This marks an important time for BCS and the Iowa legislature. Last week, Drew Conrad (BCS/IDM), Dan Beenken (FBC), and Drew James (MCC) presented to the House Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee at the Iowa Capitol, sharing our impact from the past year and how state funding supports BCS programs. We also attended a reception to interact with Iowa legislators and have meaningful, direct conversations. 

We’re looking forward to attending UNI Day at the Capitol on March 25, where UNI’s legislative priorities will be front and center for legislators to learn more about. BCS staff and student employees look forward to interacting with Iowa’s change-makers.

For ongoing information about UNI’s activity in Des Moines, check out the latest legislative updates from our State Relations Officer, Jason Chapman, and stay tuned for dates when Jason will be visiting campus to share updates in person.

• March 14-22 — UNI Spring Break
• March 23, 11 a.m. — BCS All-Staff Meeting (BCS 30)
• March 25 — UNI Day at the Capitol
• April 8 — Cats Who Care: UNI Day of Service
• April 13-17 — National Student Employment Week
• April 16 — Live Purple Give Gold
• April 24 — Student Leadership Awards event

Dean's Search: Mark your calendar to meet the candidates

February 5: Cedar Valley Coffee Connect

Interviews have commenced for the next Wilson College Dean. As part of this process, candidates tour the BCS Building and learn about our work. You are invited to an open forum and a faculty/staff/student meet and greet for each candidate. If you attend, please complete the feedback form to share your thoughts on each candidate. See the full search details here.

Candidate Open Forums and Meet & Greets

• March 2, 2 p.m.—Candidate #3
• March 5, 2 p.m.—Candidate #4
• March 9, 2 p.m.—Candidate #5

All-BCS Meeting on March 23

All BCS employees are invited to meet on Monday, March 23, at 11 a.m. During the meeting, each BCS program will provide a brief update and introduce any “newer” team members they have. You’ll also hear BCS and Wilson College updates during that time. 

Spring into Service: Cats Who Care is UNI’s campus-wide day of service, happening April 8. The IWRC is hosting a South Campus Cleanup Effort from 1-3:30 p.m. that day. Register ahead of time if you’re planning to volunteer. 

If that’s not your style but you’re interested in giving your time to another project, check out the full list of volunteer opportunities here.

• March 3 — Retiring Before 65? Here’s How to Stay Covered Until Medicare
• March 10 — My Well-being: What is EAP?
• March 11 — New Hire Orientation
• March 24 — IPERS: Creating a Secure Retirement
• March 27 — Confidential Biometric Screening
• March 27 — Weekly Campus Walk

Find all HRS events here.

• The JPEC team, which involved over 30 students in their Business Breakthrough event in February.
• Jennifer Trent, IWRC, who was awarded the Gavel Award for her role as US Composting Council President for 2024-2025
• Dan Nickey, IWRC, who obtained his Level One Thermography Certificate to support his work with energy efficiency audits

• March 14 — Bart Schmitz, John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
• March 28 — Dan Nickey, Iowa Waste Reduction Center

• 2022 — Molly Wells, Iowa Waste Reduction Center
• 2024 — Kiptia Lima, Institute for Decision Making

Submit an item for the next monthly BCS Brief newsletter by emailing katie.kreis@uni.edu.