Digital Commons Network^™

Prison Environment And Conditions Affect Recidivism Rates — Norway And South Africa, Hayes Breitbach, Abby Horstmann, Gus Beirman

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

Harsh prison conditions and lack of rehabilitation and reintegration programs in South African prisons reflect the high recidivism rates in the country. South African prisoners are subject to inhumane conditions such as overcrowding and health concerns, violations of human rights, and are stripped of their dignity. Paired with social stigma against those who have been incarcerated, these inhumane conditions lead to poor reintegration and higher recidivism rates. This research project advocates for prison reform focusing on rehabilitation, reintegration, and improved facility conditions. There are multiple examples of competent and humane prisons in the world, such as Norway’s correctional institutions, which …

The Importance Of Domestic Violence Reform In First World Countries, Morgan Klein, Stephanie Hines Meyers, Jasmyne Sauceda, Ark Van Donslear

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

Globally, 1 in every 3 women has experienced intimate partner violence (IPV), and the impact of this prevalent issue extends beyond the boundaries of developed and underdeveloped nations. In the United States, 22% of women have endured IPV, while in New Zealand, this figure stands at 24%. Despite the availability of national resources, frameworks adopted by developed countries are presumed to provide effective interventions through their judicial systems and policies. However, judicial injustices frequently allow perpetrators to persist in their violent behaviors without facing substantial consequences. Measures such as restraining orders or no-contact orders often fail to deter offenders effectively. …

The Impact Of Human Trafficking, Jenna Diprima, Eboni Patterson, Gabriela Meza

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

Human trafficking is a crime that has been documented since the 1500s and continues to be a significant issue, reaching unprecedented levels today. Human trafficking is an act in which an individual coerces/compels another and forces them to provide services for financial gain. Victims often come from connections with people they trust. In 2023, it was monitored that 348 people in the US were victims of human trafficking, 316 of 348 victims were children. Worldwide, however, this number is much higher standing at 49.6 million with Guatemala taking up a significant chunk as it has been estimated that 24.9 million …

Friendship With Violence: The Boffer Larping Community, Cassandra Ralston

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

What is boffer LARPing?

• Live Action Role Play
• Boffer is a term used for foam weapons
• Subsets within community
• Studied active fighters

A Modern Community Men’S Shed, Carly Bendull, Melinda Heinz

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

The inception of the Men’s Sheds Movement began in Australia to bring men together who were socially isolated. At sheds, men converse with each other, make new friends, and engage in activities together. Further iterations of sheds around the world have also been created, including Community Sheds and Women’s Sheds. In the U.S., the Men’s Sheds Movement began in 2016. However, sheds have not been studied as extensively in the U.S. and this paper adds to the literature by further investigating gender, expectations, age, motivation, and participation in a Community Shed located in the Southern part of the U.S. Results …

Re-Framing The Master Narratives Of Learning Dis/Abilities Through An Emotion And Intersectional Lens, David I. Hernández-Saca

Faculty Publications

In this conceptual framework paper, I critically chronicle the historiography, policy, and scientific literatures of learning disabilities (ld) and provide a conceptual framework for reframing these as master narratives. I defined master narratives as the pre-existent sociocultural forms of interpretation. I interrogated the a) cultural-historical; b) the federal definition of ld within idea, c) the educational-professional academic and focused on, the d) social and emotional literature of ld. The master narratives from these literatures included: a) ld as a boy who struggles with reading, ld as a symbolic complex, and the legacy of the term "feebleminded", d) assumptions about learning, …

The Role Of Capital On Literacy And Second Language Acquisition: A Cross-National Comparative Study, Brenda Koumondji

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

Key Context:

• Globalization has increased the demand for multilingual skills.
• Yet, language learning opportunities vary based on national education policies and socioeconomic factors.
• Language learning opportunities are shaped by social structures and vary based on economic,social, and cultural capital (ESC) (Bourdieu, 1986).

Second Language Benefits

• Economic (Brown & Lauder, 1991; Foreman-Peck & Wang, 2014)
• Cognitive and Psychological (Bialystok, 2011; Dewaele & Wei, 2012; Graham, 2017)
• Social and Cultural (Marboua et al., 2024)

Research Focus:

• Cross-national comparison of South Korea, Norway, Chile, and the U.S.

My Internship: Uni Museum, Sydney Blum

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

In the process of this internship, I think I have learned a lot of things with conservation, but the biggest thing that this internship changed is my attitude toward objects. I am significantly more comfortable with historical objects now than when I started. I am now comfortable holding and handling objects without being overly cautious and paranoid.

Inspire Student Research & Engagement Conference [Program] April 7-8, 2025, University Of Northern Iowa

INSPIRE Student Research & Engagement Conference Programs

A program for the INSPIRE conference where undergraduate and graduate students present their research, internship, volunteer and study abroad experiences, club activities and creative performances.

35. Protest 2025. Hands Off! Protest [Article & Images], Holly Hudson Hill, Chris Zoeller

LGBTQIA+ Archive Class Projects

Citation: Hill, H. and Zoeller, C. (2025, April 8). Hands Off Protest. Courier, A1 & A4.

27. Dragaganza 2025: Building A Brighter Future [Poster, April 2025]

LGBTQIA+ Archive Class Projects

A poster promoting the draganza event presented by UNI Proud

Drag-A-Ganza: Pink Pony Princess [Poster], University Of Northern Iowa. Gender & Sexual Services. Uni Proud.

UNI Proud Documents

UNI Proud 2025 Dragaganza poster.

28. Dragaganza 2025: Pink Pony Princess [Poster, April 5, 2025], University Of Northern Iowa

LGBTQIA+ Archive Class Projects

A pink, blue, and purple poster advertising the UNI Proud Drag-A-Ganza. Poster contains 'pink pony princess' text and the image of a pink disco ball.

Community Engagement Newsletter, April 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. Office Of Community Engagement.

Community Engagement Newsletter

Contents:

--- Community Engagement Celebration Day
--- Engaged Department Institute
--- Engaged Faculty Institute
--- RodCon
--- Earth Day 2025
--- Veridian Community Engagement Fellowship: Funds Available
--- Environmental Health Program Mini Grants
--- Koob Fund for Student Community Engagement

Patricia A. Tomson Center For Violence Prevention Spring 2025 Newsletter, University Of Northern Iowa. Patricia A. Tomson Center For Violence Prevention.

Patricia A. Tomson Center for Violence Prevention Newsletter

Contents:

--- Central College Train the Trainers
--- Spring 2025 MVP Train the Trainers
--- MVP Student Leadership Summit
--- Dan Marburger MVP Advocacy Award Ceremony
--- Iowa High School Athletic Association's Conference Connections
--- Oelwein Hearts Diversity Night
--- UNI College of Education's 2025 Social and Emotional Learning Conference
--- Iowa Healthiest State Initiative Conference
--- SAAM Panel Event
--- Tomson Scholars

Csbs Kudos, Spring 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Social And Behavioral Sciences.

CSBS Kudos

Contents:

--- Faculty Accolades
--- CSBS Awards
--- Promotions
--- Retirements: Robert Dise; Carolyn Hildebrandt
--- Scott Peters talks civics education on "Iowa Press"
--- Kelli Snyder receives Iowa Athletic Trainers' Society Educator of the Year Award
--- Nancy Kertz named to 2025 Great Iowa Nurses
--- Bill Henninger receives Fulbright U.S. Scholar award for spring 2025
--- A legacy of leadership
--- UNI Center for Civic Education hosts naturalization ceremony
--- PATCVP hosts inaugural Dan Marburger MVP Advocacy Awards
--- UNI public health students earn top honors at national competition
--- UNI expands access to offer Master’s in History …

A New Application Of The Coimbra Method For Cranial Entheseal Changes, Emily Carlo

Research in the Capitol

The study of entheseal changes (EC) has a lengthy history within biological anthropology, aiding in the reconstruction of habitual activities, lifestyles, and physiological stress experienced by past populations. However, most existing research has focused on postcranial entheses, leaving cranial entheses largely unexplored. This study aims to apply the Coimbra Method, a recent and standardized scoring system, to analyze cranial entheses and investigate the relationship between age, sex, and entheseal changes. By observing and scoring entheses associated with the insertions of five cranial muscles, this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of skeletal plasticity in response to mechanical stress. The …

Who Owns Their Dead: Unequal Access To Reptriation In The United States, Sydney Blum

Research in the Capitol

Museums and scientific institutions in the United States house human remains and important cultural objects in their collections; materials obtained in various manners over the past few centuries. In 1990, Congress passed the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, which mandated that federally funded institutions return Native remains and cultural objects to the affiliated tribe. Over the last three decades the rules have been modified a couple of times with the input of tribes and institutions. This has become an ongoing negotiation process as both public and professional conversations change. In recent conversations of repatriation, the topic has even …

22. Airness [Poster, April 17-25, 2025], University Of Northern Iowa

LGBTQIA+ Archive Class Projects

Advertisement poster for upcoming UNI production Airness. Airness is a production focused on an underdog story of rock and roll through the art of air guitar, pushing the boundaries of gender and gender expression.

Community Engagement Newsletter, March 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. Office Of Community Engagement.

Community Engagement Newsletter

Contents:

--- Community Engagement Celebration Day
--- Engaged Department Institute
--- Engaged Faculty Institute
--- INSPIRE Conference
--- Cedar Valley Nonprofit Awards
--- Earth Day 2025
--- McElroy Youth Leadership Funds
--- Veridian Community Engagement Fellowship
--- Koob Fund for Student Community Engagement
--- UNI Engaged Podcast

Community Engagement Newsletter, February 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. Office Of Community Engagement.

Community Engagement Newsletter

Contents:

--- Engaged Department Institute
--- INSPIRE Conference
--- Community Engagement Celebration Day - Register Now
--- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
--- McElroy Youth Leadership Funds
--- Veridian Community Engagement Fellowship
--- Sustainability Efforts at UNI
--- Certified Nonprofit Professional Credential

A Cross-Cultural Analysis Of Violence Prevention Programs In Central Asia And The U.S. Education Systems, Nilufar Bobjonova

Graduate Research Papers

The rise of youth violence and aggressive behavior has become a significant public health concern, affecting individuals on multiple levels, including physical, economic, social, and psychological well-being. Given the national attention this issue has received in the United States, various prevention programs have been designed to equip children with essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes to minimize their involvement in violent activities (Higgerson et al., 2008). Preventing violence through structured programs is essential for creating safe and supportive educational environments. Schools serve as an ideal platform for implementing these initiatives, as they provide a consistent setting for teaching young individuals critical …

Programs And Courses Catalog 2025-2026, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Programs and Courses Catalogs

Contents:

Academic Calendar ... 5
General Information ... 7
The University and Its Programs ... 7
Academic Structure ... 9
Admission Requirements ... 16
Enrollment and Registration Procedures ... 21
Fees and Financial Aid ... 22
Student Life ... 28
University Facilities and Educational Services ... 33
The Fine and Performing Arts at UNI ... 39
Academic Regulations ... 44
Undergraduate Information and Degree Requirements ... 61
Graduate Information, Admission, Academic Regulations, and Degree Requirements ... 81
List of Programs by Department ... 111
Department of Accounting ... 118
Department of Applied Engineering ... 121
Department of Art and Graphic …

The Legacy Of Redlining: Examining Educational Inequalities In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Emily Brennom

Honors Program Theses

This study examines the lasting impact that redlining, a discriminatory housing practice from the 1930s, has on educational inequalities in the Cedar Rapids Community School District today. Using historical Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) maps, it analyzes how neighborhoods located within previously “high risk” (“D” or red zones) neighborhoods correlate with present day disparities in regards to racial composition, socioeconomic status, low-income, and high school graduation rates. The research further investigates how white flight and urban disinvestment intensified racial and economic inequalities in these areas. Limitations of HOLC maps as the only measure of redlining emphasize the need for policy …

Annual Report Of The Registrar 2024/2025, University Of Northern Iowa

Institutional Effectiveness & Planning Documents

Contents:

--- Definitions
--- Some Comparisons
--- Annual Report Data
--- Summary of Attendance
--- Attendance by Session
--- Full-Time Equivalency Enrollment
--- Degrees Granted 2024/25
--- Degree Summary 2024/25
--- Program Certificates 2023/24
--- Miscellaneous Enrollment Information
--- Degrees Granted by College, Degree and Racial/Ethnic Classification

Community Engagement Newsletter, January 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. Office Of Community Engagement.

Community Engagement Newsletter

Contents:

--- Happy New Year
--- Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement
--- Cedar Valley Young Professionals
--- Service-Learning Course Designation
--- Engaged Department Institute: Save the Date, May 27-28
--- Spring Syllabus Consideration
--- Nonprofit Explore-A-Ganza
--- Certified Nonprofit Professional Credential
--- Community Engagement Celebration Day
--- UNI Engaged Podcast

Barriers To Philanthropy, Emily C. Collins

Graduate Research Papers

Philanthropy is widely regarded as a catalyst for social good, yet significant disparities remain between philanthropic intent and measurable impact. Despite there being more than $550 billion in annual charitable giving in the United States alone, systemic issues such as racial injustice, poverty, and inequality persist, prompting scrutiny of the philanthropic sector's overall effectiveness. This literature review delves into the complexities of the barriers that inhibit philanthropy's ability to create transformational social change. It draws from peer-reviewed literature and practitioner insights in interdisciplinary frameworks. This study examines barriers across three different levels: individual, organizational, and systemic.

On the individual level, …

Graduate Portfolio, Cody Miller

Graduate Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Adverse Childhood Experiences And Chronic Health Conditions In Black Individuals, Emily K. Etringer

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and chronic health conditions among Black individuals of different genders. The study employs quantitative research methods and utilizes secondary data analysis on the 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percent, mean, standard deviation, range, and inferential statistics, such as correlation analyses, independent groups t-tests, ANOVA, and Chi-square tests. This research revealed a statistically significant finding that Black individuals with an ACE score of 4+ have more chronic …

Black Girls In School: The Harmful Effects Of Dehumanization And Disciplinary Inequities, Annika Peterson

Graduate Research Papers

Black girls in the U.S. experience dehumanization through adultification and sexual objectification that impact disciplinary practices in the education system. Adultification stereotypes Black girls as more mature, less innocent, and less in need of protection, which results in harsher disciplinary actions and limited empathy from educators. At the same time, sexual objectification reinforces harmful perceptions of Black girls' sexuality and culpability in their sexual violence victimization. The “Jezebel” and “Angry Black Woman” stereotypes continue to influence how Black girls are perceived as either hypersexual or aggressive. These biases and stereotypes contribute to disproportionate disciplinary measures, particularly subjective infractions like “defiance” …