Announcements

September 2014

CIRAS celebrates Manufacturing Day with free movie night

The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), along with Iowa State Engineering Community Outreach, is celebrating national Manufacturing Day (Oct. 3) by hosting a screening of American Made Movie, a documentary about the rise and fall of American manufacturing.The screening takes place Thursday, Oct. 2 (7 p.m., Howe Hall), followed by a discussion among audience members and area manufacturing leaders about manufacturing in Iowa. Made-in-Iowa refreshments will be available. This free event is open to the public.

Reminder: Flu shot clinic begins Oct. 6

Occupational medicine staff will administer flu shots at no cost to employees (while supplies last) weekdays from Oct. 6 to Oct. 17 (10 a.m.-4 p.m., 205 Technical and Administrative Services Facility). No appointment is necessary. Bring your ISU ID card to the shot clinic and wear a short-sleeve or loose-fitting shirt for better access to your arm. Because parking is limited in front of TASF, consider walking or biking to the clinic. Additional information is online. 

Homecoming is Oct. 5-12

The ISU Alumni Association invites faculty, staff and students to participate in Homecoming events next week (Oct. 5-12). "Experience the Excytement" will include several observances of Cy's 60th birthday, a Friday evening pep rally, Cyclone Central pregame tailgate, Sunday breakfast at Reiman Gardens and more. The Student Alumni Leadership Council also will host a series of events, including the Yell Like Hell competition, lunchtime picnics on central campus, midnight pancakes and mass campaniling. Homecoming buttons ($5) are on sale at the ISU alumni center (8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, first floor window) and through Oct. 3 in the Memorial Union (10 a.m.-2 p.m. daily, MU south atrium). During Homecoming week, buttons will be sold at the central campus picnic tent (11 a.m.-1 p.m., Sunday through Friday).

Register now for Iowa State's Healthiest State Walk, Oct. 8

Join the College of Human Sciences on Oct. 8 for the Healthiest State Walk, an event held in conjunction with the Healthiest State Initiative, which aims to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation by 2016. Faculty, staff and students are invited to grab a friend or colleague and participate in the walk. Multiple campus routes are available online. To participate, please register online by Oct. 8. 

ITS responds to Bash bug

Information technology services staff are taking steps to respond to a serious security vulnerability that could affect many UNIX-like operating systems including Linux, Mac OS X, NETBSD, Solaris and others. Microsoft Windows devices are not affected.  The vulnerability, in a common Unix program called Bash, is known as the Shellshock bug. It allows remote attackers to execute code to, for example, take over systems or access confidential information.

ITS is responding to this threat by:

  • Installing patches and workarounds on ISU central systems
  • Monitoring network traffic to identify attacks from off-campus and blocking them when feasible
  • Monitoring network traffic to identify systems on campus that have been exploited
  • Searching for on-campus systems that are vulnerable and alerting their administrators
  • Providing information and encouraging everyone to install patches to their systems as soon as possible

ITS staff said that almost any UNIX-based device exposed to the Internet -- including embedded devices like network attached storage units, webcams and routers -- is probably vulnerable in some way. They advise units running their own web servers to contact their vendor and apply updates immediately.  Those with Macs should apply software updates as soon as they are released. More information is available from the ITS site.

Input sought on fraternity/sorority parking code

The public is invited to a discussion about parking codes for fraternity and sorority housing. It will be held on Thursday, Oct. 2 (7-9 p.m., lower lounge of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 2210 Lincoln Way).

Reminder: Women's calendar nominations due Sept. 30

Nominations will be accepted through  5 p.m. Sept. 30 for the 2015 Women Impacting ISU calendar, which highlights the accomplishments and achievements of 12 women currently on campus as faculty, staff or students. Seniors graduating in May 2015 may be nominated. The nomination form is on the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics website.

Childcare board of directors seeks members

University Community Childcare (UCC) seeks new members for its governing board of directors. UCC is a private, non-profit corporation serving the ISU, Ames and Story County communities. Its functions include providing quality early care and education, giving ISU student parents access to affordable childcare and giving students valuable work experience. No special skills are needed to serve other than a desire to support human services. Board members serve for two years and are either parents of children attending the childcare center or Ames community members. For more information or to volunteer, contact the board's vice chair, Belinda Hegelheimer.

Guest seminar looks at insects in Antarctica

David Denlinger, The Ohio State University and NAS member, will present "Surviving Antarctica: An Insect Perspective," on Monday, Sept. 29 (4:10 p.m., E164 Lagomarcino) as part of the Presidential Distinguished Scholar Seminar series. All are welcome.

Portfolio development is topic of Oct. 8 brown bag event

ISU ADVANCE and the senior vice president and provost's office are holding a brown bag event, "Promotion to Full Professor: Portfolio Development," on Oct. 8 (noon-1 p.m., MU Sun Room). Learn how to package your professional credentials as you prepare materials for promotion to full professor. This session is targeted toward associate professors and their mentors, however, assistant professors and their mentors also would benefit. Presenters are CALS senior associate dean Joe Colletti and associate dean for academic and global programs David Acker. Bring your lunch; beverages and dessert will be provided. Contact Elisabeth Lonergan with questions. 

Library workshop is on Scopus database

The University Library will offer a hands-on workshop on the Scopus database on Thursday, Oct. 9 (3-4:30 p.m., library location shared at registration). Scopus is a multidisciplinary database of peer-reviewed journal articles, books, conference proceedings and patents with searchable cited references. Users can find the latest research in their fields and discover who's citing their work. Preregistration is required; enrollment limited to 48.

October Cyclone Club lunch features soccer coach

Cyclone soccer head coach Tony Minatta will be the featured speaker at the October Cyclone Club luncheon, Thursday, Oct. 2 (noon-1 p.m., Reiman Ballroom, ISU Alumni Center). Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and lunch, catered by Hy-Vee, is available for $10. Door prizes are awarded at every luncheon. The public is invited.

Presentation looks at protecting software functionality

The ISU Research Foundation and Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer are sponsoring a presentation (PDF), "The Current State of Software Protection," on Tuesday, Oct. 14 (2:10-3 p.m., 1810 Gilman). Software expert and Minneapolis patent attorney Steve Lundberg will explain how recent court cases, including a Supreme Court decision, may affect the patentability of software functionality. Bring your questions.

Hort Farm apples for sale

The ISU Horticulture Research Station has Gala, Jonathan, McIntosh and Fuji apples for sale. Cost is $6 for a 5-pound bag. As the harvest season progresses, more apple varieties will become available (until November). Faculty, staff and students may order apples and other fresh produce online using your ISU net-ID login. Produce available for purchase is posted on the website every Monday. Orders may be picked up in the parking lot north of Horticulture Hall on Fridays (noon-2 p.m.). Contact Nick Howell with questions. 

HeartReach Mobile Lab will visit campus Oct. 15

The HeartReach Mobile Lab will stop at Iowa State on Oct. 15 (7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., parking lot 29) and conduct heart and stroke screenings. Costs vary depending on which screenings you choose. Call 866-935-5432 to make an appointment. More information, including costs, is available online.

ISU community invited to meeting on Ames transportation plan

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend the Sept. 30 public meeting to kick off development of the Ames regional transportation plan. The meeting will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Room 220 of the Scheman Building. The Ames Mobility 2040 long-range plan will establish a vision for transportation in Ames as well of portions of the city of Gilbert and Boone and Story counties. The focus will be on developing a transportation system that  improves mobility, accessibility and safety for drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians and others.

Show your Cyclone spirit ... in the office

Faculty and staff are invited to participate in an office decorating contest to celebrate Homecoming 2014 (Oct. 6-10; Iowa State vs. Toledo on Oct. 11). Decorations may be elaborate or simple as long as they spread school spirit and celebrate Iowa State's traditions. Offices will be judged on creativity, Cyclone spirit, use of this year's theme, "Experience the ExCYtement," and incorporating Cy's 60th birthday. If your office wants to get involved, email salccampusinvolvement@gmail.com by Sept. 26. The Homecoming Central Committee will judge offices on Oct. 8. Only offices that have signed up will be judged. 

David Nail concert is Oct. 2

Grammy-nominated country singer David Nail comes to campus Oct. 2 for an 8 p.m. concert at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center. Tickets are $25 ($15 for ISU students with ID), and available online via midwestix.com (additional fees apply) or at the M-Shop box office (weekdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m.). ISU student Maria Doud and Brooke Eden, Loxahatchee, FL, also will perform. Doors open at 7 p.m. This event is hosted by the Student Union Board and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences student council, as part of CALS Week events.

Fine dining dinners announced for fall

Students in the fall Fine Dining Management class will offer themed dinners on four Wednesdays this fall in the Tearoom, 23A MacKay. The price is $30 per person ($35 with wine), payable by cash, check or CyCash after dinner. Dinners begin at 6:30 p.m.; doors open at 6:15 p.m. Following are the dates, cuisine themes and student contacts for reservations (indicate any dietary restrictions at the time you make your reservation):

Proposals for Catt research prize due Nov. 26

Research proposals for the 2014 Carrie Chapman Catt Prize for Research on Women and Politics are due Nov. 26. This annual competition is designed to encourage and reward scholars conducting significant research on any topic related to women and politics. Scholars at any level, including graduate students and junior faculty members, may apply. A $1,500 cash award is given to each project selected. Honorable mention prizes of $750 per project also may be awarded. Application information is on the Catt Center's website; questions may be directed to the center, 4-3181.

Youth "Swim & Gym" has fall openings

Swim & Gym, an after-school program offered by the kinesiology department for children ages 5-12 years, began Sept. 16 and still has fall openings. The program is held Tuesdays and Thursdays (4-5:30 p.m., Forker gyms and pool) through Nov. 20. Activities include team sports, gymnastics, fitness activities, dance, cooperative games, tag games, water safety instruction and lessons in the swimming strokes and diving. Teachers are undergraduate students pursuing physical education degrees. The cost is $85, with discounts for multiple participants from the same family. Registration information is online. Questions may be directed to Jennifer Smith, 4-1762.

MU birthday chili supper is Sept. 22

Memorial Union staff are hosting a birthday party on Monday, Sept. 22, celebrating the MU's 86th birthday (5:30-8 p.m., MU Great Hall). The university community is welcome to enjoy free chili, cake and drinks.

Childcare assistance available for ISU student parents

The Childcare Assistance Program (CAP) is a scholarship program that assists student parents with their child care expenses while they are attending Iowa State University. Applications are due Sept. 30. The application packet is online. For more information, contact Julie Graden, 4-8827.

The Price is Right stops at Stephens on Nov. 18

Tickets for a Nov. 18 interactive show, The Price is Right Live, go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19, via Ticketmaster. Tickets are $27, $37 and $46, plus fees. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. in Stephens Auditorium. Would-be contestants don't need to purchase a ticket; they must register online by Nov. 17 for the chance to play.

RSVPs requested by Sept. 19 for Homecoming luncheon and tailgate

Iowa State University will recognize 46 outstanding alumni and friends at the 83rd annual Homecoming Honors and Awards Ceremony on Friday, Oct. 10 (1:30 p.m., Benton Auditorium, Scheman, dessert reception follows). The ceremony and reception are open to the public; reservations are required to attend a pre-ceremony luncheon at noon, also in Scheman. You may make reservations for the Oct. 11 football pre-game tailgate (11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.) on the same site. Reservations for both events are requested by Friday, Sept. 19. 

Learn how to put out fires on Sept. 19

Environmental Health and Safety is holding a fire safety event on Sept. 19 (9 a.m.-noon, between Kildee and Lagomarcino halls) to observe Campus Fire Safety Month. Faculty, staff and students are invited to put out a simulated fire and learn fire safety tips. In return, you could receive a coupon to a local restaurant, get a free T-shirt and meet Ames firefighters. Learn more about campus fire safety online. 

Hosts sought for short-term home stays

Hosts are needed to provide short-term homestays this fall for members of a group of teachers from Japan. The teachers are taking graduate-level coursework on campus this semester in a professional development program offered by the Intensive English and Orientation Program. The visiting Japanese teachers are living with homestay hosts in Ames, but additional hosts are needed to provide temporary homestays (varying in length from a weekend to one week) when long-term hosts travel. A per-night stipend is provided. More information is available from Alex Johnston.

'A Christmas Carol' tickets are now on sale

Tickets are available for ISU Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol, Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13 (7:30 p.m.), Dec. 7 (1 p.m.) and Dec. 14 (2 p.m.), at Fisher Theater. Tickets, $23.90 each, are available at the Iowa State Center ticket office or through Ticketmaster

Third Day to perform at Stephens on Nov. 7

Tickets for a Nov. 7 concert at Stephens Auditorium by Christian rock band Third Day go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15, through Ticketmaster. Tickets (including fees) are $27.45 and $35.30. The concert begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7.

Ombuds Office has additional office hours

The Ombuds Office, located at 37 Physics Hall, is now open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Ombuds Elaine Newell is a confidential, neutral resource who can answer your questions, provide information, suggest options and help you informally resolve conflicts or difficult issues. To learn more, stop by the office or call Newell at 4-0268. 

September is National Biosafety Stewardship Month

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has designated September as National Biosafety Stewardship Month, in response to recent incidents in federal labs. The goal is to promote biosafety awareness and prevent future lapses in biosecurity. All NIH grantee institutions, including ISU, are encouraged to participate in this month of awareness and stewardship efforts by updating their biological materials inventories and ensuring that individuals who work with biological agents and toxins have received appropriate and adequate biosafety and biosecurity training. Contact Betsy Matos, Environmental Health and Safety, with questions. 

President's annual address is Sept. 12

"Taking the University to the Next Level" is the theme of President Steven Leath's annual address on Friday, Sept. 12.  The address will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Memorial Union Great Hall. Refreshments will be available, starting at 8 a.m. Particularly for the benefit of employees who work off campus, a live video stream of Leath's talk will be available from the president's website, and tweets will be available at (@IowaStateUNews)

Reminder: Iowa State has business ethics/conduct code

Federal grant regulations require Iowa State to have a business ethics and conduct policy. Several years ago, the university adopted the state Board of Regents Code of Business and Fiduciary Conduct from the board's policy manual. President Steven Leath asks Iowa State employees to re-read the policy and use its principles to guide their actions and decisions as they carry out their university work. He noted that qualities such as integrity, fairness and respect are especially important for leaders who make policy for the university.

Volunteers sought who'd like nutrition counseling

ISU dietetic students are seeking healthy volunteers to participate in nutrition counseling. Volunteers will meet with senior-level dietetic students three times during the semester, beginning in October. The students will evaluate your eating habits, and help you set goals to improve your eating patterns. Volunteers cannot have any specific health concerns, such as diabetes. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Sally Barclay.

New PeopleAdmin applicant portal launches Tuesday

University Human Resources' new application system (PeopleAdmin 7) will be launched Tuesday. The applicant portal and Classification and Hiring System will be available around the start of business on the morning of Sept. 9. Both application systems will be available at iastatejobs.com. The original portal and new portal where hiring managers and posting admins review positions and applicants (ISU Classification and Hiring System) will be available from the UHR Resources page.

Darrell Trampel funeral is Sept. 5

Funeral services for Darrell Trampel, professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine and ISU poultry extension veterinarian, will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at CrossRoad Baptist Church, 57011 Highway 30, Ames. Visitation will be on Thursday, Sept. 4 (5-7 p.m.) at Adams Funeral Home, Ames. Trampel died unexpectedly at home on Aug. 31. Memorials may be directed to CrossRoad church or the Ames Emergency Residence Project.

Honors program seeks spring seminar proposals

The University Honors program seeks proposals for Spring 2015 Honors seminars. These 1- or 2-credit courses explore topics of current or special interest. Seminars are pass/fail, enrollment is usually limited to 17 students.  A grant of $500 per seminar supports the professional development of the instructor(s). More information, including a downloadable proposal form and proposal guidelines, is online. Proposals are due Friday, Sept. 19.

Student video contest focuses on sustainability

Iowa State students can claim a $300 prize for making a video that communicates sustainability topics. The best two-minute (or less) video communicating issues surrounding sustainability of food, soil and other natural resources will receive the prize, offered as part of the annual Pesek/Pierre Colloquium on Sustainable Agriculture. The video submission deadline is Sept. 22.

ITS staff changes

Angela Bradley was named associate chief information officer (CIO) as part of several leadership changes in information technology services (ITS) over the summer. Bradley formerly was director of systems, operations, networks and communications. In her new post, she leads  technology planning and deployment for ITS. In other changes announced by CIO Jim Davis:

  • David Popelka, associate CIO, has taken over Kuali leadership duties formerly held by Maury Hope, who retired in May.
  • Jennifer Lohrbach, former leader of the network engineer team, is now director of networks and communications. That unit develops and manages voice, data and video networks for students, faculty and staff.
  • Michael Lohrbach, former team lead of the applications architecture group, is now director of infrastructure and shared services. Infrastructure services include network registration, authentication, backups, central file services, directory services, email, software systems development, server support, storage area networks and virtualization. Shared services promotes information technology partnerships, campus relations, computer repair, endpoint management and security, service administration and support for students, faculty, and staff.

Regents meet on campus Sept. 9-10

The state Board of Regents will meet in the Memorial Union Sun Room on Tuesday-Wednesday, Sept. 9-10. The meeting is open to the public and audio of all open sessions is streamed live on the board's website.

Tuesday's schedule includes the property and facilities committee meeting (approximately 2:30 p.m.) and a closed session during which board members will discuss a current or pending litigation with board lawyers. Wednesday's session begins with three more board committee meetings: audit/compliance and investment (approximately 9 a.m.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (approximately 10:15 a.m.), and Education and Student Affairs (approximately 11:15 a.m.). The full board is scheduled to convene at 1 p.m.; the meeting concludes with a 4 p.m. groundbreaking ceremony at the reseach park for Iowa State's economic development building. The full agenda is on the board's website.

Show your university pride as a Cyclone Aide

ISU admissions is seeking students to become Cyclone Aides, which is a paid leadership position. Cyclone Aides have the opportunity to:

  • Complete more than 100 hours of training in public speaking, professionalism, communication and leadership
  • Introduce new students to Iowa State
  • Assist with orientation and Destination Iowa State

Information sessions are planned for:

  • Sept. 16 (4-5 p.m., MU Gold Room)
  • Sept. 23 (5-6 p.m., MU Gold Room)
  • Sept. 24 (7-8 p.m., Room 60, Hixon-Lied Student Success Center)

Applications are due by Oct. 6 at 11:59 p.m. Contact Sarah Duster, 4-6660, with questions. 

Engineering study, work abroad fair is Sept. 9

The "Tour the World!" engineering work and study abroad fair is Sept. 9 (4:30-7 p.m., Howe Hall atrium). ISU faculty coordinators representing more than 30 engineering international partnerships will discuss programs. Students who have participated in these programs and international exchange students will share their experiences. Engineering students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend. Contact Shannon Miner, 4-9917, with questions.

Club ice cream sale is today

The Dairy Science club will hold its weekly (Wednesday) ice cream sale today, Sept. 3 (11 a.m.-1 p.m., Kildee Hall, outside Lush Auditorium north doors). An 8-ounce cup of ice cream is $1. Today's flavors are vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate chip, Twix, Oreo, Reeses and limited quantities of Heath caramel (ground Heath bar mixed with caramel-flavored ice cream). 

Coach Rhoads will be at Thursday's Cyclone Club lunch

The Cyclone Club luncheons will resume on Thursday, Sept. 4, at a new location – Reiman Ballroom at the ISU Alumni Center. The public is welcome to join the voice of the Cyclones, John Walters, and ISU coaches on the first Thursday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. (doors open at 11:30 a.m.). Head football coach Paul Rhoads will be at the Sept. 4 event. Lunch, catered by the west Ames Hy-Vee, is available for $10. 

Nominations due Sept. 30 for 2015 impact calendar

Nominations will be accepted through Sept. 30 for the 2015 Women Impacting ISU calendar, which highlights the accomplishments and achievements of 12 women currently on campus as faculty, staff or students. Seniors graduating in May 2015 may be nominated. The nomination form is on the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics website; the completed packet must be received at the Catt center by 5 p.m. Sept. 30. Questions may be directed to the Catt center, 4-9867, email: cattcntr@iastate.edu.

Registration open for youth reading improvement clinic

Registrations are now being accepted at ISU's Fred Duffelmeyer Reading Improvement Clinic for students in first through 12th grades who would benefit from extra help with reading, writing and spelling. Tutoring is in Lagomarcino Hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays (5:15-6:30 p.m.), Sept. 16 through Nov. 18. Apply online or email Diana Schmidt.

Second named professorship created in Design college

Architecture alumnus Stan Thurston, retired president, CEO and board chairman of Life Care Services, Des Moines, has established a professorship in the College of Design to support faculty who are leaders in the field of design-build, in which a single firm or contractor provides both design and construction services. The Stan G. Thurston Professorship in Design Build is the second named professorship in the College of Design.

First Osborn Club lecture is Sept. 8

Jean-Philippe Tessonnier, assistant professor of chemical and biological engineering and the Carol and Jack Johnson Faculty Fellow, will present the first Osborn Club lecture of the 2014-15 academic year on Monday, Sept. 8 (7 p.m., Hach Hall atrium). The title of his presentation is "Carbocatalysts: A Bottom-up Approach to Catalyst Design." The lecture portion of the monthly Osborn Club gatherings is free and open to the public.