Mar 09, 2026

News/Notes for Undergraduate Academic Advisors: Graduation & Commencement | Grad Fair | Office of Academic Advising One Day Virtual Operations

Graduation & Commencement
  • Wednesday, April 1, 2026 is the deadline for a student to apply for graduation and RSVP for commencement for the Spring semester.
  • What does it mean by "completing all of their degree requirements"?
    • All coursework and all departmental graduation requirements (e.g., comprehensive examinations, internships, student teaching, internship, research paper, project, recital, etc.) that are part of the student's degree program, are completed.
    • A student or academic advisor can track progress towards a degree through their academic advisement report, which shows how coursework applies to degree requirements.
      • For questions, a student should consult their academic advisor or record analysts.
  • What if a student will not meet degree requirements for the requested term?
    • If the student has submitted an Application for Graduation, they should notify their record analysts as soon as possible.
    • All deficiencies for students who have applied for graduation for Spring 2026 must be satisfied by Spring 2026
      • If deficiencies are not completed by this date, the student must complete the Application for Graduation for the term in which they plan to complete all remaining degree requirements.
Grad Fair
  • Share this information with your students!!   Students that will be graduating at the end of the term are encouraged to attend in order to be prepared for graduation and commencement.
  • The Grad Fair is Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Maucker Union Ballroom and provides graduating students the opportunity to complete graduation-related tasks at a centralized and convenient location.
  • At the Fair, students will have the opportunity to utilize the following services (use this link for detailed information):
    • Flash Photography - Take a graduation photo in a cap and gown or professional headshot.
    • Office of the Registrar - Record analysts will be available to conduct graduation checks and verify that degree requirements have been met.
    • Thank You Cards - Submit a thank‑you message for a UNI faculty or staff member who has made a meaningful impact.
    • Graduation Slideshow - Upload a photo along with a short caption that reflects your time at UNI
    • Office of Career Services - Receive resume critiques and professional job search support.
    • Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships - Available to discuss loan repayment and exit counseling.
    • UNI Alumni Association - Learn more about the Traditions Challenge and update your contact information for post‑graduation.
Office of Academic Advising One Day Virtual Operations
  • Due to construction in the 230 Rod Library office suite, the Office of Academic Advising team will operate virtually on Friday, March 13, 2026.
  • If you or a student needs assistance that day, please call the office at 319‑273‑3406 or email academic-advising@uni.edu.
  • If immediate assistance is not required, students may also complete the Academic Advising Assistance Request form. An advisor will follow up directly—or refer the request to the appropriate office—within 24–48 hours, Monday through Friday.
Is Your Student Questioning their Current Major?
  • Help them Pivot with Purpose by referring them to the Office of Academic Advising. Advisors offer personalized support to help students explore:
    • Major, minor, and certificate options | Reasons for changing majors (e.g., lack of interest, career goals, academic challenges) | Self-assessments like FOCUS 2 or Strong Inventory | Goal-setting and decision-making strategies
  • Encourage students to schedule an appointment or complete the Academic Discuss Your Major Options Request Form.
  • As a faculty or staff member, you can complete this referral form to start the outreach to a student considering changing their major.
Institutional Academic Advising Vision & Mission Statement (revised Spring 2016) [See Academic Advising Mission, Vision, Goals & Outcomes webpage]
  • Vision Statement: UNI aspires to create the best possible advising experience for each student.
  • 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.