Languages and Literatures Stories & News

Photo of Daniel Umemezie

Cedar Falls senior named the Midwest Regional Finalist of The National Youth Poet Laureate Program

Cedar Falls High School senior Daniel Umemzie has been named one of four finalists competing for the National Youth Poet Laureate award – a top honor for aspiring young poets in the U.S. Umemzie first became involved when he joined the Cedar Valley Youth Poet Laureate program, sponsored by the North American Review – the nation’s oldest literary magazine, which is housed on the UNI campus.
Student looking through old book and making notes

University of Northern Iowa receives $2.4 million grant to launch Humanities Hub

The UNI Humanities Hub is a transformative initiative designed to expand paid internship opportunities and strengthen the role of the humanities on campus and in the community.
UNI campus in the fall

UNI becomes new home for Iowa’s Migratory Education Program

UNI has partnered with the Iowa Department of Education to become the new statewide hub for the Iowa Migratory Education Program — a federally funded, state-administered initiative that supports the education of nearly 4,000 children of migratory agricultural workers across Iowa.
UNI campus in the summer

UNI faculty win at inaugural Iowa Open Educational Resources Awards

Six UNI faculty were honored at the inaugural Iowa Open Educational Resources (OER) Awards, which recognizes instructors across the state who have created or adopted OER in innovative ways.
Citlaly Fernandez and Naylea Verdinez in a classroom

UNI’s impact on Spanish education in Iowa

Three women associated with UNI's Spanish teaching program all recently taught in the West Liberty school district.
Book in library with tree growing out of pages

UNI faculty demystify the novel writing process

Wondering how to write a novel? Get some insight from four University of Northern Iowa English professors.
Students inside water treatment facility

UNI students tackle water quality in two languages

UNI students Cody Boozell’s advanced Spanish class are taking their learning beyond the classroom with hands-on experience at a local water treatment facility.
Jeremy Schraffenberger

UNI English professor receives prestigious Harvard University Dearborn Fellowship

Jeremy Schraffenberger, professor of English and co-editor of the North American Review, has been awarded the Harvard University Dearborn Fellowship.
UNI Student teaching 3 young children sitting down

Leading The Way In Language

In the state of Iowa, English learners (those whose first language is something other than English) are among the fastest-growing populations in our schools, according to the Iowa Department of Education. With an increase of nearly 60% in the past decade, all Iowa districts need to be prepared to serve English learners, including immigrant children and youth.
Students going over notes in a classroom

A unique approach to teaching academic writing to international students

UNI students whose first language is not English are learning about college writing and research in a course section specifically designed for them.