Resources for Students
Travel, Meals, and Reimbursements
IISC provides travel arrangements and reimbursements for trips related to our featured programs. To ensure that the we can successfully plan travel locally and throughout the state, please use the following guidelines and forms. Current students should use the online travel request form to request travel arrangements from us as needed for the completion of projects. The form includes options to request vehicles and hotel rooms. The "travel and reimbursement guidelines" link provides detailed information about travel policies, per diem, and requesting reimbursement for project related expenses.
Student Communication Guidelines and Resources
We encourage our students to communicate about their projects. You can provide photos or updates for social media. In addition, we have a few guidelines about press releases and inquiries.
- Review the Student Communication Guidelines
- Download the Editable IISC Sample Press Release
- Review the IISC Press Release Tips and Instructions
Survey Recommendations and Template
Because we often have many surveys happening simultaneously within a single community, students should coordinate survey creation and distribution for IISC projects with IISC. To be consistent in the use of surveys, we have created a template in Qualtrics that can be utilized and revised by students.
Project Supplies
IISC has a number of supplies available for use by students working on community engagement projects through our office. Supplies are loaned out and distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Students may also request supplies not found on this list.
Document Templates
We recommend using agendas for meetings when appropriate, especially for meetings with community partners. Agendas help guide productive and thoughtful discussions, and meeting minutes provide a record of important points and decisions. These templates can be revised as necessary. Memos are also good professional practice- they include information about the date and recipients.
- Download Meeting Agenda Template #1 (recommended for project team meetings)
- Download Meeting Agenda Template #2 (recommended for meetings with community partners)
- Review Meeting Agenda Tips and Instructions
- Memo Template
Gantt Chart Template
A Gantt chart is a type of bar chart that illustrates a project schedule and the current status. You can use it to make your work plan and track progress on tasks. The link below is for a simple Gantt chart.
SPPA Field Problems Handbook
IISC compiled information and resources for students in the School of Planning & Public Affairs course Field Problems in Planning.
Image and Media Release Forms
Image release forms are used to obtain authorization from project participants (e.g. interviewees) for the use of their image in photographs, videos, or other recordings used as part of the student project. Media release forms provide authorization for use of original content (e.g. an original song from a local musician).
- Download the Image Release Form (for Interviewees)
- Download the Image Release Form (Generic)
- Download the Media Release Form
Final Report and Presentation Templates
Report cover templates are available for students to download and edit to use in their final deliverables to community partners. Our staff can also edit report covers if all necessary information is provided by email at least three days prior to the date needed.
- IISC Final Report Cover (Portrait)
- IISC Final Report Cover (Landscape)
- IISC Final Report Cover (Portrait - PowerPoint)
- IISC Final Report Cover (Landscape - PowerPoint)
Student Survey
The Student Survey helps us assess the strengths and weaknesses of our program and best meet the needs of students. We value student input about our program’s development and often implement suggestions. This survey will be emailed to all students at the conclusion of their projects, and can also be accessed on this site.
General Questions
IISC staff is committed to building stronger communities across Iowa and to increasing student success through engaged-learning opportunities. Please contact us with any questions or suggestions for how we might better serve as a resource.