10-7-98

Contacts:
Tom Hill, Student Affairs, (515) 294-4420
Doug Gruenwald, Student Affairs, (515) 294-6428
Tracy Griffin, News Service, (515) 294-4777

GRUENEWALD APPOINTED TO LEARNING COMMUNITIES POSITION

AMES, Iowa -- Doug Gruenewald, Iowa State University's assistant director for academic services in the department of residence, has been appointed special assistant for learning communities in the vice president for student affairs office. His appointment is effective immediately.

Gruenewald will serve as co-chair for a learning communities steering committee. He will also work closely with Howard Shapiro, vice provost for undergraduate programs, to advance learning community initiatives at Iowa State. Gruenewald will report directly to Tom Hill, vice president of student affairs.

Iowa State colleges began offering student learning community programs in 1995. Students in learning community students take courses together, work with faculty and staff mentors, create their own study groups and, in some cases, live on the same residence hall floor.

Last year, Gruenewald served on a learning communities workgroup that recommended the expansion of program. Currently, Gruenewald is co-teaching a graduate course on learning communities.

Iowa State University President Martin Jischke has allocated $1.5 million over the next three years to enhance the university's learning community program.

Learning communities have grown in popularity at ISU. In fall 1995, 342 students signed up for learning communities. In fall 1998, approximately 1,350 students signed up for 59 learning communities.

Gruenewald will retain his position in the department of residence, but some of his duties will be reassigned.

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Revised 10/7/98