Training Opportunity: Behavior-Based Interviewing

The interview is one of the most critical steps in the hiring process. To assist Iowa State employees who are involved in the interviewing process, University Human Resources is offering free training sessions. Participants will learn about a standardized method of interviewing that is designed to assess how a candidate will perform on the job. 

Two sessions are available to choose from: March 24 and September 15. Both sessions are from 10 a.m. to noon in the Student Innovation Center. Register or learn more here.

January 2026 Kudos Cart

The January Cyclones Kudos Cart was presented to the Health and Human Sciences Extension and Outreach (HHSEO) team. That office was selected by the previous month’s cart recipient, the ISU Extension/Outreach, eCommerce and Distribution team, who commended their HHSEO partner ”for consistently providing educational resources to our eCommerce storefront with efficiency, creativity, and professionalism. Their advocacy of our services within their unit, program area, and college is so very much appreciated as well.” Pictured accepting the cart were Ellen Minnihan (left) and Kristin Taylor.

Compensation Statements in Workday

Starting January 9, 2026, eligible faculty, professional and scientific (P&S) staff, contract employees, and postdocs will be able to access their annual, discretionary performance-based salary increase statements directly in Workday. These statements will outline changes to compensation resulting from the annual performance-based process and will be visible on the Workday homepage under Timely Suggestions for two weeks. This new feature improves transparency and efficiency, allowing employees to access compensation details directly. Managers are still encouraged to discuss salary changes with their teams. Merit staff compensation is handled separately and will not have Workday statements. 

UHR Represents ISU at Local Career Day

Megan Bennington and Liz Norton represented ISU and University Human Resources at the ABC Apprenticeship and Training High School Challenges and Career Day on December 5. This event brings hundreds of high school students to Des Moines to learn more about skilled trades work, showcasing current skills and providing the opportunity to meet potential employers. Iowa State partners with ABC to offer apprenticeship training for some key skilled trades on campus! This is a great pipeline for certified workers in areas where there are hiring challenges.

ISU Earns Well Workplace Award

Iowa State University has been recognized by the Wellness Alliance with the WELCOA Silver Well Workplace Award for its commitment to employee health and well-being. Notably, ISU is one of only two universities to receive the honor in 2025. 

Q&A with Accommodations Coordinator Rachel Large

If you’ve ever had questions about Iowa State University’s accommodations program, please read on for a quick and helpful Q&A with UHR Accommodations Coordinator Rachel Large. 

Paid Parental Leave, Vacation Credit Changes Under “Families First” Law

Starting July 1, 2025, eligible Iowa State University employees will be able to utilize a new paid time off for arrival of child events, pursuant to the Iowa House File 889 which was recently signed into law. Additionally, HF 889 expands state employee eligibility for vacation credit.

ISU Earns Healthiest State Initiative Award

Iowa State received the Healthiest State Award at the 2025 Healthiest State Initiative Annual Awards on April 16, taking home the top honor in the large workplace category. Workplaces, individuals, youth, schools, early care sites, and health care providers were recognized for their efforts to improve the physical, social, and mental well-being of Iowans.

UHR Business Hours

University Human Resources business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays during the academic year. During summer and holiday breaks when classes are not in session, office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. 

The UHR Service Center team is available to assist with general HR questions, such as employee onboarding (Form I-9), benefits, Workday, and payroll sign-up. Please contact us if you need any HR support.

Email: hrshelp@iastate.edu
Phone: (515) 294-4800
In-Person: 1218 Madden Building

You may also check out the HR Portal for a variety of self-service HR topics, available anytime. We look forward to serving you!

Feedback on UHR

“Thank you for all your guidance and partnership on our workforce planning. I feel confident in our plans as we move forward, as well as proud of the work that's been completed to date. The collaboration with your team has been vital in accomplishing our goals.”

“Replies were quick, detailed and helpful, and the follow-up details made the eventual answer more applicable and tailored to my needs."

“Thank you so much for your quick help on a question that I was having such a hard time figuring out for myself! It was so appreciated, and it’s great to know we have this resource to help us get our work done!”

"The information provided was just what I needed and easy to understand ... You guys are the best!"

"I received very prompt and helpful guidance, and my problem was solved quickly and courteously."

"Our HR department is the best of any place I've ever worked. Plus, they get back to you right away!"