Celebrating all that's ahead

May 01

Photos by Christopher Gannon.

(above) Computer science major Lal Puii (left), who has a summer internship lined up at Principal, is photographed by Faith Lindenfelser, a student employee in the Ivy College of Business, in the Gerdin Business Building during the first universitywide CYning Day Wednesday. The events, in five locations across campus, recognized student success in securing a co-op, internship, research experience, graduate school or post-graduation job. (front page) Senior Violet Lapke, who graduates this month with an MBA and B.S. in chemical engineering, poses for a photograph at Gerdin.

For your surveys and polls, consider Microsoft Forms

By Anne Krapfl
May 01

1. You'd like some reader input as part of a makeover of your monthly newsletter.
2. You're in charge of the box lunches for your office retreat. Roast beef or ham, white or wheat, chocolate chip or snickerdoodle? You need answers.
3. You're part of a search committee and need an evaluation form to collect feedback on each finalist.

Forms is a tool in the Microsoft product lineup that can help with all these tasks and many more. It's in your apps dashboard and it's free for all faculty, staff and students as part of the university's Microsoft contract.

As the name suggests, Forms is versatile. It's a real-time survey tool that also works well for event registration, voting, satisfaction surveys, award nominations, feedback collection, raffles and other operations functions. You can begin with a template from a gallery or start from scratch, depending on your needs.

Responses are stored within the form itself, and you can view summaries or individual responses. You also may open the data in Excel for a deeper analysis.

"It's pretty intuitive, but it's also powerful. Forms has been around close to 10 years and Microsoft is improving its functionality all the time," said Don Paulsen, a support specialist in the IT Solution Center. He also serves as administrator of Iowa State's academic survey tool, Qualtrics.

"We're encouraging people to select the tool that best fits what your team is trying to do," he said. "If your project doesn't require a complex workflow or lots of statistical analysis; for example, if you're polling your colleagues for pizza toppings for lunch, Forms might be a good fit. Give it a look."

LinkedIn Learning in Workday includes two training modules for Forms, a 30-minute tips option or a more in-depth 60-minute session.

Forms:

• Offers various types of questions, including rating, ranking, multiple choice and branching logic.
• Includes a free-form text response option.
• Groups questions into sections (optional)
• Contains analytics to evaluate responses as they come in.
• Visualizes data in graphs, pie charts and other options.
• Allows collaborators on a form.
• Exports data to Excel.
• Integrates with Microsoft's Power Business Intelligence, an analytics tool set that converts data to visuals for decision making.

Qualtrics is a robust tool for academic research

Paulsen said faculty and staff should continue to use Qualtrics for academic research and more complex surveys and administrative forms. Iowa State renewed its Qualtrics contract last summer.

Similar to cloud data storage providers introducing volume limits across higher education several years ago, Qualtrics also is implementing changes as its university contracts come up for renewal. Where previously there wasn't a limit, Iowa State's contract includes an annual cap of 850,000 survey responses. Paulsen said the university is not at risk of exceeding that this year. If it did, the subsequent overage fee would be distributed among the college and business units that use Qualtrics.

Paulsen reminds campus users of options in Qualtrics that can improve the reliability of their response data by preventing responses from bots and other unintended respondents. Qualtrics users need to turn on these functions in their surveys and other projects.

Questions about uses for the survey tools may be sent to solution@iastate.edu.

Regents approve civics center, two Degrees of the Future

By Anne Krapfl
May 01

Meeting on campus last week, the Iowa Board of Regents approved a new Center for Cyclone Civics and three degree programs, two of which are the fourth and fifth installments to Iowa State's "Degrees of the Future" strategic plan initiative. All three degrees will be available to students this fall.

The Center for Cyclone Civics, administered in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, transitions the initiative announced last fall to a center that will:

• Promote civic literacy, defined as a basic understanding of government, U.S. history and American philosophical traditions.
• Develop civic skills needed for a functioning democracy, including media literacy, critical thinking, problem solving and the ability to find common ground across differences.
• Create a civic disposition, which are attitudes and beliefs that support American democracy and a sense of civic duty.

It will accomplish this through research, curriculum and programming on campus as well as outreach to Iowa residents via extension. A key focus in its second year will be programming around the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The center, which will have a part-time director and part-time support staff member, responds to the regents' November 2023 DEI directive #9. The university has committed $250,000/year for five years to the center, and the director will seek to supplement that with private funds (around $120,000 annually).

The new degree programs are:

• A B.S. in digital and precision agriculture, jointly administered by agronomy and agricultural and biosystems engineering, a degree of the future.
• A Master of finance technology, "fin tech," offered jointly by the departments of computer science, finance, and information systems and business analytics, also a degree of the future.
• A M.S. in supply chain management, an online program that a student could complete in 12 months.

Regents policy manual changes

The board approved changes to its own policy manual that:

• (Chapter 3.20) Requires the universities to post on public websites by the first day of the term a syllabus for all undergraduate courses that includes: course title and number, course description with learning objectives, general outline of topics to be covered, list of required textbooks and general description of the types of assessments to be used.
• (new Chapter 2.2.10) Requires each university to prepare and make publicly available: quarterly financial reports for each operating unit that receives a state appropriation, annual personnel report based on September data, home website link to the state employee salary database, and an annual report of funds exceeding $50,000 that came from a foreign source (excluding international student tuition).
• (Chapter 1.6.F) Changes the board's method for assessing proposed tuition increases, from the projected range of the Higher Education Price Index (HEPI), to staying within the average of the three most recent HEPI inflation indexes.
• (Chapter 2.2.3) Raises the price threshold, from $5,000 to $10,000, for equipment that must be maintained in an inventory list, to align with the federal Office of Management and Budget.

Proposed tuition and fee increases

Without discussion, the regents had a first read of proposed tuition rates for the 2025-26 academic year. A vote is scheduled for the June 12 meeting.

Undergraduate. As proposed, resident undergraduates would pay $9,530 in tuition next year, a $278 (3%) increase from this year. Nonresident undergraduates would pay an additional $1,232 (4.5%), or $28,578 next year, as proposed. Mandatory student fees for all undergraduates would go up a proposed $26 (1.7%), to $1,561. The proposed new fee reflects a $10 increase in the technology fee (to $394) to support student-related software license fees and a $16 increase in the health fee (to $318) to support additional professional positions and higher supply costs.

Graduate. Tuition for resident and nonresident graduate students would go up a proposed 3%, to $11,838 for in-state students and $29,976 for nonresidents. With the same $26 increase, the proposed mandatory fees for graduate students would rise to $1,501 this fall.

Professional. Iowa State is proposing a 3.5% ($1,020) tuition increase, to $30,154, for resident Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students and 3% ($1,848), to $61,554 for nonresident students. Fourth-year veterinary students pay additional tuition for the 12-month curriculum.

Board president Sherry Bates announced a tuition guarantee study group, of regents David Barker and Christine Hensley, to "research the merits of a tuition guarantee program" for resident students at any regent university. The concept is that enrolled freshmen wouldn't experience a tuition increase "during their subsequent years." Bates asked for their report by the board's November meeting.

"Our board feels strongly that we must weigh the cost to our students and their families, while also being cognizant of the need to provide the university the resources they need to continue to provide a first-class education. This is a difficult balance, but we take our charge seriously," she said.

Bates also instructed the three universities to "redouble their efficiency efforts" to find additional savings and reallocations -- much like Gov. Kim Reynolds' DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) task force is trying to accomplish, she said.

Salary policy comments

In anticipation of its annual approval in June of employee salary policies for the year that begins July 1, the board heard comments Thursday from elected leaders of employee groups not covered by a union contract at the three universities.

Faculty Senate president-elect Meghan Gillette said faculty members' work is driven by a "deep sense of purpose and passion." Their commitment to the university and the state of Iowa may create financial pressures, for example, health insurance premium increases that are higher than their salary increases. Faculty departures to other states' more competitive salaries hurt not just the university, but the entire state, she noted.

"Providing competitive salaries and benefits to faculty helps to sustain the partnerships and programs Iowans receive from Iowa State University. By investing in faculty, we honor their dedication, sacrifices and enduring contributions, ensuring Iowa State continues to be a cornerstone of innovation and pride for Iowa and beyond," she said.

2024-25 P&S Council president Jason Follett used many examples to illustrate how P&S staff are a "key cog" in the daily operations and success of the university. Iowa State's P&S are the only regent employee group serving Iowans in all 99 counties, yet they feel undervalued, he said. Flat or decreasing state appropriations put pressure on tuition to "fill some of the gaps" related to aging buildings and salaries that can't keep up with inflation, he noted. But investing in employees is smart because (quoting the Memorial Union's late Col. Harold Pride) they are who "make any college," Follett said.

More ISU agenda items

In other business, the regents:

• Approved 3% parking permit fee increases for the Memorial Union parking ramp. The public safety department didn't seek increases to either parking permits or parking violation fines for fiscal year 2026.
• Approved student residence and dining price increases for FY 2026. Residence hall and apartment rates will go up an average of 6.5%. Academic year meal plans and flex meal plans (25-, 50- and 100-meal packages) will go up 5%.
• Approved a second project budget increase, a $2 million increase (to $14.17 million), to the large animal ward expansion project beginning this spring at the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center. The second increase is due to higher than anticipated construction bids. College funds and private gifts are paying for the phased project, which will wrap up in fall 2027.
• Approved faculty promotions for 60 Iowa State tenure-eligible faculty.
• Honored regent Jim Lindenmayer, who has served on the board since 2018 and whose second term (first full term) expires April 30.

Planning an event? Conference planning team can help

By Jeff Budlong
May 01

Among Jeff Iles' requests as he organizes the annual Shade Tree Short Course, one of his most important speaks to Iowa State Conference Planning and Management's (CPM) value.

"I came to Iowa State as a grad student in 1987, and my first experience with a CPM planner was in 1988," said the horticulture professor. "I ask [event planner] Kim Abels not to retire before I do because she is invaluable and takes so much work off of my shoulders."

The short course -- a two-day event at the Scheman Building that attracts attendees from across the nation -- will celebrate its 70th year in February when nearly 700 visitors come to campus. Iles works with Abels almost year-round to ensure the conference is a success.

While it's part of the operations unit in ISU Extension and Outreach, CPM coordinates internal and external events for all university faculty, staff, student organizations and departments/units. CPM's model embraces the "one university" philosophy and is built on partnerships with other campus units.

The CPM team operates out of the State Avenue Office Building, since last summer independently of Discover Ames. It helps develop in-person, hybrid or virtual conferences, workshops, trainings, tours or other events that take place on campus, in the state or anywhere in the nation. CPM director Jody Larson, six professional event planners and a budget and finance specialist handle about 150 internal and external events each year. She encourages anyone who will host an event to visit with CPM to avoid recreating "a planning wheel we can easily put into motion."

CPM is the contact for external groups wanting to hold multiple-facility events on campus. That includes Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, which brings thousands of visitors to campus from across the globe biannually. CPM also manages the state Department of Health and Human Services' events held across the state and virtually.

"We want to be a resource for everyone and steer them in the right direction so they can have the best event possible," Larson said. "We have the experience putting on events to help people through the process. We help our clients reach university compliance and risk mitigation standards, and we create efficiencies by navigating campus systems and handling aspects like billing, vendor compliance and more." 

How it works

Larson said the process starts with a meeting with an event planner that focuses on objectives, keys to success and needed services.

"Everyone comes to us at a different point in the process," she said. "Some people have an idea but have never done it before, and others are well versed in what they want to deliver and just need support."

The planner takes the information and develops a budget, timeline and plan. Once details are confirmed an agreement is signed, with CPM's management fee based on the scope of the event. 

CPM staff work efficiently with campus service units -- for example, risk management, whose event guidelines must be followed -- but also for any of the optional services clients might request.

"We want CPM in the mix whenever possible," said senior risk and systems analyst Kurt Beyer, risk management, who works with Larson's team when outside organizations bring an event to campus. "They understand what we need to accomplish as far as managing risk, but they also do a lot of behind-the-scenes coordination that brings consistency and efficiency to events -- and that's really to the client's benefit."

Full service

Larson said CPM focuses on event planning and infrastructure, allowing the client to focus on the content. At a typical educational conference -- like the Shade Tree Short Course -- CPM staff might book the venue; assist with registration services; transport speakers, VIPs or all attendees to and from the airport; order food and beverage; arrange for audio-visual equipment or attendants; manage speaker, sponsor, exhibitor and participant details and communications; handle vendor contracts; purchase participant handouts; and more. CPM staff are on site to coordinate the event.

"For speakers, we collect bios, presentations, and confirm room set up and handouts," Larson said. "For sponsors, we handle sponsor management and fulfillment to ensure they receive what they were promised."

For virtual events, CPM goes beyond a traditional Zoom meeting to create a more interactive experience for attendees. It emulates an in-person conference with the capacity to host concurrent sessions, numerous chances for participants to interact with each other and virtual exhibitor booths that allow face-to-face interaction.

Senators asked to complete, share Cyclone Support training course

By Jeff Budlong
May 01

Senators were given an assignment during the April 29 meeting of the Faculty Senate. Leif Olsen, student success and retention specialist in the provost's office, asked senators to better prepare themselves to help students in need by completing the newly developed Cyclone Support training and spreading the word to other faculty and staff.

Available in Workday Learning, the 25-minute, interactive module trains faculty and staff on how to connect students to academic and wellness support services and provides tips for effective conversations with students in need. It includes information on using university processes, including the Navigate software. The person who initiated the conversation receives an email when the student schedules an appointment or declines assistance.

After talking with a student in need and asking if they would like additional help, the faculty or staff member logs into Navigate and selects from a range of assistance topics. For example, a student might need help with financial issues, well-being, academic success, student accessibility or another topic. The student will receive an email and text messages with next steps for support and a direct link to schedule an appointment with an appropriate resource.

"If a student does not complete the recommended steps or schedule an appointment within a few days, a Cyclone Support specialist will contact them through email and text to check in," Olsen said. "They also offer to schedule an appointment for the student."

During training, faculty and staff get to practice issuing a nonemergency connection in Navigate and test their knowledge in exercises that provide real-time feedback and coaching, Olsen said.

Ombuds presentation

University ombuds Laura Smythe shared information about her office and the role she plays with senators. Ombuds services are independent, impartial and confidential for faculty, professional and scientific and merit staff, postdoctoral scholars and graduate and professional students.

"I am an informal office. The university is not put on notice when people talk with me, when folks find themselves in conflict with one another, concerned about the behavior of a colleague or supervisor, questioning whether a policy is being implemented accurately or appropriately," she said.

Smythe cleared up several common myths about her office. Individuals are unable to file a complaint through her office, she can't investigate claims made to her and people are not required to meet with her.

She also offers a variety of coaching and training options that can be scheduled through the office website. Trainings -- which can be customized to need -- include psychological safety, conflict management, trauma-informed workplaces and difficult conversations.

Special guest

Iowa Board of Regent member Robert Cramer was on campus Tuesday. He spent part of his time touring a lab and attended the Faculty Senate meeting where he spoke to senators after its conclusion.

Elections

Three council chairs were elected after terms had expired:

• Academic affairs: Jennifer Schieltz, natural resource ecology and management
• Faculty development and administrative relations: Kevin Duerfeldt, horticulture
• Resource policies and allocations: Annemarie Butler, philosophy and religious studies

Other business

The Faculty Senate will vote in May on:  

• A proposed interdisciplinary major (PDF) and minor (PDF) in digital storytelling -- a Degree of the Future -- in the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication and the music and theatre department. Students would learn to create compelling content for/with digital technology; design digital narratives for business, news media, entertainment or social impact; and evaluate and utilize social media analytics. The minor would help students outside a communications major develop abilities in digital literacy and storytelling.
• A proposal that graduate program specializations (PDF) only need to be approved by the offering program. This would be consistent with the process at the undergraduate level.
• A proposed policy change to the summer academic standards (PDF) that no longer would put a student on academic probation if their summer grade dropped their cumulative GPA below 2.0. Students reinstated for summer session may be dismissed at the end of summer session if they do not meet the conditions of their reinstatement.
• A proposed policy to grant degrees to students facing extraordinary circumstances (PDF). An example could be a student with a terminal illness or one who has suffered a critical injury that would hinder their ability to complete graduation requirements. For undergraduate and professional students, their college may recommend the degree. For graduate students, their department or interdepartmental graduate program may recommend the degree.
• A trio of proposed changes to the faculty conduct (PDF) policies and procedures in the Faculty Handbook. The first addition ensures faculty know which offices, councils and individuals can assist them in dealing with a formal complaint. Another proposed revision would extend the time (PDF) allowed in which to notify the senior vice president and provost of alleged misconduct, and ensure faculty know they can respond to a complaint in writing immediately. The final proposed changes (PDF) deal with the investigation procedures to add clarity to the process. It would tighten some timelines for responses and clarify who can request extensions.
• The proposed replacement of the Faculty Handbook section on faculty salary policies and procedures (PDF) to reflect current practices. Three new sections would address:
  • Other salary increases, beyond performance-based and meritorious adjustments.
  • The process faculty can request for a review of their salary.
  • Definitions of terms used in faculty salary discussion.
• A move for the handbook section on funding for term research appointments, to the section, "Titles for Term Faculty Appointments" (research faculty title and ranks).

Senators approved undergraduate minors in:

• Art (PDF) from the art and visual culture department. The minor focuses on studio art methodologies in several media areas for students with little or no experience with hands-on artmaking.

• Art history (PDF) from the art and visual culture department. It allows non-majors to explore art, architecture and culture across time periods and regions.

• Paleontology (PDF) primarily in the department of earth, atmosphere and climate. It's designed for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics majors to learn about ecosystems, environments and climates, and how fossil evidence benefits their majors.

• Photography (PDF) from the art and visual culture department and the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication. It combines the fine art and photojournalistic approaches to photography to make majors in either more well-rounded in the job market.

The senate also approved:

• A bachelor's of fine arts in illustration (PDF) to help students communicate ideas through images that educate, inform and explain.
• A name change for the master of education specialization (PDF) in curriculum and instructional technology, to educational technology, in the School of Education.

• A change to the policy for a student to repeat a course (PDF) for which the course number or number of credits changed since the first time a student took the course. The determination is made by the department offering the repeat, and a student's advisor no longer will approve the request.

• A policy change that resolves a course incomplete (PDF)  when a student either completes the requirements in an incomplete contract or the resolution date passes. The new grade no longer requires a notation that it resolved an incomplete.

• Ending the requirement that the Faculty Senate approve concurrent bachelor's and master's degree programs (PDF). Updates were made to the Faculty Handbook and the Graduate College Graduate Handbook.

• Updates to the Faculty Handbook to align the section on administrative structure (PDF) to current practices.

Related story:

• Faculty Senate prepares for a busy conclusion to the semester, April 10, 2025