Faculty Senate: Richardson: Project to get people talking by Linda Charles The most important thing to come out of the campus-wide learning exercise, "Succeeding With Students," may be the discussion itself, Steve Richardson told the Faculty Senate Sept. 12. "The point is to get people talking," Richardson said. "Once you get enough people involved, it's inevitable that they will keep talking about it." Richardson, chair of the Succeeding With Students steering committee, added, "I encourage you to take part and get the people around you involved. This is not a training program; it's a discussion program." Succeeding With Students will bring all members of the faculty and permanent staff together in November in small discussion groups to look at three issues: the overall picture in higher education today, budget issues, and succeeding with students. Several senators expressed reservations about the program, citing a lack of student participation in the discussions and lack of Faculty Senate involvement in the planning. Others questioned why an Ohio firm was hired to assist the university. Richardson noted that students have been involved in the planning process and that he hoped a similar exercise would be done during student orientation. He also said faculty, along with merit and professional and scientific staff, have been involved in the planning. He noted that the project is neither a Faculty Senate nor faculty-only project. The Ohio firm was chosen because of its experience in exercises like this, he said. Senator Richard Seagrave, chemical engineering, said he had participated in one of the program's pilot tests and found it "very enlightening. I really did learn a lot. Don't write it off. My bet is anyone who participates really will enjoy it and find it very useful." In other business, the senate passed a resolution praising football player Troy Davis, who set a school record Aug. 31 when he gained 291 yards on 40 carries, and his teammates and the coaching staff. VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED If you're willing to lead Succeeding With Students discussion groups, contact Vicky Thorland-Oster (phone, 4-9443; e-mail: vlthorl@iastate.edu). "Volunteers, who will guide small groups through an easy-to- follow format, will help Iowa State pioneer an exciting, new staff learning exercise," said Steve Richardson, chair of the steering committee planning the exercise. Volunteers are asked to attend a four-hour training and to guide discussion in at least two half-day sessions (more if they can find the time). Sessions will be Nov. 13, 14, 20, 21 and 30. _____ contact: Linda Charles, Internal Communications, (515) 294- 3129 updated: 9-15-95