During Thursday’s meeting at the Memorial Union, the Professional and Scientific Council were given an overview of the Department of Safety from ISU Chief of Police Michael Newton.

Community outreach is important to Chief Newton, and he encouraged people to follow the police department on its social media platforms. 

“When I came here we didn’t have a vision, which was a little troubling for me,” Newton said. “We’re trying to build community.”

Newton spoke about some things the department has been working on, including how to handle calls to assist people with mental health related issues. 

He also pointed out that since the invention of the SafeRide ISU app, the number of students requesting rides has almost doubled.

Senior Vice President Brenda Behling also spoke at the meeting. She said the search for a new dean for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is underway. 

“Joe Colletti, senior associate dean in Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and associate director of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, has been named the college’s interim dean,” according to the College of Agriculture website.

The director of benefits from University Human Resources, Ed Holland, addressed the council about the open change that happened in November. 

Open change is a time for employees of the university to change their health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, flexible spending accounts and optional eyewear plans for the upcoming year.  

Jessica Bell gave her executive committee report saying the committee has prepared an overview about the P&S Council to present to Iowa State’s new president, Wendy Wintersteen. Bell said the meeting is set for Dec. 8.

Aaron Fultz, chair of the policies and procedures committee, reported the committee will endorse the sexual misconduct policy.

Tera Lawson, chair of the professional development committee, moved to add Kristi Darr, director of University Human Resources, to the distribution list. The council voted in favor of the motion. 

The council also voted in favor of the donated leave policy motion.

Nominees for the vice president for university community relations, Jason Follett, Kelly Friesleben and Amy Ward also addressed the council.    

“I have gotten to know many P&S staff and merit staff, so that will serve me well in this position,” Follett said.

“With this role, I think there is an opportunity to expand our relationship with the community and what this council does,” Friesleben said.

“One of the things I want to do is be able to talk to new employees,” Ward said, “and help them realize Iowa State isn’t just a job, it’s a family.”

After a brief statement from each, the council voted Kelly Friesleben into the position.