UNI group plans campus events, protests this week

Several rallies and events are planned at the University of Northern Iowa this week by a group opposed to academic and program cuts on the campus.

The Citizens and Students United for UNI will host a Save UNI "rally for academics and education" at 4 p.m. Thursday by the Maucker Union wading pool.

"There is no funding crisis. This is not about money. This about about lack of vision, transparency and competency," the group said in an email about the events.

Cedar Valley business owners and others will host a discussion at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Cedar Falls Public Library with the topic "A Real Look at UNI, Business and the Future." That discussion will highlight the economic impact facing the area due to the cuts and Price Lab closure, organizers said.

At noon on Friday, a memorial service for lost academic programs and the lab school will start at Seerly Hall ground floor and proceed to the campanile.

UNI President Ben Allen in recent weeks has announced the

cuts or restructuring to 77 academic programs and the planned closure of the Malcolm Price Lab School, among other budget cuts. The state Board of Regents is scheduled to vote on the academic program cuts at a meeting Wednesday in Iowa City.