The Iowa State University Faculty Senate discussed faculty experience and voted and approved new academic programs in its November meeting Tuesday. The meeting opened at 3:30 p.m. by Senate President Meghan Gillette, with an introduction of substitute senators.
How COACHE data details faculty experience
Tera R. Jordan, assistant provost for faculty success and professor of human development and family studies, presented on Iowa State’s participation in the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) consortium.
The core component of COACHE is a faculty satisfaction survey designed to provide information about the faculty experience at their institution.
Iowa State receives individualized reports as well as a comparison to five peer institutions: North Carolina State University, Purdue University, Texas Tech University, University California Davis and Virginia Polytechnic Institute State University (Virginia Tech).
“I would say it’s more than data,” Jordan said. “We are part of a national community of scholars and leaders who are committed to excellence.”
Iowa State has participated in the survey approximately every four years since 2005-06, and the next review process will begin February 2026.
Arnie Cowan, Wells Fargo professor in finance, asked about starting the survey period in January, when professors have more availability.
“We are part of a COACHE cohort, and all of the institutions that we participate in with the cohort all take the survey at the same time, so the survey administration period is locked in by COACHE,” Jordan said.
Unfinished business
Jennifer Schieltz, academic affairs chair, presented a second reading of five new academic programs, all of which were voted for and approved by the Senate. New programs include:
- Undergrad minor: Professional communication
- B.S. program: Animal enterprise and innovation
- Program name change: Minor in animal ecology
- Graduate certificate: Semiconductor engineering
- New undergraduate minor: Planetary science
With all unfinished business accounted for, the Senate discussed new business.
New business
First readings were presented for seven items. Schieltz discussed the termination of the international business secondary major, due to low enrollment and a requirement of 24 credits for a secondary major.
Schieltz also introduced a new master’s program: a Master of Science in nursing.
“It provides nurses with the opportunity to achieve higher level training,” Schieltz said.
Carly Manz, genetics development and cell biology teaching professor, discussed changes to the faculty handbook that will add professional students to a list of populations that may be affected by the policies.
Sarah Bennett-George, an apparel, events and hospitality management professor, discussed FH 5.3.4.1, the post-tenure review timeline.
“The current guidelines for exemption for post tenure review as written are exceptionally narrow,” Bennett-George said. “The goal of the proposal is to modify the handbook.”
Schieltz returned to discuss the introduction of a new distance psychology major that will allow students to complete an online degree program that mirrors the psychology program on campus.
Schieltz also introduced a change to the evaluation of homeschool GPA for admission. Dave Peterson, Lucken professor of political science, asked a question to clarify if the change would affect scholarships.
“This only affects admission; it doesn’t touch the criteria or things like scholarships, is that correct?” Peterson said.
Schieltz said faculty senate has oversight of admissions and that the change would affect admissions only. Schieltz finished new business by discussing the proposed implementation of an accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing program.
The degree would allow students who already have a bachelor’s degree to complete an additional 57 credits and 900 hours of clinical work and receive a second baccalaureate degree.
“Most of the course will be taught by clinical professionals,” Schieltz said.
Announcements
Gillette commented on the presidential search, which came to an end Nov. 11, when David Cook was named president-elect of Iowa State University.
“It was a really positive experience for me,” Gillette said. “I know there were some worries about all of that, but it was a pleasant experience. I hope that can provide some confidence to our colleagues.”
Michael Olsen, faculty senate president-elect, discussed the speakers that will be in attendance at the spring faculty conference. The budget for the conference, which is set for Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., will be presented at the December senate meeting.
Senior Vice President and Provost Jason Keith commented on the presidential search.
“I enjoyed my meetings with President David Cook while he was on campus, as well as his open forum, and I’m excited to work with him when he arrives in March and share the work that we do together to advance Iowa State mission,” Keith said.
Keith discussed the 30th anniversary of Iowa State learning communities and provided highlights from the Board of Regents meeting that was held on campus last Tuesday and Wednesday.
Rachel Frost, student government representative and director of academic affairs, presented notes to the senate.
Frost discussed the parking ticket relief program, clarifying that the program, which allows students to complete volunteer hours in lieu of ticket payment, is currently only available to students, despite faculty who have attempted to participate.
With new business taken care of, the meeting was adjourned at 4:26 p.m.
The next Senate meeting is slated for Dec. 16, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Memorial Union.
