Announcements
August 2014
Light pole replacement to occur Aug. 30
On Saturday, Aug. 30, crews will replace 10 street light poles along Osborn Drive and Wallace Road. Signage on the poles will be reinstalled the week of Sept. 2.
Ag Business Club wins Outstanding Chapter Award
The ISU Agricultural Business Club won two major awards at the recent Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA) conference. The club was named National Outstanding Chapter for the eighth time in the last nine years. The students also won the Creative Club Award.
Melon Mania seeks to raise funds for Uganda on Sept. 11
Several ISU student clubs and faculty members are joining forces to create Melon Mania, a fundraiser for schools in the Kamuli District of Uganda. The event, planned for Sept. 11 (4-9 p.m., central campus), will feature numerous melon activities (i.e., melon bowling, melon plinko, melon sculptures and more). Surplus melons grown by Iowa State will be for sale (one melon, $2; three melons, $5). Money raised from the sale of the melons will go to Establish and Grow, and Iowa State organization that assists the Kamuli District. Melon Mania is free and open to the public.
Training session for youth program staff is Sept. 9
The offices of risk management, university counsel, extension and outreach and conference planning/management will hold a training session on Sept. 9 (10 a.m.-noon, 1155 Administrative Services Building) that targets departmental/unit employees who plan and supervise youth programs and administrative assistants who complete administrative tasks for youth programs. The training will provide the most current information on pre-collegiate and youth-related policies, procedures and forms that need to be completed to conduct youth programs at Iowa State. Those planning to attend are asked to send an email by Sept. 5 to the office of risk management.
Alumna claims fashion cup in Omaha show
Whitney Rorah, a May graduate and first-year graduate student in apparel, merchandising, and design, won the Omaha Fashion Cup $10,000 prize Aug. 23. Rorah's award-winning bridal collection featured a floral wedding dress decorated with four layers of individually hand-crafted flower petals. Rorah's wedding dress collection also captured the "Best in Show" award at last April's student fashion show in Stephens Auditorium.
Leadership training opportunities from UHR
University human resources is offering the following leadership training opportunities beginning in September. Register on AccessPlus (Employee tab > UHR Training). Contact Adan Murillo or Don Broshar with questions.
- 12+ Supervisory Leadership Series is a series of three-hour workshops conducted approximately twice a month from September to May. The workshops focus on knowledge of the university and the interpersonal skills needed to perform in a supervisory role at ISU. While the series is focused on first-time supervisors, any supervisor is welcome to apply.
- Leadership at Any Level is a series of five, two-hour professional development sessions focused on enhancing an individual’s leadership potential. Leadership is more than a function of position, and an individual at any level can demonstrate leadership and influence the behavior of others. Therefore, any ISU employee interested in enhancing his or her leadership potential can participate.
Registrar's scheduling/fees unit will relocate temporarily
From approximately Sept. 2 to Oct. 20, the scheduling and fees unit of the registrar's office will relocate to 139 Durham Center. Phone numbers and mailing addresses will not change. The unit's office space in 10 Enrollment Services Center will undergo extensive remodeling during this time.
Merle Haggard Oct. 6 concert tickets go on sale Friday
Tickets for an Oct. 6 concert at Stephens Auditorium by country music legend Merle Haggard go on sale Friday, Aug. 29 (10 a.m., Ticketmaster). Tickets cost $39 to $75, plus fees.
Wanted: Potential treehouse masters
Reiman Gardens is seeking proposals from individuals, groups or firms to design, construct and display unique, site-specific treehouses for its 2015 outdoor display. The proposed treehouse designs should be inspired by a socially relevant celebration (i.e., birthday, graduation, retirement, cultural holiday, etc.) in honor of Reiman Gardens' 20th anniversary.
A $3,000 stipend will be offered to help offset building costs, and exhibitors may promote their name at the gardens. Those interested in participating must attend a pre-design presentation and site walk on Sept. 2 (6-8 p.m., Reiman Gardens) to learn about requirements, entry information and to ask questions. RSVP for the walk-through by Aug. 27 to Sara Merrit, 4-1318. Final design proposals are due Oct. 1.
Three new members selected for biotech council
Marian Kohut, professor of kinesiology; Alison Robertson, associate professor of plant pathology and microbiology; and Ravindra Singh, John G. Salsbury Endowed Chair in Veterinary Medicine and professor of biomedical sciences, have been selected to serve three-year terms on Iowa State’s Biotechnology Council. The council makes recommendations to the Office of Biotechnology on activities supporting biotechnology research, education and outreach.
Sick kids? Consider The Comfort Zone
The Comfort Zone is a "get-well" center for mildly ill children, infants through fifth grade, who are cared for by a registered nurse and professional child care staff. Preregistration is required to send your child(ren) there. Information is available online or by emailing czone@iastate.edu. The Comfort Zone, located at 100 University Village, opens Sept. 2.
Iowa historian Dorothy Schwieder dies
Former Iowa State professor and renowned Iowa historian Dorothy Schwieder, 80, died Aug. 13. During her nearly 50-year academic career, she became an authority in Iowa history and, in 2012, she was inducted into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame. Funeral services were held Aug. 18.
Faculty mentors sought for first-year Honors students
Faculty and other researchers interested in mentoring one or more first-year Honors students for the spring 2015 semester may apply now. Students may be mentored directly by faculty or by someone on a research team (i.e., post-doc or graduate student) as long as the faculty member serves as the supervisor of record. Those interested in becoming mentors should complete the mentor information form by Sept. 19. Additional information and project examples are available online. Contact Dana Schumacher, 4-0172, with questions.
Civility conference scheduled for Sept. 4-5 postponed to spring
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the civility conference, "Ethics, Integrity and Civility in Higher Education" scheduled for Sept. 4-5 in the Memorial Union, has been postponed until spring 2015. However, the Neil Hamilton keynote lecture, "Ethics, Integrity and Civility in Higher Education: New Approaches to Foster a Culture of Trust," will be held as scheduled (8 p.m. Sept. 4, MU Pioneer Room). The public is welcome.
Learn how to write a P&S position description
University human resources is offering training on "How to Write a Professional and Scientific Position Description" in conjunction with the new PeopleAdmin 7 system training. Anyone who writes or assists with writing position descriptions is encouraged to attend. Training is offered weekly beginning Aug. 26 through Nov. 24. To register, go to AccessPlus (Employee tab > UHR Training) and choose the class you wish to attend. Please note that if not enough employees sign up for a particular session, it will be cancelled and employees may need to re-register. Contact Kyla Kaetzel with questions.
Library workshop targets grad students
A library workshop designed for graduate students, "Everything You Need to Know About the Library," will be held Thursday, Sept. 11 (3-4:30 p.m., Parks Library). Learn how to find dissertations, influential research articles and important journals in your subject area. Find out who is your subject librarian and learn about library services that can help facilitate your research and writing. Seating is limited and preregistration is required.
"Taking the Road Less Traveled" preregistration opens Aug. 27
Preregistration for the fall "Taking the Road Less Traveled" STEM career exploration conferences for girls in grades six through 12 opens Aug. 27. Conferences are scheduled for Oct. 16 (high school) and Oct. 23 and 30 (middle school). Cost is $10. As a result of the preregistration process, conferences may fill within 24-36 hours after opening. Preregister online. For more information, contact Carol Heaverlo or Erin Jackson.
Employee wellness: Online program begins Sept. 3
"Living Well ... It's Up to You!" is an online wellness program that provides the structure, accountability and support needed to accomplish healthy lifestyle goals. The program begins Sept. 3 and continues for eight weeks (Wednesdays, 12:10-12:55 p.m.). Cost is $25; $20 is returned upon completion of the program. To register and for instructions on how to use Adobe Connect, contact Sally Barclay.
Ames tops best college towns list
Ames earned the top spot in Livability.com's 2014 Best College Towns list. The ranking is based on such things as student population, affordable housing, walkability, educational attainment and entertainment venues. It's the second such honor for Ames in a few weeks. The Best College Reviews website recently named Ames No. 5 among the 50 Best College Towns in America.
Sept. 4 hearing on campus precedes regents' Ames meeting
If you'd like to comment on any items scheduled for discussion at the state Board of Regents meeting Sept. 10 at Iowa State University, you have several options:
- Attend one of six public hearings held at the regents institutions and board office Sept. 4-5. Iowa State's hearing is Thursday, Sept. 4 (noon-1 p.m., Memorial Union Oak Room). All public hearings will be video recorded and posted to the regents' hearings website. Transparency officer Shirley Knipfel will preside at the meeting.
- Provide written comments to regents transparency officer Sheila Doyle Koppin, sdoyle@iastate.edu.
Meeting materials and an agenda for the Sept. 10 meeting will be posted to the regents homepage by Sept. 2.
Help celebrate Women's Equality Day on Aug. 26
The campus community is invited to celebrate the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote, on Aug. 26 (9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Plaza of Heroines, Catt Hall). Register to vote and enjoy light refreshments. Information about the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics and the Margaret Sloss Women's Center also will be available.
Final piece of Sheldon reconstruction begins Aug. 25
Phase 3 in the city of Ames' reconstruction of Sheldon Avenue on the west edge of campus will conclude by the end of this week. Phase 4 -- a straight stretch from just north of the Union Drive intersection to just south of where the Sheldon Extension begins -- is scheduled to begin on Monday, Aug. 25, and be completed by mid-September. This final phase will close west driveways to Howe Hall and Thielen Student Health Center parking lots, which will remain accessible from Bissel Road and Union Drive, respectively. Employees who park in Lot 7 (west of Thielen) will have temporary access to that lot from West Street.
Hispanic and Latino/a affinity group seeks representatives
Colegas Creating Community, a member organization of the Faculty and Staff Affinity Council, is seeking volunteers to serve as staff and faculty representatives. Colegas supports the career progression and development of Hispanic and Latino/a faculty and staff, as well as their families' integration into the Ames community. If you would like to serve, nominate someone to serve or receive more information, contact associate professor of Spanish Elisa Rizo or professor of chemistry Javier Vela.
Widespread Panic concert tickets go on sale Aug. 25
Tickets for an Oct. 29 concert in Stephens Auditorium by jam band Widespread Panic will go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 25, through Ticketmaster and at the Stephens ticket office. Tickets are $45.50; all seats are reserved. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
Osborn Drive gates go into use on Aug. 18
The campus gates on Osborn Drive will be placed into operation for fall semester Monday morning, Aug. 18. Drivers who access those gates are reminded to bring their gate cards to work.
SAC poster sale runs Aug. 20-29
The Student Activities Center is hosting its annual poster sale Aug. 20-29 (9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, MU Campanile Room). Thousands of posters depicting music, art, movies and pop culture are available. Prices range between $8 and $12. Proceeds from the sale fund the MU art programs. Contact muart@iastate.edu for more information.
University Community Childcare has preschool openings
The morning preschool program at University Community Childcare, located north of campus on Stange Road, has openings for 2-and-a-half to 5-year-old children beginning Sept. 2. Children may be enrolled two, three or five mornings per week. UCC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. A sliding fee scale is available for qualified families. For more information or to register your child, contact UCC at 4-9838 or univcc@iastate.edu.
ISU ranked among top green institutions
Iowa State University was ranked as one of the top 24 schools on The Princeton Review's 2015 Green Honor Roll. Institutions were ranked based on environmentally related practices, policies and academic offerings.
Volunteers needed to assist international students
The Thielen Student Health Center is seeking volunteers for its international student health screenings, Aug. 18-22. Volunteer duties include greeting and checking in students, helping them with basic paperwork and staffing the snack table. No medical experience is necessary. Three-hour shifts are available daily between 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The screenings will take place at State Gym. Email Kearsten Brown for more information.
Share a Coke promotion comes to campus Aug. 16-17
Can't find a Coke with your name on it? Create a custom Coke can on Aug. 16-17 (10 a.m.-4 p.m., Frederiksen Court Community Center) during the Share a Coke promotion. You also can sample Coke products and get your picture taken in a photo booth. The event is free and open to the public. If it rains, the event may be cancelled. View the ISU Dining website for details.
Multicultural students invited to Jump Start event on Sept. 2
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs invites all multicultural students to Jump Start, a free welcome event on Tuesday, Sept. 2 (5-7 p.m., MU Sun Room). Enjoy games, food and fun.
Watch for traffic congestion during student move in
Students living in ISU residence halls this academic year will be moving in Tuesday-Friday, Aug. 19-22. The department of residence suggests that faculty and staff avoid areas where move-in congestion may occur, including Union Drive (southwest part of campus) and Beach Road (east side of campus).
First phase of Lago renovation is wrapping up
The first phase of the Lagomarcino Hall office renovation for the School of Education is nearing completion. Faculty and staff are moving into new offices and classroom spaces vacated 14 months ago. Work continues on phase 2, the new north entrance, which includes a stair and elevator tower. The completed project is scheduled to be ready when spring semester starts in January.
Lab safety session for grad assistants offered three times
Environmental Health and Safety will offer a laboratory safety orientation session in August for incoming graduate students who will be working in laboratories. The session covers general lab safety, fire safety and extinguisher use, biological and radiation safety awareness, and handling of lab waste. The four-hour session (8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) will be offered three times: Aug. 19, 20 and 21, at the EH&S Building on the north side of campus. It is highly recommended that grad students attend one of these sessions. Register online (once you're logged in, select Schedule>August>choose a date). Questions may be directed to lab safety specialist Sarah Morris-Benavides.
Committee on women seeks new members
The University Committee on Women has member openings for merit staff and students for the 2014-15 academic year. More information about the committee's work is online. Applications are due Aug. 30; the application form can be downloaded from the 'news and announcements' list in the right column of the website. Questions may be directed to Megan Peterson, office of the senior vice president and provost, 4-6410.
Preschool slots open at Vet Med child care center
The ISU Child Care Center at the College of Veterinary Medicine campus has several full-time openings in its preschool classrooms for children 2 ½ to 4 years old. More information about the program is available online or by calling 4-2273.
Marston Hall closes this week for renovation
Marston Hall's final remaining tenants, the dean’s office and career services, will relocate to the Memorial Union's fourth floor on Aug. 5-6, and then the building will close to the public for an estimated 18 months. Abatement work will begin this week. Completion of the $24 million Marston renovation project is anticipated during spring semester 2016.
Pammel hill closed Aug. 5-11
The west section of Pammel Drive, from Town Engineering to Hyland Avenue, will be closed Aug. 5-11 so crews can replace the island and curbing where Pammel intersects with the Sheldon extension. Part of Sheldon Avenue, behind Howe Hall, also is closed as part of phase 3 in the city's 4-phased replacement of Sheldon. Access to campus from the west during these projects is on Lincoln Way, West Street and Ontario Street.
MU's art lending event is Aug. 6-7
Find the perfect piece to hang on your walls -- office, conference room or at home -- at the Memorial Union's annual art lending open house on Wednesday, Aug. 6 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.), and Thursday, Aug. 7 (10 a.m.-noon) in the MU's browsing library, ground floor. More than 150 framed posters, prints and paintings are available for a semester or year rental. Most rentals are in the $10-$25 range; you may take selected pieces with you. Proceeds support art programs at the MU.
