Monday, February 5, 2024

February 2024

EFC Reports

 

University Libraries Committee 

Feb 16 2024 report

Diane Huber and Russ Lenth

 

  • University Libraries Committee met February 16, 2024.
  • University Librarian Update:

John Culshaw (university librarian) gave an update on the libraries. The libraries have been busy: instruction, helping students, etc.  Also, there are performance reviews going on now for P&S and merit staff. They have 175 FTE staff in libraries. They also are busy with recruitment which got worse with the COVID-19 pandemic. They have assisted with a dual-spouse hire. 

Attention is being paid to the work environment (new leadership framework 3.5 years ago; reviewing it now). Working with ITS to review all systems and support structures in libraries (technology is critical to everything they do). UI Center for Advancement philanthropy campaign (Together Hawkeyes) is emphasizing engagement points to track and make sure about engaging individuals. Goal is 3 Billion $. U. Librarian is working with donors.

Provost has commissioned new study for what we need for library physical plant. What are we going to do with the building (remodel??)? Looking long-term: what is the future of the U. and the library in that context. Seeing library as the IMU for teaching/learning. Vendor engaged; will give recommendations. 

DVDs are not being used and thus removed to free up shelf space.

 

  • Presentation: Donna Brooks, program manager, Digital Scholarship and Publishing Studio

Digital Scholarship and Publishing Studio works with students, faculty, and staff on development, design and implementation of digital scholarly research projects and publications. They have N=11 staff. They offer scholarships, summer fellowship, technical assistance, tailored curriculum, and certificates. Time and space plus resources for graduate students (such as 1-on-1 mentorship) are major advantages. Examples of projects were presented and discussed. Examples of collaboration on research grants/studies were discussed. A new podcasting space has been developed (reserved more than 30 times). Their work is helpful for developing online digital teaching aspects. Online request for their help: https://www.lib.uiowa.edu/studio/

 

 

Next meetings: 3/28/24 (1:30-2:30); 4/26/24 10-11 in person only. 

 

 


 

 

Recreational Services Charter Meeting Notes (2/2/24) 

Attendance:
Patrick Taylor, Mallory Valentine, Caleb Recker, Shelley Squier, Matt Stancel, Adam Schuck, Jacob Bryan, Jeanette Luke, Chris Atchison, Brett Cline, Mike Valentine, Danelle Stipes, Daniel Cline, Michele Conlon, Evan Decker, Abby Rivenburgh, Luke Mozena, Shelby Reeves, Emily Hamling, Dave Patton, Alec Tewes, Brian Baxter, Chris Odinet, Raud Kashef, Adam Walsh, Matt Schaefer, Gretta Acheson, Nate Lokenvitz, Alex Voss, Erin Sullivan, Michelle Harder, Emily Downes, Kara Park, Amy Smith, JT Timmons 

Notes:
Welcome Patrick Taylor 

Program Highlights: 

  1. Adventure Recreation: Dave Patton 
    1. Lifetime Leisure Skills Classes: Continue to offer Lifetime Leisure Skills Classes for the 

spring 2024 semester. 

  1. Outdoor Rental Center: With the increase in snow, saw and increase in demand for winter gear rentals. 
  2. Climbing Wall: Continue to offer top rope lessons weekly. Offering three lead climbing lessons for the spring semester. Events for spring include head over heel hook, WTF climbing clinic, sets on the beach. 

 

  1. Aquatics: Emily Downes 
    1. Swim Lessons continue to be popular and are available in both private and group lesson formats. 
    2. IFLY continues to grow the masters swim program with the addition of virtual options. 
    3. Aquatic Program hosting swim meets in February and March. Lap swim at the CRWC will be impacted during these meets. Alternative options will be available at the Field House. 
    4. Pool maintenance will take place in June. 

 

  1. Facility Operations: Caleb Recker 
    1. Facility Usage: Winter is the busy months due to weather which can cause custodial constraints. Usage is being tracked and the busy times continue to be mid-day and post work hours. Promoting other buildings to patrons as alternative options. 
    2. Iowa Turf at the HTRC had a relighting project completed. 
    3. Outdoor Rec Fields Turf project – not complete but planning to program a month earlier than in normal years. 
    4. Field House – considering changes to the North Gym with gymnastics leaving in the future. 
      1. Question (Patrick Taylor): Ideas for the north gym? 
      2. Answer (Caleb Recker): Not at this time. 
  2. Fitness: Matt Stancel 

a. Fitness is comprised of Group Fitness, Personal Training, Specialty Training.
b. Group Fitness: Challenges with employment in the fall semester due to injury or pregnancy. Back to full strength for spring semester. Currently seeing a 10% increase in participation compared to this time last year. Expanded Les Mills programming to provide all 13 programs offered, 10 of those are currently on the schedule.
c. Personal Training: 5% increase in participation.
d. Specialty Program: partnered with Special Olympics to offer powerlifting training provided by personal trainers. 

  1. Member Services: Mallory Valentine 
    1. Current members: 5,200 paid members (non-students). Focusing on recruitment of new UIHC employees with addition of Mercy staff. 

i. Question (Dan Caplan): Average visits for faculty/staff?
ii. Answer (Mallory Valentine): Those that utilize Recreational Services, the average is 4 visit per month.
iii. Question (Alex Voss): Any benchmarking to other schools/programs that have been successful?
iv. Answer (Mallory Valentine): Not to our knowledge. 

  1. Launched new payment software in the fall that has been successful for both staff and participants. 

i. Question (Raud Kashef): Benefits to new payment?
ii. Answer (Mallory Valentine) Helps streamline procedures for staff and improved online registration experience for patrons. 

  1. Rowing: Danelle Stipes 
    1. Rowing operates within our four seasons. Currently planning for spring and summer programming. 
    2. RowFitness is a new fitness program to provide an indoor programming option. 
    3. Indoor Rowing Challenge will take place February 10th at the Field House. 
  2. Sport Programs: Adam Walsh 
    1. Intramural Sports: 5,000 unique participants, 30,000 participations. Record breaking basketball season. Unified basketball returned with 6 teams. 
    2. Polar Plunge will take place on March 30th. This is a fundraiser for Special Olympics Iowa. 
    3. Clubs are active in the spring, over 1500 unique participants. 
    4. Hustling Hawkeyes youth camp will be running this summer – registration opens late February. 
    5. Hired Jacob Bryan as the Sport Programs Coordinator to oversee student supervisor and officials. 
      1. Question (Patrick Taylor): How do you feel students become aware of intramural sports? 
      2. Answer (Adam Walsh): Word of mouth, tabling, social media. After individuals play, they get email notifications. New ideas to reach more students are always welcomed. 
  3. Tennis: Michele Conlon 

a. Adult programming is being offered for both beginner and intermediate classes. b. Cardio tennis continues to be popular as well as private lessons.
c. Junior programming is also available for both beginners and competitive/high performance individuals. 

  1. Tournaments are offered, about 15 per year. HTRC is hosting the state tennis tournaments for both girls and boys. 
  2. Unified programming will be offered end of June. 
  3. Pickleball is being offered. 

New Business Questions
1. Staffing updates: Pat Kutcher, Associate Director of Fitness, retired as of February 1st, 2024.