Become a P&S Counselor Substitute

Attend a general council meeting on behalf of an elected council member who is unavailable. 

What is a Professional and Scientific Council Substitute? 

The Professional and Scientific Council values broad representation and active participation across our employee community. In instances when a councilor is unable to attend a scheduled meeting, a substitute may attend in their place to ensure their division continues to be represented. Substitutes may participate in discussions and represent the interests of the councilor’s division.

If you’re interested in serving as a substitute, connect with a councilor or let the Governance committee know by filling out the interest form.

Serving as a substitute is a great way to learn more about the work of the council and to consider future service as an elected member.

Substitutes fill in for an elected council member. They may participate in discussions, ask questions, and represent the interested of the councilor's division during general council meetings. 

If a P&S Council member is unable to attend a meeting, it is the expectation that they will find a replacement. P&S Council members who need a substitute for a council meeting have two options.  

First, ask a fellow P&S employee you know and/or someone you think would be a good future P&S Council member to be your substitute. This will give them the opportunity to experience P&S Council firsthand.  

A second option is sending an email to the list of volunteer P&S employees willing to serve as a substitute. When sending this email, please use the following steps: 

  • Place your email address in the Recipient, aka 'To', box.
  • Place the pands-sub@iastate.edu email address in the 'Bcc' (blank carbon copy) box. This will ensure replies are sent directly to you only and not to the entire distribution list.
  • Type a short message requesting a substitute including meeting details. 

No matter what steps you use to find your substitute, once you have confirmation:

  • Email P&S Council Secretary-Treasurer with the name of your substitute
  • Forward the meeting agenda and materials to your substitute when you receive them from the President-Elect.

Note that the P&S By-Laws do not require that a substitute be from the same representation area. In addition, all substitutes have the same voting rights as elected P&S Council members.

Once you have a substitute, please email secretary, Sara Everson.

Interested In Becoming a Substitute? Reach out Now!