Panthers are on track for an exciting 2016-17 academic year

The University of Northern Iowa is excited to have new and returning students, faculty and staff back on campus. We know that everyone is well rested from the summer and eager to get started. The university has an exciting year in store, with plenty to look forward to in the coming months.

Enrollment is up, and that means more students are at UNI to receive an outstanding education and take advantage of the breadth of learning opportunities. UNI's faculty and staff are committed to challenging our students and helping them grow and develop both inside and outside the classroom.

We encourage our students to take the time to get to know faculty, engage with peers and be an active member of this university. There are activities and opportunities across campus that will enrich experiences here at UNI and help students thrive.

Students, faculty, staff and community members are also encouraged to check out the schedule of shows and events taking place at the Gallagher Bluedorn performing arts center over the next several months. Also, be loud and proud at our Panther athletics events, whether Panther fans are wearing purple and gold in Ames as the football team opens the season against the Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday, Sept. 3 or cheering from the stands in the McLeod Center as the volleyball team battles the Cyclones on Tuesday, Sept. 13.

Opportunities to show Panther Pride at traditional events throughout the semester will also arise. Unmask your spirit during UNI's Homecoming week from Sept. 25 through Oct. 1. Then invite friends and family to our Family Weekend from Oct. 21-23.

This is but a small preview of the months ahead. We know our students will take advantage of the amazing opportunities they have here at UNI.

Did You Know?

To highlight the hard work of the UNI students who built and designed the Panther Plot Garden, the UNI Harvest Festival will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Panther Plot, which is located near the Biology Research Complex and the Industrial Technology Center. This year alone, the students have harvested more than 2,000 pounds of fresh produce, all of which has been donated to various locations. Since it started four years ago, over 1,000 volunteers have helped in the garden, including UNI students, summer interns from John Deere and community members from across the Cedar Valley.