Whether you've worked here seven months or 57 years, there likely are campus experiences you haven't enjoyed yet, say, a glass of wine at Hilton Coliseum's Johnny's, a hike through underground steam tunnels or the polished campus walking tour provided every weekday by the admissions office's student guides.
Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week, March 28-April 1, is designed to help fix that -- and say "thank you." Supported by the offices of the president, senior vice presidents and university human resources, a lineup of special events and experiences is intended to recognize faculty and staff members' hard work and dedication to Iowa State during a couple of challenging years. So, plan to explore campus with your peers and maybe make a few new friends.
"For the past two years, our faculty and staff have shown great commitment and care, made personal sacrifices and gone above and beyond to keep Iowa State moving forward through the pandemic," said President Wendy Wintersteen. "This is an opportunity to show appreciation, reconnect with colleagues and strengthen our sense of community."
More to come
On the heels of spring break, employees will receive an invitation email Monday, March 21, that shares the details of Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week. Due to space limitations that will cap participation in some events, there will be an online registration site, and employees can select events that interest them.
For example, a selfie with a to-be-named campus sculpture earns you a free ice cream from the ISU Creamery. Many know about ISU's 18-hole disc golf course north of the Frederiksen Court student apartments, but did you know the Vet Med campus also boasts a nine-hole course? You're invited out to try it. Curious to learn more about the not-just-paper products you can get from printing services, the new beer brewing lab in Food Sciences or how the student-operated food pantry works? There will be tours for those, too. Several events will include virtual or carry-out options.
Senior leaders shared information about Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week with supervisors this week and asked them to permit their employees reasonable participation while still meeting office needs. Nonexempt staff should remain on the clock if they participate in events during their normal work hours.
