Initiatives

ASPIRE - The National Alliance for Inclusive & Diverse Stem Faculty

Association of Public Land-grant Universities’ Aspire Institutional Change (iChange) Initiative strengthens post-secondary institutions where science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) faculty from underrepresented groups are widely recruited, hired, and retained and all STEM faculty employ inclusive teaching, advising, and research mentoring. Aspire announced Iowa State University as a participant in Cohort 2 of iChange. The National Science Foundation funds this effort.

ACE Learner Success Lab Project

Iowa State University is one of 10 institutions selected to participate in the American Council on Education's Learner Success Laboratory (LSL). The 12- to 18-month initiative, supported by a grant from the Strada Education Network, is an innovative change management process for systems, processes, programs and culture, all aimed at boosting student success. The lab process aims to integrate evidence-based practices for persistence and completion, life design and career exploration, and workforce skills development with the goal of developing a comprehensive strategy for learner success. The lab project will also fulfill Iowa State University’s continuous improvement requirement (Quality Initiative) for the Higher Learning Commission.

Course Material Affordability

Several units across campus – including the University Library, University Book Store, Information Technology, Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, and the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost – are working to make course materials more affordable for Iowa State University's students.

Faculty Climate Workgroup

The Faculty Experience Workgroup – led jointly by the Faculty Senate and the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost – will identify and take action on 3-5 issues of concern, identified by faculty, in response to recent results from the Campus Climate Survey.

Term Faculty Implementation

New titles for term faculty have been approved by the Faculty Senate, senior vice president and provost, and president, and became effective July 1, 2019.

New Student Onboarding

Created in December 2016, the New Student Onboarding Task Force, led jointly by the Division of Student Affairs and Division of Academic Affairs, is reviewing the onboarding process and will recommend changes for improvement.

Academic Affairs Campus Climate Initiatives

The Division of Academic Affairs is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for Iowa State’s students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This ongoing commitment is present in every academic college and unit, and is reported annually to the Provost’s Office.