Inside Iowa State: Iowa State University

April 30, 2004

Second forum elicits more ideas on Iowa State's future

by Anne Krapfl
Thinking globally versus serving locally was part of the discussion at a campus forum held April 29 to gather input about Iowa State's future. Thirteen people -- staff, faculty, administrators and students -- participated in the forum. About 60 attended a similar forum held March 26.

Sponsored by the strategic planning committee, the forums were intended to elicit ideas about university challenges and opportunities as work gets under way on a strategic plan for 2005-2010. Similar discussions are occurring in focus groups held on and off campus.

Several participants at the April 29 gathering suggested that Iowa State needs to do more to serve and support the interests of the citizens of Iowa, and that the Legislature's reluctance to increase funding for higher education reflects a diminishing perceived value of the university among Iowans.

Faculty senate president Jack Girton, biochemistry and biophysics, said Iowa State could help the state by participating in the larger world.

"We need to be aware of global trends and see opportunities -- in agriculture, education, science -- that others in Iowa maybe can't see," he said.

The forum, facilitated by Distinguished professor John Schuh, educational leadership and policy studies, focused on four discussion questions. Following are other highlights of the discussion:

What is your vision for Iowa State for the next five to 10 years?

Practically speaking, we're going to be smaller. There are fewer things we're going to be able to do. We have to have a realistic approach to what it's going to cost to be competitive (in terms of top-notch faculty) in some areas. Will we choose to be competitive in those or will we settle for mediocrity in everything we do?
We need to be less dependent on state funding.
We need to get back to our roots as a land grant school -- tie our research to the needs of the state, educate its students, be more in tune to the state of Iowa.
Iowa State should be a place that puts resources into diversity and social justice, and doesn't just talk about valuing them.

What are the opportunities facing Iowa State in the next five to 10 years?

Develop more formalized relationships with Iowa community colleges to bring in transfer students.
Establish better efficiencies among the three regents universities. Maybe Iowa is too small to support three universities.
In light of the declining value of a bachelor's degree, improve professional programs.
If we have to cut back, cut from the bottom: "franchise" syllabi -- to our specifications -- for 100- and 200-level courses to community colleges.
Encourage economical growth by offering more classes online.

What are the challenges facing Iowa State in the next five to 10 years?

Managing the technology and integrating technology to be more efficient university-wide.
The physical campus has been built up to handle large numbers of students, but the numbers are declining.
Replacing retiring faculty and staff is expensive.
Our over-reliance on grants is driving what we do and what we research.
Regaining the position of being valued by the people of Iowa.
Making necessary changes to better serve Iowa's growing minority population.

What are likely to be the key issues facing Iowa State over the next five to 10 years?

Providing competitive salaries for faculty and staff.
Finding -- or maintaining -- the university's focus, recognizing we can't do it all anymore.
Doing a few things really well, but learning to say "no" to other requests. This will be difficult. Iowa State doesn't have any "bad" programs, so there are no obvious ones to eliminate.
Maintaining the campus' physical infrastructure: roads, buildings, sidewalks, utility lines.
Managing the evolving technology.
Keeping the Ames Laboratory contract.
Creating an inclusive environment for all people.