Faculty senate president-elect Meghan Gillette (center) visits with student government president Martin Hursh (left) and vice president Quinn Margrett before a joint meeting of the two groups in the MU Sun Room on Monday. Photo by Christopher Gannon.
The Sun Room looked similar to a lot of Faculty Senate meetings on Monday evening, but this gathering was anything but routine. At their first-ever joint meeting, members of the Faculty Senate and student government discussed topics and shared perspectives for more than an hour.
Prior to Monday night, student government representatives had met with senators only to serve on Faculty Senate councils or committees. Student government does have a joint meeting with the Ames City Council every semester.
More than 30 students and 11 members of the Faculty Senate discussed four preset topics:
- The rise of hybrid learning
- Micro-credentials
- Multiple majors, minors or concurrent degrees
- Artificial intelligence in the classroom
Faculty learned about student concerns and strengths students see at Iowa State and faculty shared the reasons behind the decisions they make with their classes.
Hybrid learning drew the most in-depth conversation with students having mixed reactions. Some appreciated the opportunities it provided to fit courses into their schedule while others struggled, especially with group projects. Faculty stressed hybrid learning does not work for all courses, citing science labs or design studios. Others felt they couldn't make meaningful connections with students -- some who turned off their cameras during lectures -- to enhance learning.
"We want this to be an opportunity to build a stronger relationship with the Faculty Senate and provide real input into academic policy being considered at Iowa State," said student government president Martin Hursh.
Faculty Senate president Rahul Parsa concluded the discussion by thanking students for presenting their ideas and getting involved. He said he hoped the joint meetings could continue in the future.
