Inside Iowa State
Oct. 13, 1995
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Students To Join Discussion Groups

by Diana Pounds
Students are being invited to join the discussion during the Succeeding With Students 
learning exercise next month. The small discussion groups that will drive the exercise 
originally were to consist only of faculty and staff, said Steve Richardson, chair of the 
Succeeding With Students steering committee and director of the Center for Teaching 
Excellence.

"However, we asked some students to join the discussion when we tested the exercise 
again last month and it was a great success," he said. "Many who participated in the test 
groups said students added important viewpoints and ought to be included in the learning 
exercise in November."

The exercise is intended to give participants a feel for the big picture in higher education 
and spur discussion on ways Iowa State can better serve students. Participants will meet in 
small groups for four hours of guided discussion.

"We're now seeking students to join the discussion groups," Richardson said. "Those who 
participate will be part of an exciting, new learning exercise and at the same time, help Iowa 
State sharpen its focus on students."

Richardson said faculty and staff volunteers are still needed to guide discussion groups. He 
thanked the 175 who already have agreed to lead discussion. "They demonstrate the 
commitment of this university not only to trying something new, but to moving Iowa State 
forward and giving the best we can to our students."

Students who are interested in participating in the discussion groups or faculty and staff 
who can lead groups should contact Vicky Thorland-Oster, intern in the President's Office 
and human resource services training specialist, 4-9443 (e-mail: vlthorl@iastate.edu). 
Thorland-Oster said all faculty and staff should have received invitations to the 
"Succeeding" exercise. To register for a session, they should check with their departmental 
secretaries or supervisors.

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University Relations
Iowa State University