Announcements
Northbound Stange Road traffic will be detoured to Grand Avenue
The next phase of the work on Stange Road in the north part of campus will begin on Wednesday, April 2. Northbound traffic will be detoured east to Grand Avenue via 13th and 24th streets. Southbound traffic will continue to travel in the outside lane currently being used. This closure is required for the contractor to demolish the old road surface up to the center line. Access to University Village will be available, either via Blankenburg or Bruner drives (one of these entrances must remain open during this phase). Weather-dependent, this phase of the work is expected to be completed by the first week of May. This detour will be inconvenient to many, but this lane closure and detour is the only way the work can be completed safely. Map of detour.
Students: Improve your financial literacy during April (and enter a scholarship drawing)
Vet Med college ranked sixth among U.S. peers
The College of Veterinary Medicine was 12th in the world and sixth among 33 U.S. veterinary schools in a 2025 ranking of best veterinary schools by the British higher education analytics firm, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). Iowa State is the highest ranked Big XII school. The organization's ranking measures academic and employer reputations and the number of times faculty research papers have been cited by other researchers. 2025 marks the fourth straight year of Iowa State's rise in the QS ranking, up from 13th overall and seventh among U.S. veterinary schools last year.
Procurement services' Quote Desk has new email address
The Quote Desk in procurement services has a new email address: supplierservices@iastate.edu. Any emails sent to its previous addresses (quotesdsk@iastate.edu and quotedesk@iastate.edu) automatically will generate a bounce-back message with the updated contact information. The Quote Desk is how departments promptly and accurately can get answers to various supplier-related inquiries and documentation needs, for example, supplier notifications, change of address, bank notifications, updated W9 forms or certificates of insurance.
Anniversary calendar will honor impactful women in ISU history
To mark the 20th anniversary of its publication, the Carrie Chapman Catt Center's 2026 "Women Impacting ISU" calendar will feature women who left Iowa State before the first calendar was created. Any woman who graduated from or left employment with Iowa State before 2007 is eligible. Nominations of women not already widely recognized on campus for their contributions are especially welcome. Nominations are due by Sept. 28, and a campus vote will follow in early October to select the 2026 calendar honorees. Instructions and a link to the nomination form are on the Catt Center website.
ISU receives second Platinum Bell Seal for workplace mental health efforts
For the second year in a row, Iowa State University has been awarded the Platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health, well-being and illness prevention. Since 2019, the Bell Seal has recognized employers striving to create mentally healthy workplaces for their employees, and recognizes employer advances by awarding Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum seals. Just two in five employers meet the standards for Bell Seal certification. Iowa State underwent a rigorous evaluation of its policies and practices in four areas: workplace culture, benefits, compliance and wellness programs. Iowa State's Platinum certification reflects work in the following areas:
- Expansive employee growth opportunities.
- Competitive and mental health-friendly benefits packages.
- An emphasis on and commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being.
You're invited: Flag-folding ceremony on April 4 closes out LAS Week
To conclude LAS Week (March 31-April 4), Air Force ROTC Detachment 250 cadets will host an official flag folding ceremony on Friday, April 4 (5 p.m., central campus flagpole) to honor both our nation and the Iowa State community. Cadets in full-service dress will demonstrate the traditions and discipline of military service while emphasizing the connection between leadership, service and the diverse academic fields within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. A speaker will share the traditions in the event as it happens. The university community is invited. Iowa State's military tradition dates back to the establishment of ROTC programs in 1919.
Innovative student work sought for IGNITE showcase in May
The Student Innovation Center is looking for groups, classes and organizations to showcase their innovative student work at the IGNITE Innovation Showcase May 5-9. Exhibits, presentations, activities or celebrations are welcome in this showcase of the innovative work of Iowa State students. The priority deadline for submissions is April 9 (for the first round of space assignments), but submissions will be accepted through April 23. The submission form is online.
Friday Walk and Talks resume March 28
Friday Walk and Talk, hosted by the ISU WorkLife team, resumes on March 28. This walking group gathers every Friday at 12:10 p.m. in front of Beardshear Hall to refresh and recharge. Bring your colleagues and enjoy a one-mile walk around campus while chatting with friends, meeting new colleagues or simply appreciating the beauty of the surroundings. Enjoy the fresh air, de-stress from the morning and connect with your ISU colleagues.
Project LEAR/RN workshop set for May 20-21
Faculty, staff and graduate students are invited to participate in the annual Project LEA/RN workshop on Tuesday-Wednesday, May 20-21 (9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, 1022 Agronomy). Participants will uncover what many already know about human learning, share insights about the brain based on current research and its implications, engage in strategies that promote interaction and deep thinking, and apply their new understandings in situations where they facilitate learning -- classes, orientation sessions, extension meetings or any other learning situations they lead. This introductory workshop will not directly address the technology involved with remote and online learning. Enrollment is limited to 20; contact project director Jan Wiersema, associate teaching professor of agronomy, to RSVP or for more information.
Lawnmower serves days are April 4-5
Members of the Agriculture Systems Technology Club will hold their annual lawnmower service days on Friday, April 4 (1-6 p.m.) and Saturday, April 5 (8 a.m.-1 p.m.), on the west side of Sukup Hall near parking lot 6. This is a routine maintenance service and cleaning for $35 (no riding lawn mowers); club members won't do repairs. Pick up and delivery for Ames-only addresses is an additional $25. Cash or check payment is accepted. Sign up online to schedule an appointment.
Voorhees Supply Chain Conference is April 24
Registration is open through April 16 for the annual Voorhees Supply Chain Conference, hosted by the department of supply chain management, on Thursday, April 24 (9 a.m.-3:30 p.m, Gateway Hotel and Conference Center). Learn from industry leaders who will talk about enhancing supply chain management through artificial intelligence. Featured speakers include alumnus Chad Nelson (2007 degree in economics), associate director of intake, damage and returns reduction at Best Buy. Four credits of continuing education are available.
Suicide awareness walk is April 19
Student Health and Wellness is organizing a suicide awareness walk, "Out of the Darkness," on Saturday, April 19 (registration begins at 9 a.m., campanile south lawn). A 10 a.m. pre-walk program will feature members of the Triangle fraternity and the parents of former fraternity member Jeremy Onyango, who died in October 2022. Teams of walkers are encouraged; volunteers may register to walk or make a donation in support of suicide awareness.
Session presenters sought for extension technology conference in June
ISU Extension and Outreach will host the 2025 conference of the National Extension Technology Community June 2-5 in Ames and is seeking session presentation proposals. At this conference, technology professionals, educators and communicators explore innovative solutions in Extension and beyond. As host institution, the university has a unique opportunity to showcase the work happening in Extension and Outreach and across the university. Employees who have implemented a new technology, creative digital solution or innovative approach in their work are encouraged to submit a proposal by April 18. More information, including the proposal form, is online. The conference is open to all; Iowa State's institutional membership provides a discounted registration fee.
Be a part of strengthening arts, culture in Iowa
Iowa State is the site for the Iowa Arts Council's final (of seven) 2025 Regional Arts Forum, on Friday, April 4 (9 a.m.-noon, Reiman Gardens). Local artists, arts and civic leaders and community members will discuss opportunities for strengthening arts and culture in their region and across the state. The forums are free and open to the public, and registration is highly encouraged. Register online in advance and select the Ames location.
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.
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.
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.
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.
