Professional Development

Professional development for Professional and Scientific Employees at Iowa State University has long been a priority for the Professional and Scientific Council. We believe that investing in your personal and professional growth is also an investment in the university’s success. Through the work of the Professional Development Committee and the Professional Development Conference Sub-Committee, the council hosts monthly Seminar Series events and plans an annual full-day conference. These offerings focus on topics relevant to P&S employees and are designed to support their ongoing development. The goals of these activities are to help employees build new skills, strengthen existing ones, access valuable resources, connect with others, and engage in meaningful conversations.

Connect with the Professional Development Committee at pands-pd@iastate.edu.

Professional Development Conference 2026 Partnership

This year the Professional Development Conference is partnering with the Parenting Student Resource Pantry to help stock the pantry with supplies for pregnant and parenting students. Donations brought to the conference will earn attendees more raffle tickets to use on prizes at the conference.

The Parenting Student Resource Pantry supports ISU undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who are pregnant or parenting young children. Operated by the Office of Child Care and Family Services, the pantry provides free essential items to parenting student families. Usage has increased each semester since the pantry opened in Summer 2024 and welcomed nearly 300 visitors in the Fall 2025 semester alone.

Located in the ISU Family Resource Center in University Village, the pantry relies almost exclusively on donations and community generosity. All donations are appreciated, with current needs including:

Baby wipes (fragrance‑free or sensitive)
Hand soap
Kids’ snacks (yogurt melts, puffs, teething wafers, kids’ bars)
Rice cereal
Boxed pasta and pasta sauce
Children’s books
Kleenex

They also maintain an Amazon Wish List and gladly accept similar items purchased anywhere. Charitable cash contributions may be made through their dedicated ISU Foundation account.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about the pantry, please email ccfamily@iastate.edu.

Each year the Professional Development committee organizes a conference designed for P&S employees. This conference is the perfect opportunity to invest in your personal growth, expand your skills, and contribute to your long-term success within the university. Whether you're looking to improve your technical capabilities, refine your soft skills, or stay ahead of workplace trends, there’s something here for you. More information about the 2026 conference will be provided in the fall.

The 2026 Professional Development Conference is currently full but waitlist spots are still available. Sign up for the waitlist today.

The Professional and Scientific Council hosts presentations, seminars, and workshops on topics of relevance to P&S employees through our Council Seminar Series. The Seminar Series events are led by our Professional Development Committee (pands-pd@iastate.edu), and announcements for upcoming events are made via the Council Newsletter. All P&S employees and guests are welcome to attend. Please join us and bring questions for the speaker(s).

You can pre-register for all events and attend virtual events in Workday Learning. If you are not familiar with Workday Learning, you can find instructions through this Knowledge Base Article.

Upcoming Seminar Series:

Check back soon for 2026 Seminar Series