The Division of Student Life fosters student success by creating and promoting inclusive educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom. The departmental program review process empowers departments within the Division of Student Life to critically evaluate their work and their impact on the UI student experience through a lens of continuous improvement. As a department of the Division of Student Life, the Iowa Memorial Union engaged in a program review process in the Fall of 2022. The Iowa Memorial Union completed a comprehensive self-study and hosted three external reviewers and one internal reviewer for a multi-day visit. The external reviewers were Dr. Ryan Lahne (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), Neela Patel (Rutgers University and ACUI President-Elect), and Susan Pile (University of Michigan). The internal reviewer was Tom Paulsen (Senior Associate Director, Outreach & Recruitment, Admissions). This action plan is intended to be a living document based on the current campus environment. Action items and outcomes may change. 

Table of contents

Recommendations:

  1. Center of Student Life on Campus
  2. Dining and Food
  3. Renovation and Re-imagination
  4. Facility Condition
     

Recommendation #1

Center of Student Life on Campus

By giving students a sense of belonging, opportunity, and a path to success

Year 1 (FY23)

  1. Welcome Center improvements
  2. Hawk Shop Café and Market creation
  3. Incorporate Iowa GROW into Hawk Shop Operations(Follett)
  4.  Increase formal programming (CAB)

ACUI Core Competency

  • Facility Management
  • Marketing
  • Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
  • Event Management

Progress and Success Outcomes

  • Incremental increase in door counts (10% annually)
  • Increased customer counts and sales revenue in Hawk Shop
  • Customer satisfaction surveys score of 8 or above (out of 10)
  • CAB program and participation level increase
  • 100% compliance for Iowa GROW
  • 100th Anniversary becomes a “University” celebration (partners, collaborators, marketing)
     

Recommendation #2

Dining and Food

Create a food program that builds community and vibrancy

Year 1 (FY23)

  1. Launch a successful search for a dynamic Director of Dining
  2. Reconstruct IMU/UH&D committee
  3. Intentional, deliberate, and strategic renovation and IMU space planning

ACUI Core Competency

  • Facility Management
  • Marketing
  • Fiscal Management

Progress and Success Outcomes

  • Increased Customer Counts and Sales revenues post Phase I
  • Hawk Shop Café and Market becomes a destination and driver of increased door counts
  • Customer satisfaction surveys score of 8 or above (out of 10)
  • Offsite catering kitchen maintains quality, delivery, and service 
     

Recommendation #3

Renovation and Re-imagination

Promote well-being, improve building circulation, robust dining program, and reengage with outdoor spaces

Year 1 (FY23)

  1. Prioritize what is important to IMU (goals) related to Renovation: 1) Well-Being Center. 2) Food Service and Circulation. 3) Exterior
  2. Prioritize what has to be in Phase I (vs. Phase II)

ACUI Core Competency

  • Facility Management
  • Student Learning

Progress and Success Outcomes

  • Phase I complete by end of FY26

 

Recommendation #4

Facility Condition

Create a highly visible, safe, functional, desirable, space with a robust Hawkeye theme

Year 1 (FY23)

  1. 1st Floor SE restroom renovation
  2. East Lobby and South Lobby improvements
  3. Digital Map installation at all entrances
  4. Completion of Res Hall Showroom
  5. Begin integrating SLC Designer and Communicator (TBD) into all aspects of IMU & partnerships
  6. Hawk Shop renovation

ACUI Core Competency

  • Facility Management
  • Marketing

Progress and Success Outcomes

  • Incremental increase in door counts (10% annually)
  • Customer satisfaction surveys score of 8 or above (out of 10)
  • Veteran’s Plaza becomes a pride point, and photo opp, for the University—similar to IOWA letters, Herky, etc.
  • Post-renovation IMU becomes a model/trendsetter of Well-being services, and programmatic mix for student unions across the country