Announcements
Provost's office seeks faculty director for honors program, undergraduate research
The office of the senior vice president and provost is seeking internal applicants to serve as faculty director of the University Honors program and direct Iowa State's undergraduate research program. The individual in this three-year, 0.75 FTE appointment will help develop the Honors curriculum, foster partnerships with academic colleges and departments for both programs, mentor students and chair the University Honors committee, among other duties. Applicants must be tenured faculty on full-time appointments who have been at Iowa State at least five years. Applications are due April 4, and the successful applicant will be notified by May 15.
Innovation lunch club meets virtually on March 28
The March edition of the Innovation Impact Lunch Club (postponed from February) will feature ISU Research Park associate director Alison Doyle. It will meet virtually on Friday, March 28 (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; RSVP to receive the link in an email). Learn more about how the research park connects people and drives innovation in central Iowa. The free series is hosted by ISU's office of economic development and industry relations especially for its faculty and staff partners, but open to all.
Digital accessibility webinar canceled
The Siteimprove webinar, "Making Sense of Accessibility: Mastering WCAG Principle 3 for Understanding Design," scheduled for Thursday, March 13, has been canceled.
Panelists to discuss IT services for research teams
The Research Project Management Council will host a panel presentation for P&S staff who manage large research projects on Tuesday, April 1 (3 p.m., via Zoom). The topic is IT services related to research. Register to receive the Zoom link. The presenters are:
- Ciarán Bowe, security compliance manager at IT Services, who helps researchers navigate security-related regulations and contractual obligations.
- Andrew Albinger, senior manager of research technology, who manages two IT teams: one focuses on research technology and one on high performance computing.
Each will summarize services provided by their teams related to research and respond to questions. Topics of discussion could include data storage, sharing and security; data visualization; available software; and contracting with ITS staff for specific work related to your project.
Travel/events showcase is April 1
Procurement services will host its 2025 Travel and Event Services Showcase on Tuesday, April 1 (noon-3:30 p.m., MU Sun Room). Connect with external suppliers and university resources who can assist with your travel and event planning needs, including travel expense reimbursement, event rentals, materials, signage and space. Bring your ISUCard for check-in and a chance to win door prizes.
Register by March 20 for gardens' Day of Insects
Reiman Gardens invites nature lovers, entomology enthusiasts and families to experience the incredible world of insects at its 17th annual Day of Insects on Saturday, March 29 (8 a.m.-4:20 p.m.). Registration ($24; $38 with box lunch) is required and the deadline is March 20. Enjoy a full schedule of engaging presentations and hands-on activities, with experts sharing their knowledge on topics such as mosquito factories, insect conservation, honeybee behavior and more.
Research Project Management Council's next meeting is May 6
The Research Project Management Council, supported by the office of the vice president for research, will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, May 6 (3 p.m. via Zoom, register to receive the link). Raissi Raineri, veterinary microbiology and preventive medicine; and Ásrún Kristmundsdottir, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, will lead a discussion of tools that can assist the PI or project manager in keeping track of activities and managing their to-do lists and schedules.
The council is open to all P&S staff who manage sponsored research projects or programs. The intent is to bring together these professionals to share best practices, address common challenges and foster a supportive network that advances the success of research initiatives. The group's direction is guided by the needs and priorities of its members, ensuring that the council remains responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities. Contact Nicole Scott or Stacy Renfro with questions.
Register now for April 15 youth programs symposium
Registration is open through April 11 for Risk Management's Youth Programs Symposium on Tuesday, April 15 (8:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m., via Zoom). This free event is designed to provide information, support and inspiration for youth program leaders and other interested faculty, staff and stakeholders who work with youth programming at Iowa State. The final schedule and link will be emailed to all registered participants after April 11. As a reminder, session proposals from those who'd like to present at the symposium are requested by Friday, March 28. More information for presenters, including the submittal form, is online.
Federal, state laws prohibit university support for employee networks
Iowa State University will discontinue support in its current form for employee networks after receiving new guidance indicating this support may violate federal and state laws. The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights has directed educational institutions to cease any benefit based on race, following a recent legal interpretation of federal non-discrimination laws. Additionally, state officials have indicated 2024's Iowa Senate File 2435 broadly prohibits activities designed or implemented with reference to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation.
The university will end support in its current form for all employee networks, effective March 14. This includes operating grants, communication and marketing tools, technology support and web resources. Members of employee networks may continue to associate as informal groups independent of the university.
Call for participation in fall Cyclone Family Weekend
Cyclone Family Weekend 2025, scheduled for Oct. 10-12, aims to help families strengthen their connection to Iowa State while spending valuable time with their student. University departments and units are invited to participate in several ways:
- Organize a tour. Showcase your college, department or facility with a guided tour for Cyclone families. Highlight unique features, programs and opportunities at ISU, giving families an insider's perspective of campus life. Tours typically are ticketed events, and capacity and number of tours are the host's discretion.
- Host a reception or social event -- an open house, meet-and-greet or cultural showcase that creates opportunities for meaningful connections and interactions.
- Facilitate family-friendly activities such as workshops, demonstrations, recreational outings and more.
The staff in Parent and Family Programs can assist with planning, collaborate on events and include your event in the official schedule of events. To participate in Cyclone Family Weekend as a campus partner, complete this form by April 1. Questions may be directed to Parent and Family Programs.
Nominations sought for youth program annual awards
Nominations are open through March 28 for three annual Youth Programs Awards to be presented at Risk Managment's virtual Youth Programs Symposium on April 15. The awards recognize exceptional contributions by those who have made a lasting impact on youth programming during the 2024 calendar year:
- Youth Program Leader of the Year: Recognizes an individual who has created impactful and memorable experiences for youth participants and volunteers, inspiring growth, fostering a positive environment and contributing to the overall success of the program.
- Outstanding Youth Program of the Year: Celebrates a program that has delivered exceptional youth programming, and stands out for its creativity, effectiveness, culture of safety and overall positive contribution to youth development.
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Youth Program Staff Member of the Year: Honors an employee or volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and effort within a youth program. The individual consistently exceeds their responsibilities, ensuring events run smoothly and supporting the program's success in every way.
Grad Mixer Wednesdays partners with colleges this spring
Grad Mixer Wednesdays is collaborating with a different college each Wednesday of March and part of April to address important topics for graduate students. Ivy College of Business is hosting "Growing Your Professional Skillset" on March 5 (1-4:30 p.m., 4237 Student Innovation Center) with topics such as building your brand and the student perspective on academic versus industry job seeking. The College of Engineering will host "Engineering the Future: Innovation, Collaboration and the AI Revolution" on March 12, and the College of Health and Human Sciences will discuss "Shaping the Future: Advancing Research, Teaching and Funding" on March 26.
P&S classification, compensation structures are focus of March seminar
The P&S Council will continue its professional development seminar series on Thursday, March 13 (2-3 p.m., LeBaron auditorium) with a presentation of Iowa State's P&S classification and compensation structures by Emma Mallarino Houghton, director of compensation and talent acquisition, university human resources. The session will cover topics such as managing and updating the structures, organizing jobs in the compensation structure, and how a market-based approach is used to build the compensation structure. Register online.
Spring break week volunteers sought for SHOP pantry
The SHOP food pantry in Beyer Hall is in need of faculty and staff volunteers Monday-Wednesday afternoons, March 17-19 (during spring break week). Use the SignUp Genius site to select your volunteer shift(s). You can always email shop_exec@iastate.edu to get the link as well.
Applications due March 28 for 2025-26 undergrad research match
The office of student financial aid is accepting applications for the 2025-26 undergraduate research assistantship (URA) program. The program encourages outstanding juniors and seniors to pursue graduate study by offering hands-on experience in a formal research environment to help them make career decisions and learn more about graduate education and fellowships. Work study funding subsidizes the student's payroll. Submitting an application does not guarantee an assistantship. Questions may be directed to Julie Arnold, 515-294-0103. Faculty/staff applicants must:
- Complete the online URA application (soft deadline of March 28 for spring interviews)
- Interview student(s) and make offers of employment
- Complete Letter of Intent
- Once approved, hire student in Workday for the appropriate term in the work-study job profile
March 29 workshop targets would-be business owners
The Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, with the Ames Regional Economic Alliance and Iowa Small Business Development Center, will host a free Smart Start Workshop on Saturday, March 29 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., ISU Research Park Core Facility). The day is a "crash course" for anyone considering starting a business. Local business professionals will cover topics such as banking basics, insurance, business organization, intellectual property, registration, marketing and operations. Registration is required; half-day registration is available.
Annual water conference seeks presentation proposals
The Iowa Water Center seeks presenters and poster presenters for its 19th annual water conference Sept. 9-10 in Ankeny (preconference activities on Sept. 8). More information about submitting a proposal is online. Presentation proposal abstracts are due April 30; the poster submission deadline is Aug. 22. Both should connect to one of the conference's six focus areas:
- Water and agriculture
- Water and health
- Water and recreation
- Stormwater/Urban water
- Water quantity
- Water science communication
VPR site provides updates on federal funding changes
The office of the vice president for research (VPR) will provide guidance, updates and links to relevant resources to help Iowa State's research community navigate the evolving landscape for federal funding. The VPR team created a federal funding page on the VPR website, which it will update and date-stamp as agencies share more direction and guidance with their research partners. Researchers are encouraged to check this page frequently in the weeks ahead. Changes potentially could impact both awarded projects and those awaiting funding from federal agencies or sponsors.
Conflict management training scheduled for June
Iowa State ombuds Laura Smythe will offer training for faculty and staff leaders on conflict management over three half-days, June 9-11 (8:30 a.m.-noon daily). The training is interactive and designed to address scenarios that participants find occur repeatedly yet they approach with uncertainty or discomfort. Participation is limited to 25 individuals and registration is first come, first served; contact Kay Mwanza, 515-294-0165, to register. Each day builds on the prior day, so registrants are asked to commit to attending all three days.
Registration is open for digital scholarship symposium
Registration has opened for the second annual Digital Scholarship Symposium on Wednesday, March 26 (9:45 a.m.-4 p.m., 199 Parks). The symposium will feature two panel discussions: "Public Digital Arts and Humanities: Community Impact Through Digital Projects" and "Digital Pedagogy: Expanding Digital Literacy and Creativity in the Classroom." Panelists will discuss examples of using digital methods to open research to a wider audience and developing digital literacy skills in the classroom. Registration is free and includes lunch.
Encourage research students to present at April women's and gender studies conference
Faculty and staff working with students conducting research within the fields of gender, sexuality and women's studies are asked to encourage them to present at Iowa State's Women's and Gender Studies student conference on Saturday, April 12 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., Student Innovation Center). Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to attend and/or present at this free conference. Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. March 28. Students may submit their proposal or register to attend on the conference website.
Workshop presenters sought for June 4-H state conference
Faculty and staff are invited to to lead educational workshops for youth delegates (approximately 400 8th-12th graders from across Iowa) at ISU Extension and Outreach's annual Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, June 24-26 on campus. Presenters explore academic and career paths in hands-on, interactive sessions while showcasing their department's expertise and building connections with future students. The conference aligns with 4-H's national Beyond Ready campaign. Workshops are 90 minutes long for 15-20 participants. Proposals are due March 15. Questions may be directed to Madeline Bretey-Smith, Iowa 4-H.
