Days of Service

The UNI community begins every semester grounded in service. The fall semester starts with Panthers Give Back, an event….. The spring semester starts on MLK Day and with Pack the Dome, an event that

The inaugural Day of Service: Cats Who Care was launched as part of UNI’s Sesquicentennial celebration as a way to honor our proud past of serving our community. Rooted in our history of giving back, the University of Northern Iowa is making this day a tradition by hosting a Day of Service: Cats Who Care annually, launching our bold future in continued service and giving.

All Cats Who Care events are supported by the Office of Community Engagement (OCE) partnership with the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley (VCCV).

Get Involved

Questions can be emailed to community.engagement@uni.edu or call (319) 273-4057

There are a number of ways that individuals, organizations and businesses can celebrate UNI’s tradition of service and giving. Show your Panther pride — as a Cat Who Cares, or as a friend or family member of a Cat — by giving back and making a difference in your community.

Below is a list of ways to get involved in Cats Who Care programming.

Individual / Community Members

Volunteer on your own and tell us about your experience. Click here to share your story with us!

Community Organizations / Nonprofits / Schools

Plan a day of service for your team during Spring 2026. Contact Lauren Finke at lauren_finke@vccv.org or call (319) 883-3015
Submit a volunteer opportunity [Click here for details about submitting volunteer opportunities]

Businesses

Plan a day of service for your team during Spring 2026. Contact Lauren Finke at lauren_finke@vccv.org or call (319) 883-3015.
Sponsor a Volunteer Opportunity for UNI’s Day of Service. Contact Julianne Gassman at julianne.gassman@uni.edu or call 319-273-5435.

Faculty / Staff / Students

Submit a volunteer opportunity for UNI’s Day of Service.
Online and distance education students are invited to participate in the border Spring Into Service: Cats who care. Please submit your participation by clicking here. No matter where you are, this is an opportunity to make a difference in your community and as part of the Panther nation.
Participate in the Day of Service on April 7, 2027.
Click here for additional details for UNI’s Day of Service & submitting volunteer opportunities.

Alumni

Be a part of something big when you join fellow Panthers in local communities for a day of service during Spring 2027. No matter where you are, this is an opportunity to connect with fellow alum while making a difference in your community. To learn how you can participate click here. To share your story of service click here.