Announcements
January 2013
Regents meet Feb. 6-7 in West Des Moines
The state Board of Regents will meet Feb. 6-7 at the West Des Moines Sheraton Hotel, 1800 50th St. An agenda for Feb. 6 will be posted Jan. 31 on the board's website. The board will interview candidates for the presidency at the University of Northern Iowa on Feb. 7. UNI president Ben Allen announced in August his plans to retire from the university by July 1.
MU issues call for entries in student exhibition
The Memorial Union is issuing a call for entries for Art Inspired, a juried student art exhibition on display Feb. 8-March 25 at the MU. ISU students may enter up to three entries in any media. The dropoff date for artwork is Tuesday, Feb. 5 (10 a.m.-1 p.m., Pioneer Room, MU third floor). Juror David Boelter, faculty member at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, will choose up to 40 pieces for the exhibition as well as cash award recipients. Entry information is online.
Reminder: Iowa State has an ethics hotline
Iowa State contracts with a third-party hotline vendor, EthicsPoint, to allow anonymous reporting of activities that may involve criminal, noncompliant or unsafe behavior impacting ISU. You may submit a report online or by calling (toll-free) 866-384-4277.
Ames snow ordinance in effect at 10 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29
The City of Ames Snow Ordinance is expected to go into effect at 10 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29. The Snow Ordinance goes into effect when two inches of snow falls on major arterial streets in Ames. Vehicles parked along snow routes (marked by red and white signs) must be moved or they will be ticketed and towed. Vehicles should be moved to off-street parking or to streets that are not designated snow routes. To assist in plowing efforts, all Ames residents are asked to remove parked vehicles from residential streets. However, only those on snow routes are required to move them. The snow ordinance remains in effect until the streets are completely plowed from curb to curb, AND it has stopped snowing.
Next Osborn Club lecture is Feb. 11
"Companion Animals as Spontaneous Models for Human Cancers" is the topic Krysta Deitz, ISU Veterinay Clinical Sciences, will present at the next Osborn Club lecture on Feb. 11 (7 p.m., 1420 Molecular Biology). Osborn Club lectures are open to the public.
Tearoom to offer dinner menu
Beginning Jan. 31, dinner service will be available in the Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays. Meals are $6.50; call 4-3330 for a reservation. To-go meals and a la carte items also will be available. Menus are located on the tearoom website.
Research assistantships available for fall juniors, seniors
Undergraduate research assistantships encourage outstanding juniors and seniors to pursue graduate study by offering hands-on experience in a formal research setting during the academic year. Applications (both student and faculty/staff) for the 2013-14 year are due March 29 in the Student Employment Center, 0640 Beardshear. Student applicants must be U.S. citizens, complete the FAFSA and be eligible for work-study funding, and maintain a GPA of 3.25 or higher. Preference is given to qualified students and faculty/staff who ask to work together on their respective applications. More information, including guidelines, procedures and forms, is online.
Spring Fulbright brown bag lunch series announced
The Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost is working with the Iowa chapter of the Fulbright Association and others to highlight opportunities available through the Fulbright program. All are invited to attend the following events, which begin at noon in 2030 Morrill. No registration is required.
- Jan. 31: Alexandra Johnston, lecturer and program director, English department, "A Mountain-top Year in Japan: Studying the Education of Japanese 'Returnee' Children"
- Feb. 26: James Raich, professor of ecology, evolution and organismal biology, “My Student Fulbright to Malaysia”
- April 3: Roberta Vann, professor emertius; and Joan Chamberlin, senior lecturer, both in the English department, "Stories from the People's Republic of Poland”
Poster sale at MU runs begins Jan. 28
The Student Activities Center is hosting its annual poster sale at the Memorial Union Jan. 28 through Feb. 1 (9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, MU Cardinal Room). There are thousands of posters, from art prints and movies to music and pop culture. Costs range between $8 and $12. Proceeds from the sale support MU art programs.
Financial literacy student group seeks members
CyGold, a student organization dedicated to peer-to-peer financial literacy education, is seeking new members. CyGold presents financial literacy information to various groups around campus, providing valuable information to students on topics such as banking, credit, credit cards, money management and more. If you know a student who is interested in financial literacy, a student who would like to be a part of this group or if you would like more information, please contact the group’s president, Greg Hunt.
Nominations sought for MU awards by Jan. 31
The staff of the Memorial Union is seeking nominations for three annual awards:
- M.J. Riggs Award -- recognizes individuals or organizations whose contributions have impacted a specific area, department, unit or goal of the MU
- Four Seasons Award -- recognizes students, faculty, staff or community members who have gone out of their way to help the MU achieve its goals
- Harold Pride Service Medallion Award -- recognizes a person who has given extensively of him or herself on behalf of the MU
Nomintations for these awards are being accepted through Jan. 31, 2013. Nominations forms are available online.
Share your thoughts on wellness at ISU
Human resource services invites all faculty and staff to attend an open forum on Jan. 24 (noon-1 p.m., MU Cardinal Room) about a campus-wide health and wellness initiative. Representatives from Sibson Consulting, who are assisting HRS with the program's direction, will provide an update on the wellness initiative and also ask for your input. All are invited to attend; feel free to bring your lunch.
Present a poster at the Symposium on Sustainability
Faculty, staff and students are invited to showcase their sustainability initiatives and research projects in poster presentations at the 4th annual Symposium on Sustainability Feb. 25-26 in the Memorial Union. Posters will be displayed during the entiire conference and presentations will be held Feb. 25 (5-8 p.m.) and Feb. 26 (8 a.m.-noon). Attendance during the full exhibit timeframe is encouraged, but not required. The deadline for submitting a poster is Feb. 15. The submission form and other poster presentation details are on the symposium website.
Nominations for Live Green Sustainability Award due Feb. 12
If you know faculty, staff or students who are making an impact on campus sustainability efforts, consider nominating them for the Live Green Awards for Excellence in Sustainability. The awards will be presented at the Symposium on Sustainability, Feb. 25-26 in the Memorial Union. Nomination forms and supporting materials are due by 5 p.m. Feb. 12. The forms and details on the award are on the symposium website.
Carver scholarships available for fall juniors
Roy J. Carver Scholarships (up to 20 annually) are available to ISU students who are beginning their junior year fall semester of the award. Awards average $5,200 and renewal is possible for the senior year. Eligibility requirements include: Iowa resident for at least five consecutive years, full-time enrollment (12 credits or more), cummulative GPA of 2.80 or higher, demonstrated financial need on FAFSA filed prior to March 1, and evidence of significant social and/or economic obstacles. The application includes an essay and two references; the application deadline is April 1. More information is online or in the Office of Student Financial Aid, 0640 Beardshear, phone 294-5627.
Video: What you should know about the flu
Dr. Scott Meyer, Thielen Student Health Center, discusses influenza -- symptoms, prevention and treatment.
Honors program seeks proposals for fall honors seminars
The University Honors Program requests proposals for fall 2013 Honors seminars. These one or two-credit, S/F-graded seminars are offered on a wide variety of topics. Faculty, professional staff and graduate students with teaching experience are invited to propose seminars on topics of current or special interest. The Honors program allocates $500 per seminar to the instructor(s) for professional development. Proposals are due in the Honors program office, Jischke Building, by Feb. 8. More information is online or by contacting faculty director Susan Yager, 4-4372.
Memorial service for former track coach Steve Lynn is Jan. 19
Steve Lynn, a former Big Eight Conference track coach-of-the-year who mentored countless Cyclone student-athletes on and off the track in 14 years as head of the Cyclone program and 16 years as an assistant coach, died Wednesday, Jan. 16, at Mary Greeley Medical Center. Lynn, 61, succumbed to injuries suffered in a fall at his home Jan. 11. Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 18 (5-7:30 p.m.), at the First Evangelical Church of Ames, 2008 24th St. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, also at the church. A Steve Lynn memorial fund has been set up at First National Bank of Ames.
University offices closed Jan. 21
Classes will not be held and university offices are closed Monday, Jan. 21, to observe the national Martin Luther King Jr. holiday honoring the civil rights leader who was assassinated in 1968.
Team leaders sought for new student orientation in August
Do you know a student who would make a great leader? Encourage him or her to be a team leader during Destination Iowa State, Aug. 22-24. Each team leader will lead and mentor a group of approximately 15 new students through this new student experience. It's a great opportunity to be part of a team, develop leadership skills and earn up to $250. Applications are due Feb. 8; the application and more information are online. Questions may be directed to Kasie Von Haden, New Student Programs, 4-6660.
ISU alum is among award recipients at opera auditions
Jesse Donner, an alumnus of Iowa State, received the Martha-Ellen Tye Career Development Award of $1,000 at the Iowa District auditions of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Jan. 12 on campus. Donner is continuing his studies at the University of Michigan. From the 21 vocalists who auditioned at this event, two -- including University of Northern Iowa student Rhys Talbot -- advanced to the upper Midwest regional competition, to be held Feb. 2 at the Ordway Center in St. Paul.
It's not too late to get flu vaccine
Flu vaccines ($20/shot or $25/nasal mist) are still available through the Thielen Student Health Center. No appointment is necessary; walk-ins are welcome during regular clinic hours. Questions? Call the clinic at 4-5801. In addition to getting vaccinated, frequent hand washing, avoiding close contact with persons who are ill, eating nutritiously and getting plenty of sleep are all ways to reduce your risk of getting the flu.
W-2s are available in AccessPlus
W-2 wage and tax statements for calendar year 2012 are available in AccessPlus (in the employee tab, see "W-2"). To save university funds, employees are encouraged to print a copy of their electronic document by Jan. 25; those who don't will receive a paper copy in the mail postmarked Jan. 31.
Limited supply of flu vaccine still available
Iowa State employees who have yet to receive a flu shot may still get one, while supplies last. Call the occupational medicine staff at 4-2056 to make an appointment. Shots will be administered in G11 TASF. This season's vaccine reduces the risk of having to go to the doctor for influenza by about 60 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Swim & Gym for youth begins Feb. 5
Swim & Gym is an after-school program for children ages 5-12 years led by undergraduates pursuing a degree in physical education. The program includes team sports, gymnastics, fitness activities, dance, cooperative games, tag games, etc. Older children focus on more complicated concepts involved in the physical activities while younger children focus on the fundamental basics of physical activity. Swimming lessons include instruction for swimming strokes, diving and water safety. The class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays Feb. 5-April 18 in the Forker Building. The semester fee is $85 per child. More information, including forms, is online.
Nominations are open for Student Employee of the Year
The Office of Student Financial Aid seeks nominations for ISU's 2013 Student Employee of the Year award. The award recognizes a student's reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism, interpersonal skills and unique contributions to the employer. Nominees must be undergraduate students employed on campus parttime for a minimum of six months between June 1, 2012, and May 31, 2013. Nomination forms are due in 0640 Beardshear by Feb. 15. More information, including the form, is online.
Spring classes begin Jan. 14
Iowa State's spring semester classes begin Monday, Jan. 14. Residence halls will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 10; meal service begins Friday, Jan. 11, at the Union Drive and Maple-Willow-Larch dining centers.
Live Healthy Iowa challenge begins Jan. 28; register now
Registration is open for the 2013 Live Healthy Iowa 10-week wellness challenge, which runs Jan. 28 through April 5. Cost is $15 per team member (teams should be two to 10 members). Visit www.hyvee.com (click on "health" > "live healthy America") for a $5 coupon off the registration fee. Participants will receive a T-shirt, one-year magazine subscription, weekly motivational emails, personal online tracking page, recipes, health information, and chances to win incentives and prizes (including a tropical cruise for two).
Nominate outstanding alumni for awards
The ISU Alumni Association is seeking nominations for six awards that will be presented to outstanding alumni during Homecoming, Nov. 9. Award descriptions and nominations forms are available online. Nominations are due Feb. 1. Contact Julie Larson, 4-8490, with questions.
New scholarship for nontraditional undergraduates
Iowa State recently received funding from the Bernard Osher Foundation to develop an Osher Reentry Scholarship Program. Undergraduate students between ages 25 and 50 years who have experienced a cumulative gap of five years or more in their education may apply to be Osher Scholars. Awards normally are between $1,500 and $2,500. The application deadline is Feb. 1. Details and the application are online.
EAP provider offers personal development classes
Employee and Family Resources, Iowa State's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider, is offering several on-campus personal training sessions during January. The courses are:
- Managing Conflict, Jan. 14 (10 a.m.-noon, MU Gold Room); Jan. 23 (10 a.m.-noon, MU Gallery)
- Team Building, Jan. 15 (1-3 p.m., MU Gold Room); Jan. 17 (10 a.m.-noon, MU Gold Room)
- Integrating Work and Family, Jan. 28 (10-11 a.m., MU Gallery); Jan. 30 (1-2 p.m., MU Gallery)
- Diversity, Jan. 28 (2-3 p.m., MU Gallery)
- Communication, Jan. 29 (10 a.m.-noon, MU Gold Room); Jan. 30 (1-3 p.m., MU Gold Room)
To register for a course, log on to AccessPlus, select the "Employee" tab and click on "HRS Training." Contact Ruth Appleton, 4-3753, with questions.
Graduate College seeks faculty ambassadors
The Graduate College is seeking help from ISU faculty for a new program that will help increase under-represented minority graduate student recruiting. The college invites faculty to apply to be ambassadors to selected regional liberal arts colleges and universities, and national minority-serving institutions. Ambassadors will increase the network of relationships between ISU and the partner colleges. Deadline to apply is Feb. 15. More information, including a list of partner colleges, and an application are available online.
New equal opportunity director on the job Feb. 4
Robinette Kelley will become Iowa State's director of equal opportunity on Feb. 4. She comes to Iowa State from the State University of New York, Buffalo, where she served as assistant director in the equity, diversity and inclusion office. At Iowa State, Kelley will lead and manage all aspects of equal opportunity and affirmative action programs, from ensuring university compliance with laws and regulations to investigating and resolving complaints.
WSJ chart ranks ISU administrative expenses on lean side
Iowa State 's administrative expenses are on the lean end of the scale in a recent Wall Street Journal chart that ranks administrative expenses at 72 public universities with high research activity. In its Jan. 2 edition, the WSJ calculated how much of the education-related expenses per student at each university went for administrative costs. Iowa State's administrative spending amounted to 5 percent — good enough for a 7th place finish among universities' with administrative percentages that ranged from 2 to 17 percent.
Expect truck traffic on south half of Bissell Road
Structural steel materials are being delivered to the biorenewables complex construction site for the ag and biosystems engineering building. Delivery trucks are entering the site on the west side and exiting to Bissell Road, where they'll head south to Union Drive. This route will be used until the steel for the facility is set (estimated through February).
Memorial events for Chuck Benn are Jan. 5
A memorial service for former Iowa State photographer Charles (Chuck) Benn will be held Saturday, Jan. 5 (1 p.m., Collegiate Methodist Church, 2622 Lincoln Way), with fellowship immediately following the service. There also will be a celebration of his life that day (4-7 p.m., Gateway Hotel); all are invited. Benn died Dec. 23 at the age of 94. He worked as a photographer at Iowa State for more than 55 years, first with the ISU Agricultural Extension Service and later with the veterinary biomedical communications department. Memorials may be sent to Collegiate Methodist Church or United Way of Central Iowa.
