CEDAR FALLS --- After more than 2 1/2 years in temporary office space, the tenants of Gilchrist Hall are finally preparing for the move back home.

"It's been a long road, with everything that has happened," said Dave Zarifis, the director of public safety. "We've been in our temporary quarters a long time, but we have adapted given the circumstances. We are excited to be getting back home."

The Department of Public Safety was one of about a dozen university departments, including the Follon Student Services Center and many administration offices, displaced when Aaron Scott Lessmeier and Tanner James Wilkens, both of West Des Moines, set fire to the building during the Homecoming celebration in October 2005. The blaze caused about $10.2 million in damage to Gilchrist, Lang and Baker halls.

Lessmeier and Wilkens both pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree arson and one count of reckless use of fire. They were sentenced to three consecutive 10-year prison terms each, a total of 30 years behind bars.

Steve Pavelec, the university owner construction representative, said nobody expected the building to stay closed for as long as it did, but all departments have been cooperative during the refurbishing process. Originally, the university had said the departments would be back in the building by the end of 2005.

"The facilities department probably felt the damage was far more extensive than the insurance company from the start," Pavelec said. "It got to the point where if we decided to do one thing, it required us to do another. That was the biggest part of the process, determining what actually needed to be done."

Pavelec is excited to see the offices reopen, but the students will benefit most.

"Especially the incoming class of freshmen, who will once again have all student services in one place instead of scattered across campus," he said.

First floor offices --- public safety, human resources, international programs and admissions --- begin moving in this week. Second floor offices --- including compliance and equity management, the registrar, financial aid and academic advising --- will move in later this month and throughout August. Finishing work is still being done on the building's second floor.

Though the university's insurance policy had guidelines for the building's restoration --- which would essentially return the building to its original use --- the university did move forward with a few additional renovations, including extra space for public safety. Zarifis said the department has nearly double its original space, some for a processing room and to generally improve the department's efficiency. There is now a bricked-in dispatch center that is storm and fire resistant, Zarifis said.

All office and individual phone numbers will remain the same throughout the move. Public safety will also maintain 24-hour service during the transition.

A rededication ceremony is planned for Sept. 19.

Contact:

Terrence Hogan, UNI vice president for student affairs, (319) 273-2332
Rebecca Schultze, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-6728

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Offices and departments displaced by the October 2005 fire in Gilchrist Hall on the University of Northern Iowa campus began moving into the newly renovated building the July 7. The move-in schedule is as follows:

Moving Date Office Moving to
July 7-11 Public Safety 030 Gilchrist
Human Resources 027 Gilchrist
July 14-18 International Programs 028 Gilchrist
Admissions 002 Gilchrist
July 21-25 Compliance & Equity Management 117 Gilchrist
Registrar's Office 115 Gilchrist
July 28-Aug. 1 Financial Aid 105 Gilchrist
Vice President for Educational & Student Services 118 Gilchrist
Vocational Rehabilitation 116 Gilchrist
Aug. 4-8 Academic Advising 102 Gilchrist
Career Services 02 Gilchrist
Aug. 11-16 Business Operations 103 Gilchrist
Aug. 18-22 Financial Aid Operations 023 Gilchrist

Office and individual phone numbers remain the same. Public Safety will maintain 24-hour operations during the move. Signs will be posted at the temporary office locations throughout the fall 2008 semester directing people to the new locations in Gilchrist Hall.
A Gilchrist Hall Rededication Ceremony is planned for Sept. 19.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Jeff Weld, director, Iowa Mathematics & Science Education Partnership, (319) 273-2723
Stacey Christensen, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-6728

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- High school and college educators in the U.S. have long struggled with the problem of poor student transition from high school to college mathematics. Faculty at the University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Iowa are addressing how to improve student preparation and teacher awareness of the entry expectations for math courses at Iowa's Regent universities.

Last November, UNI hosted a Math Transitions Congress for state educators, legislators and business leaders to discuss the challenges facing students and teachers in mathematics. One of the outcomes of the meeting was the need for more communication between math instructors at the university and high school levels -- particularly the identification of key skills and competencies expected of students entering the universities. As a result, university faculty have developed the "Iowa High Schools-to-Regent Universities Mathematics Transition Guide."

The guide gives high school teachers the math competencies students need to enter university math and science courses. It gives the foundational skills and competencies for six entry-level university courses: pre-calculus, calculus I, calculus II, statistics, finite mathematics and mathematics for elementary teachers. The guide also addresses the mindset and learning experiences of students at the high school and college levels to help instructors better meet their needs.

"Everyone involved in the project recognized the opportunity to be the first state to align high school and college math study," said Jeff Weld, director, Iowa Mathematics & Science Education Partnership. "We now have a model not only for other states, but for other academic areas to follow."

It will be distributed to Iowa schools, area education agencies, universities and other professional organizations. For more information or to view the guide, contact Jeff Weld at (319) 273-2723 or visit http://www2.state.ia.us/regents/StudentInfo/Math_Guide.pdf.

Representative Berry explaining a point with Representatives Wiencek (left) and Kressig (right) looking on

Provost Lubker (left) with Senator Danielson (middle) and Representative Kelley (right)

Senator Danielson answering questions about the 2008 legislative session

Representative Kelley listening to a question from a UNI supporter

Representative Kressig (right) talks with a UNI supporter

Contact:

Jeff Weld, director, Board of Regents Mathematics & Science Education Collaborative Initiative,
(319) 273-2723
Stacey Christensen, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-6728

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Jeff Weld, associate professor in the University of Northern Iowa Department of Biology, has been named director of the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, Mathematics & Science Education Collaborative Initiative, effective July 1.

"Jeff has delivered exceptional service this past year in his leadership role working with faculty at UNI, the University of Iowa and Iowa State University to devise a plan that will enhance math and science education teaching and student learning," said Ben Allen, UNI president.

In May 2007, Weld was named leader of the Regents Math & Science Collaborative Initiative. Weld has been at UNI since 2000. He holds a Ph.D. in science education from the University of Iowa and prior to that taught high school sciences for 11 years. He also was recognized as the 2007 Four-year College Biology Teacher of the Year by the National Association of Biology Teachers.

The initiative is led by UNI in collaboration with the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. The initiative has three basic goals: 1) To improve mathematics and science performance of Iowa students; 2) To prepare more high-quality mathematics and science teachers for Iowa's schools; and 3) To promote statewide collaboration and cooperation.

"I'm excited to work collaboratively with the various stakeholders as we strengthen math and science education opportunities for teachers and our young generation of students who will prove to be the seed corn of our 21st century economy and society," Weld said.

To further the goals of the initiative, several projects are proposed. They include the establishment of:

- The Regents Mathematics and Science Education Institute to be located at UNI, with faculty and staff distributed at all three state universities;
- Math and Science Majors to Teaching to address teacher shortage by recruiting students into math and science teaching;
- Science and Math Teacher Real World Interns to establish summer math and science-related internships in the private and public sector for math and science;
- Wider implementation of Project Lead The Way (PLTW) across Iowa. PLTW targets math and science curriculum and student recruitment to math and science careers;
- Community College STEM Instructor Preparation and Updates to address the shortage of math and science instructors at community colleges.

Contact:

Josh Lehman, assistant athletics director for media relations, (319) 273-3642
Rebecca Schultze, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-6728

Note to editors/news directors:

A mult box will be provided. Troy Dannen will be available for one-on-one interviews following the question-and-answer session

New UNI director of athletics to be formally introduced at 11 a.m. on June 3

New University of Northern Iowa Director of Athletics Troy Dannen will be formally introduced to the UNI community, alumni, media and the Cedar Valley at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, in the McLeod Center Alumni Suite.

Parking will be available west of the McLeod Center. Please use the northwest entrance of the building.

Speakers include UNI President Ben Allen, Greater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce President and director of athletics search committee member Bob Justis, and Dannen. UNI coaches, faculty, staff and students, as well as members of the community also will be in attendance.

The event can be seen live on the Web, which also can be accessed via a link from the UNI home page.

For information about Dannen's new role at UNI, visit UNI News.

"Troy brings a valuable and unique perspective to this position. He also brings a level of energy, enthusiasm, and passion for Panther athletics second to none," said UNI President Ben Allen. "I look forward to working with Troy and to welcoming the Dannen family back to the UNI community."

Dannen will be formally introduced at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 3, at the McLeod Center Alumni Suite. He has been employed by the IGHSAU since 1989, becoming executive director in 2002. IGHSAU oversees athletics in 392 schools in 11 sports across the state of Iowa, involving 70,000 participants. He received his B.A. from UNI.

"The University of Northern Iowa has been a significant part of my personal life since I arrived on campus as a freshman in 1985," Dannen said. "The opportunity to extend that relationship professionally is a dream come true. My wife and I are Panthers for life and look forward to coming home to the Cedar Valley."

"Troy is a dynamic leader who will provide vision and direction. He has proven he can get things done," said Tom Schellhardt, UNI vice president for administration and finance. "He has a solid understanding and appreciation for student athletes, coaches and administrative staff. He will be a strong collaborator between the Athletic Department and the rest of the university and will be actively engaged in the university community and the community at large."

Dannen signed a four-year contract and will receive a $155,000 annual salary. He replaces Rick Hartzell, who resigned in January.

Other finalists for the position included Terry L. Wanless, director of athletics, Sacramento State; Barbara G. Walker, senior associate athletic director, Wake Forest University; Michael P. Waddell, senior associate director of athletics, University of Cincinnati; and Glen Krupica, deputy director of athletics for external affairs, Northern Illinois University.

CARBONDALE, Ill. - The University of Northern Iowa track and field team made history Sunday at the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Outdoor Championships, sweeping the men's and women's league championships to cap what was an outstanding weekend for the Panthers.

The Panthers came out on the winning end of a battle with Southern Illinois to secure their first-ever women's outdoor conference title, while the UNI men took home their second-consecutive MVC crown.

In doing so, UNI became the first program in MVC history to sweep each of the league's four track and field team titles (women's indoor, men's indoor, women's outdoor, men's outdoor) in the same season.

The women's team racked up 172.5 points to edge out the Salukis, who finished runner-up in the team race with 168 points, while the Panther men scored 204 points to take the title over second-place Wichita State, which scored 180.5 points.

Sunday, the Panthers added seven individual championships and another pair of NCAA regional qualifying marks to their laundry list of accomplishments. In total, UNI racked up 14 individual titles, added 11 new qualifiers for the NCAA Midwest Regional Championships and tallied a total of 39 All-MVC honors.

Along with a sweep of the conference's outdoor coach of the year honors by UNI head coach Chris Bucknam, the Panthers earned several individual honors. Senior Raven Cepeda earned Most Valuable Men's Athlete honors, while sophomore Dani Stipe was named Outstanding Women's Track Athlete and sophomore Ehi Oamen was named Outstanding Men's Field Athlete.

"It was a highly-competititve meet and we answered the call when the chips were down on the last day," Bucknam said. "The first two days were phenomenal for our men and women, and that laid the groundwork. We had some hiccups today, but we were able to recover and win."

The women's team race was tight throughout the day, with UNI and Southern Illinois locked in a tight battle for the championship. The Salukis took the lead following the completion of the women's discus, but the Panthers snatched it back with a strong performance in the women's 5,000 meters.

Senior Traci Hawley took runner-up honors in 17:24.85, while junior Caedryn Schrunk came through with a fifth-place finish in 17:44.78 to give the Panthers a 4 1/2-point edge with two events to go.

A runner-up finish in the 4x400 relay, with the team of Dani Stipe, Amy Bagge, Kara Yahn and Lauren Carruthers clocking in 3:41.90, was enough to secure the title for the Panthers.

"It was those points that secured it for us," Bucknam said. "Just awesome stuff."

Bagge, a first-time regional qualifier this season, also added to the Panthers' point tally by winning the championships in the women's 800 meters in 2:10.35. Trailing by 20 meters with just 200 meters to go, Bagge used an outstanding kick down the homestretch to secure the win.

"I couldn't be happier for this women's program. It's come an awfully long way in the last four years," Bucknam said. "Last year we were close and the kids made that effort to get over the hump.

"I can't be more thrilled for them."

The sailing was smoother for UNI's men, who racked up six individual championships on the final day of the conference meet.

Senior Jarrel Anderson scored the victory in the men's 110-meter hurdles, clocking in at 14.20 seconds to hold off Cepeda, who took runner-up honors in 14.37. Wojciech Jurkowski was fourth in the race with a time of 14.62.

Sophomore Dorian Ulrey was another first-time outdoor winner for the Panthers, taking the title in the men's 1,500 meters in 3:56.81. He then followed with another All-MVC performance in the 800 meters, taking third behind teammate and repeat champion Tyler Mulder.

Mulder cruised to his second straight title in the event in 1:49.32, leading the charge for the five UNI athletes who made the nine-man final. In addition to the all-conference performances by Mulder and Ulrey, Jack Ogden was fifth, Mike Craddick was sixth and Dale Maxedon took seventh to rack up 25 points for the Panthers in the event.

Senior Terrance Reid also defended his title in the men's 400 meters, clocking in at 46.77 to earn the ninth MVC title of his career.

Also winning a second-conecutive title was sophomore Cory Goos, who took the top spot in the men's 400-meter hurdles with an NCAA regional qualifying time of 52.35. Goos' sprint off the final hurdle pushed him past teammate Dennis Hammel, who was second in 52.42. Both athletes have qualified for regional competition in the event.

The Panthers scored a total of five runner-up finishes on the day, as well, including second-place showings in both the men's and women's 4x400 relays.

UNI took second and third in the men's pole vault, with redshirt freshman Phil Hanson taking runner-up honors to Wichita State's Beau Morris, who took the title in a jump-off. Both cleared 17 feet, 3/4 inch, but neither was able to make it over the bar at XXX. Hanson then missed his first attempt of the jump-off and Morris cleared the bar to take the title.

Hanson's mark improved his regional qualifying mark, while senior Raven Cepeda was third by matching the regional mark of 16-6 3/4 he also hit Saturday in the decathlon pole vault.

The Panthers now have a week off to prepare for the NCAA Midwest Regional Championships, which will be held May 30-31 at Ed Weir Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. UNI has posted a total of 28 qualifying marks for the regional meet.

Iowa Gov. Chet Culver signed into law a nearly $1 billion education funding package Friday in Bettendorf, setting aside money for higher teacher salaries, an expansion of early childhood initiatives and a new program to train math and science teachers.

With about 100 people in attendance at the Mississippi Bend Area Agency on Education, the governor heralded the bill for putting a record amount of money into education. It's about a 6 percent increase over the current year, according to the governor's office.

"We're covering, literally, pre-K to grad school," Culver said.

The bill funds the Regents institutions, community colleges, the state Department of Education and other programs. Funding for basic K-12 school aid has already been approved.

Community colleges got a $10.5 million increase in the bill to $184 million, which is even more than the governor proposed in his own budget plan.

Patricia Keir, the chancellor at Eastern Iowa Community College, said Friday the money will help with tuition rates, work force development and adult education programs. She added colleges were appreciative of money for faculty salaries, too.

"Most of our faculty are giving exams right now, but they wanted me to thank you,"Keir said.

She noted border areas such as the Quad-Cities need to be competitive. The bill adds $1.5 million for higher salaries.

The largest part of the package is $554 million in general aid to the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa.

The new law also puts $75 million aside for teacher salaries, $15 million for expanding pre-school and $4 million for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Center at UNI.

State Sen. Bill Dotzler, D-Waterloo, pushed hard for the center, which will be located near his district. He said the new initiative will be good for K-12 schools across the state.

"It's pretty obvious that the 21st century jobs are requiring enhanced skill levels," he said. "Science, technology and math skills are important for the future."

The bill also includes another top Culver priority, the All-Iowa Opportunity Scholarship, which will help hundreds of low- and moderate-income Iowans attend college. The program will get $4 million, up from $1.5 million in the current year.

The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will get a $1 million increase, which was a top priority of Sen. Joe Seng, D-Davenport.

On hand for the budget signing were Rep. Cindy Winckler, D-Davenport, and Sen. Frank Wood, D-Eldridge, who chair the appropriations subcommittees that oversee education spending in the House and Senate.

Wood said he was pleased with bringing up teacher salaries, but he called the steps modest.

"To me, we're just making moderate strides to get them up to average,"Wood said.

Iowa was ranked 42nd in teacher salaries in 2006, which the governor called "embarrassing."

The $75 million included in this bill is part of a larger package that's aimed at bringing teacher pay up to the national average.

Also included in the education appropriations bill signed today by the Governor was the Math and Science Initiative funding of $4 million. The investment from the state is a great start to the program that will address the needs of performance in math and science among our students and teachers.

Thanks again for all your efforts this legislative session! We certainly couldn't do it without you.

Contact:

Joel Haack, dean, UNI College of Natural Sciences; and chair, director of athletics search committee, (319) 273-2585
Josh Lehman, assistant athletics director for media relations, (319) 273-3642
Rebecca Schultze, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-6728

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Five finalists for the position of director of athletics at the University of Northern Iowa will make campus visits and give public presentations beginning the first full week of May.

The finalists are Terry L. Wanless, director of athletics, Sacramento State; Barbara G. Walker, senior associate athletic director, Wake Forest University; Michael P. Waddell, senior associate director of athletics, University of Cincinnati; Glen Krupica, deputy director of athletics for external affairs, Northern Illinois University; and Troy A. Dannen, executive director, Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union.

Each candidate will participate in a two-day interview process, including an open forum for the public. More information about the candidates and the interview schedule can be found here as information becomes available.

The new director of athletics will replace Mark Farley, who has served as interim director of athletics since Rick Hartzell resigned in January.

Salary Appropriation in HF 2700
- The Regents' most important budget request by far was for salary funding. This is critically
important for our institutions to be able to keep tuition increases to low levels and at the same
time attract and retain the best faculty to teach Iowa students, conduct cutting edge research and provide service to Iowa's families and communities. We are grateful that the Governor and the Legislature continued the trend initiated last year by funding the Regents salary needs. This will allow the Regents the opportunity to once again keep tuition increases at a low, stable and
predictable rate.

Math and Science Appropriation in HF 2679
- The largest new Regents' budget request was for a collaborative Math and Science initiative that will help our institutions address a critical need for Iowa. The goals of the Math and Science
Initiative include improving the mathematics and science performance of Iowa students;
preparing more high quality mathematics and science teachers for Iowa's schools; and promoting statewide collaboration and cooperation in math and science education. We are very
appreciative that the Governor and the legislature have decided to provide $4 million to begin
this very important initiative.

Contact:

Jan Bartlett, associate professor, UNI Department of Educational Leadership, Counseling and Postsecondary Education, (319) 273-7979

Stacey Christensen, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-6728

CEDAR FALLS, IA -- Results released by the Center for Credentialing & Education show students enrolled in the University of Northern Iowa counselor education program had a 100 percent pass rate on the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) in fall 2007 and spring 2008, with 71 percent scoring above the national average. Nationally, 1,025 students took the exam -- 24 were UNI students.

UNI's counselor education program includes school and mental health counseling. The exam is used by 210 colleges and universities to assess students' knowledge of counseling information -- as determined by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

"We're very proud of our students' performance on this exam," said Jan Bartlett, associate professor, UNI Department of Educational Leadership, Counseling and Postsecondary Education. "It speaks accolades for the quality of our program and instruction that prepares students for careers in counseling."

UNI's school counseling program and mental health counseling programs have been nationally accredited by CACREP since 1990. UNI's mental health counseling program was the first CACREP accredited program in the nation. UNI's school counseling program was one of the first programs in the nation to train elementary counselors and among the first to offer K-12 training programs.

The counselor education program at UNI had a record number of applicants this fall. Program graduates experience 100 percent placement in mental health or school counseling. UNI faculty worked with the Iowa Department of Education to develop state guidelines for school counselors when counseling was re-instated last July.