Announcements
April 2013
Nominations sought for 2014 Women Impacting ISU calendar
Nominations are being accepted for the 2014 Women Impacting ISU calendar. The calendar was develped as a tribute to current students, faculty and staff who have distinguished themselves through their accomplishments at ISU. More than 1,000 calendars are distributed each year. The nomination form (PDF) is online.
Phone installation is under way
Crews began installing new phones on campus April 29 and expect to complete installation in nine buildings by week's end. By July 1, all buildings should be outfitted with the versatile new phone system that makes use of cloud computing and offers a number of advanced features. Most telephones on campus (about 8,000) will be replaced. This includes telephones in residence hall lobbies and dens. On online primer "New Phone System: Everything You Need to Know" -- includes the building-by-building installation schedule, info on new phone features and training materials.
Craft swap at MU Workspace is May 4-5
The Workspace (east basement in the Memorial Union) is hosting a craft swap on Saturday, May 4 (10 a.m.- 4 p.m.) and Sunday, May 5 (1-4 p.m.). From beads and sewing notions to paper and painted boards, check out the craft leftovers. Bring items from your own stash that you aren’t going to use, but can’t bring yourself to throw away. Swap for new or new-to-you supplies. The Workspace also will have art supplies priced to sell.
Central Stores is closed May 1-3
Central Stores will be closed due to inventory Wednesday, May 1, through Friday, May 3.
Congratulations, faculty
Meeting today in Cedar Falls, the state Board of Regents gave final approval to promotions, including tenure awards, for 56 Iowa State faculty. The promotion and tenure awards take effect July 1 for A-base faculty (Aug. 16 for B-base faculty).
Enjoy a free movie at Jack Trice Stadium May 18
The Jr. Cyclone Club is sponsoring its first "Movie Night at Jack Trice Stadium" on May 18 (7 p.m., gates open at 6 p.m.). The movie is Wreck-It Ralph and the event is free and open to the public. In case of inclement weather, the event will move to Hilton Coliseum. Families may sit on the field (blankets only, no chairs) or in the bleachers on the east side of the stadium. Handicap-accessible seating also will be available. Limited concessions at reduced prices will be for sale. More information is online.
Leadership development opportunity for employees
Human resource services will offer the "12+ Supervisory Leadership Series" beginning in September with completion set for May 2014. The program is a series of three-hour workshops conducted about twice each month. Participants will receive a leadership certificate upon the completion of at least 12 workshops. The content of this leadership series fits into two themes: 1) Knowing your institutional services, and 2) Knowing yourself as a leader. Contact Ruth Appleton or Don Broshar in HRS if you are interested in learning more about the program.
Publisher advises writers to be more daring
On Thursday, April 25 (7 p.m., 1030 Morrill), editor-in-chief Lars Pearson of sci-fi book publisher Mad Norwegian will reveal why some submissions to his Hugo-award-winning press make the cut and others don’t. Pearson's talk is sponsored by The Writers’ Guild of ISU; all are welcome.
Honors poster presentation is May 2
The University Honors Program invites the campus community to attend the spring 2013 poster presentation and reception featuring Honors projects as well as the spring and summer 2013 Honors graduates on May 2 (3-5 p.m., MU Great Hall). Honors students will be present to answer questions and speak with individuals interested in their projects.
Design student art sale is May 1-3
The annual spring sale of artwork by students in the integrated studio arts and integrated visual arts programs will take place May 1-3 (10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, foyer outside the dean's office, College of Design). Sponsored by CODAC (College of Design Art Club), most of the proceeds go directly to the student artists, while the rest help fund club activities such as workshops and guest speakers. Find unique gifts for graduation, Mother's Day, summer weddings (or yourself).
Watch for more trucks on Haber Road
Employees and students who travel on Haber Road should be mindful of increased truck traffic between the power plant and the long-term coal pile off of Haber Road in the northeast corner of campus. Due to recent rains and the threat of flooding along the Mississippi River, the university's coal supplier was forced to temporarily close its coal receiving dock in Muscatine. Coal deliveries to campus will stop for a time and university staff will haul coal to the power plant from the Haber Road pile.
Earth Day celebration is Monday, April 22
Live Green! will observe the 43rd annual Earth Day with a celebration Monday, April 22 (11 a.m.-2 p.m., Free Speech Zone south of Parks Library). Campus and community organizations and businesses whose efforts support sustainability will provide interactive displays and activities. There will be bike tune-ups, snacks and sustainability-minded prizes.
Installation schedule announced for new telephone system
ITS has announced a roll-out schedule for the new telephone system. Information about which buildings will be the first to receive new telephones is available on the ITS website. Weekly updates about the roll-out will be posted on the ITS website until installation is complete. If you have any questions about the new system, before or during implementation, contact the Solution Center, 4-4000, or the Netcom Support Team, 4-8565.
Arbor Day planting is April 25
Students in the landscape architecture progam will plant eight trees east of the College of Design to mark Arbor Day on April 25 (2:30 p.m.). The annual event, organized by Rhonda Martin, landscape architect in facilities planning and managment, includes a public proclamation and refreshments. Five burr oaks and three chinkapin oaks will be planted in recognition of this year's theme, "Drought Tolerant and Native Grown." The event is free and open to the public.
SCAVMA Scamper is for the dogs ... really
The College of Veterinary Medicine's annual SCAVMA (Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association) Scamper is April 21 (10 a.m., College of Vet Med). Runners and walkers are encouraged to bring their canine companions to the 5K and 10K event. The registration fee is $30 for non-ISU students ($25 for students) if you register by 11:59 p.m. on April 18. Cost to register is $35 day of the event. Details are available online.
Emails with Boston Marathon explosion in subject line are spam
ITS security officials are aware of a large amount of spam relating to the Boston Marathon explosion delivered to campus mailboxes overnight. The emails contain a link that will display several YouTube videos of the explosion and then attempt to install malware on your system. ITS is blocking the malware sites as it becomes aware of them, but several sites are being used. If you have received one of these emails and have clicked on a link, please contact your departmental IT coordinator or the Solution Center at 4-4000.
Free blood pressure screenings offered
ISU kinesiology students are offering free blood pressure screenings to faculty and staff next week. Screenings will take place from 11-11:45 a.m. on April 22, April 24 and April 26 in Food Sciences, Forker and Palmer buildings, and also in Lagomarcino, Ross and LeBaron halls. The screenings are offered as a service learning component of HS 380. Contact Karissa Peyer for more information.
Panel to discuss longevity and living well
A panel of three international research scholars and experts will discuss "What We Know About Living Well and Aging Well," April 24 (7 p.m., Ames City Auditorium). The Healthiest Ames program features Michel Poulain, Universite Catholique de Louvain, Belgium; Leonard Poon, University of Georgia; and Peter Martin, Iowa State human development and family studies. Admission is free and open to the public.
Next Iowa NSF EPSCoR Energy Policy seminar is April 25
Kathy Halvorsen, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, will present "Cellulosic Ethanol: Are We Finished with Forty Years of Being Five Years Away from Commercialization?" at the next Iowa NSF EPSCoR Energy Policy seminar April 25 (3:40-5 p.m., 0013 Curtiss). All are invited to attend.
West sidewalk closure begins April 22
An electric vault and conduit system associated with the agricultural and biosystems engineering building on the west side of campus will be installed in the area between the College of Design and the BRL facility, starting April 22. This work will close a section of the main east-west sidewalk between the buildings for about four weeks, depending on weather. Staff and students traveling to central campus from Lot 9 will need to choose an alternate route.The College of Design atrium area and adjoining sidewalks will remain open to pedestrians.
Hort club's spring plant sale is April 19-20
Student members of the Horticulture Club will hold their spring plant sale Friday, April 19 (2-6 p.m.) and Saturday, April 20 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) in the Horticulture Hall greenhouses. Items for sale include annuals (vegetables and flowers), perennials and grasses. Most items are priced $3-$5; sale proceeds support club activities, trips and community service projects.
Symbi program seeks retired scientists, engineers
Symbi, ISU’s GK-12 program, is recruiting retired scientists and engineers to partner with central Iowa K-12 science teachers to enhance students' STEM learning experiences. Retired "volunteer fellows" become classroom experts providing both teachers and students with new ways of engaging with STEM topics. Volunteer fellows receive training from ISU GK-12 faculty and staff to prepare them for the classroom experience. Volunteer fellows spend one day a week in the classroom over the course of a public school year. An informational open house will be held May 6 (3-4 p.m., 1020 Extension 4-H Building). If you wish to attend the open house, RSVP to Stacy Renfro, 4-8582.
Alumni award recipient to speak on campus April 18
Iowa State alum Leola Adams (master's 1970; Ph.D. 1975) will present "Stepping Out on Faith" April 18 (4:10-5 p.m., 135 MacKay). Adams is a 2013 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award Recipient. The lecture is sponsored by the College of Human Sciences.
Distinguished Awards Celebration is April 19
Help celebrate the university’s highest awards by attending the annual Distinguished Awards Celebration on April 19 (1:30 p.m., MU Sun Room). The ceremony is open to the public and a reception in the South Ballroom will follow. Awards given to alumni and friends, through the ISU Alumni Association and ISU Foundation, include the following: Distinguished Alumni Award, Honorary Alumni Award and the Order of the Knoll Awards. Details about each award recipient can be found online.
More openings in popular Kuali training sessions
If you couldn't get into a training session this spring on the Kuali system, try again. New seats have been added to the popular sessions on financial systems and eData. The sessions are designed to prepare employees for changes that occur July 1, when some administrative systems are switched to the Kuali system. The courses, each consisting of three 1.5-hour sessions, are:
- Kuali Financial Systems, designed for all users entering financial transactions
- eData, designed for all users reporting financial information
Sign up for a session through AccessPlus: Employee tab > HRS Training > Continue > Courses > KFS or eData.
Annual ISU Student Profile report is available online
The 2012-13 edition of the Iowa State University Student Profile (PDF), published by the Office of Institutional Research, is available online. Prior editions of the Student Profile are available online in PDF format. This report is no longer printed.
Funding opportunity for biotech events
The Office of Biotechnology provides funds for biotechnology-related conferences, symposia and workshops that are held on campus or in Ames, and are organized by faculty members or jointly by a faculty sponsor and graduate students. Applications are due April 30 for proposed events that will occur between July 1 and June 30, 2014. More information and an application form are online. Contact Glenda Webber, 4-4749, with questions.
April is sexual assault awareness month
During April, the Margaret Sloss Women's Center and other campus departments and organizations will host events to increase the public's attention on sexual assault. Each Monday (1-2 p.m., Sloss House west lawn), volunteers will distribute teal ribbons and information about sexual assault and consent. Learn more about the "Get a Yes" campaign and the importance of affirmative consent during these times: April 10 (10 a.m.-2 p.m., between Beardshear and the Hub), and April 12 (1-3 p.m., Welch Avenue fire station). More events, including an April 25 "Take Back the Night" rally and march, are detailed online.
Learning Communities program recognizes peer mentors
Iowa State's Learning Communities program recently recognized 15 exemplary student peer mentors for their efforts to be positive models for their learning community members and support the university's academic goals. Congratulations to these mentors: Amanda Fordyce, Diane Fru, Lea Hoefer, Lindsey LaMair, Alison Ludwig, Shannon McClintock, Rachel Peller, Wesley Rondinelli, Lisa Rueschhoff, Hannah Sinclair, Courtney Stakey, Marcie Stevenson, Anton Sytine, Spencer Vore and Andrea Ytzen.
International leader in global sustainable development will speak at ISU April 7
Internationally recognized scientist and World Food Prize recipient Hans Herren will talk about the "Changing Course in Global Agriculture," at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 7, in the Memorial Union Sun Room. A Swiss entomologist, Herren received the 1995 World Food Prize for leading a major biological pest development campaign in Africa, successfully fighting the cassava mealy bug and averting a catastrophic food shortage.
Wellness Works offers chance to connect with ISU workout buddies
Wellness Works, a student-driven service learning project that offers health programming to ISU faculty and staff, is on Meetup.com, a social network designed to connect health-conscious individuals at Iowa State. This page is a place where you can find workout partners, join and create fitness events and get motivated about health. Go to http://meetup.com to create an account or sign in with your personal Facebook or Twitter account. Contact wellnessworksisu@gmail.com with questions.
Iowa NSF EPSCoR Energy Policy seminar is April 11
Rob Johansson, office of the chief economist at the USDA, will present "What is Driving Renewable Identification Number (RIN) Price Volatility? Insights from a Medium-run RIN Pricing Model" at the next Iowa NSF EPSCoR Energy Policy seminar on April 11 (3:40-5 p.m., 0013 Curtiss). All are invited to attend.
Outdoor Rec Program hosts equipment sale April 11
The Outdoor Recreation Program is selling some of its recreational equipment on April 11 (6-7:30 p.m., State Gym). Some items for sale include tents, sleeping pads and bags, life jackets and kayak helmets. Go online for a complete list of items for sale.
Check out these April employee wellness events
All faculty and staff are invited to attend the following free employee wellness events in April:
- "Spin into Spring," April 5 (6:30 p.m., State Gym). No access pass is required to attend this one-time class.
- "Antioxidants for Health," April 8 (noon, 192 Parks Library). No RSVP required.
- "Mediterranean Diet: From Shopping Cart to Kitchen," April 25 (noon, 192 Parks Library). No RSVP required.
Open house for student employees is April 10
The Office of Student Financial Aid will hold its annual open house to observe National Student Employment Week on Wednesday, April 10 (7:30-10:30 a.m., ground floor of Beardshear). All students who work on or off campus are invited to enjoy a free breakfast and register for door prizes. Iowa State's Student Employee of the Year and two Student Employees of Distinction also will be honored at this event.
Charter reinforces Ombuds Office mission
The Ombuds Office now has a charter (PDF) and video, both available on its website. The document, signed by President Steven Leath, doesn't change anything about how the ombuds goes about assisting faculty, staff and graduate and professional students with workplace problems or other concerns. However, ombuds officer Elaine Newell said, "It affirms the confidentiality and independence of the ombuds office and is a statement of the university's support for early and informal effort in conflict management and resolution."
