms, a laboratory, x-ray, and pharmacy including over-the-counter medications. A referral to an area physician will be arranged, if needed, for treatment requiring specialized care. The Student Health Center has an appointment scheduling system. No charge is made for routine clinic consultations, but a charge is made for medications, injections, immunizations, x-rays, lab tests, and other medical services. Charges may be paid in cash or billed to a student's monthly university statement. When the Health Clinic is closed, residence hall students may discuss a health problem with their Hall Coordinator or Resident Assistant. Hall Coordinators and Resident Assistants may be able to recognize a need for first aid or medical attention. They can suggest arrangements to students who are ill or injured. 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. Information on the coverage and the cost of this insurance is available in the Health Clinic. International students are required to have health insurance as a condition of admission and should contact the International Programs Office regarding appropriate coverage. More detailed information concerning services and hours is available at www.uni.edu/health. Counseling CenterThe Counseling Center is temporarily located on the third floor of Bartlett Hall until August 2005, while the Student Health Center is being renovated. In August 2005 the Counseling Center will be moved to the second floor 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. Services include:
Appointments for counseling may be made directly at the Counseling Center or by calling 319-273-2676. As a general rule, clients in crisis will be offered services immediately. Clients who are not in crisis will be offered the first available appointment time. More information is available at www.uni.edu/counseling. Office of Disability Services (ODS)The Office of Disability Services is located within the Counseling Center and is temporarily located on the third floor of Bartlett Hall until August 2005, while the Student Health Center is being renovated. In August 2005 the Office of Disability Services will be moved to the second floor of the newly renovated and expanded Student Health Center. The ODS works with students and employees to ensure that all persons with disabilities have access to university activities, programs, and services. Specialized services are provided to enhance the overall academic, career, and personal development of each person with a physical, psychiatric, or learning disability. To obtain information regarding services, call the ODS at 319-273-2676. More information is available at www.uni.edu/counseling/ODS.html. Wellness and Recreation ServicesThe Wellness and Recreation Center, located next to the UNI-Dome, is home to the School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services, an academic department in the College of Education, and Wellness and Recreation Services, a service program in the Division of Educational and Student Services. The mission of Wellness and Recreation Services (WRS) is to enhance the personal, professional, and academic lives of university students, faculty, and staff. This is accomplished through: structured and self-directed activities for fun, competition, fitness, leisure, and socialization; educational programs and services for health of mind, body, and spirit; skill-and-leadership-building activities, including student volunteer, internship, and employment opportunities; and campus-wide initiatives to enhance the living and working environment of the university community. Specific WRS programs include:
To meet the needs and interests of the campus community, WRS programs and services are not only offered in the Wellness and Recreation Center, but at a variety of sites throughout campus. Customer service is always a priority. Therefore, input and suggestions from students, faculty, and staff are given serious consideration. Besides personally contacting any of the WRS staff, program input can be made through the WRS Advisory Committee, which consists of a representative group of students, faculty, and staff. A list of committee members is available at the WRS Office or through the WRS website www.uni.edu/wellrec. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation ServicesVocational 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 the Student Services Center, room 126. 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 a disability issue. Rehabilitation Services may include:
Students who are interested in more information about Vocational Rehabilitation Services may contact the office at 319-273-6348. International Services OfficeUndergraduate 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, while International Services receives and processes 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 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 www.uni.edu/intladm. For additional assistance, undergraduate applicants should contact the Office of Admissions at 319-273-2281 or write to the Office of Admissions, UNI, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0018. Graduate inquiries should be directed to the International Services Office at 319-273-6421 or write to International Services, UNI, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0521. Student Activities and HonorsCo-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 DebateThe 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 30-35 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 www.chfa.uni.edu/comstudy/organizations/forensics.asp. Fraternities/SororitiesThere are four social sororities and six social fraternities, each nationally affiliated, on the campus. There are also a number of historically Black Greek organizations active on the campus that provide service, social, and leadership opportunities. Persons interested in Greek life must go through a formal or informal recruitment process held at the beginning of each semester. Leadership development, scholarship achievement, and service to the university and community are stressed as important facets of individual development. The activities of the sororities are coordinated through the Panhellenic Association, those of the fraternities through the Interfraternity Council. Achievement in Greek life is recognized by the local chapter of the National Order of Omega, an honor society for outstanding men and women with fraternal affiliation. Information may be obtained from the Student Involvement and Activities Office, which is located in Maucker Union. Honor OrganizationsSuperior 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. Intercollegiate AthleticsVarious 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 (Football IAA) of the NCAA. The University Athletics Program is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference and the Gateway Football Conference. All eligibility for and sport competition is governed by NCAA, Conference, and university rules and regulations. In some instances, university rules and regulations may be more restrictive than NCAA and Conference. Interest OrganizationsNumerous 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. MusicMusic 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, Cantorei Singers, Women's Unity Chorale, 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 www.uni.edu/music . Northern Iowa Student GovernmentThe legislative branch of Student Government at UNI is the Student Senate. The executive members include the president, vice-president, director of administration, and director of programming. A Supreme Court, which comprises the judicial branch, also exists. Elected senators are chosen on a population basis from university housing, off-campus housing, and the student body at large. 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. Professional Performing Arts on CampusSee AThe Fine and Performing Arts at UNI section on pages xxx-xxx for more information. ReligionSurrounding 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 LifeThe 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. Station KULT-LPStation 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 www.uni.edu/kult. Student GovernmentThe student government associations include the Northern Iowa Student Government, the Residence Halls Association, the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic, the Union Policy Board, and the individual residence hall senates. Student PublicationsThe 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. TheatreAny 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 website www.uni.edu/theatre. Union Policy BoardThe Union Policy Board of Maucker Union is composed of twelve students and six non-students. The Board recommends policy and regulations for the operation of the Union, and assists with the programming events in the Union. In addition, it reviews fiscal matters and makes recommendations pertaining to the budget. Its officers are a president, vice-president, and several committee chairs. The president and vice-president must be students. Wellness and RecreationWellness 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: multi-purpose courts for basketball (10), volleyball (10), badminton (27), and tennis (4); six racquetball courts; a leisure pool with whirlpool and water slide; an eight lane, 25-yard lap pool; four multi-purpose activity rooms; a dance studio; a 40-foot climbing wall; an Outdoor Recreation Center; a free-weight workout 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 website at www.uni.edu/wellrec. |
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