The first four students in line for the Iowa State-Iowa men's basketball game Dec. 7 arrived 25 hours early, just as the women's CyHawk game tipped off. (l-r) Sam Seddon, Kain Harrison, Tristan Weers and Casey Michelson stayed warm overnight in a heated tent purchased for ice fishing. Athletic contests in multiple winter sports continue at Hilton during winter break, and with most students away from Ames, good seats are available. Photo by Christopher Gannon.
With the close of fall semester, the Iowa State community prepares for the start of its fourth winter session. It presents students an opportunity to get closer to completing graduation requirements.
Out-of-office energy checklist
Faculty and staff who will be out of the office for an extended time during the winter break should make sure their workspace is in energy-saving mode before they depart. Here are some tips from environmental health and safety:
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Shut down all computers, printers and other accessories. Leave your office computer on if needed for remote access or critical operations, but turn off connected devices.
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Turn off and unplug copiers, space heaters, coffee pots, microwaves, desk lamps, radios and chargers for electronic devices.
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Make sure faucets in restrooms and break rooms are turned off and not dripping. If you notice a dripping faucet, contact the FPM service center at 515-294-5100.
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Turn off office lights and public lighting, such as hallways, restrooms and conference rooms.
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Check windows to make sure they're closed tightly.
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Contact your building manager to have the temperature adjusted.
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Shut down unnecessary climate-controlled plant growth chambers and close fume hood sashes completely, if possible.
More than 1,620 undergraduates are registered for winter session. Among the group, 47% are seniors and another 27% are juniors. Freshmen and sophomores together make up 26% of winter session students. The total number of students taking a course during the winter session is consistent with the first three years.
The online winter session begins Monday, Dec. 18, and concludes Friday, Jan. 12. It contains three university holidays, Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced two additional paid holidays for state employees, one of which falls on with one implemented by the university on Dec. 27. Offices are closed and classes won't meet that day.
A top priority during the four weeks is maintaining staff levels to support a successful winter session for enrolled students. Most students are not in Ames but have access to academic support and student services online.
Units open during the winter break may implement break office hours (7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) from Dec. 18 through Jan. 12.
Taking a break
Winter break also is the time when it's possible to reduce services and allow employees to use accrued vacation time. When possible, university leaders encourage employees to use this time to relax and recharge.
For employees looking to enjoy a significant chunk of time away from work duties around the holidays, they can use two vacation days (Dec. 28-29), two weekends, the state workers holiday and the three university holidays to create a 10-day break, Dec. 23-Jan. 1.
Enjoying your break
For sports fans, several Cyclones teams will host events during the break, including men's and women's basketball. The football team travels to Memphis, Tennessee, to face the Tigers in the Liberty Bowl on Dec. 29.
Here's a rundown of some key campus services' operational plans in the window between fall and spring semesters.
Open weekdays Dec. 18-Jan. 12 (7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) except Dec. 28-29 (8 a.m.-noon). Closed Dec. 25-27 and Jan. 1.
Break schedule in effect Dec. 15-Jan. 15, eliminating some routes and reducing frequency on others. No service Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Service ends at 6 p.m. Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. No Moonlight Express Dec. 15.
Student health and wellness
Student Counseling Services and Thielen Student Health Center open weekdays 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Open weekdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Dec. 23-26, Dec. 29-Jan. 1 and Jan. 4 and 7.
Limited locations begin opening Jan. 7, gradually expanding until spring semester starts. Closed Dec. 18-Jan. 7. See online schedule for hours and menus.
Open weekdays 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., weekends noon-4 p.m. Closed Dec. 25-27, Jan. 1.
See online schedule for reduced hours Dec. 18-Jan. 14 and library department hours. Closed Dec. 23-27, Dec. 30-Jan. 1, Jan. 13.
See online schedule for reduced hours Dec. 16-Jan. 14. All facilities closed Dec. 23-25 and Jan. 1.
Open until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays (Dec. 19 and 26) for the RG Express train exhibit. Open 5-9 p.m. for Winter Wonderscape Holiday Light Show Dec. 14-16, 21-23 and Dec. 28-Dec. 30. Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Ticket offices
Athletics ticket office at Jacobson Building closed Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1.
Stephens Auditorium ticket office open weekdays 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Dec. 25-29 and Jan. 1. Check online for updates.
Kiosk and fuel pumps available 24/7. Call after-hours line at 515-509-1686 with emergencies. Closed Dec. 23-Jan. 1.
All galleries closed Dec. 18-Jan. 15.
