News – Northern Iowan

Students moved to Panther Village following the shutdown of residence halls

May 1, 2020

Following the announcement of communal halls being closed, including most residence halls, many UNI students moved out of their dorms and back home until fall semester. However, students did get the option to apply to stay on campus as well, as long as it was done in a timely manner. Students who cho...

UNI Department of Philosophy and World Religions celebrates 50 years

SARA QUALLEY, Staff Writer

April 24, 2020

The UNI Department of Philosophy and World Religions is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year. COVID-19 social distancing measures have impacted the department’s planned anniversary celebrations and events, including a reunion, lectures and tours that have been rescheduled for the fall. Speci...

Summer orientation shifts to online in wake of COVID-19

ELIZABETH KELSEY, News Editor

April 22, 2020

During UNI’s two-day orientation sessions throughout the summer, incoming Panthers typically meet with advisors, explore the campus, stay overnight in a dorm and register for fall classes. This summer, due to the social distancing restrictions imposed by COVID-19, those sessions will take place onlin...

Chemistry department conducts research for National Park Service

ELIZABETH KELSEY, News Editor

April 21, 2020

Students in the UNI chemistry department did underground research — literally — over spring break. Earlier this semester, UNI chemistry and biochemistry associate professor Joshua Seebree received a $25,000 grant from the Iowa Space Grant Consortium, supported by NASA. The Department of Chemistry...

Student employment impacted due to COVID-19

EMMA'LE MAAS, Staff Writer

April 21, 2020

According to the University of Northern Iowa’s Career Services website, more than 5,400 students work on campus. Due to COVID-19 and the subsequent closing of campus operations, many of these students lost their jobs and income. Hannah Menken, junior family services major, reflected on her su...

Graduating students reflect on commencement cancelation, call for postponed ceremony

Sofia Legaspi, Staff Writer

April 19, 2020

With UNI’s spring commencement ceremony canceled due to the current pandemic, many soon-to-be graduates have been left hanging. The university announced the cancelation — together with the extension of online coursework through the summer — on March 18 in a campus-wide email. Those who had plann...

UNI announces university’s first case of COVID-19

ELIZABETH KELSEY, News Editor

April 16, 2020

As the northeast corner of Iowa enters a virtual lockdown to stop the spread of COVID-19, the UNI community announced the university’s first case of COVID-19. The individual was an employee who has not been on campus in over 30 days and who is currently self-isolating at home, according to a ca...

UNI hosts virtual Student Leadership Awards

ELIZABETH KELSEY, News Editor

April 15, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has proven the need for able, confident and effective leadership. It was fitting, therefore, that the leadership of UNI students was recognized, albeit virtually, at the Student Leadership Awards at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 14 via Facebook. “At this time of uncertainty and social di...

Student Wellness Services provides virtual help with intuitive eating

CECILIA MITCHELL, Campus Life Editor

April 15, 2020

Due to the recent campus closure, UNI’s Student Wellness Services (SWS) has gone digital with their resources. This spring, students have two different options to explore strengthening their well-being through diet, with intuitive eating workshops and 1:1 Zoom meetings offered by the SWS office. �...

UNI Counseling Center moves to telehealth appointments amid COVID-19

ABBY KRAFT, Staff Writer

April 13, 2020

As students transition to online learning at home due to COVID-19, students will still be able to access mental health resources while not on campus. The UNI Counseling Center has transitioned to telehealth appointments in order to reach students they cannot see in person. This includes Zoom and ph...

UNI Teacher Education program adjusts to COVID-19

ELIZABETH KELSEY, News Editor

April 10, 2020

For students in K-12 schools nationwide, their classroom has suddenly become the kitchen table as states close schools to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. It’s been a major adjustment for these students, their parents and their teachers. But there’s another group who’s had to adjust to these abrupt s...

UNI releases new update following Gov. Reynolds’ new guidelines

ELIZABETH KELSEY, News Editor

April 9, 2020

Following updated direction from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds calling for the closures of additional public facilities due to COVID-19, UNI administration announced further closures and restrictions of access to campus buildings on Wednesday, April 8. “In order to continue to emphasize the health and safety of ou...