Professional and Scientific Council Awards Recruitment and Retention Grants - 2006

The Professional and Scientific Council's Retention and Recruitment Committee recently awarded 20 grants totalling $45,000 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 June. The call for proposals identifies several priority considerations in the funding process and programs must impact retention and recruitment of students and specifically address one or more goals of ISU's 2005-2010 Strategic Plan.

This year's funded projects were selected by the P&S Council Retention and Recruitment Committee from among 31 submitted with over $116,000 in funding requested. The program is in its thirteenth year at ISU.

Programs funded including a brief description of the project and contact persons are listed below.

Name of Project: Experience ISU: In Your Own Backyard
Main Contact: David Andrews
Abstract: Sometimes you fail to realize what a gem you have in your own backyard! One hundred Story County middle school 4-H’ers will experience the value of Iowa State University education.

Name of Project: Mahaska, Monroe, Wapello Cty Tours
Main Contact: Sue Henderson
Abstract: Provide career-specific campus tours in Art, Engineering/Technology and Agriculture/Veterinary Medicine to 10th & 11th grade students from Mahaska, Monroe and Wapello Counties, showcasing ISU’s state-of-the-art facilities and interactive, educational resources.

Name of Project: Farm Progress Show Exhibit
Main Contact: Elaine Edwards
Abstract: The Iowa State exhibit at the 2006 Farm Progress Show will showcase opportunities for potential and current students using displays and interactive conversations. Nearly 300,000 people from Iowa and surrounding states attend this annual show.

Name of Project: Jump Start
Main Contact: Marc Peterson
Abstract: Iowa State Admissions and DMACC will work together to promote the Admissions Partnership program and other post-secondary education opportunities to 250 Des Moines freshmen students.

Name of Project: Engineering PERK Kits
Main Contact: Camille Schroeder
Abstract: PERK (promoting engineering/recruiting kids) kits will be sent to individuals who express interest and sign up through the www.isek.iastate.edu website designed and developed for promotion of engineering and science to young people in K-12.

Name of Project: Enhancing Climate in Engineering Classrooms
Main Contact: Nancy Knight
Abstract: Data previously gathered in the College of Engineering for a MS thesis research will be analyzed and a workshop will be developed and hosted for faculty and teaching assistants related to best teaching practices related to classroom climate.

Name of Project: iTunes U: College of Engineering
Main Contact: Hiro Iino
Abstract: Showcase engineering student activities by having students create their own promotional audio/video podcast to “iTunes U” for prospective students. It’ll also benefit current students for enhancing the sense of community

Name of Project: Take the Adventure Home
Main Contact: Deb Martin
Abstract: In order to recruit students to Iowa State’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Program, we propose to implement a “Take the Adventure Home Program” where ECpE Student Ambassadors would go into their hometown high schools and talk to students, teachers, and guidance counselors about their college experience and answer questions about Iowa State.

Name of Project: A Major Fair
Main Contact: Dan Rice
Abstract: The Major 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 would also be invited to the fair.

Name of Project: African American Alumni Mentor Program
Main Contact: Lynn Lundy Evans
Abstract: With a goal to increase retention of ISU African American students, the African American Alumni Mentor Program is an opportunity for students to make strong connections with alumni professionals.

Name of Project:Student Support Services Program
Main Contact: Mike Noreen
Abstract: This project proposes to increase the recruitment and retention of first generation and low income students through sharing of this population’s experiences via student video clips on the program’s website.

Name of Project: College Financial Success Program
Main Contact: Greg Forbes
Abstract: In partnership with orientation course instructors, develop students' personal finance skills through in-class instruction with the goals of reducing student indebtedness, reducing financial distractions from academic pursuits, and increasing persistence.

Name of Project: Martin-Helser-Eaton Challenge
Main Contact: Michelle Boettcher
Abstract: These activities focus on academics, service and involvement. By creating opportunities for student interaction and expanding beyond one individual hall, education / social communities where students thrive will be fostered.

Name of Project: Recognition in Oak-Elm Hall
Main Contact: Michelle Fitch
Abstract: This project will reward Oak-Elm women for building community and excelling in academics. It will contribute to the traditions of the hall as well as move to retain women to the hall.

Name of Project: Journey to Success
Main Contact: Andy Alt
Abstract: Journey to Success in an intervention program designed to increase the GPA and retention of students earning less than a 2.00 and receiving financial aid.

Name of Project: Blogging for Distance Learning
Main Contact: Lynette Spicer
Abstract: Multiple blogs by distance learning students and faculty teaching from a distance will give prospective adult students an inside look at Iowa State courses and a sense of community.

Name of Project: Go! E-zine
Main Contact: Michele Regenold
Abstract: This project will pilot test an online teen magazine. Go! will help teenagers understand transportation’s impact on their lives and will generate interest in transportation academic programs at Iowa State.

Name of Project: Graduate Student Learning & Teaching
Main Contact: Karen Bovenmyer
Abstract: The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching would like to offer more programming to better support the professional development of graduate teaching assistants at ISU.

Name of Project: Dept Animal Science Undergrad Marketing Tool
Main Contact: Sherry Hoyer
Abstract: A marketing tool will be developed for recruitment of undergraduate students to the department of animal science. Student opinions on recruitment and avenues for distribution of materials will be investigated.

Name of Project: A Major Experience
Main Contact: Jessica Rohrig
Abstract: “A Major Experience” invites juniors and sophomores in the Educational Talent Search and Upward Bound Programs to explore the majors and career opportunities within each of Iowa State University’s Colleges.