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UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA CEDAR FALLS, IA THURSDAY, APRIL 5 VOLUME 114, ISSUE 42
CEDAR FALLS, IA
VOLUME 121, ISSUE 12
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2024
End of the Farley Era: Head coach to retire
ADAM JOHNSON
Sports Writer
On Sunday, Nov. 10, UNI head football coach Mark Farley announced that he will be retiring at the conclusion of the season. This comes while the Panthers have been struggling so far this season, with a conference record of 0-6, and a 2-8 overall record. Despite the struggles that have occurred in what will be Farley’s last year as head coach, the end of his 23-year career as head coach will mark the end of an era for UNI football. See FARLEY, page 11 COURTESY/University of Northern Iowa
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Board of Regents News briefs provides updates on DEI services BAILEY KLINKHAMMER Executive Editor
CAMPUS LIFE
“Go Panthers Guy” talks small scale fame on campus. SEE PAGE 6
SPORTS
Women’s basketball has a successful season start. SEE PAGE 11
On May 9, Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law a code that prohibits regent universities from “establishing, maintaining or funding a diversity, equity, and inclusion office or hiring an individual to perform the duties of a diversity, equity and inclusion office, except as otherwise provided by law or accreditation standards,” as written in Chapter 261J. Since then, regent universities, including the University of Northern Iowa, have continued to work to rearrange university programs to comply with Chapter 261J. UNI eliminated the Chief Diversity Officer position along with the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice. UNI’s Center for Gender and Sexuality Services was eliminated
under Chapter 261J, and the Military and Veteran Student Services office, which fell under the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice, was maintained and reorganized into the Division of Student Life. The Office of Compliance and Equity Management (OCEM) was renamed the Office of Civil Rights Compliance (OCRC). According to the Board of Regents report, “OCRC is responsible for responding to reports of discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct, providing preventative and remedial training, and administering the university’s affirmative action plan. These functions are necessary for compliance with state and federal civil rights laws.” The Center for Multicultural Education (CME) was determined to not meet the definition of a DEI office un-
der state law. Student Accessibility Services, UNI Center of Urban Education and Student Wellness Services were also found to be exempt from Chapter 261J, and are maintained within the university structure. The positions of LGBTQ+ Student Services Coordinator, Multicultural Education Coordinator, and Retention and Mentoring Coordinator under the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice were eliminated. UNI also adjusted many academic advisor positions to be in compliance with Chapter 261J. The two Academic Advisor/Diversity and Inclusion positions under the Wilson College of Business have been adjusted and renamed to Academic Advisor.
UNI Student Gabi Riessen featured in People magazine. Gabi Riessen and her beloved service dog Winnie were featured in an issue of People magazine. The story has already resonated on campus and showcases the important bond between Gabi and her canine companion, who have become fan favorites of the Panther Marching Band at performances in the UNIDome. Riessen, an elementary education major and member of the marching band, lives with a heart condition called postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, also known as POTS. This can cause her to faint without warning. Winnie, her golden retriever, is on alert for signs a spell is approaching and can alert Gabi to keep her safe. The magazine is on newsstands everywhere now.
See DEI UPDATES, page 3