About Us

Professional and Scientific Council

The Professional and Scientific Council at Iowa State University acts as an advocate and resource for Professional and Scientific employees. This elected body represents and is accountable to these employees. The council identifies the needs of its members, provides relevant information, and recommends beneficial policies to the university's administration. They define shared governance as a collaborative decision-making process involving the university's administration, faculty, staff, and students. Their unified effort aims to promote the mission and strategic goals of Iowa State University.

    The Constitution of the Professional & Scientific Council of Iowa State University as well as the Rules and Bylaws of Council define the purpose and functions of the Council, its membership and elections.

    The Professional & Scientific Council is a representative body elected by, and responsible to, P&S employees at Iowa State University. The Council is composed of one representative for every 75 P&S employees as defined by the P&S Council Constitution.  Elections occur each spring and is managed by the Governance Committee.

    What does Council do?

    • The Professional and Scientific Council at Iowa State University acts as an advocate and resource for Professional and Scientific employees. This elected body represents and is accountable to these employees.
    • The council identifies the needs of its members, provides relevant information, and recommends beneficial policies to the university's administration.
    • The Council President and President-Elect meet with University leadership regularly to discuss areas of concern, advocate for P&S Staff and share information.  
    • Committees work to ensure access to professional development opportunities, networking events, advocate for fair, competitive, and transparent compensation and benefits, and recognition of the achievements of P&S Staff.
    • Councilors are your representatives who bring forward concerns to the Executive Committee in order to bring awareness, discussion and advocacy if necessary.
    • General Council and Committee meet monthly to work on priorities and share progress, updates and achievements.

     

    How can I get involved with Council?

    Run for Council

    • Interested in serving on the P&S Council? Here's how the election process works:
      • Step 1: Submit a nomination form (you can nominate yourself or someone else).
      • Step 2: Earn votes from the P&S staff in your division.  Each division often has multiple vacancies, and employees vote for as many candidates as there are open seats. Those receiving the most votes are elected to serve on the Council.
      • Who can run? Only P&S employees
      • Timeline: Nominations typically open in February or March, with elections following in March or April. New councilors begin their term July 1.

    Support the Annual Conference

    • The Professional Development Committee often seeks volunteers to help plan and execute the annual conference — a signature event that relies on many helping hands to be a success. If you're interested in contributing, reach out to the PD Committee Chair to explore available opportunities.

    Present at a Seminar or the Conference

    • We're always looking for engaging presenters for our monthly seminar series and annual conference. Have an idea to share? Submit a proposal for a seminar session, or keep an eye out for our annual call for proposals each fall for the spring conference.