11/5/01 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Thomas Switzer, dean, College of Education, (319) 273-2717
Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
UNI offers school districts quality promise
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Each year, the University of Northern Iowa produces more new teachers than any other institution in Iowa. Now all of those graduates, and the school districts that employ them, will have a promise of assistance if they need it.
"It's called the Early Years of Teaching Assurance Program," explained Thomas Switzer, dean of the College of Education. For the first two years of teaching, if teachers and their districts indicate a need for assistance, UNI will develop an improvement plan -- at no charge to the school district.
"We're very confident in our graduates," said Switzer. "But learning doesn't end upon graduation. Sometimes new teachers need extra help. We want Iowa's school districts to know that we stand behind them and are committed to helping them help their teachers adjust to teaching in the real world."
In fact, said Switzer, the university will develop a personalized course of action for these teachers. "It's an improvement plan for enhancing a teacher's performance. It's not a guarantee," cautioned Switzer. "It's our way of assisting our graduating students, Iowa school districts and the state's teaching system as a whole. Iowa students deserve the very best teachers."
Eligible teachers are those UNI graduates who have taught for two or fewer years in an Iowa school district, and within the academic area in which he/she was recommended for licensure by UNI. The request for assistance must be a joint one between the teacher and the district. UNI Director of Teacher Education Rori Carson, and a unique statewide network of UNI faculty will receive the requests and make initial assessments.
For more information about the program, contact Rori Carson, (319) 273-2265.
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11/5/01
News Brief
Following is a story lead and the University of Northern Iowa sources who can best address this topic. Feel free to contact the sources directly.
UNI computer expert says hoaxes abound
By now everyone has seen the infamous e-mail, purporting that an Afghani man warned his fiancée to avoid planes on Sept. 11 and malls on Oct. 31. Yet another e-mail message urges readers to forward the message to all their friends because Microsoft CEO Bill Gates will award cash to each individual who does so.
DeWayne Purdy, electronic communications manager for UNI's Office of University Marketing and Public Relations, says the hoaxes may fool a lot of people, but they're easy to spot. "Anytime you see 'pass this on to as many people as you can,' you can be almost certain it's a fake," he explains. Purdy has several hints for sorting through e-mail hype and hoaxes.
Contact:
DeWayne Purdy, electronic communications manger, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
11/5/01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Michael DePuglio, head, UNI Department of Military Science, (319) 273-6220
Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
UNI ROTC and Allen College tackle nursing shortage
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and the Allen College of Nursing are hoping to jump-start a partnership begun several years ago. The partnership allows Allen students to participate in ROTC programming at UNI and receive financial assistance for tuition. They also earn a commission as an Army second lieutenant, and are then committed to four years of active duty.
"The really fantastic thing about it is that Army nurse cadets have the opportunity to do clinicals in the summer that will satisfy degree requirements at UNI," explained Lt. Col. Michael DePuglio, head of UNI's Department of Military Science. "It's the same training they'd get at Allen, but in a military setting at hospitals all over the world," he continued, noting that Army nurses receive extensive leadership training in addition to their nursing curriculum.
Vicki Gukenburger, dean of academic affairs at Allen College, explained the two institutions will develop a series of events and activities to increase awareness about the programs. The first will be a spring open house for students. Also planned are marketing efforts and visits to Hawkeye Community College, where graduating students will be encouraged to consider careers in nursing. Gukenburger said UNI students who have yet to declare a major will be marketing targets as well.
DePuglio noted that Army nurses also are typically paid more than the average nurse, and the military will pay for extra training in specialized areas like pediatric or emergency room nursing.
Those signing up for the program are not required to participate in active duty before they've earned a degree. For more information, contact Michael DePuglio, (319) 273-6220.
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