Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the objectives of the Students First Campaign?

1. To support the mission of the University to become one of the nation's finest public comprehensive universities.
2. To provide much needed support for our students in the form of financial aid.
3. To promote program distinction by funding research, conferences, guest artists, lecturers, and endowed faculty positions.
4. To enhance existing facilities and provide new facilities for our students, faculty and the greater Cedar Valley community.

Q. What are the fund-raising goals for the Campaign?

$100 million, which includes:

$71 million for scholarships and program support
$29 million for facilities

Q. Will the campaign raise money to replace funds cut from UNI's State appropriation?

A. The Students First Campaign will not seek funding for costs, such as operating expenses, that have traditionally been obligations of the State or supported by tuition. However, the funds raised by the Campaign for scholarships will provide important assistance to UNI students in the face of tuition increases.
 
Q. Why is the Students First Campaign important for UNI and the Cedar Valley?

A. The University of Northern Iowa aspires to be the nation's finest public comprehensive university, known for high quality learning environments and a genuine sense of community. The cornerstones of this vision are a campuswide culture of putting "Students First;" delivering excellence in teaching and learning; and working with Iowans to improve the quality of life on our campus, in our home community and in our state.

The Cedar Valley has benefited greatly from the presence of a strong, vital and committed university. The Students First Campaign will strengthen UNI's service to the community through its students, faculty and programs. It will also create facilities -- notably McLeod Center and the Waterloo early childhood education center - that will directly benefit the community, just as the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center has done.

Q. How can we give to the Students First Campaign?

A. There are a variety of ways you can support the Campaign for the University of Northern Iowa, including:

Cash gift
Pledge over a period of years
Appreciated securities
Closely held stock with an established value
Personal Property
Donation of real estate
Bequest
Charitable gift annuity
Charitable remainder trust
Charitable lead trust

Q. Can I use my TIAA-CREF funds to make a gift to the Campaign?

A. Yes. UNI Foundation staff can assist you in making a pledge that uses these resources, either alone or in combination with cash, securities and property.

Q. Can I make a campaign pledge that extends over several years?

A. Pledges of cash, securities or property may be paid over five years. Deferred gifts may also be pledged to the Campaign.

Q. Can several UNI employees pool their gifts to support a    scholarship?

A. Yes, there are a number of ways to do this. You may wish to support an existing scholarship, or, if the pool of gifts is sufficient, to create a new scholarship endowment. We encourage the creation of scholarships that can award at least $1,000 per year - an amount that requires a $20,000 endowment.

Q. Can I support scholarships or programs within my own college or department?

A. Yes, we expect that many faculty and staff, as individuals or in groups, will direct their support for these purposes. UNI Foundation staff would be happy to assist you in establishing or contributing to a departmental scholarship or program fund.

Q. What is the timetable for the Students First Campaign?

A. Efforts to secure leadership and major gifts from alumni and friends throughout the nation have already begun and will continue throughout the Campaign. We are now securing leadership gifts ($100,000 and above) for the Campaign in the local area. The major gift portion of the Cedar Valley Drive will take place during fall 2001. During spring and summer 2002, we will pursue fund-raising in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines. The Campaign will run through 2004. In its later stages, we will be asking all other UNI alumni to make commitments to the Campaign.