Life of Learning

Consistent with its institutional mission to “Create, share, and apply knowledge to make Iowa and the world a better place,” Iowa State University is committed to preparing students for lifelong, productive participation in society. In addition, the University seeks to provide a campus environment that offers students, faculty, and staff with a rich array of co-curricular opportunities to learn, lead, and enjoy life. Specific examples of these endeavors are provided in the following sections.

Public institutional statements encourage and protect the freedom of inquiry on campus. In addition, there is a strong tradition of supporting the exchange of ideas, which is embodied in the Committee on Lectures, who helps to bring over 130 speakers to campus each year. Support of diversity includes attention to ways of promoting the diversity of ideas on campus.

Learning organizations need to apply resources to promote a life of learning for its members. Several professional development opportunities for faculty and staff demonstrate the University“s commitment to enhance the personal growth of its members. For example, the Shared Leadership for Institutional Change (SLIC) Project (2001-03) was designed to provide a yearlong leadership development opportunity to members of the University community who had not historically held leadership roles in the institution.

Iowa State celebrates the achievement of students and faculty in acquiring, discovering, and applying knowledge. The institution actively tracks progress in these efforts a nd provides several supporting resources. A large number of recognition programs publicize the institutional value of these achievements and contributions.

The following sections provide several examples of institutional change represent efforts to adapt to changing needs and to better prepare students for lifelong learning. Examples of academic initiatives, reorganization efforts, centers and institutes functions, and curricula changes provide ample evidence of Iowa State’s desire to promote a life of learning.