| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 59.34 |
| Liaison | Elizabeth MacKenzie |
| Submission Date | July 24, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Iowa
OP-18: Support for Sustainable Transportation
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Michelle
Ribble Assistant Director, MGMT Svcs Parking and Transportation |
Does the institution provide secure bicycle storage (not including office space), shower facilities, and lockers for bicycle commuters?:
A brief description of the facilities for bicycle commuters:
The University of Iowa provides covered bicycle parking, shower facilities, and lockers for bicycle commuters in the College of Public Health Building. There are also bicycle commuting support facilities in the University Capitol Centre and the Iowa Hygienic Lab building. The UI Campus Wellness and Recreation Center provides racks, shower facilities, and lockers for paying customers (students have free access because the fee is included in their tuition). Bicycle repair stations have been installed in two locations on campus, and additional locations are being considered. Bicycle racks are available for secure bicycle parking throughout campus.
Does the institution provide short-term bicycle parking for all occupied buildings and makes long-term bicycle storage available for students who live on-site (if applicable)?:
A brief description of the bicycle parking and storage facilities:
Although short-term parking is available for all occupied buildings, there is currently no long-term storage available.
Does the institution have a bicycle and pedestrian plan or policy (or adhere to a local community plan/policy) that sets standards and practices for campus streets to enable safe access for all users?:
A brief description of the bicycle and pedestrian plan or policy:
The University of Iowa adheres to the Iowa City Bike Masterplan which encompasses safe, regulated, bike access to raodways as well as safe preactices on pathways. The bike masterplan is available at: https://www8.iowa-city.org/weblink/0/edoc/1745938/FINAL%20Iowa%20City%20Bicycle%20Master%20Plan.pdf
The University is also currently developing its own bikeway master plan.
Does the institution have a bicycle-sharing program or participate in a local bicycle-sharing program?:
A brief description of the bicycle sharing program:
The University of Iowa offers bicycles for rent through its Recreational Services program. In addition, the Iowa City Bike Library offers bicycle rentals and low-cost sets of tools and benches for cyclists to work on their bicycles. The Bike Library also repairs and sells older bicycles. Many students, faculty, and staff use the Iowa City Bike Library. A volunteer-run organization, the Iowa City Bike Library's goal is to increase the number of bicycles on the roads in Iowa City. Bicycles that are donated are repaired and refurbished and made available for long-term lease at reasonable prices.
Currently a bike share system is being developed that would provide transportation for the last segment of commute.
Does the institution offer free or reduced price transit passes and/or operate a free campus shuttle for commuters?:
A brief description of the mass transit programs:
The University of Iowa operates the Cambus bus system which provides free rides for the entire community to locations throughout campus. Cambus ridership is over 4 million passengers every year.
The University also offers discounted bus passes on the local city transit systems (Iowa City and Coralville Transit) to all employees and students. Currently, 1,597 employees and 2,188 students participate in the bus program. Employees can have the cost of their discounted bus passes payroll deducted on a pre-tax basis. Passes are discounted over 60% if a person does not have a daytime parking permit and over 8% if they do.
Does the institution offer a guaranteed return trip program to regular users of alternative modes of transportation?:
A brief description of the guaranteed return trip program:
Does the institution participate in a car/vanpool or ride sharing program and/or offer reduced parking fees or preferential parking for car/vanpoolers?:
A brief description of the carpool/vanpool program:
The University of Iowa offers carpool matching for both employees and students. Over 500 people are registered with the online carpool matching service, which helps people locate others interested in carpooling.
UI RideShare Network is an application to help university faculty, staff, and students find a match for daily commutes or find single matches to an event or for finding a ride home.
Does the institution participate in a car sharing program, such as a commercial car-sharing program, one administered by the institution, or one administered by a regional organization?:
A brief description of the car sharing program:
The University of Iowa and the City of Iowa City have partnered with Zipcar to offer car sharing on campus and in the community beginning in August 2012. There are 10 zipcars in four locations around campus and Iowa City for University employees, students, and community members to use.
Does the institution have one or more Level 2 or Level 3 electric vehicle recharging stations that are accessible to student and employee commuters?:
A brief description of the electric vehicle recharging stations:
Does the institution offer a telecommuting program for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
A brief description of the telecommuting program:
24.1 GENERAL.
a. The University supports the general concept of flexible work arrangements. Flexible work arrangements apply to both Merit and Professional and Scientific (P&S) staff. Staff members covered by collective bargaining agreements may have benefits different from those described here; refer to the appropriate current agreement for exact entitlements and procedures.
A flexible work arrangement allows the application of an innovative approach to achieve a highly productive, harmonious work environment that is responsive to the changing professional and personal needs of today's workforce. Flexible work arrangements refer to flextime, compressed work week, telecommuting, reduced work week/part-time, and job sharing.
Formal flexible work arrangements as described below do not replace incidental temporary adjustments of an employee's schedule that, on occasion, arise in the workplace. Neither this policy nor any formalized flexible work arrangement can supersede or contradict the terms and conditions of any union contracts and/or the appropriate administration and use of vacation and sick leave credits as defined by University of Iowa policy.
b. Flexible work arrangements can produce a variety of benefits for both the employee and department. Typical benefits may include:
(1) uninterrupted time for creative, repetitive, or highly detailed work;
(2) reduced stress;
(3) improved balance between work and personal commitments;
(4) expanded coverage;
(5) more efficient use of space and equipment;
(6) a better fit between individual work schedules and work styles; and
(7) overall greater productivity, higher morale, improved retention, and more effective recruitment.
c. Flexible work arrangements are not appropriate for all positions or in all campus settings. The University is an organization with diverse work environments, many of which require specific staffing patterns to function effectively. Additionally, health and safety considerations may preclude a specific flexible work arrangement.
A flexible work arrangement is not a right of employment. It is established at the discretion of the employing unit and may be subject to change at the discretion of the unit.
If established, a flexible work arrangement does not serve as a precedent for a future arrangement within a department. The success of a flexible work arrangement lies in it being mutually beneficial for the unit and the employee established on a case-by-case basis. The University recognizes many valid reasons why an employee may request a flexible work arrangement, including, but not limited to: professional development, community activities, family responsibilities, individual work habits and style, and health and well-being. The decision to grant a flexible work arrangement request should be based on employee performance and operational interests.
Does the institution offer a condensed work week option that reduces employee commuting (as a matter of policy or standard practice)?:
A brief description of the condensed work week option:
24.1 GENERAL.
a. The University supports the general concept of flexible work arrangements. Flexible work arrangements apply to both Merit and Professional and Scientific (P&S) staff. Staff members covered by collective bargaining agreements may have benefits different from those described here; refer to the appropriate current agreement for exact entitlements and procedures.
A flexible work arrangement allows the application of an innovative approach to achieve a highly productive, harmonious work environment that is responsive to the changing professional and personal needs of today's workforce. Flexible work arrangements refer to flextime, compressed work week, telecommuting, reduced work week/part-time, and job sharing.
Formal flexible work arrangements as described below do not replace incidental temporary adjustments of an employee's schedule that, on occasion, arise in the workplace. Neither this policy nor any formalized flexible work arrangement can supersede or contradict the terms and conditions of any union contracts and/or the appropriate administration and use of vacation and sick leave credits as defined by University of Iowa policy.
b. Flexible work arrangements can produce a variety of benefits for both the employee and department. Typical benefits may include:
(1) uninterrupted time for creative, repetitive, or highly detailed work;
(2) reduced stress;
(3) improved balance between work and personal commitments;
(4) expanded coverage;
(5) more efficient use of space and equipment;
(6) a better fit between individual work schedules and work styles; and
(7) overall greater productivity, higher morale, improved retention, and more effective recruitment.
c. Flexible work arrangements are not appropriate for all positions or in all campus settings. The University is an organization with diverse work environments, many of which require specific staffing patterns to function effectively. Additionally, health and safety considerations may preclude a specific flexible work arrangement.
A flexible work arrangement is not a right of employment. It is established at the discretion of the employing unit and may be subject to change at the discretion of the unit.
If established, a flexible work arrangement does not serve as a precedent for a future arrangement within a department. The success of a flexible work arrangement lies in it being mutually beneficial for the unit and the employee established on a case-by-case basis. The University recognizes many valid reasons why an employee may request a flexible work arrangement, including, but not limited to: professional development, community activities, family responsibilities, individual work habits and style, health and well-being. The decision to grant a flexible work arrangement request should be based on employee performance and operational interests.
Does the institution have incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus?:
A brief description of the incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus:
The UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership is a cooperative effort between the City of Iowa City and the University of Iowa focusing on neighborhoods located near the University campus that retain a single-family character and a demand for single-family housing, but also have a large renter population. The program is dedicated to ensuring that the University of Iowa campus and surrounding neighborhoods remain vital, safe, affordable, and attractive places to live and work for both renters and homeowners.
The UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership is targeted to affordable, owner-occupied housing. The City of Iowa City has acquired and rehabilitated homes in designated neighborhoods surrounding the University of Iowa and downtown Iowa City.
Does the institution employ other strategies to reduce the impact of commuting (e.g. preferred parking for fuel-efficient vehicles, cash-out of parking programs)?:
A brief description of other strategies to reduce the impact of commuting:
The University of Iowa subsidizes city bus passes, allowing students and staff to purchase public transpoort passes at a discounted rate. The University organizes a vanpool serivice for employees to share a commute to work and thus reduce the impact of commuting.
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.