Benefits survey is scheduled for next month

University benefits director Ed Holland told members of the Professional and Scientific (P&S) Council Sept. 11 that university human resources' (UHR) next benefits survey with employees will be conducted next month, Oct. 7-21. The survey is done every three years.

"This is your opportunity to tell us what you think about your benefits, good and bad," Holland said. "We definitely pay attention to the results, and we try to lay out a plan to address some of the things that emerge from it."

Some outcomes from the 2022 benefits survey, he said, were: better benefits on the optional vision plan, introduction of a voluntary benefits plan, and additional programming in the areas of financial well-being and support for parents.

On the heels of the benefits survey, Holland said the benefits open enrollment window this fall is Nov. 3-21.

Holland also shared with the council:

• UHR's Employment and Benefits Service Center moved Sept. 9 to the first floor of the Warren Madden Building, inside the south doors.
• UHR started an employee recognition initiative this month, in which one-, three- and five-year employees (faculty, P&S, merit) receive a congratulations from senior leaders during their work anniversary month. The notes are in Workday. Longer-term employees also receive a note in five-year increments. The council's executive committee was involved in developing the initiative, a complement to the university's longstanding 25 Year Club for employees.
• The content of the WorkFlex website has transitioned to a series of knowledge base articles in the Service Now portal. Access it through the "HR portal" button at the top of UHR websites or find the "WorkFlex" icon under "additional benefits" on the employee benefits website.
• COVID vaccinations are considered a preventive service on the ISU Plan, so there is no cost, including no co-pay, for those covered under the plan who receive a COVID shot this fall.

President's report

2025-26 council president Jennifer Schroeder, who supervises the Birch finance service delivery team, told council members their initial 3-3-3 campaign last spring guided council leaders' July goal-setting for the year ahead (PDF). In this process, councilors ask three workplace-related, open-ended questions of three constituents, and spend three minutes summarizing each conversation. The first round resulted in six items (PDF) identified frequently by P&S staff. Schroeder said she will use the council's monthly digital newsletter to address each of the six items:

• P&S employee onboarding
• Transparency and clarity with the P&S classification and compensation structure
• Supervisor training
• Workday support for employees
• Strengthen campus communication processes
• Advocate for flexible work options

Committee news

Chairs of council committees shared these updates:

Professional development committee: The date is set for the council-hosted annual professional development event for P&S employees: Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, in the Scheman Building, Iowa State Center.

Governance committee: Interested P&S employees are encouraged to register as a substitute council member to serve when a representative in their division is unable to attend or recruit a substitute. Get on the list by submitting a short interest form on the council website.