Professional and Scientific Council Awards Recruitment and Retention Grants - 2007

The Professional and Scientific Council's Retention and Recruitment Committee has awarded 17 grants totaling $44,885 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; programs must impact retention and recruitment of students and specifically address one or more goals of ISU's 2005-2010 Strategic Plan.

Programs funded for the 2007-08 year are listed below and include a brief description of the project and primary contact person.

Name of Project:  College Financial Success Program
Main Contact:  Greg Forbes
Abstract:  Provide students with financial literacy education through in-class instruction and online modules with the goals of reducing student indebtedness, reducing financial distractions from academic pursuits, and increasing persistence.

Name of Project:  PERUSE (Providing Experiences in Research for Undergraduate Students in Engineering)
Main Contact:  Nancy Knight
Abstract:  PERUSE will provide opportunity for undergraduate engineering students to work with faculty on research.  Studies have documented that such research opportunities not only enhance student success in the academic environment but also contribute significantly to student retention, to successful post-baccalaureate employment, and to the likelihood of students enrolling in graduate school.

Name of Project:  Alternative Breaks Service Trips
Main Contact:  Jennifer Garrett
Abstract:  Alternative Breaks places students in communities to engage in short-term service during Spring Break and one weekend each semester.  Being immersed enables participants to better understand social issues.

Name of Project:  Expanding Go!, an E-zine to Attract Students to Transportation Careers
Main Contact:  Michele Regenold
Abstract:  This project will expand Go!, an online teen magazine about careers in transportation, by publishing six times in 2007-08 and by increasing the marketing efforts.

Name of Project:  4-H ISU Recruitment Trip
Main Contact:  Denise Schwab
Abstract:  This recruitment trip shows 4-Hers what ISU can offer to meet their interests in animal science and veterinary medicine.  They will meet and interact with faculty, staff, and students.

Name of Project:  Opening Doors to a World of Adventures
Main Contact:  Julio C. Rodriguez
Abstract:  Students create digital content that promotes academic and social activities related to the study of world languages and cultures.  Content is delivered online as vodcast and through a digital sign.

Name of Project:  Science Bound Student Ambassador Program
Main Contact:  Frank Bell, Jr.
Abstract:  Upper-level ISU ethnic minority science majors will be ambassadors who work with ISU underclassmen and pre-college minority students from Des Moines, Marshalltown, and Denison to encourage persistence in ASTEM (Agriculture, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) majors.

Name of Project:  Going Mod: Moving the Academic Intervention Self-Assessment Online
Main Contact:  Jill C. Kramer
Abstract:  Each semester 1,800-2,000 Iowa State students are on academic probation.  Moving the Academic Intervention Self-Assessment online is essential to student success by meeting the “24/7” demand of this high-tech generation.

Name of Project:  Graduate Student Learning and Teaching Excellence
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:  ISU…A Destination for all Designers
Main Contact:  Ann Torbert
Abstract:  4-Hers explore design opportunities in Colleges of Design and Human Sciences.  4-Hers tour Universal Design lab, learning community, create designer shirts, talk with ISU students and attend annual Textile Show.

Name of Project:  What is in a Major?  Narratives of Alumni of the College of Business
Main Contact:  Ann Coppernoll
Abstract:  Students are always asking what business majors do.  This project is to produce a DVD, which includes a series of videos of ISU College of Business alumni in the field.  They would talk about what they do and how their education assisted them in getting their job.  The video would be used for recruiting students in high schools, open option students, and other business students who want information about specific majors.

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

Name of Project:  Exploring Agriculture and Iowa State University
Main Contact:  Jim Jensen
Abstract:  “Exploring Agriculture and ISU” is a one-day program that introduces high school students to career opportunities in agriculture and Iowa State University as the place to make it happen.

Name of Project:  DMCA Outreach Initiative
Main Contact:  Sara Kellogg
Abstract:  This program will inform/educate students on the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and the illegality of peer to peer file sharing/copyright violations.  We hope to decrease Student Conduct Code violations and risk of litigation against students to improve their overall experience and retention.

Name of Project:  First Amendment Day
Main Contact:  Lindsay Gilbert
Abstract:  The Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication hosts an annual First Amendment Day in conjunction with VEISHEA.  On April 10, 2008, approximately 150 high school and community college journalism students from central Iowa will have the opportunity to take part in the day’s events.

Name of Project:  Academic Success Peer Educators: Workshop Series
Main Contact:  Craig Zywicki
Abstract:  A workshop series for student leaders with academic responsibilities designed to develop skills, expand knowledge, and provide resources to help reach the academic goals of their organizations and peer students.

Name of Project:  Human Computer Interaction Recruiting Open House
Main Contact:  Pam Shill
Abstract:  What is Human Computer Interaction? Attend the Spring HCI Open House and find out more about this graduate program. The Open House will also be our opportunity to recruit high quality graduate students as well as to promote our program on campus, give our students the opportunity to present their research and technical demonstrations, showcase the research facilities, and give faculty the opportunity for individual interaction with prospective graduate students.