More employees are returning to campus work spaces starting July 1, some of whom may not have seen or experienced much on campus for more than a year. Inside asked several who worked all or much of their time on campus over that period to share a few insights and advice with the returnees.
Bill Diesslin, associate director, environmental health and safety
Bill Diesslin (Photos by Christopher Gannon.)
The most challenging part about working from campus last year. "Locked doors. You really had to plan your time to make sure you had access. Felt a little like a thief or a spy sneaking around campus."
My advice for those returning to campus workplaces. "It may be worthwhile stopping in before your first day of work, just to re-familiarize yourself with where everything is."
What I tell people who may feel anxious or uncertain about returning. "The pandemic has taught me that anything I worry about is probably a shared feeling. So just talk to people."
The best part of being on campus during the summer. "The flowers, trees and animals. I never pass up an opportunity to visit the horse barns."
Mary Clancy, student services specialist, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Mary Clancy
What was most challenging about working from campus last year. "The health and safety of students and staff. The uncertainty and anxiety weighed heavy at times. Trying to stay positive for those who came through the door was a challenge."
My advice for those returning to campus workplaces. "Those of us who were here on campus for a majority of the time are glad to see you coming back. Ask a lot of questions and have the conversations needed with other staff and supervisors to get familiar with any changes so teams can move forward together."
What I tell people who may feel anxious or uncertain about returning. "The vaccine and mitigation practices have proven to be effective in dealing with the virus. They provided an opportunity to slowly return to normal."
The best part of being on campus during the summer. "Taking lunch during the campanile concerts at noon and simply observing the beauty of campus."
Michael Dorneich, associate professor, industrial and manufacturing systems engineering
Michael Dornerich
The most challenging part about working from campus last year. "Zoom fatigue. I did leave my office to teach class face-to-face and socially distanced, but I used Zoom for many meetings with students, faculty and external partners."
What I'm most looking forward to July 1 and beyond. "Having my colleagues back in the hallways. Also, a return to normal means the extra work of developing solutions for COVID-related issues will abate. The extra work was substantial. It impacted all aspects of research, teaching and service."
My advice for those returning to campus workplaces. "Open your office door. Like many others, I got into the habit of keeping my door closed. Getting back into the habit of keeping your office door open will invite those impromptu conversations with students and colleagues that are vital to rebuilding our sense of community."
What I tell people who may feel anxious or uncertain about returning. "Find some measure of control over your own space. There are ways to help organize your workspace so you feel comfortable. These might include rearranging a desk, having cleaning supplies or hanging a sign that says 'Come on in' or 'Please stand at the door.'"
Kelly Frizzell, registered nurse, Thielen Student Health Center
Kelly Frizzell
What was most challenging about working from campus last year. "It was hard to support and reach out to those with questions and fears working mostly remotely. We needed to communicate that we were still here for our students even if we weren't in person. Every day we would bring ourselves up to speed with what had changed overnight, and we would pivot again. It was a challenging time, but also an opportunity to be a part of something so big when our campus needed us. One silver lining of the pandemic has been the opportunity to partner with other departments to support our university in ways we never have before. I think it made us stronger."
"Also, it was lonely. I remember the empty sidewalks and streets, and the outdoor basketball courts with the hoops removed. Just eerie sights like that. I'm sure people felt isolated at home, but we felt a different kind of it working on campus."
What I'm most looking forward to July 1 and beyond. "Students experiencing everything they're supposed to be able to experience. Being at Iowa State isn't just about what happens in the classroom. Also, though we learned a lot about what could be done using Zoom and other apps, I'll be happy not to hear 'You're still on mute, Kelly' again."
My advice for those returning to campus workplaces. "It's not going to be a magic switch. Everyone is going to handle this differently, so we all just need to continue to support each other. Remember that we don't know everyone else's story about how this past year affected them. Take the time to talk to your coworkers and peers, and communicate to your supervisors about concerns. We all may be a bit rusty in some aspects, so communication and grace will be important."
The best part of being on campus during the summer. "As a former student, summer is a very sentimental time for me. It's a time for both endings and new beginnings. It's like the campus is celebrating the successes of the last semester and gearing up for the start of a new one. Last summer, campus seemed extra still as you walked across it. But I knew the work going on from all those campus and home offices showed teamwork, pride and ownership in our university. I'm so proud and grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of it."
Jim Fields, custodian, facilities planning and management
Jim Fields
What was most challenging about working from campus last year. "Going from a building full of students, professors, graduate students and staff, and having daily conversations with them, to an empty or near-empty building. Being alone was wearing, day after day."
My advice for those returning to campus workplaces. "Things are good here, come on back. We're excited to see you again. We're ready to open the doors and welcome you back like a long-lost friend. For those in my buildings [LeBaron, MacKay], if you need something, come to Jim."
What I tell people who may feel anxious or uncertain about returning. "We've been here and done our jobs. Our buildings are clean, top to bottom. I believe the majority has had their shots. We're safe, you'll be safe and it'll be good."
The best part of being on campus during the summer. "The time to regroup, get extra projects done and get my building ready ahead for the start of fall semester. And the ISU Creamery in the Food Sciences Building is open."
Chris Gannon, university photographer
Chris Gannon
What I'm most looking forward to July 1 and beyond. "Getting back to more of the in-person collaborative nature of my work. I really look forward to a campus full of people again, with all the hard work and smiling faces."
My advice for those returning to campus workplaces. "Take a long walk about campus. Visit your favorite spots, and maybe someplace you've rarely or never been. That can provide a good sense of re-connection to our beautiful, diverse work environment."
What I tell people who may feel anxious or uncertain about returning. "Return with your well-being as a priority. Take time to assess what feels best and is most productive for you. Communicate that to your supervisor and coworkers."
The best part of being on campus during the summer. "I capture campus scenic photographs year-round, and in the summertime, campus has a serene calmness to it, bright summer colors and more noticeable wildlife."
Allison Bell, police officer, ISU police department
Allison Bell
What was most challenging about working from campus last year. "We simply couldn't meet face-to-face with many people. It's much easier to build rapport and establish trust with our community when you can meet face-to-face."
What I'm most looking forward to July 1 and beyond. "Attending all the events we missed last year. I'm excited for ISU fans to be able to attend athletics games, concerts and other large events. I am excited, too, for students to once again participate in clubs and activities."
My advice for those returning to campus workplaces. "Those of us who have been on campus are excited to see you come back. Many people have been vaccinated. Custodial staff have done a fantastic job keeping the university clean."
What I tell people who may feel anxious or uncertain about returning. "This change shows the progress we are making and the fact that things are getting better. Know that you're not alone. Check in with the people you love and trust. Therapy and mental health services can be very helpful."
Denise Wolf, assistant circulation coordinator, university library
Denise Wolf
The most challenging part about working from campus last year. "It was often difficult to get answers from people working from home by phone or email. It was frustrating knowing that some could work from vacation destinations without taking vacation time, while I didn't have the same option."
What I'm most looking forward to July 1 and beyond. "More equity among faculty and staff since everyone will be working under the same conditions. I am looking forward to interacting with the whole of campus, students, staff and faculty, not just those who've been here the whole time."
What I tell people who may feel anxious or uncertain about returning. "For those who have any fear regarding COVID-19, I would say the university made every effort to make us as safe as possible. Even at the height of the pandemic, I felt comfortable working on campus with all the safety protocols in place. UHR has provided many resources for employees, and for those who might need additional help with the transition, we always have access to Employee Assistance Program services."
The best part of being on campus during the summer. "I love seeing the tours of new students and their parents as they start their journey at Iowa State. I enjoy walking around our beautiful campus and seeing students on blankets or in hammocks, studying and relaxing. It's a slower pace, but you can feel the excitement building for the fall term. My favorite part is when the band starts practicing in anticipation of the upcoming football season."
