Planning underway for return to UNI

Since March 24, the Panther Caucus has been on hiatus as the Iowa Legislature paused their regular session. They are now returning on June 3 and plan on debating both policy bills and budget bills.

The coronavirus global pandemic is accelerating a disruption in higher education that has been going on for some time. The university is planning for this fall with a critical eye toward the long-term health of the university. 

At this point in time, we do not know the overall impact that changes to our economy will have on the budget for next year, but we do know it will be significant. UNI is working through various budget scenarios so that well-reasoned decisions can be made as the revenue becomes more clearly defined.

On June 4, the Iowa Board of Regents will consider freezing tuition and fees. This would allow UNI, for the second straight year, to keep its tuition flat as part of an ongoing effort to provide students a high-quality, affordable education. It would also provide current and incoming UNI students more certainty during a time when many families are adjusting to life amid a global pandemic.

Students, faculty and staff clearly miss the unique interactions that are part of the Panther experience and want to return to the UNI campus. UNI has created a Return to UNI Steering Committee to determine how the university can return to on-campus operations. The committee is charged with considering how all the various operations — teaching and learning, research and scholarship, student activities, public performances, welcome back activities and other events — could resume in a safe manner and will provide recommendations to university leaders.

UNI is preparing to welcome students back to campus this fall for face-to-face instruction in a healthy and safe educational and living environment. Our highest priority is the health and safety of the students, employees and community members.