Student Services Enhanced Guide

(New in Fall 2024) Offers comprehensive details about student success offices, including the services they provide, the types of students to refer for specific questions, and the best ways to establish connections.

Directory of Referral Resources Other Sections:
Academic Departments | Student Success & Persistence

The Directory of Referral Resources in not intended to be a complete and comprehensive guide to every resource at the University of Northern Iowa. To update information or make a recommendation of a resource to be considered for inclusion in this directory, please complete this form.

Student Service/Success Offices

Office of Academic Advising

Office of Academic Advising (advising.uni.edu)

The Office of Academic Advising is an academic advising center for undergraduate students. We provide advising to exploratory students and to students in their first year through graduation in select programs. The professional and peer advisors in the Office of Academic Advising guide and support individuals in exploring academic majors, connecting career goals to academic programs, serving as a resource for students’ transition to college, and interpreting institutional requirements and processes/procedures.

Services Provided:

Intake program for over 40 majors providing personalized academic advising and support to first-year students transiting to UNI from high school.
Advising for Exploratory students designed to guide individuals through the major exploration and decision process.
Pivot with Purpose - for students who are questioning or considering a change of major - to engage with an advisor to connect their interests/goals with UNI majors and minors. Use this form to refer a student who is considering changing their major to the Office of Academic Advising.
Health Advising partners with students by guiding them through the pre-health advising process to pursue their goal of entering a health-related academic program or career.
The Panther Access, Connection & Engagement (PACE) program provides additional support, particularly low-income and first generation students, who choose to participate through individual, holistic advising along with other programming.
Peer Advisors help students in exploring majors, navigating the registration system/tools, understanding general education requirements, and connecting to academic resources.

Refer Students With Questions About:

Considering a change of academic major or adding an additional major, minor or certificate
Understanding the general education requirements
Health-related academic or career interests
Assistance with navigating the registration system/tools

How to Make Contact: Bartlett Hall (BAR) 0089 | academic-advising@uni.edu | 319-273-3406 | Faculty/Staff Referral Form to request guidance with a student.

Office of Admissions

Office of Admissions (admissions.uni.edu/)

The Office of Admissions manages the process of admitting students to UNI and processes applications for admission for all undergraduate and graduate programs offered at the university including high school students, transfer students, online/distance, international students, and graduate students.

Services Provided:

How to apply to the university . We can provide guidance and support to applicants throughout the admissions process, answering questions and offering advice to help students complete their applications.
Transfer Credit Evaluation - AP/IB/CLEP or other college credit. The Office of Admissions evaluates all transferable credit to UNI.
Transcript holds. If students have a transcript hold (high school or college), we are happy to verify receipt of the transcript or assist students in how to order their transcript(s).
Scholarship questions for the first year at UNI. The Admissions Office oversees all admissions based scholarships (scholarships based on students' high school GPA/ACT or transfer GPA). If students have questions about their scholarships for their first year, please contact admissions. For scholarship renewals and other financial aid questions, please contact the Office of Financial Aid..

Refer Students With Questions About:

about transfer credit
transcript holds
scholarship questions
students who’d like to refer another student to UNI

How to Make Contact: 002 Gilchrist Hall admissions@uni.edu 319-273-2281

Office of Business Operations

Office of Business Operations (obo.uni.edu)

The Office of Business Operations is your one-stop shop for accessing information regarding student U-Bills, making payments, creating third party access, employer tuition reimbursements, and ensuring timely refunds.

Services Provided:

University Billing. Monthly electronic notifications sent to students’ UNI email addresses about balances owed.
- Payments. We accept e-check or card payments online in Student Center; or visit our Cashiers in Gilchrist Hall to pay by cash or check. International payments are also accepted via Flywire. 529 College Savings Plan payments are accepted via ACH or mail.
- Payment plans. We offer a 5 month-deferred payment plan for tuition, mandatory fees, contracted housing, and meal plan charges.
- Past Due U-Bills. Students who do not make full payments by assigned due dates will be assessed an “SF-Past Due U-Bill” hold which prevents registration for future classes at UNI.
Creating Third Party Accounts. Due to FERPA laws, if students have family members or other individuals who need access to billing and student record information, they can create a Third Party Account for whoever may need access.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement Plan. Available for students who are employees of organizations that provide tuition reimbursement programs. Enrollment in the plan defers the due date for all eligible charges until approximately 30 days after grades have been posted. The enrollment form must be submitted to the Office of Business Operations.
U-Bill Refunds. Credit balances on student U-Bills are refunded directly to students. Students are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit or receive a paper check.
University Terms & Conditions. All students must sign the University Terms & Conditions of Financial Responsibility. Holds and reminders are placed for incomplete requirements.
1098-T Information. Every January, 1098-T tuition statements are generated for all enrolled students during the previous tax year. This form will be made available to download from the Student Center.

Refer Students With Questions About:

U-Bill: billing and due dates, charges on bill, payment plans, and payment options
Creating third party access
Employer tuition reimbursement
Refunds
UNI Terms & Conditions
1098-T generation

How to Make Contact: 103 Gilchrist Hall | student.accounts@uni.edu | (319) 273-2164

Career Services and Student Employment

Office of Career Services and Student Employment (careerservices.uni.edu)

The Office of Career Services and Student Employment creates opportunities for students to prepare for life after UNI. Starting with student employment, students will gain experience in developing the skills needed to find internships, jobs, and acceptance into graduate programs. UNI Career Services is responsible for all campus job fairs and major recruiting functions.

Services Provided:

Application Materials – from resumes to interviews, we have your students navigate the application process
Career Connection – We help students discover career pathways, identify majors, and help them understand the skills they major is preparing each student for in the workforce
Internships – All majors at UNI can earn internship credit. UNI Career Services can helps students locate the experience and then earn credit for the work completed
Graduate School Prep – Career Services helps students with graduate school application materials
First Destination Data – UNI Career Services collects and maintains records of students who have graduated from each program and their first destination after leaving UNI

Refer Students With Questions About:

Campus or part-time jobs, internships, and full-time positions
Resume writing or applications
Graduate school exploration and application
Selecting a major

How to Make Contact: 063 Maucker Union | careerservices@uni.edu | 319-273-6857

College of Education Advising & Teacher Education Success Office (CATS)

College of Education Advising & Teacher Education Success Office (CATS) (https://coe.uni.edu/students/advising-teacher-education-success)

In the College of Education Advising and Teacher Education Success Office (CATS) we have one goal - student success. The CATS office is available for students throughout their academic journey providing guidance and resources an individual may need.

Services Provided:

Exploring degree options
Class planning and registration
Admission to UNI Teacher Education
Requirements leading to licensure
Teacher education progress monitoring

Refer Students With Questions About:

Students with a secondary teaching major(s) or a specialty K-12 major should contact their college based advisor
If unsure where to turn regarding teaching education curriculum or admissions/graduation requirements, contact the CATS office.

How to Make Contact: 151 Schindler Education Center | teachereducation@uni.edu | (319) 273-2265

Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships

Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (admissions.uni.edu/financial-aid)

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is a student's source for information and resources regarding paying for college and planning for a fiscally fit future.

Services Provided:

How to apply for financial aid:
- A student's first step to applying for financial aid each year is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form, administered by the U.S. Department of Education, determines eligibility for federal, state and institutional financial aid, including grants, educational loans and work-study programs.
Apply for scholarships at UNI:
- The University of Northern Iowa offers scholarships each year to deserving students, on the basis of merit and/or achievement. Applying for scholarships at UNI has never been easier! A student should complete the UNI Scholarship Application. Learn more about scholarship opportunities at UNI.
Eligibility
- We're here to help a student understand the various policies and procedures impacting financial aid eligibility. Review these pages to learn how academics can impact continued aid eligibility for a student, what happens with your financial aid when a student drops classes, how financial aid works when a student is attending more than one institution, and financial aid available for summer classes.
  - Satisfactory Academic Progress: All students are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to remain eligible for financial aid. The financial aid programs affected include, all federal, state, and institutional aid, and private education loans.
  - Consortium Agreements: If you are taking classes at another institution but you still intend to graduate from UNI, you might want to look into a consortium agreement. Consortium agreements allow you to count credit hours taken at another school toward your enrollment status at UNI to ensure you are eligible for the maximum amount of financial aid. Review the information below to learn more.
  - Withdrawing or Dropping Classes: In situations where a student needs to withdraw from one or more classes, or withdraw entirely from UNI, federal regulations may require UNI to return a portion or all of the financial aid that has been disbursed to the student. The amount varies depending on the official date of withdrawal. If you are considering dropping one or more classes, or withdrawing from the university, please contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships to discuss your situation. Dropping below half-time enrollment or withdrawing from all classes may affect the repayment status of your current or previous student loans.
  - Summer Aid: Thinking about taking classes in the summer, but not sure what type of aid you'll qualify for?
- Financial Literacy
  - Financial Literacy Requirement: All incoming freshmen students are required to complete financial literacy training. Students can complete this requirement through an in-person class, Live Like a Student, or online through Panther CashCourse.
  - Personal Finance Resources and Financial Literacy Information: The mission of the Financial Literacy Outreach Program is to provide UNI students with information, opportunities, and tools to be financially literate. Our Live Like a Student class and Panther CashCourse provide information and resources about financial literacy topics such as:
    - Budgeting
    - Credit & Credit Cards
    - Identity Theft & Protection
    - Saving & Investing

Refer Students With Questions About:

How to apply for financial aid
Eligibility criteria
Understanding the various types of financial aid
Financial Literacy Tips and Resources

How to Make Contact: 105 Gilchrist Hall | fin-aid@uni.edu | 319-273-2700

Honors & Scholars Programs

Honors & Scholars Programs (hsp.uni.edu)

Honors & Scholars Programs provide academically motivated students with enhanced educational opportunities that go beyond the traditional classroom experience. Students are provided with numerous opportunities to engage in challenging coursework, personalized mentoring, and undergraduate research or creative work. With a focus on intellectual growth and critical thinking, Honors & Scholars Programs cultivate a rich academic environment designed to prepare students for successful careers and lifelong learning.

Services Provided:

Multiple targeted programs that provide leadership and mentorship for groups of students involved in shared experiences
Extra- and co-curricular activities that foster both social engagement and intellectual growth
Use of the Honors & Scholars space (3rd floor of Bartlett Hall) where students can connect, collaborate, and engage
Access to special honors sections of university courses with small class sizes that allow for discussion and interaction between honors students and faculty
Recognition of efforts through graduation designations for those who complete honors requirements prior to graduation

Refer Students With Questions About:

A supportive community where they can make connections with like-minded students
Seeking out academic challenges or engaging in deeper learning
Undergraduate research or creative work

How to Make Contact: 3025 Bartlett Hall | hsp@uni.edu | 319-273-3175

The Learning Center @ Rod Library

The Learning Center @ Rod Library (tlc.uni.edu)

The Learning Center @ Rod Library (TLC), located on the main floor of Rod Library, is staffed by nationally certified peer educators trained to assist students develop the academic skills necessary to be successful in college and beyond. TLC services are offered (free of charge) to all currently enrolled students.

Services Provided:

The Learning Center @ Rod Library is open 10 am to 10 pm, Monday through Thursday. Our peer educators offer walk-in assistance in:
- Business
- Mathematics
- Science
- Writing
- General Study Skills (time management, note taking, test anxiety, etc)
If scheduling prevents a student from meeting in person with a UNI tutor, UNI has partnered with Pear Deck Learning® to provide online tutoring 24/7 in business, computer science, math, science, Spanish and writing. To access this service, email the thelearningcenter@uni.edu to request a one-time access.
The Learning Center @ Rod Library is offers Academic Workshops every Tuesday during the fall semester at 4:00 pm in Rod 272. Workshops will cover a variety of topics, from navigating eLearning and test taking to Artificial Intelligence at UNI. Refer students to the full list of workshops including dates offered in the semester.

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
Think about referring students who may have other coursework questions; our peer educators come from a variety of majors, and may be able to help!

How to Make Contact: 1st Floor Rod Library | thelearningcenter@uni.edu | 319-273-6023 | Visit the main floor of Rod Library Monday through Thursday, 10am to 10pm

Office of the Registrar

Office of the Registrar (registrar.uni.edu/)

With academic integrity the Office of the Registrar provides invaluable guidance, record-keeping and customer service in support of student success.

Services Provided:

Graduation & Commencement provides assistance to students for graduating on time and walking for Commencement.
Academic Calendars to assist students with keeping track of important dates like withdrawal dates, breaks, semester beginning and end dates, etc.
Transcripts help student review their GPA, past courses, and dates when completed programs
Add/Drop Courses assist student with adding and dropping courses to their schedule
Residency for students to apply for in-state tuition
Classroom Reservations for students and faculty to reserve Classrooms and Meeting rooms on campus
Tuition and fees to help students and parents understand the estimated cost of their tuition and additional fees.

Refer Students With Questions About:

Changing their declared major, minor, or certificate
Degree program requirements
Important Dates to Observe
Veterans Education Benefits
Proof of enrollment
Withdrawing from the university
Returning to the university
Transcripts
Commencement & Graduation Fair
Diplomas
FERPA

How to Make Contact: 115 Gilchrist Hall | registrar@uni.edu | 319-273-2241

Office of Student Involvement

Office of Student Involvement (union.uni.edu/involvement/student-organizations)

Student organizations provide opportunities for students that cannot always be had in a classroom environment. When an individual joins a student organization, they also allow themselves the opportunity to form strong friendships, strengthen their leadership and time management skills, and build a larger network.

Do you have a individual interested in joining a student organization at the University of Northern Iowa? Use the complete list of Student Organizations to find the right organization!

If you have a current student looking to build their out of the classroom resume, use the Panther FYI tool.

Services Provided:

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) is a student-run event programming organization at the University of Northern Iowa. Its purpose is to plan and execute a variety of successful events reflective of the diverse interests and needs of the student body. CAB strives, through its programs, to entertain, educate, and enrich while building a cohesive campus community.
Fraternity & Sorority Life provides UNI students with meaningful student engagement experiences, develops leadership skills and contributes to student learning. The Greek community promotes living by the "Four Pillars," which unite all Greek-letter organizations. The "Four Pillars" consist of: Scholarship, Leadership, Friendship, and Service.
Northern Iowa Student Government serves as the central governing body for all students at the University of Northern Iowa. We represent students in the affairs of the student body, and represent the student body in matters concerning the university and non-university communities.
Panther FYI (Find Your Involvement) was created to provide UNI students the opportunity to connect with student organizations that match their interests. It also provides students the ability to create an out of the classroom resume of their student organization engagement. In order to use the Panther FYI, you will need to have a valid CatID to login.
The purpose of the Panther Pantry is to serve students that are impacted by food insecurity. The pantry offers free food and basic necessity items to students that are enrolled at the university. Food insecurity refers to the USDA's measure of lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active healthy life. Items in the pantry may include: canned fruit/veggies, soup, pastas, beans, rice, cereal, personal hygiene products and cleaning products.

Refer Students With Questions About:

How to join or start a student organization
Food & necessity insecurity needs
Joining a fraternity or sorority
Building your out of the classroom resume
Building connections with other students
Attending free social events through Campus Activities Board

How to Make Contact: involvement@uni.edu | 319-273-2683

Student Health Clinic

Student Health Clinic (wellbeing.uni.edu/student-health)

The Student Health Clinic serves as the on-campus health resource for all students and assists them in meeting their healthcare needs. Our staff is comprised of licensed, caring and supportive professionals. The Student Health Clinic’s vision is to educate and empower students to advocate for their health and well-being.

Services Provided:

General medical care
Routine health exams
Injury evaluations
Immunizations
Travel consultations
Allergy injections
Lab testing
Sexual Transmitted Infection (STI) testing
Eating disorders management
Gynecology/sexual health services

Refer Students With Questions About:

Appropriate treatment for acute illnesses and injuries, including communication with primary care/specialists, as needed.
Full lab services to complete ordered routine and follow up blood draws before your appointment with your primary care provider/specialists.
Diagnostic assessments and testing for many chronic illnesses. If needed, referrals will be made for further treatment and management of chronic diseases.
Free sharps containers and sharps disposal.
Evaluation of diabetes risk or diagnose diabetes. Newly diagnosed diabetic patients are referred to a specialist either in the Cedar Valley or their hometown depending on the student's preference.
Nurse-on-call service is available after clinic hours, weekends and holidays for medical advice by dialing 319-272-2600.

How to Make Contact: The Student Health Clinic is located inside the Student Health Center, located at W 23rd Street (approximately the 1600 block of 23rd St.), on the University of Northern Iowa’s campus in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Our building is next to the Schindler Education Center. | Phone: 319-273-2009 | Fax: 319-273-7030 | Clinic Hours: M - F, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Student Success & Retention

Student Success & Retention (success.uni.edu)

The Office of Student Success & Retention (SS&R) accompanies students through their transition to UNI and continues to support them throughout their academic journey. SS&R works to ensure all UNI students have the support and resources they need to achieve their academic goals by taking down barriers to persistence and creating experiences that support students in making meaningful connections that foster success.

Services Provided:

Success Coaching offers personalized peer-to-peer support to help students navigate their academic journey. Topics covered include time management, procrastination, prioritization, work-life balance, stress management, goal-setting, and motivation. Coaching sessions are tailored to individual needs and can be conducted either in-person or virtually.
The Connection Survey and Rise Surveys are designed for new and second year students to assess their transition and time at UNI during the first 4-6 weeks of the semester. The survey provides students with targeted outreach and resources based on their responses.
The ALEKS Math Placement Exam determines appropriate placement in math, business, chemistry, and physics courses at the University of Northern Iowa. This exam is required for all entering freshmen and transfer students planning to enroll in relevant courses.
Orientation & Panther Welcome are geared toward creating a smooth transition to UNI for new students.

Refer Students With Questions About:

Managing academic responsibilities, improving productivity, balancing academic and personal life, or staying motivated
Having difficulty transitioning to college or those who have concerns about their academic experience
Taking or retaking the ALEKS or have issues accessing the math placement exam
Signing up for orientation and details and questions about Panther Welcome and start of the school year

How to Make Contact: success@uni.edu | 319-273-4260 I 118 Gilchrist Hall I Faculty/Staff can refer students to Success Coaching by completing a short referral form.

Student Wellness Services

Student Wellness Services (wellbeing.uni.edu/student-wellness)

Student Wellness Services promotes student health and wellness on campus through collaborative, inclusive, student-centered programs that incorporate a holistic approach to the eight dimensions of wellness model involving emotional, social, financial, physical, occupational, spiritual, and environmental wellness. Programs and initiatives are focused on stress management, mindfulness/relaxation, self-care, sleep, safer sex, alcohol and other drug education and bystander intervention, and wellness coaching. We are located at Maucker Union 109 on the upper level next to the Center for Multicultural Education.

Services Provided:

Wellness coaching is a confidential service available to all UNI students, covered under the mandatory health fee. The program provides students with opportunities to explore personal character strengths and apply them to strategic wellness goals. Find more information and schedule an appointment.
Student Wellness Services provides programs in and out of the classroom related to the top areas of need for student health and wellness as indicated by the UNI National College Health Assessment. Programs include stress management, holistic wellness, gratitude and self-care, mindfulness and relaxation, sleep, safer sex, and alcohol and other drug education and bystander intervention. A professional staff and/or trained graduate assistant will facilitate the program you request. View program descriptions and program request form.
Through the Garrett Lee Smith suicide prevention grant, Student Wellness Services offers workshops and training based on mental health awareness and suicide prevention (e.g. Question Persuade Refer (QPR), Validate, Appreciate, Refer (VAR) Training, Thriving Minds, Mental Health Ally Training, Men and Mental Health). Find a list of workshops/training.
Students, faculty, and staff can email and ask a wellness professional anything they choose.
Student Wellness Services advises the following student organizations: Student Health Advisory Committee and Active Minds. Any student is encouraged to participate in the organization and attend their events. The Healthy Campus Coalition is led by Student Wellness Services, and everyone is welcome to attend our meetings to participate in campus health and wellness initiatives.
Multiple events throughout the year are coordinated by Student Wellness Services for students to attend such as Wellness Days the week before finals each semester, You Matter @ UNI, Taste of UNI, and Maucker Union Live events. Our events can be found on the Student Involvement Calendar of Events.

Refer Students With Questions About:

Time management
Mindfulness and relaxation
Gratitude and self-care
Safer sex
Sleep hygiene
Well-being (i.e. emotional, social, financial, intellectual, physical, occupational, spiritual, environmental)
Mental health workshops and training (how to help/refer others)
Suicide prevention workshops
Alcohol and other drug misuse and prevention

How to Make Contact: wellness@uni.edu | Maucker Union 109 | 319-273-3423 Program Request form to request an in or out of classroom wellness program.

Study Abroad Center

Study Abroad Center (uni.edu/studyabroad)

The Study Abroad Center offers a wide selection of programs ranging from two weeks to an academic year abroad. Many programs offer a cost of attendance comparable to studying on campus at UNI. Students can earn credits for major, minor, certificate, UNIFI, and electives while studying abroad.

Services Provided:

Student support including:
- Advising on program selection, the application process, scholarship/financial resources, airfare purchase, etc.
- Guidance on navigating academics abroad
- Course approval facilitation, transcript, and credit transfer support
- Course maintenance and enrollment
- Pre-departure orientation
Administrative support including:
- Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) enrollment for all UNI-sponsored travel abroad
- Short-term faculty-led program logistic management, including budget development and vendor contracting/payments
- Risk management of programs abroad
- Reporting on international activities involving UNI students
- Maintain the UNI Travel Registry for all UNI-sponsored travel abroad.
Let students learn how to get started from the Study Abroad Process page.

Refer Students With Questions About:

Learning away opportunities (study, work, research, internship, volunteer abroad that are credit-bearing)

How to Make Contact: 103 East Bartlett Hall |study-abroad@uni.edu | 319-273-7078

Wilson College of Business - Office of Professional Distinction

Wilson College of Business - Office of Professional Distinction (https://business.uni.edu/students/advising/professional-academic-advisors)

The Office for Professional Distinction provides academic advising services for all business major and minor programs. We also advise for graduate certificates in the Wilson College. Our academic advisors want to ensure your next steps in your academic career are what’s best for you and your future. Our goal is to equip you with the information you’ll need to achieve your academic and professional goals.

Services Provided:

Exploring majors/minors within the Wilson College
Student Success Series - online onboarding for first-semester students studying business
Class planning and registration - every semester
Creating and updating your plan of study to graduation
Admission into the Wilson College
Study Abroad planning and business course approvals
Professional Readiness Program
Directives to referrals and resources to other key offices on campus to ensure your success
Assistance with pre-graduation checks
Assistance with unofficial, projected GPA calculations
General information and support

How to Make Contact: 5 Curris Business building | opd@uni.edu | 319-273-2144