UNI: Creating Pathways to Degrees

Each year, about one third of UNI's incoming students transfer to UNI from two- and four-year schools. They arrive at UNI with a range of experiences. Some have earned prior credentials and others have taken courses toward a degree. Faculty and staff are dedicated to ensuring that transfer students from all backgrounds succeed at UNI.

“My transition was smooth thanks to the Jump Start program, an extended orientation for underrepresented students,” said senior Juan Hernandez from Altoona, Iowa. “It provided me with the connections I needed and helped establish strong relationships with my peers. The biggest impact on my success at UNI has to be the constant support from faculty, staff and administrators, as well as support from my fraternity, Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Inc.”

UNI's commitment to supporting transfer students has been nationally recognized. UNI was one of only 112 institutions named to Phi Theta Kappa's Transfer Honor Roll for excellence and success in community college transfer pathway development. The Phi Theta Kappa 2018 Transfer Honor Roll recognized UNI's work in creating dynamic pathways to support transfer students.

In addition, UNI offers students who have completed an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree a way to complete a four-year degree in a timely manner. UNI responded to demand and interest from community colleges, local, state and federal agencies and Iowa employers and developed Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) programs. These programs are specifically designed for AAS graduates of career and technical programs from community colleges. By strengthening their skills across a variety of in-demand industries, UNI's BAS programs position students for career advancement and promotion.

“The response and feedback from community college partners has been tremendously positive,” said Chris Shaw, academic adviser at UNI. “For years, Iowa students with an AAS degree in a technology-based field have been looking for an in-state solution to obtaining a four-year degree.”

UNI educates Iowans for Iowa. We continue to play an active and collaborative role in offering Iowans the credentials they need for success in Iowa's dynamic economy and workforce.