Feb 02, 2026

News/Notes for Undergraduate Academic Advisors: Academic Dates to Note | The Week 3 Shift | The Learning Center@Rod Library

Academic Dates to Note
  • See details and academic and schedule adjustment deadlines at the Office of the Registrar Calendar Dates to Observe.
    • Today (Monday, February 2, 2026) by 4:30 p.m.
      • Tuition & fees for semester based on load
      • Full Semester: Last day to add a course for credit.  Approved Academic Student Request required after this date.
      • Full Semester: Last day to drop a course with No Report
        • The Drop Form is used for dropping courses once the term has begun and can be submitted in person (with a photo ID) or via email.
        • A completed form (with signatures if required) sent to registrar@uni.edu must be from the student's UNI email. 
          • All forms received from a personal (non-UNI) email will not be accepted.
  • Full Semester: Last day to change to or from Audit
    • NOTE: Students can only make one change per course to/from a non-graded basis.  Once a change has been made the student cannot again change that course to/from non-graded credit. Please complete the online form to request this change.
The Week 3 Shift
  • By Week 3, most students have officially moved past the “syllabus and introductions” phase and into the true rhythm of the semester.  This is often the point in the semester when adjustment challenges, rising academic pressure, and the formation of meaningful habits—both helpful and unhelpful—begin to surface:
    • Academic Reality Sets In - Coursework moves out of the introductory stage:
      • Students begin sensing the true difficulty level of each class
      • Readings, assignments and quizzes start to stack up
      • Some may have underestimated how much time is required outside of class
    • Routine Formation (or breakdown)
      • Students are shaping (or revising) their study habits, sleep patterns, class attendance, and organizational methods for the semester
      • Healthy routines are still being built
      • Outside of classroom activities are starting to ramp up - and taking new and more time from students
    • Motivation and Engagement May Change
      • The initial excitement of the semester is fading (or is gone) and so can a student's motivation
      • Missed assignment or inconsistent student attendance may start to show up
      • Students may question their choice of courses for the semester, academic major, or workload
  • What can you do as an academic advisor (or in the classroom)?  This can be a pivotal time to:
    • Be proactive in a check in to prevent issues later!!  Early assignments give students their first feedback on how they are performing in a class and provide talking points to discuss expectations and study adjustments
    • Ask about workload balance (both in and outside of class) and promote the use of time management and planning strategies or resources
    • Provide reminders about resources such as Rod Library | The Learning Center (tutoring and academic coaching) | Student Health Clinic | Psychiatric and Counseling Services | Student Wellness Resources
    • Encourage engagement.  Students who engage early in the semester (in the classroom as well as with organizations/activities, resources and services) tend to perform better as we progress through the semester
The Learning Center@Rod Library
  • The Learning Center@Rod Library (TLC), is staffed by nationally certified peer educators trained to assist students in developing academic skills necessary to be successful in college and beyond.  TLC services are offered (free) to all currently enrolled students.
  • Services Provided - Peer educators offer walk-in assistance in:
    • Business | Mathematics | Science | Writing | General Study Skills (time management, note taking, test anxiety, etc)
  • Online Tutoring: If scheduling prevents a student from meeting in person with a tutor, UNI has partnered with Tutor.com to provide (free) online tutoring 24/7 in business, computer science, math, science, Spanish and writing.
    • Students receive a 120-minute trial session to explore the tutoring options available. If additional time is needed, they can request more by emailing learningcenter@uni.edu
  • Refer Students With Questions About:
    • Course content in math, science, or business
    • The writing process
    • General Skills such as note taking, test taking, and time management
    • Other coursework questions: our peer educators come from a variety of majors and may be able to help!
  • How to Contact:  Visit the main floor of Rod Library Monday through Thursday, 10:00 am to 9:00pm & Sunday 5:00 - 8:00 pm | learningcenter@uni.edu | 319-273-6023 | 
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.