Communication

The President, through both philosophy and practice, sets the tone for open communication at the University. He regularly sends e-mail messages to faculty and staff, thus updating the University community on important topics such as finances, strategic planning, budget planning and priorities, and enrollment, to name a few. In turn, many members of the community use e-mail to share their opinions, suggestions, and comments with him. The President also leads a monthly interactive forum called President’s Council that updates senior officials and solicits their input on matters of University business.

Web sites and e-mail are used extensively to communicate university news and policies. For example, INSIDE IOWA STATE, a publication of the Office of University Relations that serves as the primary communication medium for faculty and staff, is available online as well as in printed format. In addition, University Relations updates news on the university's main web page and on its news page at least daily, and provides a weekly news summary that is distributed through e-mail.

ISU students are “well-connected” and have come to expect electronic communication, which saves time and other resources. One example is the use of WebCT email and chat functions to enhance communication among students and faculty. In addition, the student newspaper represents a major means of on- and off-campus communication. The IOWA STATE DAILY is an independent newspaper written and edited entirely by students. The DAILY readership includes faculty, staff, students and the community at large; it provides a key source of news and event coverage for Iowa State University.

University officials are equally focused on external communications. The Office of University Relations has built strong alliances with local, state, and national media to help ensure that news and information about Iowa State is shared nationwide. The Alumni Association and ISU Foundation both engage in extensive direct communication with their constituencies, using e-mail, web site messages, and traditional mail. In addition, colleges, academic programs, and departments publish over 30 electronic and hard-copy newsletters that reach thousands of students, faculty, alumni, and many other members of the internal and external communities.

Statistical data on all aspects of University operation is readily available in the Fact Book, published by the Office of Institutional Research. A pocket-sized, widely distributed brochure, “It's a fact…,” provides a colorful summary of important information about Iowa State. Produced by University Relations, it is revised annually.

Although advances in technology have proven helpful in enhancing internal communication and, perhaps to a lesser extent, external communication, University employees must find and maintain a balance between electronic and personal interactions. The administration, faculty, and staff are aware that, in order to foster stronger relationships, they must continue to discover and develop opportunities for personal exchanges with University stakeholders. To this end, the President annually spends a full day in at least five Iowa communities, meeting with high school students, civic and service club members, industry representatives, alumni, friends, and news media. He uses these visits to share the University's mission and goals with these constituents. Another popular outreach tool is the Iowa State Speakers Bureau, which provides faculty and staff experts for a variety of speaking opportunities, including service clubs, throughout the state.