The Chief Diversity Officer will publish a monthly newsletter of campus and community events promoting and celebrating diverse cultures, identities and backgrounds.

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Newsletter (PDF)

The Chief Diversity Officer will publish a summary of the most recent findings of the Campus Climate Survey and offer recommendations for action based on the findings.

• Campus Climate Survey Findings and Recommendations (PDF)

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will develop, publish and distribute information and resources specifically tailored to the needs of first-generation, low-income and other minoritized students on campus.

• Financial Aid and Scholarships Information and Resources (PDF)

The Division of Student Affairs will assess opportunities to enhance mental health counseling and healthcare appointments for students from non-Western cultures.

• Opportunities Assessment (PDF)

Student Accessibility Services will conduct a needs assessment for enhancing accessible academic resources for students with accommodations.

• Needs Assessment (PDF)

Update: In the Spring of 2022, Information Technology Services (ITS) facilitated a review of accomplishments, activities, and strategies to support accessibility. Download the report (PDF).  

The Office of Compliance and Equity Management will distribute information on established reporting processes for experiences of bias and discrimination among students, faculty and staff.

• Reporting Infographic (PDF)

During the fall 2020 semester

University leaders will engage in an educational and professional development program that will reinforce best practices in leading and facilitating change for a truly diverse, equitable and inclusive living, learning and working environment.

Summary: President Nook and members of his cabinet engaged in professional development workshop facilitated by CoopLew in August 2020 focused on guiding change for diversity, equity and inclusion. 

The Division of Student Affairs and Northern Iowa Student Government will partner to complete a proposal for a campus clothing center to provide professional attire for those without access.

• Download the Professional Clothing Task Force Update (PDF)

Update: As a result of ongoing analysis to assure an effective resource for students, the Division of Student Life partnered with NISG to launch the JC Penney Suit Up initiative on UNI’s campus. 

The Division of Student Affairs and Northern Iowa Student Government will develop an online resource for students to receive information and referrals for protection from negative off-campus housing experiences.

• Link to off-campus housing resources: Off-Campus Living Resources

Facilities Management will conduct a needs assessment for enhancing accessibility to campus buildings, particularly during extreme weather conditions.

Summary: Facilities Management evaluated a snow removal route proposed by students in partnership with Student Accessibility Services. Further, Facilities Management and Student Accessibility Services have enhanced the frequency with which needs assessments take place.

Facilities Management will coordinate with Northern Iowa Student Government to provide dedicated space for members of the UNI community who require privacy for religious practices such as prayer or other specific observances that occur during the work or class day.

Summary: A Meditation Space was opened in the Maucker Union in the beginning of the Fall 2020 semester. The space is behind Chat’s in the Maucker Union the previously designated meeting room named The Meditation Room. The space is dedicated as a quiet space used for meditative, reflective or personal religious practices.

Update: The Mindfulness Space as it is presently called has been moved to Room 114 in the Plaza Level of the Maucker Union until the return of the Office of International Engagement moves back into the space. After International Engagement returns, the Mindfulness Space will move to Rod Library, 4th Floor.

The Office of Compliance and Equity Management, the Division of Academic Affairs, the Division of Student Affairs and Northern Iowa Student Government will develop a comprehensive gender-based violence prevention and bystander intervention training program for incoming and current students on campus.

Summary: A Task Force was formed in the summer of 2020 to develop plans for a comprehensive gender-based violence prevention and bystander intervention training program for incoming first-year students. The task force has finalized program learning outcomes and content, and is evaluating options for the most effective placement in the first-year for incoming students.

Update: Based on continued evaluation of best practices in gender-based violence prevention, NISG leadership partnered with the Office of Compliance and Equity Management to launch the Green Dot Program in 2021 as a faculty-, staff-, and student-engaged program to empower all of us to be active bystanders to safely speak up and help prevent interpersonal and gender-based violence on campus.