Professional and Scientific Council Awards Recruitment and Retention Grants - 2005

The Professional and Scientific Council’s Retention and Recruitment Committee recently awarded 15 grants totalling $30,000 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.

P & S employees are eligible to submit proposals 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 were selected for funding by the P&S Council Retention and Recruitment Committee from among 26 submitted in August. The program is in its twelfth year at ISU.

Programs funded, the primary contact person, a brief description of the project, and the amount received are listed below.

Name of Project: LangCasts: Experiencing Languages Through ISU Podcasts.
Main Contact: Julio C. Rodriguez, Instruction Specialist, Foreign Language Learning Resource Center, Iowa State University Foreign Languages and Literatures, 300 Pearson Hall, (515) 294 3415, jcesar@iastate.edu
Abstract: This project is a collaborative effort intended to establish the first ISU podcast service geared towards the recruitment of high-school graduates and first- and second-year ISU students into language learning.
Funds Awarded: $3,925.

Name of Project: Des Moines and Louisa Counties Road Less Traveled Project
Main Contact: Don Buzzingham, county extension education director. Des Moines County, and interim director, Louisa County, 900 Osborn, Burlington, IA  52601, (319) 754-7556, buzz@iastate.edu           
Abstract: This project seeks to expose middle school girls from Des Moines and Louisa Counties to non-traditional career paths and encourage them to consider Iowa State University when making college plans.
Funds Awarded: $1,000.

Name of Project: ISU First LEGO League Mentors Project
Main Contact: Camille Sloan Schroeder, program coordinator, Engineering undergraduate programs, 409 Marston Hall, (515) 294-9965, camilles@iastate.edu
Abstract: This project strategically aligns with four new Iowa FLL teams to offer engineering and design opportunities to rural and demographically diverse school districts to enhance the future generation of engineers and scientists.
Funds Awarded: $2,925.

Name of Project: Martin Hall Challenge
Main Contact: Michelle L. Boettcher, residence halls coordinator, 2106 Martin Hall, (515) 294–9051, mboettch@iastate.edu
Abstract: Martin Hall Challenge will retain students by supporting academics and reinforcing connections with Ames. Relationships cultivated through these activities will strengthen student investment in the university and local community.
Funds Awarded: $925.

Name of Project: Why Opportunity Works: Youth and 4-H, ISU Academic Programs and Careers Make It Happen
Main Contact: Chris Gleason, 4-H program coordinator, Extension 4-H Youth Building, (515) 294-1557, cgleason@iastate.edu           
Abstract: Iowa youth will connect 4-H youth development programs to developing lifelong skills through an interactive exhibit which connects 4-H projects to majors at ISU and then to careers in Iowa.
Funds Awarded: $2,425.

Name of Project: Engineering Labs - Video Tour
Main Contact: Jodi Gilbertson, program coordinator, engineering outreach and recruitment, 112 Marston Hall, (515) 294-8365, jlg@iastate.edu
Abstract: This program showcases Engineering's finest labs via video to convey to prospective students that undergraduates get hands-on experience and access to state-of-the-art equipment. Uses: web sites, presentations, shown to potential donors.
Funds Awarded: $1,675.

Name of Project: Guaranteed 4.O Workshops
Main Contact: Nina Grant, program coordinator, Agriculture Experiment Station, 23 Curtiss Hall, (515) 294-1701 nina1@iastate.edu
Abstract: Focusing retention efforts on incoming freshmen, and academically at risk upper-class students of color, the Multicultural Liaison Officers of all the colleges and the Student Support Services program will integrate the Guaranteed 4.0 Learning System Workshops as part of their academic development programming for their students. This educational series details a unique learning method that teaches the students to Learn How to Learn and ultimately achieve a mindset of academic excellence and success.
Funds Awarded: $3,500.

Name of Project: Journey to Success
Main Contact: Heather Phillips, residence halls program manager, 1076 Student Services Building, (515) 294-6624
hphilli@iastate.edu
Abstract: This is a targeted intervention program designed to increase the GPA and retention of students earning less than a 2.00 and receiving financial aid.
Funds Awarded: $2,275.

Name of Project: This is Agriculture?
Main Contact: Beth Foreman, student services specialist, 23 Curtiss Hall, (515) 294-4548, bforeman@iastate.edu
Abstract: Expanding the perception of agriculture among high school students is key to the College of Agriculture recruitment efforts. The proposed program is a collaborative effort between field extension staff and the College of Agriculture to expand prospective student's perception of agriculture and make the connection between their interests, careers, and majors in the College of Agriculture.
Funds Awarded: $3,325.

Name of Project: Construction Engineering Recruitment Project: Staying Power
Main Contact: Rhonda Wiley-Jones, academic adviser, Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, 451 Town Engineering, (515) 294-2183, rwiley@iastate.edu
Abstract: Funds will be used to produce an on-line video and CDs to help students make decisions about choosing and remaining in Construction Engineering. Work-study students will be hired to organize and track recruitment and retention efforts.
Funds Awarded: $1,425.

Name of Project: Ingenieria con Acento
Main Contact: Monica Bruning, program coordinator, College of Engineering Outreach and Recruitment, 112 Marston Hall, (515) 294-9963, mbruning@iastate.edu
Abstract: Ingenieria con Acento (Engineering with an Accent) - Phase One builds upon the success of Shadow Day by further implementing Rendon's theory of validation to include a holistic approach for recruiting/retaining Latino/a engineering students.
Funds Awarded: $1,425.

Name of Project: A Major Fair!
Main Contact: Dan Rice, academic adviser, Liberal Arts and Sciences, 102 Catt Hall, (515) 294-4831, drice@iastate.edu
Abstract: The fair will offer a "one-stop shopping" opportunity for ISU students to add, change, or select a major or minor that is right for them. Prospective transfer students also will be invited to the fair.
Funds Awarded: $2,425

Name of Project: Wellbody Program
Main Contact: Jeanne Lehmkuhl, program coordinator, 2015G Student Health Center, (515) 294-2722, lehmkuhj@iastate.edu
Abstract: This program is designed to increase knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding nutrition, physical activity, and body image to help facilitate healthier students, thus increasing retention of Iowa State University students.
Funds Awarded: $1,000.

Name of Project: National Society of Black Engineers 2nd Annual Middle School Science and Engineering Exposition
Main Contact: Eli Branch, civil engineering student, 4112 Lincoln Swing, No. 313, ebranch@iastate.edu
Abstract: NSBE hosts a day long expo to introduce young students to engineering and science related fields through interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities. The goal is to produce future scientists and engineers.
Funds Awarded: $925.

Name of Project: Beyond The B.S.: Engineering Your Graduate School Possibilities
Main Contact: Nancy Knight, program coordinator, College of Engineering, 105 Marston Hall, (515) 294-3241,
nknight@iastate.edu
Abstract: This program is designed to inform all eligible College of Engineering sophomores and early level juniors about preparing and planning for the possibility of graduate school. This will allow students to gain first hand information on what graduate education entails, allowing students to make an informed decision about how to complete their undergraduate work to enhance their future career possibilities.
Funds Awarded: $825.