| Greetings! |
| The countdown has begun! The first day of the fall semester is Monday, August 17 with classes beginning at 8:00 a.m. Our staff is looking forward to working with you throughout your graduate education. We know that this time can be both an exciting and stressful time for our students. The Graduate College is committed to help you be successful in your graduate endeavors. Please contact us if we can be of any assistance to you. |
| Here are some ways for you to access information prior to the beginning of the fall semester. |
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Hot Off the Press
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- On July 14, 2020, the previous directive requiring international students to leave the United States unless they are enrolled in face-to-face classes was rescinded. More information will be updated as it becomes available. Visit the Graduate College's Forward Together site for continued updates and information targeted for Grad Students. Review the most updated information in the UNI Forward Together site in order to plan your safe return to campus.
- Graduate Student Success modules will be going live in August to assist you with your graduate career. Stay tuned for an email with more information on this resource in early August.
- Consider reviewing the UNI Graduate Student Handbook, which provides key information about on-campus services and resources for graduate students.
- Read about Joyce Levingston, a doctoral student and her initiatives for equity in our communities.
- If you have decided not to attend UNI, complete the Cancellation from Communication System Form. Please note, canceling your application will also cancel any awarded financial aid and submitted housing contracts. Contact the Office of Admissions (Admissions@uni.edu or 319-273-2281) with any questions.
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Important Dates to Remember
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- Friday, August 7: Deadline to meet the eligibility requirements for Graduate Assistantships and Graduate Scholarships.
- Monday, August 17: Fall semester classes begin, Fall 2020 Graduate Assistants start working.
- Monday, September 7: Labor Day, classes will be held.
- Friday, November 6: Thesis & Dissertation Review Deadline.
- Tuesday, November 10: Application for Fall graduation due through Student Center.
- Friday, November 20: Last day of regular classes.
- Saturday, November 21 & Monday, November 23 through November 25: Final Exam Period.
- Friday, December 4: Last day to submit thesis/dissertation to Graduate College.
- Saturday, December 19: Commencement.
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Important Information
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- Out of care and concern for all members of our campus community, the University of Northern Iowa will require everyone to wear a face covering (cloth mask or shield) while in campus buildings. This includes students, faculty, staff members, and guests. Face coverings or shields are required in outdoor settings when six feet or more of social distancing cannot be maintained. Face coverings or shields are not required while:
- Alone in a private room or private office.
- Eating or drinking if 6 feet of physical distancing is maintained.
- Within your workspace if 6 feet of physical distancing is maintained.
- Future editions of the Grad Source newsletter, and any other communication from the Graduate College, will be sent ONLY to your student UNI email, and not your personal email. Please start getting in the habit of checking your UNI email for future, official correspondence.
- The Graduate College provides free writing assistance for thesis & dissertation students, schedule an appointment with us here.
- Consider visiting the College Hill Farmers Market in Cedar Falls, a few blocks near campus.
- The UNI Rod Library will return to operations on August 3.
- For updates on Immigration regulations, please contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). Visit their latest updates on immigration here.
- The Gender & Sexuality Services office provides resources and educational opportunities for LGBT+ students and allies to advocate for an inclusive community.
- Fall 2020 Thesis/Dissertation Formatting Workshops will take place via Zoom. View options and register here.
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Dean's Message
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| Two major storms hit the Cedar Valley this past week. One storm brought high winds and left downed trees in its wake. This weekend my family helped another family with a huge spruce tree that cracked in half. The task seemed daunting and insurmountable, yet we had to start somewhere. Little by little, progress was made throughout the day. |
| Similarly, preparing for the 2020 Fall semester can seem overwhelming – there is the Covid-19 pandemic, racial injustice, and cruel rulings from the Immigrant and Custom Enforcement. Little by little, we are making preparations and implementing our strategies to reopen. Here are some ways you can help the progress. |
Find certainty in the uncertainty
- Read official UNI emails. You will learn the steps UNI is taking to maintain safety.
- Rely on your supportive graduate faculty – they are committed to your success.
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Bring a flexible, adaptable mindset
- Be open to a mix of face-to-face, hybrid, and virtual delivery of your classes and learning experiences.
- Work with the Graduate College and your program as the twists and turns unfold during the semester.
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Kindness over fear
- You can help protect your friends and family by wearing face coverings in all indoor spaces on campus.
- Use kindness when asking others to don a face covering – you would want the same kindness.
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Community building
- Commit yourself to being in community with others on campus and in the Cedar Valley.
- Be a bridge builder, like Mayor Hart, an alum of the Graduate College.
- Advocate for others. Check out the advocacy of Dr. Helen Harton, graduate program coordinator in psychology.
- Actively listen and honor the lived experiences of your peers.
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Jennifer J. Waldron, Dean of Graduate College
jennifer.waldron@uni.edu |
