Jan 31, 2019

Continuing to advocate for a sustainable budget, financial aid for UNI students and a 21st century Industrial Technology Center

The state has more job vacancies than workers to fill them. These jobs demand highly skilled workers in dynamic industries, such as teachers, accountants, construction managers and operations specialists.

UNI is situated to meet these state employment needs. Its programs in business and education are nationally recognized, and more than 85 percent of UNI's graduates remain in the state to work, with the vast majority leaving college with experience directly related to their future careers.

On Tuesday, Jan. 29, President Nook shared with the Education Appropriations Subcommittee the unique budget principles that built the University of Northern Iowa's budget and fiscal year 2020 legislative funding requests. “UNI is committed to educating Iowans for Iowa,” Nook said. “That means we must continue building support for educational opportunities that are within reach for Iowa students and their families. We must also do our part to build a vibrant workforce and economy for years and generations to come.”

Although UNI students already graduate with less debt than the average college student, the university is committed to making education even more affordable. An additional $4 million in state funding would allow UNI to maintain tuition essentially at current levels and become more competitive with peer institutions while growing enrollment to meet Iowa workforce needs.

UNI's total state appropriation request for the 2020 fiscal year is $99.7 million for the general education fund (an increase of $4 million), with an additional $5.7 million for special purpose units, $2.3 million for economic development and $38 million over three years to transform the Industrial Technology Center. Combined, the requests represent UNI's commitment to ensuring a reasonable, predictable cost of education for Iowa families while providing the state with the qualified professionals it needs to fill positions in high-demand fields.

UNI is proud to educate Iowans for Iowa and works to ensure that UNI's high-quality education is within reach for students. To help achieve this goal, UNI created a budget model based on the principles of maintaining our commitment to Iowa, focusing on quality and setting reasonable, predictable costs for Iowa students and their families. This budget keeps increases to the Consumer Price Index and commits UNI to continue to operate as efficiently as possible.

UNI is committed to working with the governor and the Iowa legislature to provide an affordable and high-quality education for Iowa students. You can find President Nook's powerpoint presentation here.