Announcements
October 2013
Presenters sought for black student government conference
Iowa State will host the 37th annual Big 12 Conference on Black Student Government Feb. 27-March 1, 2014. Faculty, staff and students -- graduate and undergraduate -- are invited to submit proposals for 50-minute presentations at the conference. The submission deadline is noon on Jan. 1. More information and the proposal document are online, or contact Sylvester Gaskin or Ebony Williams, Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, 4-6338. General themes sought in presentations include:
- Business etiquette and professionalism
- Cross-cultural dialogue
- Importance of higher education
- Leadership in a changing multicultural/multiracial world
- Perseverance
Workshop: Write stronger broader impacts statements in NSF proposals
SP@ISU, in collaboration with ISU applied linguistics researcher Elena Cotos, is developing resources to assist grant writers in writing strong broader impacts statements for their NSF proposals. Cotos analyzed 105 funded and unfunded NSF proposals by ISU faculty and developed a framework that can be used as a guiding tool for presenting broader impacts plans. She'll present her research during a lunch workshop on Nov. 14 (noon-2 p.m., MU South Ballroom). Lunch will be provided. All faculty, staff, students and postdocs are invited; register online.
Updated: Osborn Club lecture is Nov. 11
V.V. Raman, Emeritus Professor of physics and humanities, Rochester Insititute of Technology, will present "The Human-centered Universe: Some Speculations in Current Cosmology" at the next Osborn Club lecture on Nov. 11 (7 p.m., 1420 Molecular Biology Building, atrium). The lecture portion of Osborn Club meetings is open to the public. Admission is free. Bruce Harmon, Distinguished Professor of physics, had been scheduled to speak, but had to postpone his presentation.
Hort farm is selling apples through Nov. 7
The ISU Horticulture Research Station north of Ames is selling fresh picked apples for $10 (5-lb. bag) or $20 (10-lb. bag). Varieties available are Golden Delicious and Chieftain, a cross between the tart Jonathan and the sweet Red Delicious, developed by ISU horticulturist Spencer Beach in 1917. Both are great for eating, baking and canning. Apple orders can be picked up in the parking lot north of Horticulture Hall on Nov. 6 and 7 (noon-1:30 p.m.). Payment, cash or check only, is due at the time of pick-up. For more information or to place an order, email Sally Medford with your request and contact information.
EAP training: Conflict Management
University human resources, in conjunction with Employee and Family Resources, is offering professional development classes to benefits-eligible employees. The next class, "Conflict Management," is available in two sessions on Nov. 5 (9-11 a.m., MU Gallery; 1-3 p.m., 2532 Vet Med). There is no cost to attend. Register via AccessPlus (Employee tab > "HRS Training").
It's time to vote in video competition
Iowa State Student Health partnered with Mary Greeley Medical Center and McFarland Clinic on an entry for this year's Pink Glove Dance video competition, which raises awareness for breast cancer. Student groups, including members of the football team, are featured in the video. Voting is open through Nov. 8 and you may vote daily. The winner receives $25K to give to a charity of choice, and the Ames video currently is in third place.
EH&S Safety Summit is Nov. 1
Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) is holding a fall safety summit, "Harvest Your Surplus - Safely," on Nov. 1 (7:45-9 a.m., 1230 EH&S Building). Attendees will learn how to save time, reduce costs and avoid generating hazards by disposing of unwanted chemicals, equipment and materials. Registration information is available online. For more information, call 4-5359.
New computer virus 'ransoms' your files
A relatively new computer virus, Cryptolocker, is attacking Windows computers on campus. The virus locks down the infected computer's files and demands a ransom, usually $300, to unlock them. Iowa State mail servers are removing infected attachments, but your personal mail account could be vulnerable. To avoid the virus, don't click on links or open attachments from unfamiliar email and keep antivirus programs updated. Make backups of your files and store offine. If your computer is infected, turn it off and call your IT support staff or the Solution Center, 4-4000.
"Vagina Monologues" auditions are Nov. 4, 6, 8
Auditions for February performances of The Vagina Monologues will be held Nov. 4 (7-9 p.m.), Nov. 6 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) and Nov. 8 (5-8 p.m.), all at the Sloss House. No acting experience is necessary, and all people who lead their lives as women may audition. Scripts are available in advance at the Sloss House. Proceeds from the Feb. 13-14 performances will be donated to the Ames shelter ACCESS and the National V-Day Spotlight Campaign.
Snow blower service days are Nov. 1-2
The Agriculture Systems Technology Club will service snow blowers Friday, Nov. 1 (1-6 p.m.) and Saturday, Nov. 2 (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) at the north end of Industrial Education II, west of the horse barns. Simply drop off your snow blower during service hours. The $25 cost includes oil, sparkplug, grease and a half tank of gas. Pick-up and delivery is available only in Ames for an additional $15; email astservicedays@gmail.com or call 515-708-8672 before 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, to request pick-up.
Tickets on sale for "The Nutcracker Ballet"
Tickets are on sale for the Iowa State Center's 33rd rendition of The Nutcracker Ballet, Dec. 14 (1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.) and Dec. 15 (1:30 p.m.) at Stephens Auditorium. Tickets are $25 ($20 for youth, seniors, ISU students and group of 10 or more) and available at the Iowa State Center ticket office (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) or through Ticketmaster.
Creative project grants available for students
The Memorial Union is seeking student artists, writers and performers to apply for FOCUS Grants. Recipients will receive up to $600 to fund creative projects that can be displayed, read or performed. Past projects have included visual art, poetry readings, dance, drama, music, chap books and apparel designs. Rules and an application form are available online. Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. Nov. 1 at the lectures office, MU Room 2586. Call 4-9934 for more information.
Nominations sought for Advancing One Community Awards
The Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost is seeking nominations for the Advancing One Community Awards. The awards recognize the recipients' efforts to create an inclusive university community that embraces justice and equity. Up to three awards may be given in the categories of faculty/staff, student and/or group, each with a $500 stipend. All current ISU faculty, staff and students, including groups and organizations, are eligible to be nominated. Nominations should be sent to Jaime Watson by Nov. 15. Additional information (PDF) is online.
Trick-or-treat with the Greeks
The Iowa State Greek community will host its annual Greek Trick-or-Treat night on Oct. 29 (6-8 p.m., Howe Hall atrium). All are welcome to bring their children and families for Halloween-themed games and trick-or-treating. Costumes are encouraged. Parking is available off Sheldon Road in Lots 2, 7 or 9, and off Bissel Road in Lot 3. More information is available online or by calling 4-1023.
Symbi program seeks applicants for fellowship
Symbi, Iowa’s GK-12 program, is seeking applications from qualified Ph.D. students for nine $30,000 stipends. Each fellow works collaboratively with a middle school or high school science teacher and spends one full day each week performing the duties of a "resident scientist/engineer” in a science classroom. The major professors of the Ph.D. candidates (post-preliminary exam) must be associated with the College of Engineering, the Bioeconomy Institute, the NSF Engineering Research Center for Biorenewable Chemicals or the Plant Sciences Institute. Applications are due by Nov. 15. More information is online, or you may attend the Symbi open house on Oct. 28 (4-6 p.m., 1124 Biorenewables Lab). Please RSVP to symbi@iastate.edu if you plan to attend the open house.
Meat science club is selling holiday hams
ISU's meat science club has semi-boneless, cured and hardwood-smoked hams (whole and half sizes), and are taking orders for the holidays. The cost is $3.50/pound (whole) and $4/pound (half). Ham pick-up dates are Nov. 19 and 21 and Dec. 17 and 19 (4-6 p.m. daily) at the sales counter, 214 Meats Laboratory. To place an order, email isu.meat.science.club@gmail.com or pick up an order form at the Meats Lab sales counter or in 2371 Kildee. Pay with cash or check only at the time of pick-up.
VRAC Halloween Fun House open for ISU faculty and staff Oct. 22
The Virtual Reality Applications Center (VRAC) is hosting its annual Halloween Fun House Oct. 26-27 (1-4 p.m., 1117 Black Engineering), but ISU faculty and staff and their families are invited to a special opening on Oct. 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. Kids will learn about science and technology while they battle as a Jedi knight, save Boo (from Monster, Inc.), and rescue the minions (from Despicable Me). Admission is free.
Nonsupervisory merit open change period delayed until Oct. 21
The benefits open change period for nonsupervisory merit employees has been delayed until Monday, Oct. 21. The open period will continue through 5 p.m. on Nov. 19.
Bike tune-ups, food collection part of sustainability day Oct. 23
Student organizations, campus groups and community businesses will highlight their green activities and products during a celebration of National Campus Sustainability Day on Oct. 23 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) in front of Parks Library. Participants can bring bikes for free tune-ups, make food donations to The SHOP student food pantry, collect a free coffee mug and, perhaps, win a sustainable prize.
New off-campus voice mail number
The new number for checking your voice mail -- 515-296-6245 -- from an off-campus phone may sound familiar. It's the same voice mail number that was in use prior to the summer phone upgrades. The old number is back, replacing another that was in use for a brief time after the upgrades. Here's how to check voice mail from your cell phone or another off-campus phone:
- Dial 515-296-6245
- When prompted for your mailbox ID; provide your 5-digit extension followed by "#"
- Follow instructions to access your mail
New internal grants support academic advising
The Academic Advising Innovation Grant Program, with funding support from the office of the senior vice president and provost, will support initiatives that enrich the academic advising experiences of undergraduate students and enhance the ability of academic advisers to meet the needs of a growing, diverse undergraduate population. Up to $60,000 in grant funding is available this year (2013-14). Grants will support innovative advising-related programs or the expansion of best practices across the university. Guidelines and application materials are online; applications are due Dec. 2. Questions may be directed to Karen Zunkel in the provost's office, 4-7063.
MU Workspace hosts Little Free Library workshop
The Workspace is hosting a Little Free Library workshop on Saturday, Oct. 19 (10 a.m.-2 p.m., lower east end of the MU). Purchase a kit for $20 that you'll construct and paint during the workshop under the guidance of Dan Neubauer. No woodworking experience is necessary. For those wanting to volunteer some time, come in to help build a custom library that will be placed in the Memorial Union. The Workspace will have information on registering your library with the parent organization as well as tips on maintaining your free books. Preregistration isn’t required, but it's a good idea to call so a kit will be held for you (294-0970).
Oct. 18 public hearing on campus precedes regents' Iowa City meeting
If you'd like to comment on any items scheduled for discussion at the state Board of Regents meeting Oct. 23-24 in Iowa City, you have several options:
- Attend one of six public hearings held at the regents institutions and board office Oct. 17 or 18. Iowa State's hearing is Friday, Oct. 18 (noon-1 p.m., Memorial Union Oak Room). All public hearings will be video recorded and posted to the regents' hearings website.
- Provide written comments to regents transparency officer Sheila Doyle Koppin, sdoyle@iastate.edu.
Meeting materials and an agenda for the October meeting will be posted to the regents homepage by Oct. 15.
P&S award nominations due Dec. 1
Nominations are now being accepted for awards recognizing professional and scientific staff who performed above and beyond the call of duty; did something extraordinarily well; or made a difference in the institution. The nominated work must have happened within the last year. In addition to individual P&S CYtation Awards, a P&S Team Award has been introduced this year to acknowledge groups that have made a significant contriubtion. The nomination deadline for both awards is Dec. 1.
Be creative: Decorate your office space for homecoming
The Homecoming Central Committee invites faculty and staff members to show your Cyclone spirit by decorating your department office, personal office or office door for the 2013 homecoming celebration, "Homecoming 101: The Tradition Continues" (Nov. 3-9). If you'd like to participate, email your registration by Oct. 22. Then, decorate your office or door by Oct. 29. Judging takes place between 12:30 and 3 p.m. on Nov. 5. Only those offices and departments that registered ahead of time will be part of the judging. Categories for judging are:
- Use of ISU logo (past and present)
- Use of the homecoming theme
Library offers another EndNote Basic workshop
In response to demand, the University Library will offer a second session of the "Getting Started with EndNote Basic" workshop on Nov. 6 (2:30-4 p.m., 134 Parks Library). Participants will learn how to use this free bibliographic management program, which helps researchers collect, organize, format and use citations in their writing projects. Preregistration is required.
Call for student entries for MU art exhibit
The Memorial Union is issuing a call for entries for Studies in Creativity, the annual fall student juried art exhibit. Any Iowa State student may submit up to three entries in any media. The artwork dropoff date for jurying is Monday, Oct. 21 (9 a.m.-1 p.m., MU Gallery). Pieces selected will be on display Oct. 24-Dec. 10; a reception will be held Oct. 29. Rules and entry information are online.
Nominations for alumni association awards are due Dec. 1
The ISU Alumni Association seeks nominations by Dec. 1 for these 2014 awards:
- Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award, recognizing ISU seniors who display high character, outstanding academic and university/community achievements and the promise to continue these qualities as an alum.
- Faculty/Staff Inspiration Award, recognizing a faculty or staff member who had a significant impact on a student's professional or personal life during his/her student years.
- Iowa STATEment Makers, recognizing young alumni (32 years and younger) with accomplishments in any of these areas: scholastic, career or personal achievements, entrepreneurial spirit, service.
Periodic lane closure on Haber Road Oct. 14-18
There will be moving road closures on the north-bound lane of Haber Road Oct. 14-18 (8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. ) to allow work on sidewalks and approaches to the new Haber Road parking area. Flag persons at each end of a closure will direct traffic through it.
The bike path between Brookside Park and Haber Road, closed since Sept. 9 for the parking lot project, will reopen by Oct. 31.
Student veterans invited to welcome back reception
Senior vice president for student affairs Tom Hill, along with Captain Ricks Polk (Navy), Lt. Colonel Richard Smith (Army) and Lt. Colonel Ryan Hollman (Air Force) cordially invite student veterans to a reception on Tuesday, Oct. 29 (4-6 p.m., MU Campanile Room) welcoming them back to campus. Complimentary food and beverages will be served. RSVPs are requested by Oct. 23 to Jean Foley, 294-4420.
Funeral for former faculty member Jack Horowitz is Oct. 10
Jack Horowitz, professor emeritus of biochemistry, died Oct. 8 in Ames. Horowitz was an Iowa State faculty member from 1961 to his retirement in 2000. A funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, at the Ames Jewish Congregation, 3721 Calhoun Ave.; burial will follow in Ames Municipal Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW Washington. D.C., 20024; Israel Family Hospice House, 400 S. Dakota Ave., Ames; or a charity of your choice.
Catt honored on Des Moines' Riverwalk bridge
Iowa State alumna and leader of the American women's suffrage movement Carrie Chapman Catt is among the first four honorees on the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge, located on the Des Moines' Principal Riverwalk. Catt, the only woman in her Iowa State graduating class of 1880, followed Susan B. Anthony as the nation's leading suffragist and led the successful campaign to ratify the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote.
Submit proposals now for 2014 ISCORE
Proposals are now being accepted for the annual Iowa State Conference on Race and Ethnicity (ISCORE), planned for March 7, 2014 (8 a.m.-5 p.m., Memorial Union). ISCORE is a comprehensive forum on issues of race and ethnicity at Iowa State and beyond. Students, staff and faculty will provide concurrent sessions at ISCORE 2014. Proposals should be submitted online by Nov. 22.
Scam alert
Among the latest spam appearing in campus in-boxes are two suspicious emails. One purports to be a required employee reimbursement for vehicle expenses. The other, titled "Tax Exemption Notification," has an attached forgery of an IRS form. Both want your personal information. Don't open attachments, download files or follow links in these emails or anything else that looks suspicious.
Food Day observance is planned
As part of the local observance of the national Food Day 2013 (Oct. 24), the Sustainable Agriculture Student Association is bringing several speakers to Ames. Oxfam America's Frances Moore Lappé, Harriet Nakabaale and Kijoolu Kaliya will discuss "Food, Land and Small Planet Producers" on Oct. 17 (6:30 p.m., United Church of Christ, 217 Sixth St.). Their discussion will be preceded by a 6 p.m. reception. Food and Water Watch executive director Wenonah Hauter, who wrote Foodopoly: The Battle Over the Future of Food and Farming in America, will discuss her book topic on Oct. 22 (8 p.m., MU Sun Room).
Online auction will benefit United Way
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is hosting its second annual online auction to benefit the United Way campaign. Items include baked goods, a children's World War II book, photography items, Cyclone gear and symphony tickets. Auction bidding begins at midnight Monday, Oct.14, and concludes at 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 21. Anyone with an ISU net ID can bid. Questions may be directed to Laura Wille.
Register now for women's leadership conference
IWLC, a state-wide leadership organization for women, is hosting a fall conference, "Connect. Inspire. Deliver. Advancing Women Leaders," on Oct. 16 (9 a.m.-5 p.m., The Meadows Events and Conference Center, Altoona). New to this year's conference is a special track for undergraduate students. Cost for students is $75. Details and registration information is available online.
ISU Surplus bike auction is Oct. 19
ISU Surplus will hold a used bicycle auction on Saturday, Oct. 19 (10 a.m., ISU Surplus warehouse, 1102 Southern Hills Dr.). Up to 300 adult-size abandoned bikes, collected by the residence and public safety departments, will be auctioned. Models include everything from cruisers to road bikes. Viewing begins at 9 a.m. Payment must be by cash or check; no credit/debit cards. Questions may be directed to Logan Gaedke, 4-7333.
After-school camp teaches girls about science, engineering
Science Explorations, an after-school camp for girls in grades 3-6 and led by students in the Women in Science and Engineering Program, will be held on Friday afternoons (4-6 p.m.) starting Oct. 18 and ending Nov. 8. The camp is designed to teach girls about science and engineering by engaging them in hands-on activities. Registration is on a first come, first served basis and closes Oct 16. The registration form (PDF) is online. Questions may be directed to cyexplorations@iastate.edu.
Iowa State earns gold for being "green"
Iowa State has earned a gold rating from the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS is a transparent, self-reporting tool for colleges and universities to measure their sustainablity performance. Participating universities may earn bronze, silver, gold or platinum ratings for their commitment to sustainability. Iowa State's rating will be in place for three years.
Learn about McNair Scholar progam Oct. 8
An open house to learn more about the McNair Scholar program will be held Tuesday, Oct. 8 (5:30-7 p.m.) and Wednesday, Oct. 9 (noon-1:30 p.m.) in 1156 Pearson. The program supports underrepresented, low-income and first-generation students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. It exposes them to research and preparies them for the graduate school experience. The program is for undergraduates (juniors and seniors) who have a strong interest in pursuing a graduate degree and demonstrate potential for graduate school. Refreshments will be provided.
P&S Council professional development seminar is Oct. 8
"Recognizing and Managing Workplace Violence" is the topic of the next Professional and Scientific Council's professional development seminar on Oct. 8 (2-3 p.m., MU Campanile Room). Carrie Jacobs and Aaron DeLashmutt from Iowa State's department of public safety will give the talk. All are invited to attend.
New exhibit opens in textiles museum
The fall exhibit, "Indonesian Batik: Textiles and Techniques," will be at the Textiles and Clothing Museum's Mary Alice Gallery, 1015 Morrill, through Nov. 15. The museum is open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday; admission is free.
Arts and events
'Die Fledermaus' is a farce of mistaken identity, flirtation and a practical joke with unanticipated consequences. It opens Nov. 7 in Fisher Theater.
