Purpose
The ISA Student Leadership Council gives students a meaningful voice in shaping the Iowa Sciences Academy. Members share feedback, suggest ideas, help strengthen student participation and community, and work together to plan and lead the annual March ISA event.

Who Serves

  • The council will include approximately 5 - 10 ISA students.
  • Members will represent a range of majors, academic years, research interests, and experiences within ISA.

What Council Members Will Do

  • Provide feedback to the ISA director and program staff about programming, events, communication, and the student experience.
  • Listen to and share ideas or concerns from other ISA students.
  • Help plan and lead the March ISA professional development or community-building event.
  • Encourage peers to participate in ISA events and opportunities.
  • Offer ideas for how ISA can better support students as researchers and developing professionals.

How the Council Will Work

Student-led: Council members will help identify priorities, shape meeting discussions, develop ideas, and divide responsibilities. Leadership will be shared rather than centered in a formal chair position.

Staff-supported: ISA staff can help schedule meetings, reserve space, provide relevant information, and assist with communication and event logistics. Staff will offer guidance while leaving room for students to shape the council’s work.

Time Commitment

Estimated commitmentApproximately 5-10 hours per semester
MeetingsTypically 2-3 meetings each semester
Other workLimited preparation between meetings and additional planning for the March event

 

Engagement Points

Students who actively participate for the full academic year will earn 3 ISA engagement points.

Active participation includes:

  • Attending and contributing to council meetings.
  • Sharing ideas and feedback thoughtfully.
  • Completing agreed-upon responsibilities.
  • Helping plan and lead the March ISA event.

What the Council Will Accomplish

  1. Plan and lead the March ISA event.
  2. Share student feedback and recommendations with ISA staff.
  3. Recommend at least one practical way to strengthen student participation or community within ISA.

Joining the Council

Interested students will be invited to submit a brief statement of interest. Selection will be based on interest in improving ISA, willingness to listen to and represent peers, reliability, and the ability to participate throughout the academic year.