Announcements

January 2015

Nominations sought for Student Employee of the Year

The Office of Student Financial Aid seeks nominations for ISU's 26th annual Student Employee of the Year award. The award recognizes a student's reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism and unique contributions to the employer. Nominees must be undergraduate students employed on campus part-time for a minimum of six months between June 1, 2014, and May 31, 2015. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 4. The nomination form is available online. Contact Julie Arnold, 294-0103, with questions. 

ISU Hort Club is selling roses for Valentine's Day

The ISU Horticulture Club is selling red, white and pink roses for Valentine's Day. To pre-order your roses, complete this form, attach payment and mail it or carry it by Feb. 8 to the Horticulture Hall address listed on the form. Pre-orders may be picked up on Feb. 13 (11 a.m.-4 p.m., 0045 Horticulture). Information about products and costs is online. Club members also will sell roses, both single flowers and arrangements, on a first-come basis on Feb. 13 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., MU first floor booth). Contact roses@iastate.edu, 515-450-1920, with questions. 

Register for Feb. 13 women's campaign training workshops

Registration is open for two Feb. 13 workshops designed to prepare women considering running for poltical office. A morning session (9 a.m.-12:15 p.m.) is titled "Introduction to Iowa Politics and Political Parties;" an afternoon workshop (2-5 p.m.) is "Political Appointments and Advocacy." Both will be held in the MU Pioneer Room. A $20 fee includes materials, light refreshments and a parking pass. These workshops are part of a six-workshop series, "Ready to Run," offered by the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics.

Academic, faculty advisers invited to breakfast

Academic advisers and faculty advisers are invited to a complimentary hot breakfast on Friday, Feb. 20 (7:30- 9 a.m., MU Campanile Room) to honor and celebrate the service that academic advisers provide to students and the university. A brief program will begin at 8:15 a.m. Registration is requested by Feb. 16.

'Vagina Monologue' tickets on sale now

Tickets are on sale now for three campus performances of The Vagina Monologues: Tuesday, Feb. 10 (7 p.m.) and Friday, Feb. 13 (6 and 9 p.m.), all in the Memorial Union Campanile Room. Tickets are $12 ($10 for students) and available at the Sloss House 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, or at the performance. Proceeds benefit Ames' ACCESS shelter (Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support) for women and their children and the 2015 V-Day spotlight campaign. This annual campus event is hosted by the Margaret Sloss Women's Center.

Hypnotist, Michael Jackson tribute are part of ISU AfterDark program

Hypnotist Brian Imbus (9 p.m.) and the Michael Jackson Tribute show: King Michael (11 p.m.) are part of the ISU AfterDark schedule on Friday, Jan. 30. Doors to the MU Great Hall open at 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., respectively, for the two shows. Admission is free and the public is welcome.

Spring career fairs scheduled for February

The undergraduate colleges have scheduled their spring career fairs. The first is next week, Feb. 4; the last on Feb. 19. The list, with links, follows:

P&S conference registration due Jan. 30

Approximately 35 ISU and community groups, from ISU catering to the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau, will showcase their services to P&S employees during the Feb. 12 professional development conference, Discover Your Treasure. Conference attendees can peruse the resource fair during the lunch period (noon-1:30 p.m.)  Before and after lunch, conference attendees will select from a variety of sessions on such topics as communication, leadership, team building, energy management and managing conflict. P&S employees are asked to register online by Jan. 30 for the all-day event in the Scheman Building. The conference fee is $75.  Conference sponsors are university human resources, the office of the senior vice president and provost, and ISU catering.

"The Screwtape Letters" tickets go on sale Jan. 30

Tickets for an April 14 performance of The Screwtape Letters, adapted from the 1942 C.S. Lewis novel, go on sale Friday, Jan. 30, via Ticketmaster. Tickets are $37-$57 plus fees; the performance is at Stephens Auditorium.

Faculty/staff reception with student veterans is Feb. 4

The ISU Veterans Center will host a meet and greet for faculty and staff and ISU's military-affiliated students on Wednesday, Feb. 4 (4-6 p.m., Col. Pride veterans lounge, Memorial Union). Refreshments will be provided. Faculty and staff do not need to be military-affiliated to attend. This is a come-and-go event.

Jan. 30 hearing precedes regents' February meeting

If you'd like to comment on any items scheduled for discussion at the state Board of Regents meeting Feb. 4-5 in Cedar Falls, you have several options:

  • Attend one of six public hearings held at the regents institutions and board office Jan. 29-30. Iowa State's hearing is Friday, Jan. 30 (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 February meeting is posted on the regents website.

Child care center has openings

The ISU child care center at the Vet Med campus has immediate openings in its pre-kindergarten program for 4- and 5-year-old children. Call 294-2273 for details.

Jason Mraz concert tickets go on sale Feb. 6

Grammy-award winning recording artist Jason Mraz will perform at Stephens Auditorium on March 9. Tickets for the 8 p.m. performance go on sale Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available at the Iowa State Center ticket office and through Ticketmaster

Feb. 5 Cyclone luncheon will feature student-athletes

Five student-athletes will talk about their Iowa State experience during the Feb. 5 Cyclone Club luncheon (noon-1 p.m., Reiman Ballroom, Alumni Center). Doors open at 11:30 a.m. The $10 admission includes a catered lunch and door prizes. Cyclone Club luncheons are open to the public; voice of the Cyclones John Walters MCs the program.

Expect WOI road closures during week of Jan. 26

There will be intermittent lane closures on WOI Road (between the Communications and Molecular Biology buildings) Jan. 26-30, affecting access to the parking lots north of those buildings. Crews are removing two large satellite dishes and the brick enclosure from the southeast corner of the Communications Building lot this week. When WOI road is closed temporarily, drivers may access their parking lot via Morrill Road.

Professional development opportunities from UHR

University human resources (UHR) is offering another professional development opportunity, Addressing Conflict Using the Tools of Employee Engagement. This series of three, two-hour workshops focuses on the practical understanding of conflict and how employee engagement can decrease destructive conflict. The next sessions are March 30, April 14 and April 28. Cost is $75 per person.To register, go to AccessPlus, click on the Employee tab, and select "UHR Training" from the menu.

Room still is available in the Leadership at Any Level Series. Also register in AccessPlus for this class. 

Time to order campus maps

Recently updated campus maps are available through ISU printing and copy services. A pad of 50 black and white maps (11x17 inches) is $5. A laminated map (24x36 inches) is $10. Printing staff also can create custom maps, for example, maps zooming in on certain parts of campus. Order maps with the online print request form. You also can order maps or make special requests by calling (515) 294-3601.

Protein Facility purchases new spectrometer

The Protein Facility, 1178 Molecular Biology, has acquired a high-resolution tandem mass spectrometer. It's ready for service, and the facility is accepting samples for bottom-up proteomics. The Protein Facility is part of the Office of Biotechnology; it's open to faculty and staff from ISU and other educational institutions, and industry scientists. For more information, call 294-3267.

Managing stress ... effectively

Wellness coordinator Stephanie Downs will lead "How to Effectively Manage Stress" for faculty and P&S staff on Thursday, Jan. 29 (9:30-11 a.m., MU Campanile Room). Registration is required via AccessPlus (in the Employee tab, select: UHR Training, Courses and the Enroll link for this seminar).

MU poster sale is Jan. 26-30

The Student Activities Center will host the Memorial Union's annual poster sale Jan. 26-30 (9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, MU Cardinal Room). Select from thousands of posters, including art prints, movies, pop culture and music. Most posters are priced $8-$12. Sale proceeds support art programs at the Memorial Union.

Spring textiles exhibition opens Jan. 26

The spring exhibition in the Mary Alice Gallery, 1015 Morrill, opens Monday, Jan. 26, and runs through April 11. "Garden Party: Textiles and Clothing Inspired by Nature," is hosted by the department of apparel, events and hospitality management. The gallery's hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; admission is free. 

James "Jay" Bailey to speak at MLK legacy convocation

James "Jay" Bailey, CEO of Operation Hope, Atlanta, will give the keynote address at the Martin Luther King Jr. legacy convocation on Jan. 22 (3:30 p.m., MU Sun Room). Due to a scheduling conflict, New York state assemblyman Michael Blake, who was originally scheduled to speak, will be unable to attend. 

Operation Hope is a nonprofit organization that operates in 52 countries and 273 U.S. cities. As a partner with the King Center, also in Atlanta, Operation Hope assists people with home purchases, financial literacy, business start-ups and entrepreneurship. The Obama administration has declared Bailey a "Champion of Change" for following in King's footsteps, and has given him the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. 

Walk safe: Reprieve, refreeze

The warmer weather anticipated later this week will melt snow by day that refreezes at night and creates hazardous walking conditions. Environmental health and safety officials remind everyone to be extra cautious traversing campus as temperatures bounce around the thermometer.  Visit the Walk Safe This Winter website for information on how to minimize your risks.

Sick kids? Consider the Comfort Zone

The Comfort Zone, sponsored by University Community Childcare, 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) to the Comfort Zone, located at 100 University Village on the north side of campus. Fees are assessed on a sliding scale based on family size and annual income. More information is online or by emailing czone@iastate.edu

2014 W-2 forms are available in AccessPlus

W-2 forms for ISU employees are available in AccessPlus. This is an official, two-sided document valid for tax filing purposes. The payroll office encourages employees to print their W-2 from the electronic version to save the university mailing costs. Once you're logged into AccessPlus, under the Employee tab find your W-2 via "Payroll Info" in the left column. Employees who have not chosen the electronic copy of their W-2 by Jan. 27 will receive a paper copy via U.S. mail postmarked on Jan. 31. If you printed your 2013 W-2 from the electronic version and received an ISU paycheck in December 2014, your electronic preference from last year automatically carries over.

Offer input on CyRide Orange Route at open house, online

CyRide officials are seeking  input on alternatives for improving service on the #23 Orange Route. Riders have a couple of ways to share their views:

  • Drop by an informal open house Thursday, Jan. 22  (2-6:30 p.m.)  in the Maple-Willow-Larch Commons. Visitors can learn about three possible alternatives for Orange Route improvements, offer their ideas and grab cookies.
  • View the three route alternatives (all articulated buses, split the route into two or use bus rapid transit) and vote online. The survey form also includes space for comments and suggestions.

For questions, contact CyRide, (515) 292-1100.

Grad students: A library workshop just for you

Parks Library's spring workshop series opens Jan. 29 with an event for graduate students, "Everything You Need to Know About the Library" (3-4:30 p.m., location available upon registration). Learn who your subject librarian is, how to find dissertations and more. Registration is required. Contact Jody Kalvik, 294-6117, with questions.

Registration is open for spring Swim & Gym

Registration is open for Swim & Gym, an after-school program that promotes physical activity for children ages 5-12 years. Staffed by physical education majors in the kinesiology department, the program includes swim lessons and a variety of activities, such as team sports, gymnastics, fitness and dance. The program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 3- April 16, in the Forker Building. Cost is $85. More information, including the registration form, is online. Questions may be directed to Jenny Smith, 294-1762.

Wayne Davis dies

Wayne Davis , 94, former assistant director of the Iowa State Center and part-time instructor and aide to the journalism and mass communication department chair, died Jan. 11 in Ames.  Davis served at the center 1977-87 and the journalism department 1988-98. A graveside gathering will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, in the Chariton, Iowa, municipal cemetery. A post-performance reception in Davis' memory will be held in the late winter or spring at the Iowa State Center. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the ISU Foundation, especially the Iowa State Center Programming Fund and the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, or the Principia Corp., 13201 Clayton Rd., St. Louis, Mo. 63131.

ISU scholarship deadlines are approaching for 2015-16

Student applications for two 2015-16 ISU scholarships are due soon. Applications are due Jan. 23 for the David J. Henry excellence award ($2,000), which recognizes one ISU senior with demonstrated potential for an outstanding professional career as exemplified in high leadership and academic experiences. Applications for the Roy J. Carver scholarship ($5,200) are due April 1. Up to 20 awards will be given to juniors from the state of Iowa who face significant social or economic obstacles or who must work hard to make ends meet, and awards are considered for renewal. Carver applicants also must complete the FAFSA by March 1.

Student employee of the year nominations due Feb. 4

The Student Financial Aid office seeks nominations for the 2015 ISU Student Employee of the Year award. Nominees must be undergraduates employed parttime on campus for a minimum of six months between June 1, 2014, and May 31, 2015 (expected). A committee of faculty, staff and students will assess nominees for reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism, interpersonal skills and unique contributions to the employer. The nomination form is online; nominations are due Feb. 4, with a recognition ceremony planned for Feb. 25. Questions may be directed to Julie Arnold, 294-0103.

Youth program leader training is Jan. 20

The risk management office, the conference planning and management office, and ISU Extension and Outreach are hosting training for youth program leaders, administrators and student organization officers on Jan. 20 (10 a.m.-noon, 1155 Administrative Services Building). The training will cover the policies, procedures and forms necessary to conduct youth programs at Iowa State. Preregistration is required. To register, email orm@iastate.edu by Jan. 18. 

Whistleblower protection for employees

To encourage employees to report fraud, waste and abuse in federally funded programs, the federal government has a pilot program that enhances employee whistleblower protections and is effective until Jan. 1, 2017. This pilot program applies to all ISU employees working on federally funded awards, including sponsored research. Iowa State also has a policy prohibiting retaliation against individuals who report misconduct, as well as an ethics hotline for anonymously reporting misconduct.

Student financial aid scholarship deadline is March 1

The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) has a new online scholarship application -- FinAidScholar.  To be considered for awards administered through OSFA, students must complete the FinAidScholar online application at www.financialaid.iastate.edu/scholarships as well as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Both applications must be submitted by March 1. If you have any questions about the application or the new process, contact the Scholarship Office at scholarships@iastate.edu or (515) 294-5627.

Engaged or soon to be engaged?

ISU Catering will host Bridal Date Night on Saturday, Jan. 24 (6-9 p.m., Reiman Gardens). Enjoy dinner, beverage and a gift bag for $10 per person. Meet wedding-related vendors in the Ames/Des Moines area and consider suggestions at an unstaffed "idea gallery."  Register online by Jan. 22.

More ash trees removed this winter; replacements to be planted this spring

Over the semester break, more than 100 ash trees were removed on campus, and approximately 90 more will be removed during the remaining winter months. New trees of varying species will be planted in their place once warmer weather arrives. This is part of a coordinated plan to reduce the campus ash tree population in preparation for the arrival of the emerald ash borer.

State Fair is topic at Jan. 15 ISU Retirees program

James Romer, ISU alumnus and vice president of the Iowa State Fair board, will speak at the Jan. 15 ISU Retirees meeting, (2:30-4 p.m., Reiman Ballroom, Alumni Center). The presentation is preceded by a half-hour social. In his talk, "The FAIRest of Them All," Romer will describe the past, present and future of the fair, give the latest update on 2015 entertainers and share interesting fair facts. ISU Retirees may bring guests. Contact Jerilyn Logue (4-3192, jlogue@iastate.edu) with questions.

Register now for Women in Motion dance class

Registration is open for the semester-long "Women in Motion" intensive dance class. Open to women of all ages and dance abilities, the class begins Feb. 1 and will continue most Sundays through April 26 (1-2:30 p.m., Forker Building). A final performance is planned for May 1-2. Register online or call 232-7374.

'Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus' tickets on sale Jan. 8

Tickets for a Feb. 5 performance of Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus LIVE! in Fisher Theater go on sale Jan. 8 via Ticketmaster. Tickets are $45 plus fees. The performance stars Peter Story in a combination theater/standup comedy show that's based on John Gray's 1992 bestselling book. It is intended for mature audiences.

Carillon concert honors Martin Luther King Jr.

ISU carilloneur Tin-Shi Tam will honor Martin Luther King Jr. with "Let Freedom Ring," a carillon concert beginning at noon on Jan. 14. The concert kicks off a month-long celebration honoring King's legacy. 

University faculty and staff award nominations due Feb. 10

Nominations for University awards given annually to outstanding faculty and staff must be submitted online to the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost by Feb. 10. Earlier deadlines may be required for colleges and unit submissions. Award descriptions, criteria and nomination instructions are online.

Register for Feb. 12 P&S professional development conference

Registration is open for the Feb. 12 professional development conference, Discover Your Treasure. P&S employees are asked to register online by Jan. 30 for the all-day event in the Scheman Building. The conference fee of $75 includes sessions on such topics as  communication, leadership, team building, energy management and managing conflict as well as lunch.The conference is sponsored by university human resources, the office of the senior vice president and provost, and ISU catering.

Snow ordinance goes into effect at 5 p.m. Monday

With four to six inches of snow predicted for the Ames area, the City of Ames' snow ordinance will go into effect at 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5. Vehicles parked along snow routes (marked by red, white and blue signs) must be moved or they will be ticketed and towed. Move vehicles to off-street parking or to streets that are not designated snow routes. The snow ordinance remains in effect until the streets are completely plowed from curb to curb, AND it has stopped snowing. To assist in the plowing efforts, Ames residents are asked to remove all parked vehicles from residential streets. However, only those vehicles on snow routes are required to be moved.

Enrollment is open for employee leadership series

Enrollment is open for a five-part series, Leadership at Any Level, offered by University Human Resources. The 2-hour sessions, scheduled between March 24 and May 19, will explore individual development needed to provide leadership in any position at Iowa State. The cost for the series is $250, which includes all materials and snacks. Register via AccessPlus (from the employee tab, click on "UHR Training" and "Courses").