The impact of the UNI@IACC initiative is growing
The University of Northern Iowa is continuing to build on the success of its UNI at Iowa Community Colleges (UNI@IACC) initiative, a partnership providing placebound, adult learners access to a growing number of online bachelor’s degrees. UNI@IACC reinforces UNI’s vision of partnering with all 15 Iowa community colleges to provide affordable, high-quality educational opportunities to learners who may not have easy access to a four-year degree due to their location, job or life commitments, and who need the degree and training to succeed in Iowa’s high-demand workforce.
Additionally, the UNI@IACC initiative provides access to UNI student support specialists on three community college campuses including the Des Moines Area Community College’s Urban campus, Western Iowa Technical Community College in Sioux City and Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs. A fourth location, Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, is slated to have a dedicated staff member later this year.
In January, UNI announced its newest addition to the UNI@IACC program offerings: a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, supported by Big Four tax, audit and advisory firm KPMG LLP. This innovative program offers a flexible and accessible option for students in the Des Moines area through hybrid delivery, with the convenience of online business-core and elective courses with in-person evening accounting courses on the DMACC Urban campus.
“UNI’s accounting program is regarded as one of the top programs in the country, and I’m excited to continue that reputation in Des Moines and help more individuals advance their accounting careers,” said Joe Ugrin, Department Head of Accounting. “We’ve continually been featured in Accounting Today for the success of our accounting program, and because of that reputation and the dedication and support by our faculty and staff, our graduates are highly sought after by employers. This program will offer a unique blend of high quality, accessibility and affordability.”
Like all UNI@IACC programs, the accounting hybrid program was added with the needs of the Iowa workforce in mind. Accounting is a high-demand field, especially in the Des Moines metro area where posted positions for new accounting graduates exceed the supply by over six to one. Other high-demand fields aligned with UNI@IACC program offerings include elementary education, criminal justice, human services, management, managing business and organizations, technology management and Bachelor of Liberal Studies.
As part of UNI’s commitment to adult learners, those who enroll in the UNI@IACC programs may be eligible for financial assistance. Students who meet the income and academic eligibility criteria after completing a FAFSA will receive a scholarship covering the difference between community college and UNI tuition.
UNI is requesting $2 million in state appropriations to expand the UNI@IACC initiative across the state, providing more community college graduates access to affordable pathways to high-demand careers. This funding will allow the university to sustain the success of UNI@IACC and expand direct in-person support for students on additional community college campuses, ultimately replacing the one-time American Rescue Plan federal funds that were used to launch the program.