custodian

senior secretary

academic advisor

adjunct instructor

cook

University of Northern Iowa

As a longtime employee, I feel I can openly share my experiences here. My first 25 years at UNI were very positive, both professionally and personally. Although my pay was low, the benefits were exceptional and unmatched anywhere else, which will allow me to retire comfortably at 59.

In recent years, I have encountered some challenges that I believe could be addressed to improve the work environment. Having reached the top of the pay scale, I haven't received cost-of-living increases for over five years, even though my workload has increased. While many of my colleagues have been reclassified, I have not. Management expects me to teach 18 hours of classes each week, which is more than double the teaching load of my university colleagues. Additionally, there are expectations for my department to socialize with students outside of work hours. I believe revisiting the pay matrix and teaching load expectations could greatly benefit employee satisfaction and performance.

Annual performance reviews, which determine eligibility for cost-of-living increases, focus on attitudes and intra-departmental relationships rather than actual job performance. Adjusting these reviews to better reflect job performance and contributions could provide a more accurate basis for evaluations and rewards.

Regarding the university as a whole, job cuts are often the first resort. Additionally, the recent state government ban on all diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts has created a tense atmosphere on campus, particularly for members of the LGBT community. Finding ways to support diversity and inclusion, even within these constraints, would help foster a more welcoming environment for all.

Despite consistently losing money, the university  continues to support inter-collegiate athletics, where head coaches may earn more than the university president. Reviewing budget allocations to ensure a balanced focus on academics and athletics could address this issue. Pay for entry-level professional staff is also low, starting in the $30,000-40,000 range, even for positions requiring master's degrees. Offering competitive salaries could attract and retain talented staff.

On the positive side, it is good to be a student here. There is an amazing array of services available for students, and faculty truly care and want their students to succeed. The campus is stunningly beautiful, and the buildings and grounds are maintained to a very high standard. Most classrooms now have the latest technology, and students have access to excellent WIFI. Those without personal computers can check them out long-term.

Overall, while there are areas for improvement, UNI has many strengths that can be built upon to create an even better experience for both employees and students.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The ability for growth at my own discrepancy and a great culture of work/ life balance is definitely a plus. Although time off is accrued (vacation, sick leave) if I need time for myself or a family member, this company is very lenient without having to worry about "point system" or being disciplined. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
I would say, overall it's a pretty minimal stress work environment. I work with a pretty solid and knowledgeable team that are accepting to ideas that I bring to the table and offer the same in return if I'm unaware of how something works. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Overall, the work environment and culture at my facility is pretty professional.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
To follow my weekly/monthly work orders assigned to me, help others with break in work that arises, and anything else needed at the plant.

Rialto Dinning Center was another great college job.  The management was very kind and understanding on being able to connect to the students inside and outside of work.  It helped give me the confidence needed to want to pursue working in a kitchen as a living.  The job helped me learn kitchen skills along with communication skills when talking to different levels of employees and employers.  Working with other students helped relieve the stress of the job since everyone was in the same boat on dealing with school at the same time.  The co-workers were very supportive in times of stress and were willing to help out on the situation one was stuck in.  The most enjoyable part of the job was being taught skills in the kitchen by the lead cook in which one would not have thought of doing or learning if ne was not willing to do extra work.

Days typically run from 4:00/4:30 AM  until  7:00. Early morning typically workout personally, then begin training athletes at 6:30 AM. We'll get two or three sports teams completed by 7:30/8:00. After that (depending on the semester) I'll either have a small team, or need to teach. After completing my teaching obligations I typically have an hour for lunch and coach and program the rest of the afternoon. 

I get the opportunity to work build young individuals during some of the most critical periods of their lives. It is a truly amazing experience day in and day out. I also get to help train future Strength & Conditioning professionals through our graduate college. So being able to witness individuals personal growth over months and years is incredible. 

The hardest part of the job are the hours, there sometimes just isn't enough time in the day to complete everything.

Being a resident assistant (RA) at the University of Northern Iowa is a competitive job to acquire, but the benefits are very good. They include a yearly stipend as well as free room & board. A typical day at work consists of meeting with residents, planning/putting on programs, and being on call (usually once or twice per week). I learned how to effectively manage my time during my three years as an RA. The management is specific to each building. The workplace culture usually depends on the type of building you're in. The hardest part of the job is living where you work, as well as establishing a balance between life, school, and being a good RA. The most enjoyable part of the job was helping residents become successful students and good leaders.

  My typical day was to report to the supervisor's office to get my job assignment being I was a "floater". I reported to the assigned designation and reported to the  lead custodian to get instructions. Then I went to work.
  I learned some things about myself and others. Also learned how to budget being pay was once monthly.
  Management was approachable and easy to get along with.
  The workplace culture was very positive and had a good energy. 
   I enjoyed the job across the board, especially interacting with the students. And I liked looking back at what I completed, knowing I done a good job.
  To me personally, the hardest part was going to company functions. I'm not very big with large crowds, so I was glad when these functions were over.
    


UNI is not as well known to most outsiders as the University of Iowa, or Iowa State. But it is an impressively high-quality university, with dedicated professors. I spent two years there in the Master's Program in TESOL, passing all coursework, but not writing a thesis. My work involved student teaching almost exclusively of ESL students at the college level, though I also tutored American students at the Writing Center, helping them sharpen their own work. This was a serious academic work environment. The hardest part fo the job was preparing lessons for people of many different linguistic backgrounds. The most enjoyable part was meeting so many different people in a smaller cityscape.

I liked working at University of Northern Iowa. My job involved a lot of research and writing. So I would spend most of my time at the library. the library assistant would help me if I have a problem. the professor that I was working under was very supportive. As an International student, first few months were challenging but after a while due to the love and support, I didn't encounter much difficulties. So I am proud and happy to have worked at University of Northern Iowa. 

The good thing about mid-west is people here are good and polite. They smile at you and if you have a problem, you have to ask them and they are ready to help.

Throughout my time at the University I found myself making several connections with faculty and staff. The University of Northern Iowa is all about connecting students. A typical day at work involved calling and planning a program, other duties were emailing faculty and scheduling meetings. In this workplace, I found myself to be very comfortable, I was able to ask questions and know that I would not be judged. The hardest part of my job was the week before the program started and everything began to happen at a very fast pace, but it taught me a lot. The most enjoyable part was meeting new faculty and staff on campus and making those connections.,

I spent four semesters tutoring fellow undergraduates and graduate students with their writing. Each semester was more fulfilling than the one before, and each served as an opportunity to develop teaching strategies that I would later use in the middle school classroom.

My supervisor was an excellent instructor and mentor throughout my employment at the Writing Center. She frequently met with each tutor to follow up on our progress with students or upon our request when we needed assistance.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Custodian 8 salaries reported	$17.71 per hour
Senior secretary 1 salary reported	$21.34 per hour
Academic advisor 7 salaries reported	$54,479 per year
Adjunct instructor 24 salaries reported	$5,330 per month
Cook 11 salaries reported	$17.94 per hour

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