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UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA CEDAR FALLS, IA THURSDAY, APRIL 5 VOLUME 114, ISSUE 42
CEDAR FALLS, IA
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
NEWS
NISG president and vice president advocate for inclusivity, mental health and a safe campus.
VOLUME 118, ISSUE 10
CAMPUS LIFE
Homecoming kicks off with the annual Pride Cry in Lang Hall.
SPORTS
A preview of the upcoming homecoming game against Younstown State.
UNI sees decrease in fall enrollment NEWS PAGE 2
CAMPUS LIFE PAGE 4
SPORTS PAGE 6
Fall enrollment numbers lowest in decades, early graduations increase
UNI has released its total enrollment for fall 2021: 9,231 students. This number includes undergraduate students, graduate students and both full-time and part-time students. It is also the lowest enrollment UNI has seen in decades. While that statement may be startling to many, associate vice president for enrollment management Kristin Woods assures students and families that they have nothing to worry about concerning the future of the university. She attributes this decrease in part to UNI’s excellence in graduation rates. “We have another record year in terms of graduation rates for our students with higher three-
Courtesy/University of Northern Iowa
The total enrollment for fall 2021 is 9,231 students. Although the total enrollment is down, more students are graduating in three years, contributing to the low enrollment.
year graduation rates and higher four-year graduation rates. When students are here for less time for their degree, it places downward pressure
on enrollment,” she says. UNI ranks far above similar institutions across the United States when comparing graduation rates. In addi-
tion, decreasing enrollment has been a national trend in universities nation-wide over the past few years. Woods also brings the con-
tinued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to attention. Many international students continue to face unique challenges including embassy closures and visa appointment delays, preventing them from entering the United States. While UNI’s capacity to fix these matters is limited, Woods assures that these students are being supported as much as possible, saying, “We’ve had many international students who have had to delay enrollment and defer to a future term, so we’re staying connected with them and we look forward to eventually welcoming them back.” The freshman class size has also increased for the second year in a row, a trend Woods and the admissions staff are very excited about. Since the start of the pandemic, admissions and outreach have been very limited See ENROLLMENT, page 5
Let the good times roar
A look back at classic UNI homecoming traditions and festivities: 100 years later and traditions are back in full swing. Traditions established nearly 100 years ago are still being practiced by students today. This year’s homecom ing theme, “Let the good times roar,” harkens back to the Although the cancella- 1920’s when UNI was still the tion of fall homecoming in “Iowa State Teachers College.” the 2020 school year due to Although much has changed COVID-19 was a disappoint- since the ‘20s on campus, the ment to the campus communi- traditions, comradery and ty, Homecoming 2021 events school spirit still remain.
Courtesy/University Archive
In 1920 the Iowa State Teachers College had its first homecoming football game against Parsons College, winning 14-0.
Football A classic event celebrated by thousands of fans is the homecoming football game. In its first ever Homecoming Game, the Iowa State Teachers College defeated Parsons College, 14-0. The field where the game was played is on the current site of Rod Library. One hundred and oneyears later for Homecoming 2021, the UNI Panthers will
Courtesy/University Archive
The tradition of campaniling started in the 1940s, and was brought back in 1979.
take on Youngstown State in the UNI-Dome at 4 p.m Saturday, Oct. 2. Campaniling For U NI’s seventh homecoming in 1926, the campanile was nearing completion. The tradition of campaniling, which is when students kiss someone under the campanile at midnight on the Friday of homecoming, has been a campus tradition since the 1940s. For the 58th homecoming in 1979, the tradition of campaniling was revived and 500 students gathered under the campanile at midnight for a kiss. This Friday, Oct. 1, the campaniling tradition will continue at midnight. If students would prefer not to kiss anyone, they are welcome to watch the fes-
Courtesy/University Archive
The campanile not yet finished by homecoming in 1926. Discussions to build a campanile started by alumni in the first homecoming in 1920.
tivities. If students arrive early, a free button will be provided. See HOMECOMING, page 2