2026 Faculty Conference

About the Conference

Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Location: ISU Memorial Union, Sun Room
The Spring 2026 Faculty Conference will offer four 90‑minute workshops exploring Workplace Bullying, Conflict Resolution, Creating Psychologically Safe Workspaces, and Ethical Communication. Each workshop will include a 40‑minute presentation, followed by small‑group conversations or activities and a concluding discussion period to bring ideas and perspectives together. 
 
The Spring 2026 Faculty Conference is provided for ISU faculty at no cost, sponsored by the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost.
 
Registration deadline: Friday, March 13, 2026
Conference Schedule
Time Session Presenter
8:30-8:50 Breakfast and Socializing
8:50-9:00 Welcoming Remarks Michael Olsen, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty Senate President-Elect (Bio)
9:00-10:30 Workshop 1: Workplace Bullying Stacy Tye-Williams, ISU, Associate Professor, English
10:30-10:45 Coffee/refreshment Break
10:45-12:15 Workshop 2: Conflict Management Katherine Rafferty, ISU, Teaching Professor, Communication Studies
12:15-1:15 Lunch
1:15-2:45 Workshop 3: Psychologically Safe Workspaces Kiley Fleming, Executive Director, Iowa Mediation Services
2:45-3:00 Coffee/refreshment Break
3:00-3:15 Overview of the Ombud’s office Laura Smythe, ISU Ombuds
3:15-4:45 Workshop 4: Ethical Communication Laura Smythe, ISU Ombuds
4:45-5:00 Closing Remarks Michael Olsen, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty Senate President-Elect

Register for the 2026 Faculty Conference

Registration Deadline: March 13, 2026