UNI Parents Association (UNIPA)

Message from the Presidents

Two years ago, like many parents before us, we had the task of helping our oldest child evaluate where he would be attending college. Our search was fairly typical and included a fact-finding trip to the UNI campus. The college visit went well and fortunately, Eric made the very wise final decision to attend UNI. We were relieved and thrilled, since that was our first and only choice!

Orientation confirmed we were headed down the right path---another great experience. While Eric was checking out all the school clubs, we made our way to the UNIPA information table and met some wonderful UNIPA volunteers. I remember listening to them praise UNI and I felt hopeful that we were all a good fit. Before we left, we were signed up as UNIPA board members! Our involvement has enabled us to gain valuable, first-hand insight into the UNI institution and what they are all about and see if they really are as good as they say they are in the brochures. Our expectations have been met and on occasion, exceeded. What we didn’t anticipate was the great support system of knowledge that helped us navigate through all of the challenges of being new college parents.

Seems like just yesterday that our arms were loaded to the brim with brand-spanking new dorm items, standing with all the other parents waiting for our turn to enter the Dancer Hall elevators. The feelings were overwhelming at times—all we knew for sure was that many different experiences awaited us. We were doe-eyed and hopeful that UNI would keep their word about giving our son the safe, fulfilling and high-quality education they promised.

It’s hard to believe that we are now the proud parents of an incoming UNI junior for the 2006-2007 school year! As we look back over the past two years, our satisfaction and appreciation of the entire UNI experience has been positive. Since the 2005-2006 school year has officially ended, we think it’s only right to give UNI their report card from the parents of Eric Schuldt: 

The UNI environment: We heard that UNI was a safe, well-respected, world-class university with an impressive number of outreach and community oriented programs, a low student to instructor ratio with great student diversity (students come from 46 states, 73 countries and all 99 counties in Iowa.) What we experienced through Eric’s eyes was that UNI is in fact the real deal. It’s no surprise that UNI earned the 2005 Princeton Review “Best College in the Midwestern Region” designation.   Grade: A+

 

The UNI campus: Students really do benefit from a big campus experience in a small town setting. The UNI facilities are outstanding from the new health center to the Wellness Recreation Center to the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center to the soon to be completed McLeod Center, just to mention a few. Grade:  A+

 

The UNI staff: The UNI administration and faculty encourage full engagement of students and parents through straight talk dialogue, timely written communications and regular UNI Web site updates. As a student or parent, you are never in the dark with UNI.  Grade: A+

 

The UNI experience: UNI keeps students focused and on track. We are looking forward to Eric’s junior year and his transition from basic, required courses to the more serious, targeted classes moving him closer to his graduation goals. Finally, we are pleased to report that he is on schedule to graduate in four years! We attribute this to Eric’s diligence in meeting with the UNI counselors and using those invaluable resources that UNI makes available to all students. Grade A++

If this is your first or fourth year, consider becoming involved with the UNIPA and see for yourself, firsthand, that at UNI…Students really do come first!

Gary and Brenda Schuldt

2006-2007

UNI Parent Association Presidents