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.

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 2027 conference will be provided in the fall.

Call For Proposals

The Professional and Scientific Council’s Professional Development Conference is now accepting proposals for the upcoming 2027 conference. We invite you to share your ideas for engaging conference sessions, lunchtime activities, and resource tables.

The 2027 conference, Stronger Through Change, Shaping What’s Next, will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2027, at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center, in South Ames. As C. Joybell wrote, “The only way that we can live is if we grow. The only way we can grow is if we change.” This year’s theme encourages ISU employees to embrace change, grow through new opportunities, and work together to shape the future.

Share Your Ideas

We’re looking for engaging, one-hour conference presentations in four areas:

-Stronger Together (human connection, communication, collaboration, conflict resolution)

-Lead What's Next (leadership at different levels, influence, working with teams, decision-making, navigating change)

-Build Your Foundation (mental and physical health, wellness, financial well-being, resilience)

-Shape Your Future (technical skills, career development, project management, resources)

We are also looking for ideas for lunchtime activities and resource tables. Are there specific resources or services you would like to see represented? Does your department have resources or information to share during lunch? We want to hear from you! Submit your proposal using the proposal form.

All proposals including session presentations, lunchtime activities, and resource tables will be accepted through Friday, November 13, 2026.

All Professional and Scientific staff are encouraged to save the date: February 25, 2027. We hope you’ll join us for the Stronger Through Change, Shaping What’s Next Conference, as we learn, grow, and work together to build what happens next at Iowa State University.

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:

Communication With Impact

Tuesday, October 20th, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm, 1118 Student Innovation Center
Communication with Impact is a session focused on developing reflective and strategic communication skills to strengthen collaboration and professionalism in a university setting.
Register Here: https://www.myworkday.com/isu/learning/course/3e6a657ede371000c46a90474eaf0000?type=9882927d138b100019b6a2df1a46018b

Personal Resilience: Showing Up With Energy & Focus

Thursday, November 12th, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Virtual
In today’s fast-paced higher education environment, stress, change, and competing priorities can take a toll on our energy, focus, and wellbeing. This interactive virtual session explores practical strategies for building personal resilience so participants can navigate challenges more effectively while maintaining their health, performance, and sense of purpose. Participants will learn how chronic stress affects the mind and body, explore the five pillars of personal resilience, and identify small, sustainable habits that support wellbeing. Through self-reflection and guided discussion, attendees will assess their resilience strengths, identify areas for growth, and create a personalized action plan to support resilience at work and beyond.
Register Here: https://www.myworkday.com/isu/learning/course/f53c3c4944d4100152ce1ac89cc80000?type=9882927d138b100019b6a2df1a46018b