The University of Northern Iowa announced today it is in the final stages of a multi-year project to renovate and modernize its largest dormitory to help elevate the student experience, enrich their college life and enable them to tap into the heart of the campus community.

Noehren Hall, which will house over 600 students once fully open in Fall 2022, has been updated to reflect modernized living spaces and increased student privacy. Laundry facilities were added to each floor and the bathrooms were transitioned from the typical communal-style facilities to pod-style bathrooms that each include private toilets, sinks and showers that are secured with locking doors. Common spaces and corridors were also updated.

Lawther Hall was renovated in 2017 to add suite-style living units as well as more single-person rooms for students who may want more privacy while still enjoying the benefits of campus life. And, Dancer Hall was updated to include additional single rooms, as well as modernized hallways, bathrooms and common areas.

UNI offers 10 on-campus housing facilities and in any given school year, these units are home to 90 percent of incoming freshmen and 1/3 of the university’s student population. Six are dorm-style; one is suite-style and three are apartment-style housing. The housing facilities are self-sustaining and receive no state funding for their operation.

Research shows that students who live on campus generally perform better academically. Those who live on campus for two or more years are twice as likely to graduate, in addition to getting more involved in campus life and feeling more connected to their university than those who commute.

“Living on campus affords students with opportunities to get involved and fully engage in the UNI experience. Students benefit from convenient access to resources and a support network to assist them in their transition to UNI and through their entire career on campus,” stated Nick Rafanello, executive director of UNI Housing & Dining.

The university is also updating the student dining experience with two new concepts to offer a greater variety of fresh and healthy food options to its already award-winning menus.

In Fall 2022, UNI plans to unveil The MicroFarm, which will create a “farm-to-table” experience by offering a variety of produce grown on campus. Microfarms require 94% less water than traditional farming, reduce food waste, reduce food miles and use zero pesticides. A salad robot will also be coming to campus to add fresh, customizable alternatives to our menus using produce from The MicroFarm, as well as additional fresh salad toppings and other ingredients.

The salad robot - also known as Sally the Fresh Food Robot - is essentially a vending machine loaded with fresh, high-quality fruits, vegetables and salad toppings that allows you to order a variety of salads, as well as customize your own salad creations. The machine will also calculate the macros of your salad for those who like to track their nutritional intake.

UNI Dining has been named “Best College Food in Iowa” the last 6 of 7 years by Niche.com. The dining centers support the residential experience by becoming the students’ kitchen, offering them a place to gather, connect and build community.

With a wide variety of social and cultural events, some of the best college dining choices in the state and a variety of living options designed to fit the various needs of UNI’s diverse community, UNI Housing & Dining provides students living on campus with an all-inclusive experience, engaging and supporting students from the day they move in to their new campus home.

Contact:
Annie Karr, Asst Director Marketing & Conferences, Housing & Dining, annie.karr@uni.edu, 319-273-7438.