CSBS Centers & Initiatives
The centers and initiatives within the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences are mission‑critical to the University of Northern Iowa’s purpose. By fusing experiential learning, community engagement, cutting‑edge research and statewide outreach, they elevate academic rigor, amplify our impact and showcase UNI’s leadership across Iowa and beyond.
ARCTICenter
The ARCTICenter is a research center that focuses on developing synergies and collaboration among faculty, staff and students in geography and across campus, who are engaged in research and educational activities pertaining to the Arctic, as well as other remote and cold regions. The lab is partially funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and NASA.
GeoTREE
The GeoInformatics Training Research Education and Extension (GeoTREE) Center is located within the Geography Department at the University of Northern Iowa and the purpose of the Center is to support the effective use of geospatial (Geographic Information Systems, Global Positioning Systems, Remote Sensing, Web mapping) technologies at the University of Northern Iowa and in the state of Iowa.
Patricia A. Tomson Center for Violence Prevention
The mission of the Patricia A. Tomson Center for Violence Prevention (CVP) is to build the capacity of institutions of higher education, PreK-12 schools, victim service agencies and non-profit organizations to systematically implement best practice violence prevention and evaluation strategies in collaboration with state, family and community partners.
Center for Civic Education
The Center for Civic Education enhances civic education among university students, pre-K-12 students and teachers, and the broader public by researching, developing and implementing effective civic learning strategies and encouraging respectful dialogue across differences. The center promotes the values of and offers educational resources on free speech, civic leadership, public service and citizenship.
Center for Social and Behavioral Research
As a freestanding unit within the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, staff members conduct original research and provide applied research services to faculty, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations and public agencies throughout the state. Research services include quantitative (survey) and qualitative study designs, sampling, survey and evaluation instrument development, data collection, data analysis and reporting.
Dementia Simulation House
The Dementia Simulation House offers a unique, hands-on experience to learn what it’s like to live with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Each session includes discussion and guidance from faculty and students within UNI’s Gerontology and Counseling programs, to help increase empathy towards those with dementia and empower care partners.