Serving Iowa with award-winning distance education

It's not enough for distance learning to just be convenient; it must also be engaging, relevant and challenging. That's why the University of Northern Iowa is so proud to have recently received the 2013 Innovators Award from the Iowa Distance Learning Association (IDLA). "It's an important affirmation that we are on the right track in ensuring that distance education offerings and support services available from UNI are second to none," said Kent Johnson, dean of Continuing Education and Special Programs.

UNI has a long and distinguished history of providing academic outreach and is in fact celebrating 100 years of serving the state through alternative delivery methods. During the 2012-13 academic year:

• More than 13,000 enrollments in UNI's distance education courses either online, via video conferencing, or off campus.

• Approximately 20 degree, certificate and endorsement programs, mostly at the graduate level, were offered either entirely or primarily through distance education.

The UNI team received the award for its innovative, integrative team approach to providing comprehensive support services to both faculty members who teach distance education courses and the students who enroll. Efforts include offering professional development and Quality Matters (QM) workshops to promote best practices in online course design and teaching, as well as hosting an annual distance education conference.

Upcoming Event

UNI alumni and friends are invited to a reception welcoming President William Ruud and Judy Ruud to the University of Northern Iowa, Wednesday, July 31, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Mason City Country Club. No charge to attend but please RSVP to (800) 782-9522 or fdnevent@uni.edu for planning purposes.