The University of Northern Iowa, Strength and Conditioning Department has successfully undertaken IUSCA Independent Department External Evaluation (IDEE). This accolade presents UNI with IUSCA Endorsed status, certifying it's quality and adherence to best practice protocols.
The IDEE program has been developed by the IUSCA in response to demand from the
university sector for a formal and robust assessment procedure, where best practice can be benchmarked and developed.
During the IDEE process, the UNI S&C Department was subject to a robust and detailed audit of its guiding principles, procedures, and outcomes.
Jed Smith, Director of S&C said "The IUSCA's Independent Department External Evaluation (IDEE) is an excellent process to reflect on and evolve your strength and conditioning skills and your department's operating competencies. Through the very thorough evaluation course of action, much reflection is done by a high performance director, where light can be shed on department deficiencies and efficiencies, aiding to move your organization towards best practices in the profession. I would highly recommend any university to engage in the process, which will aid in improving and progressing their department, staff, and ultimately the athletes being serviced.
Overall Benefits of IDEE include:
Strategic Management and KPI Development
Inter-department Collaboration and Structure
Facilities and Equipment Audit and Review
Quality Assurance of Policies, Processes, and Procedures
Staffing - Recruitment, Retention, and Separation
Evaluations, Appraisals and CPD
Student-Athlete Health, Performance, and Wellbeing
Once universities are able to demonstrate the quality of their departments they will gain IUSCA Endorsed status. This award gives recognition to the fact that the university takes seriously student-athlete health and well-being, as well as the development and management of it's staff and resources.
Andrew Langford, Director of the IUSCA commented, “Jed Smith at UNI has developed a world-class performance environment. Our evaluation highlighted the great work the coaches do in developing teams and athletes, ready for the intense demands of Division 1 collegiate athletics. We are proud to award UNI Strength and Conditioning IUSCA Endorsed status”
To find out more about the IUSCA Independent Department External Evaluation (IDEE), please click on the link below or email info@iusca.org
To find out more about the UNI Panthers, please click the following link: https://unipanthers.com/index.aspx