Professional and Scientific Council Awards Recruitment and Retention Grants - 2004

The Professional and Scientific Council’s Retention and Recruitment Committee recently awarded 14 proposals from their annual allocation to support retention and recruitment efforts. Grant funds are to be used for innovative purposes within the context of the University’s commitment to retention and recruitment. In response to current ISU strategic priorities in 2004-2005, priority points were awarded to projects which addressed recruitment and retention of underrepresented American minority and/or Community College Transfer students.

P & S employees are eligible to submit a proposal each year in August. The call for proposals identifies several priority considerations in the funding process including:

• Impact and measurability on student recruitment and retention. Projects which track impact on recruitment and retention of students over time are encouraged;
• The extent of P&S Staff and students involved;
• The extent to which proposal shows matching funds; and
• The extent of interdepartmental collaboration;

This year’s funded projects include the following:

Name of Project: Beyond the BS: Graduate Fellowships-Engineering your Future
Main Contact: Nancy Knight, Manager, Engineering Graduate Programs, 1401 Coover Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3060, Phone: 515-294-3241 FAX: 515-294-2678
E-mail: nknight@iastate.edu
Abstract: The objective of this project is to coach students through the application process for the prestigious GEM and NSF national fellowships, helping to increase the number of fellows studying at ISU.
Funds Awarded: $1,500

Name of Project: Journey to Success
Main Contact: Sharon McGuire, Director, Academic Success Center, 1076 Student Services Building, 294-6624, mcguires@iastate.edu
Abstract: This program is designed to increase the GPA and retention of students earning <2.0 and receiving financial aid.
Funds Awarded: $2,980

Name of Project: Strengthening ISU-High School Agriculture Student Connection
Main Contact: Jerry Weiss, Pocahontas County Extension, 305 N Main, Pocahontas, IA 50574; phone: (712) 335-3103; weissj@iastate.edu
Abstract: Provide meat quality and food safety information to high school agriculture teachers and students, and evaluate effectiveness of content and awareness of ISU as resource and post-secondary educational opportunity.
Funds Awarded: $1,500

Name of Project: LAS Recognition for Multicultural Student Academic Success Program
Main Contact: Jane Jacobson, Director, LAS Student Academic Serv., 102 Catt Hall, 294-4831, jrjacob@iastate.edu
Abstract: This program is designed to serve as an academic retention incentive for multicultural students in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. The identified students will be recognized for their previous semester’s academic success.
Funds Awarded: $1,500

Name of Project: ISU FIRST LEGO League Mentors
Main Contact: Camille Sloan Schroeder, 409 Marston Hall, Ames, IA 50011, camilles@iastate.edu
Abstract: Our Goal is to partner with the student on campus who can share their successes with the future generation of university students. Through this grant, we would be able to provide hourly pay to students seeking a mentor position , as well as provide them with the training on the operating, mentoring, coordinating and assisting of young students throughout the state FLL program.
Funds Awarded: $3,500

Name of Project: Cross Cultural Seminars: Teaching Cross- Cultural Adjustment Skills to International Students
Main Contact: Dr. Mary F. Barratt, Intensive English and Orientation Program, Department of English, 203 Ross Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50010, 515-294-5628, mbarratt@iastate.edu
Abstract: Expansion of program to teach cross-cultural adjustment skills to international students: widening of audience and augmentation of resources
Funds Awarded: $1,000

Name of Project: Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Shadow Day
Main Contact: M. Monica Bruning, Director, Office of Outreach and Recruitment, 12 Marston Hall, 515-294-9963, mbruning@iastate.edu
Abstract: SHPE and the College of Engineering Office of
Outreach and Recruitment host Shadow Day to connect Latino/a high school students with ISU engineering students as role models on how to access higher education and prepare for careers in engineering.
Funds Awarded: $2,500

Name of Project: Des Moines County Road Less Traveled Project
Main Contact: Don Buzzingham, County Extension Director, 900 Osborn, Burlington, IA 52601, 319-754-7556, buzz@iastate.edu
Abstract: One group of fifty girls, grades 6-9, will be brought to Iowa State University to participate in the Spring 2005 “Taking the Road Less Traveled Conference.”
Funds Awarded: $1,000

Name of Project: Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) Career Awareness Program
Main Contact: Lora Leigh Chrystal, 210 Lab of Mechanics,
lchrysta@iastate.edu, 294-5278
Abstract: The Program for Women in Science and Engineering and Department of Residence will provide a series of opportunities for first year women to explore careers and connect with faculty and industry professionals.
Funds Awarded: $2,000

Name of Project: Construction Engineering: “Staying Power” Recruitment and Retention
Main Contact: Rhonda Wiley-Jones, 451 Town Engineering Bldg., Ames, IA 50011, rwiley@iastate.edu, 515/294-2183
Abstract: To develop 2-3 electronic video clips for CCEE website to recruit prospects and parents with a focus on minority and women students.
Funds Awarded: $2,750

Name of Project: Forestry Explore Program
Main Contact: Ann Hawkins, Student Services Specialist, Natural Resource Ecology & Management, Iowa State University, 134 Science II, Ames, IA 50011-3221, anniehwk@iastate.edu, Ph. (515)294-4796, Fax (515)294-7874
Abstract: To promote careers in forestry through a series of excellent interactive activities targeting an underrepresented population in the Forestry program from community colleges and Des Moines area high schools.
Funds Awarded: $3,000

Name of Project: Early Outreach Program 12th grade reunion and college planning workshop
Main Contact: Maura Flaschner, College Bound Coordinator, Office of Adminssions, 100 Alumni Hall, flasch@iastate.edu, 294-7095
Abstract: This program will re-connect students to faculty, staff and student staff on campus further developing their relationship with Iowa State University. The target population consists of 35 rising 12th grade students (entering in 2006) that have participated in the rising 9, 10, 11 grade Early Outreach Program (EOP) at Iowa State University.
Funds Awarded: $4,000

Name of Project: Engineering Recruitment Video Journal
Main Contact: Jodi Gilbertson, 4-8365, 112 Marston Hall, jlg@iastate.edu
Abstract: We intend to videotape and edit video clips (about 30 seconds each) of current engineering students and young alumni. These clips will be used in our recruitment presentations and on our Web site.
Funds Awarded: $2,750

Name of Project: Ag Career Day
Main Contact: Bernie Havlovic, 53020 Hitchcock Avenue, Lewis, Iowa, 51544, 712-769-2600, bhavlovi@iastate.edu.
Abstract: Ag Career Day attracts high school sophomores and juniors to the Armstrong Research Farm to explore ag careers by offering four hands on workshops selected by students from a list of over fifteen choices.
Funds Awarded: $675

For more information about Recruitment and Retention Grants, go to http://www.pscouncil.iastate.edu/RandR.html. For more information about the P & S Council, go to http://www.pscouncil.iastate.edu.