Student Life
Think, Create, Discover
Students in CHAS don’t just show up for class; they get involved. We pride ourselves on valuable experiential learning opportunities, combining classroom work with real-world applications such as internships and participation in student organizations.
Student Organizations
In our college alone, we have over 50 student organizations across our 70 majors. These organizations provide students extra enrichment in their area of passion and a chance to make lasting connections with their peers. There are clubs for art, microbiology, philosophy and speech-pathology, and societies for printmaking, percussive arts and professional journalists. These interactions expand the college experience and prepare students for the dynamic world outside of college.
Engaged Learning
Hands-on, engaged learning experiences give our students a deeper understanding of the fields they’re interested in. Students studying STEM fields work on undergraduate research and design projects, many of which are published in peer-reviewed journals or presented to various audiences. Others have the chance to present their projects at local conferences held on campus, or travel to conferences supported by their department.
Creative Expression
Majors in creative fields are provided outlets for expression and practical experience as well. Student-run operations such as the KULT radio station, UNI-TV and the Grafx Club give undergrads a place to get real-world experience. Both majors and non-majors can perform in a wide variety of arts activities available on campus. The UNI School of Music boasts more than 20 music ensembles and the Department of Theatre’s large-scale productions are open to anyone. Art majors work with nationally renowned faculty, produce creations in their chosen media, and apply their skills through client-based work and design-related internships.
Fostering Engagement
CHAS goes beyond simply teaching and creates opportunities to engage students and prepare them to become active, contributing members of society.
By partnering with local businesses, organizations and institutions throughout the Cedar Valley and Iowa, our students are helping others, while gaining valuable lifelong experiences.
Community engagement is integral to educating students in the evolving world and allowing for meaningful connections through a variety of outreach programs. We encourage intellectual, social and civic development to create well-rounded graduates ready to succeed at their chosen careers and at life.
Public Art Incubator
The Public Art Incubator at UNI is the only program of its kind in the state. Through the program, UNI art students are enlisted to fabricate and erect large-scale public art pieces commissioned and paid for by artists throughout the country. The PAI has even partnered with school districts, working with middle and high school students to design and erect artwork for their communities.
English Language Workshops
A partnership between the UNI Department of Languages and Literatures and the YWCA of Black Hawk County is tackling language barriers and providing assistance for people who are learning a second language. Students in the department meet with local participants to help them improve their English language skills through free workshops and one-on-one lessons.
Halloween House
Each year, the science departments in our college, lead by the student chapter of the American Chemical Society, team up to organize the annual Halloween House. This community outreach and engagement event brings hundreds of local children to McCollum Science Hall to showcase UNI’s science departments. During the event, students perform Halloween-themed science demonstrations and supervise hands-on activities that help youngsters explore STEM fields.