Since last spring, a committee of university leaders has been developing a visitors code of conduct for Iowa State, which is slated to launch next fall.
Tentatively called The Cyclone Way, the code uses as its foundation Iowa State's Principles of Community. It's intended to help university visitors understand that all individuals are welcome on campus and should be treated fairly. Visitors could include athletics spectators, concert-goers, prospective students and their families, friends of current students, vendors and so on.
"Remember, Iowa State is a 99-county campus. We welcome countless visitors each year, whether it's to our campus in Ames or any of our offices across Iowa," said Megan Landolt, member of the code committee and assistant for communications to President Wendy Wintersteen. "It's important that we communicate with visitors about the type of conduct we expect and the culture we want to establish."
The visitors code of conduct is a specific action item under Goal 4 of Iowa State's 2017-22 Strategic Plan. Goal 4 states that Iowa State should "continue to enhance and cultivate the ISU experience where faculty, staff, students and visitors are safe and feel welcomed, supported, included and valued by the university and each other."
The visitors code of conduct will not become formal university policy, but vice president for diversity and inclusion Reginald Stewart said the campus community should embrace its ideals and expect the same of visitors to campus.
"As members of the Cyclone community, we are responsible for the climate we create for one another," he said. "Because of our land-grant mission, we work in service to the public and we want all visitors to be knowledgeable of the living, learning, workplace and social climate we value."
An initial draft of the code currently is being vetted with various university stakeholders. The next step is the development of a communication plan, which Landolt says will include having the visitors code of conduct appear on university web pages, social media and building signage. She also expects President Wendy Wintersteen to discuss it in future meetings and appearances.
