Family Weekend
We are excited to welcome UNI families to campus for Family Weekend, September 29-October 1, 2023. This yearly tradition is a great opportunity to make memories with your student, meet other UNI families and learn more about the university.
Registration is now open!
Panthers Against Hunger
Panthers Against Hunger is a new program that allows students the opportunity to donate up to $20 of their unused dining dollars to help students in need get a hot meal. The program is a partnership between the Panther Pantry, the Dean of Students and the Student Emergency Fund, and UNI Housing and Dining. Students are allowed to donate their dining dollars this week (9/25-10/2). Students can fill out the form here. Anyone who doesn't have dining dollars but would still like to donate to the cause can do so here.
Schedule of Events
Keep coming back as we get closer to the event for a more updated schedule!
| Friday, September 29th | Event and Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Starting at 12:00 p.m. through the weekend |
Join the Goosechase! Download Goosechase app to participate |
Join the chase! Submit photos of your Family Weekend experience in Goosechase and earn points! Families who earn the most points by 10 p.m. on Sunday, October 1 will earn Panther prizes, including a UNI Bookstore gift card! Download the Goosechase app and enter experience code X446JJ. Create a team for your family so all members can contribute photos. All photos can be used to complete the UNI Traditions Challenge. |
| 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
Ukraine Art Exhibit Opening UNI Gallery of Art, Kamerick Art Building |
Please join as as UNI welcomes Ukrainian students and their host families with a new exhibition at the UNI Gallery of Art. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, eight Ukrainian high school exchange students were unable to return home and asked universities around the country for help. Only one answered the call: UNI. Please join us to welcome these students to UNI with a new UNI Gallery of Art exhibition by Waterloo native and Des Moines artist Scott Ross. Following the start of the war in Ukraine, Ross created a series of sketches to raise awareness and support. |
| 5:00 p.m. |
Women's Softball vs. Iowa Robinson-Dresser Sports Complex |
Rally behind UNI's Women Softball team as they kick-off the Big-4 Classic tournament here in Cedar Falls against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Admission is free! |
| 6:00 p.m. |
Women's Volleyball Game vs. Valparaiso McLeod Center |
Tickets available online and through UNItix box office starting at $10. UNI Student is Free with student id. |
| 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. |
Family Weekend Check-in Table Maucker Union Coffeehouse |
Don’t forget to check-in during one of the four check-In times over the course of the weekend. Registered families who check-in at one of the four check-in times will have their student entered into a drawing to win one of ten $25.00 gift cards. |
| 7:30 p.m. |
The Play That Goes Wrong Strayer-Wood Theatre *Opening Night Reception to Follow |
An unconscious leading lady, a corpse who can't play dead, a ruffled detective, and a word-mangling butler (among others) must battle against technical gaffes, forgotten lines, and sabotaging scenery in a quest to arrive all in one piece at the final curtain call. Featuring hidden doors, a disintegrating set, and actors who are prone to mishaps, The Play That Goes Wrong, a smash hit on Broadway, London and on multiple international tours, is one of the funniest and best known comedies of the past decade. Use the Family Weekend discount code: STRAYERFAMILY to purchase tickets for $5 online or at the box office. (Regular pricing is $26.) |
| 7:30 p.m. |
School of Music Scholarship Benefit Concert Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (GBPAC) |
The School of Music is excited to welcome Family members to the 42nd Annual Scholarship Benefit Concert! The concert will include performances by the UNI Wind Ensemble, Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra, UNI Suzuki School, UNI Opera, Jazz A Band One and Concert Chorale. |
| 8:00 p.m. |
CAB Bingo Maucker Union, Coffeehouse |
The Campus Activities Board is excited to host Bingo (with UNI prizes) on the Friday of Family Weekend. Event is free and open to all ages. CAB is partnering with Panther Pantry for a food drive. There will be a place for donations during this event. |
| 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. |
Visit the Observatory McCollum Science Hall |
Follow the signs up from the lobby outside of 137 McCollum Science Hall (MSH) to the roof of MSH to visit the observatory and check out the constellations in the night sky. In the case of rain this event will be canceled. |
| Saturday, September 30th | Event and Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
ALL DAY |
Join the Goosechase! Download Goosechase app to participate |
Join the chase! Submit photos of your Family Weekend experience in Goosechase and earn points! Families who earn the most points by 10 p.m. on Sunday, October 1 will earn Panther prizes, including a UNI Bookstore gift card! Download the Goosechase app and enter experience code X446JJ. Create a team for your family so all members can contribute photos. All photos can be used to complete the UNI Traditions Challenge. |
| 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. |
Welcome Maucker Union Coffeehouse |
We hope all families will join us for the Welcome with an introduction of the 2023 Forever Family sponsored by the Alumni Association and opening remarks from President Nook at 9:00 a.m. |
| 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. |
Family Weekend Check-in Table Maucker Union Coffeehouse |
Don’t forget to check-in during one of the four check-In times over the course of the weekend. Registered families who check-in at one of the four check-in times will have their student entered into a drawing to win one of ten $25.00 gift cards. |
| 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Family Pictures and Putting 1st Floor of Redeker Center (Outside of Housing & Dining Office) |
Housing & Dining is excited to host a casual come-a-go event on the 1st floor of Redeker Center. Come enjoy a round of mini-putt and test your skills for a chance to win various prizes. Families will also be provided a space to take a fun group picture with a UNI backdrop and props included. |
| 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. |
Business, Breakfast, and Balloons Curris Business Building (CBB), Hall of Flags |
Business students and their families are welcomed into the College of Business for a morning of food and fun activities for all ages. Current students - come break a balloon to win a prize and a chance to win one of our scholarships! We look forward to getting to know you and your families better. |
| 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. |
Teacher Education Convocation Lang Hall |
The 2023 Teacher Education Convocations and Celebrations are planned for the morning of September 30. These special ceremonies honor the formal induction of students into UNI Teacher Education and their commitment to the teaching profession. Inductees, family, faculty and staff are invited to attend. Students should check their email for registration information. Register today! |
| 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. |
Communication Sciences & Disorder Open House Roy Eblen Speech and Hearing Clinic, 230 Communication Arts Center |
Communication Sciences & Disorders department National Student Speech Language Hearing Association will be sponsoring a department open house. |
| 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. |
Honors & Scholars Open House Bartlett Hall, 3rd Floor |
Visit the Honors & Scholars Programs in their new suite! |
| 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
The Real Dig! Dig site located off of Jennings Drive south of Business & Community Services. Parking available in gravel lot off of Jennings Drive. |
Experience a real excavation as Archaeology students search for remains of the past. Join Dig UNI to learn how archaelogists find clues to campus history by digging and screening for artifacts. |
|
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. |
Explore the Botanical Center Botanical Center |
Come explore a wide variety of plant species - including some rare species of plans that wouldn't normally survive in the northern Iowa climate. Staff will be present to answer questions about the unique plant collection and point out cool plants in each room. |
| 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
Family Weekend Sale University Bookstore |
The UNI Bookstore is having a Family Weekend Sale. Select items and clearance will be marked down. Check out the latest Panther family gear and new arrivals. |
| 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. |
Ukraine Art Exhibit UNI Gallery of Art, Kamerick Art Building |
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, eight Ukraine high school exchange students were unable to return home and asked universities around the country for help. Only one answered the call: UNI. Please enjoy a new UNI Gallery of Art exhibition by Waterloo native and Des Moines artist Scott Ross. |
| 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Celebrating Panther Generations Commons Plaza RAIN LOCATION: 2ND Floor of Commons |
Stop by for a Panther family photo in front of the Campanile, yard games, Panther trivia, and light refreshments hosted by the UNI Alumni Association. All Panther families are welcome, regardless of alumni status. |
| 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Physics Demonstrations & Tour 114 Begeman Hall |
See how demonstrations of low-temperature phenomena and take a tour of Begeman Hall. |
| 11:00 a.m. |
Chemistry Magic Show Lantz Auditorium, McCollum Science Hall 137 |
The student chapter of the American Chemical Society will be performing a series of entertaining and informative chemistry demonstrations. |
| 11:00 a.m. |
Purple & Gold Intrasquad Swimming and Diving Meet Glen F. Henry Swimming & Diving Pool |
Come cheer on your Panther Swim and Dive team in their home-opening intraquad meet at the Glen F. Henry Pool inside the Wellness-Recreation Center (WRC). This event is free for all and a great way to see what's in store for the rest of their season! |
| 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Teacher Education Convocation Lang Hall |
The 2023 Teacher Education Convocations and Celebrations are planned for the morning of September 30. These special ceremonies honor the formal induction of students into UNI Teacher Education and their commitment to the teaching profession. Inductees, family, faculty and staff are invited to attend. Students should check their email for registration information. Register today! |
|
11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. |
Tailgate Lunch at the Dining Centers Piazza & Rialto |
Check out our dining centers for some fun tailgate themed menu items! Discounted prices for this meal are $10 for adults and $8 for guests ages 5-11 paid by credit or debit card. |
| 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
Strayer-Wood Theatre Tour Strayer-Wood Theatre |
Come see where the magic happens! Join us for a guided tour of the Strayer-Wood Theatre. You’ll see two theatre spaces, and have access to all the backstage and specialty production areas. Come see all the equipment and spaces our students work with (and in) to put fabulous production onstage! |
| 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. |
Family Weekend Check-in Table Maucker Union Coffeehouse |
Don’t forget to check-in during one of the four check-In times over the course of the weekend. Registered families who check-in at one of the four check-in times will have their student entered into a drawing to win one of ten $25.00 gift cards. |
| 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. |
Family Fun and Relaxation at Rod Library Rod Library |
The library has some great spaces to relax and spend time with your family including comfy bean bag chairs or the "Tree Room" in the Youth Collection. There's plenty of things to do in the Rod Library with your family, including:
|
| 1:00 p.m. |
Football vs. Youngstown State UNI-Dome |
Tickets available online and through UNItix box office starting at $10. UNI Student is Free with student id. |
| 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
Dracula Rehearsal Shadowing Strayer-Wood Theatre |
Have you ever wanted to be a fly on the wall during the rehearsal process and see how actors, directors, and stage managers get ready for the big show? Now is your chance. TheatreUNI is opening up an hour of rehearsal for Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy to the public so our friends and family can finally see just how the sausage gets made. Come and observe the method behind our magical madness! |
| 6:00 p.m. |
Women's Volleyball Game vs. UIC McLeod Center |
Tickets available online and through UNItix box office starting at $10. UNI Student is Free with student id. |
| 7:00 p.m. |
LeAnn Rimes GBPAC |
LeAnn Rimes is an American singer, songwriter and actress. She originally rose to success as a country music artist at age 13 with 1996's Blue. Don't miss your chance to see her in concert! Tickets are available starting at $45 for adults and $37.20 for youths. |
| 7:30 p.m. |
The Play That Goes Wrong Strayer-Wood Theatre |
An unconscious leading lady, a corpse who can't play dead, a ruffled detective, and a word-mangling butler (among others) must battle against technical gaffes, forgotten lines, and sabotaging scenery in a quest to arrive all in one piece at the final curtain call. Featuring hidden doors, a disintegrating set, and actors who are prone to mishaps, The Play That Goes Wrong, a smash hit on Broadway, London and on multiple international tours, is one of the funniest and best known comedies of the past decade. Use the Family Weekend discount code: STRAYERFAMILY to purchase tickets for $5 online or at the box office. (Regular pricing is $26.) |
| Sunday, October 1st | Event and Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ALL DAY |
Join the Goosechase! Download Goosechase app to participate |
Join the chase! Submit photos of your Family Weekend experience in Goosechase and earn points! Families who earn the most points by 10 p.m. on Sunday, October 1 will earn Panther prizes, including a UNI Bookstore gift card! Download the Goosechase app and enter experience code X446JJ. Create a team for your family so all members can contribute photos. All photos can be used to complete the UNI Traditions Challenge. |
| 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Family Weekend Check-in Table Wellness & Recreation Services |
Don’t forget to check-in during one of the four check-In times over the course of the weekend. Registered families who check-in at one of the four check-in times will have their student entered into a drawing to win one of ten $25.00 gift cards. |
| 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. |
Family Weekend Fun Day with Recreation Services Wellness & Recreation Center (WRC) |
Recreation Services invites you and your family to play in their space! Climb the wall, enjoy some family time in the pool, or a quick game of 2 on 2 basketball. We'd love to see you in the WRC. Help us make sure we've got the event just right for you and your family and tell us how you're planning to spend your time. |
| 2:00 p.m. |
The Play That Goes Wrong Strayer-Wood Theatre |
An unconscious leading lady, a corpse who can't play dead, a ruffled detective, and a word-mangling butler (among others) must battle against technical gaffes, forgotten lines, and sabotaging scenery in a quest to arrive all in one piece at the final curtain call. Featuring hidden doors, a disintegrating set, and actors who are prone to mishaps, The Play That Goes Wrong, a smash hit on Broadway, London and on multiple international tours, is one of the funniest and best known comedies of the past decade. Use the Family Weekend discount code: STRAYERFAMILY to purchase tickets for $5 online or at the box office. (Regular pricing is $26.) |
Visitor Information
Things to do in the Cedar Valley
Parking Options for Weekend
Family members visiting campus for Family Weekend on Friday, September 29, Saturday, September 30, and/or Sunday, October 1, can park in any A, B, C, or R campus parking lot. Those planning to stay overnight on Friday or Saturday night need to park in a C or R parking lots. A parking fee may apply for some of the parking lots on Saturday. If you have any parking questions, contact Parking Operations at (319) 273-3179 or (319) 273-7093.
Families participating in the Welcome on Saturday morning at the Maucker Union are encouraged to park in the Gilchrist A lot, north of University Avenue.
Accommodations
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UNI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact studentlife@uni.edu as soon as possible to make arrangements.
