Iowa State University Athletics
Pollard Letter To Cyclone Nation
03.23.2020 | Athletics
March 23, 2020
Dear Cyclone fans,
It was only a week ago that I wrote to you, but things are changing at such a rapid pace it seemed appropriate to send an update.
We received wonderful, thoughtful and uplifting responses from many of you last week. A number of you shared appreciation for, and found comfort in, the message we sent to our staff. Taking note of that feedback, we felt you might like some insight into what our coaches, staff and student-athletes have been doing the past week.
For example, we conducted staff meetings on Friday for all of our coaches and administrative support personnel. It clearly is a new work environment as more than 200 employees participated in our "virtual meeting". It was therapeutic, comforting and productive to share a unified message while also responding to the many questions raised by our staff.
We shared several important principles by which we are going to operate our department during these challenging times.
- Our top priority is the health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes, staff and their families. That is the lens we will use when making all decisions.
- It is important for athletics to stay aligned with the University, especially as it relates to the implementation of new policies and procedures.
- We must create structure, motivation, discipline and accountability for our student-athletes and all of our staff, including ourselves.
- We must plan so that we are as prepared as possible for the new normal we will encounter when our society is able to re-engage.
- Lastly, it is imperative for our athletics staff to stay connected with ticket holders, donors, sponsors, business owners and other constituents that so graciously support us throughout the year.
Although we are all trying our hardest to navigate these unchartered waters, we are confident that following these five simple principles will successfully guide us through today's challenges and best prepare us for whatever the future holds.
I am glad to share that a high percentage of our student-athletes are home with their families and that is comforting to both the student-athletes and us. There are a few student-athletes, mainly our international students, still in Ames. We are doing our best to support them, as well, during these difficult times.
You have probably heard that Iowa State University has moved all classes for the rest of the semester to online delivery. Although the right decision, it creates a series of additional challenges for students and faculty. Those challenges are no different for our student-athletes and we are developing ways to support them in this new learning environment.Â
We have asked our coaches – along with members of our staff from our academic support, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, nutrition and our mental health units – to speak with the student-athletes on a daily basis. It is our responsibility to provide remotely any of these specialized services needed by the student-athletes.
Our staff has also been challenged to use this time for self-assessment, review policies and procedures and evaluate new ways to deliver services. For better or worse, the virus has stopped the presses for us in some regards. Those individuals who use this time effectively will be best prepared for the future.
Lastly, much like we encouraged our staff, I would encourage all of you to reach out individually to people who have impacted your life. It could be as simple as a phone call, text message or video skype. It could mean purchasing a gift card to a local business or ordering an on-line meal. It could include a simple thank you note to a person working in the medical field, law enforcement, military, etc. It is important for our society to stay connected during these times of isolation as we social distance.Â
In closing, I am more confident than ever that we will all get through this. It is a great time for our department, institution, community, state, nation and world to show its solidarity.  If we all do our individual part, we will benefit greatly as a society.
Sincerely,
Jamie Pollard, Director of Athletics
