Student Testimonials
Joe Alanis
Seneca, Wisconsin
Senior
Mathematics
At UIU, I like how the professors pay individual attention to every student. Academically, I enjoy how flexible and cooperative classes are for Upper Iowa athletes. I'm amazed by the amount of support this small community gives to ensure Upper Iowa is prospering. Upper Iowa's strengths are not in its numbers but in the unity of the community!
Angelina Chanis
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Junior
Communications and Marketing
I love the eight-week term system that UIU uses and how it strives to provide individualized learning. Registering for two (2) subjects only for each eight-week term allows me to focus more on each subject rather than having to split it among four courses in a semester system. The professors are dedicated in helping us to understand the course better, and they give more attention to each student since the classes are small.
I've been here for only a semester now but I've gotten to know so many people, which just goes to show how friendly the community here is. The fact that UIU works hard in raising scholarship funds each year provides many students the opportunity for a quality education without having financial woes. Without the scholarship offered to me, I may not even be here. As a full-time student, an International resident assistant, an events planner for the International Students Association, and a member of Peacock Alumni for Students and Traditions as well as Student Development, I am gaining valuable experiences here which I would have otherwise not been able to get elsewhere. Time management, prioritization, networking, leadership, cooperation, a broader worldview, and independence are some of the skills that I have picked up here as a student.
I'm proud to be a Peacock!
Selena Davant
Focused, friendly, and family describe my experience at Upper Iowa University.
Focused is the academic aspect. I really enjoy the eight-week courses, the small classes, and professors who know their students individually. The eight-week course allows me to stay focused on the subjects that I selected for the term. In addition, instead of learning new subjectsfor an entire semester I learn new onesevery eight weeks, which is much more exciting. I appreciate the fact that professors are available to help us after class or during their office hours; they have time for the students. Coming from a busy city in France, when I attended the University of Paris XII, none of my professors or faculty members knew my first name. Here at Upper Iowa University, I feel very special because my professors know who I am; I'm not just another student or a number.
Friendly describes thepeople at Upper Iowa University and the community. If you need help, such as being stuck in the snow, there isno doubt that at least one person will stop to help you. Throughout the day, people will say "hello" or wave, even if you do not know them; it always brings a smile to my face because it's something that I don't see in abigger city.
Family because I've been here for three years now and havehad the opportunity to meet and create friendships with so many people from different cultural backgrounds, such as Venezuela and Africa, or different states such as Illinois, Florida, or Virginia. Even though we are not from the same place, we are all here to get a great education and also to have a good time—so far I have had the best three years of my life. We aren't just students at Upper Iowa University; we are a family because we support each other's projects, goals, and dreams. The friendships that are created at Upper Iowa will last forever.
Finally, as a full-time student, I'm also a member, treasurer, and do graphic design for my sorority, Beta Theta Omega, a sisterhood that promotes self-respect, pride and personal integrity among women, a work-study employee for the Office of Student Activities that organizes many exciting events for all students, and a former member of the Student Government Association. In my three years at Upper Iowa, I have gained invaluable experiences and skills such as leadership, independence, time management, andunforgettable memories and adventures.
Deratra Hutton
Chicago, Illinois
Senior
Elementary Education
It’s been a great change coming from a big city to a smaller community, but I love the quiet and peaceful atmosphere. People here wave to each other. They never do that in Chicago. I really enjoy the eight-week courses. I can focus on the subject without worrying about four other classes at the same time. And there’s so much to do here, both with the activities on campus and short trips into the communities.
Domingo Kingsley
Harmony, MN
Senior
Sports Communications
I fell in love with Upper Iowa University the minute I stepped on to the campus. I chose Upper Iowa for the personal one-on-one contact with my professors and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the Men's Basketball team. Being part of the great changes here at Upper Iowa makes me realize that I made the right choice on schooling, because nothing is impossible and that is what Upper Iowa has shown at its Fayette campus. No matter what department I am working with at the college, everyone is incredibly nice and willing to do anything for you. That is another eye catcher that I noticed that you don't find everywhere. I am proud to be a PEACOCK, and i will continue to show it everywhere I go!
Troy Parker
Orange, NSW. Australia
Sophomore
Art Major
I originally came to UIU to play soccer and to study in the art program. I didn't know much about what I was getting into, but I wanted to study abroad. Now I love UIU and the Fayette community, and I will totally stay here four years. I live in a city in Australia, so Fayette was really different at first. I didn't know anyone when I came here, but everyone is welcoming – the students, faculty, staff and the president. I miss my family greatly but I never get homesick because of all the support I get, especially from my soccer team who is my family here.
Isabel Sin Sze Wei
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Senior
Marketing and Journalism
I like the friendly and warm community here - especially faculty and staff - as they try to help international students as much as they could with the adaptation to the culture, weather and food. I had originally thought I would attend UIU completely in Malaysia, but I decided to transfer to Fayette, the home campus, so I would be able to gain more exposure and experience studying abroad. I come from a city in Malaysia, therefore coming to a small town like Fayette is a big challenge for me, but it's been very good. I am the President of Peacock Alumni for Student and Traditions where we network with alumni and help students to gain valuable experience while being a Peacock, and I am also the Vice-President for International Student Association where we try to help international students blend into the local culture. And I write for The Collegian, the school's weekly newspaper.
