Announcements
March 2015
'Gender Monologues' writing workshop seeks submissions
The Margaret Sloss Women's Center and the Writing and Media Center are hosting The Gender Monologues, an ongoing, submission-based program that allows participants to share written stories about gender oppression, identity and privilege. Participants also may focus on other intersecting identities, but the monologue should revolve around gender. The first writing workshop is on April 6 (11:30 a.m., Sloss House), led by staff from the Writing and Media Center who will assist participants. All are welcome. More information is online.
Ames Laboratory photo challenge runs April 6-30
Ames Laboratory invites ISU employees, faculty and students to submit artistically-inspired microscopy images that highlight the complexity and beauty of the microscopic world to Glimpses: Visualizing the Unseen Universe, a competition to find art for its state-of-the-art Sensitive Instrument Facility opening this summer. Submit your photomicrographs by Friday, April 30. More information, including entry guidelines, is online.
Test your financial IQ for a chance to win a mini tablet computer
Iowa State and TIAA-CREF are giving employees a chance to test their financial know-how. Each day between April 1 and April 30, ISU facuty and staff may participate in interactive quizzes about various financial topics (loans, retirement, savings, taxes, etc.) called the "What's Your Financial IQ Challenge." Each day, five new questions will be added to the challenge. Every time you play, you are automatically entered for a chance to win one of three tablet computers. All responses are confidential. Click here to get started.
Register now for April 6 TIAA-CREF investment seminar
All are invited to hear Dan Morris, TIAA-CREF global investment strategist, present "2015 and Beyond: Investing After the Global Financial Crisis" on April 6 (5:30 p.m., Benton Auditorium, Scheman Building). Morris will address:
- Can the U.S. economy continue to expand or will it be dragged down by stagnation in Europe or a slowdown in China?
- Markets have become more volatile. Why, and will it persist?
- How should investors protect their portfolios but also find the returns they need as interest rates rise, yet remain low compared to historical norms?
Registration is required to attend. Register by calling 800-732-8353. Light refreshments will be served.
Own a small piece of Davidson Hall
The ISU student chapter of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers will sell memorial Davidson Hall bricks as a fundraiser this spring. Bricks will cost $50 ($25 for students). Included in every purchase will be an authentic Davidson Hall brick with engraved plaque and letter of authenticity. The assembly and distribution of the bricks will be done by ASABE members. Those interested in purchasing a Davidson Hall brick should complete and submit the online form.
Register for Project LEA/RN workshop in May
ISU's Project LEA/RN will sponsor a workshop, "Introduction to Learning-centered Classes and Meetings,' on May 12-13 (9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, 2622 Lagomarcino). Discover new things about human learning, share insights about the brain based on current research, engage in strategies that promote interaction and deep thinking, and learn how to apply all this to situations where you facilitate learning. Enrollment is free but limited to 20 educators; RSVP to Project LEA/RN associate director Jan Wiersema.
OM state finals come to campus March 28
The state finals for Iowa Odyssey of the Mind will be held in the Scheman Building on Saturday, March 28 (9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., conference rooms and Benton Auditorium). More than 750 students from elementary grades through college will compete in six different problem-solving challenges. The OM World Finals, which draws about 15,000 guests, will return to Ames next spring (May 2016).
An invitation to get involved with Destination Iowa State
University departments and organizations are invited to apply to participate in two events during this August's Destination Iowa State for first-year and transfer students: the Center of ExCYtment evening picnic (5-7 p.m. Aug. 20) and Late Night at the Memorial Union (8-11 p.m. Aug. 21). You'll have the opportunity to promote your department/organization by hosting interactive activities for new students. DIS staff can help develop ideas for fun activities geared for students. Questions and early interest may be directed to Jenna Heilman, 294-5714. Agreements are due July 31.
Cooking demo on quick, healthy eating is April 7
Join ISU Dining executive chef Scott Bruhn for a cooking demo, "Quick and Healthy Eating for Spring," on Tuesday, April 7 (noon-1 p.m., MU Gold Room). Watch the preparation, taste a sample of the prepared dishes and receive a copy of the recipes. Seating is limited and reservations are required; email Sally Barclay, Nutrition Clinic for Employee Wellness. A $3 fee to cover ingredient costs will be collected at the door.
Register for March 31 storm spotter training
Environmental Health and Safety will host Severe Storm Spotter Training by the National Weather Service, Des Moines, on Tuesday, March 31 (1:30-3:30 p.m., EH&S Services Building). Participants will learn about severe weather climatology, different severe weather threats and how to identify them, severe thunderstorm types, how to report severe weather, spotter safety and severe weather communications. Registration is required.
Green awards to BikeShare, Eco-Healthy Child Care
The ISU BikeShare project and Extension and Outreach's Eco-Healthy Child Care series are recent winners of the 2015 Live Green Excellence Awards. The winners were announced late last month during the Symposium on Sustainability. The BikeShare program is a collaborative work-in-progress involving the College of Design, Government of the Student Body and students, faculty and staff from several departments. Planners hope to implement the program within the next few years. The Eco-Healthy Child Care series is an online educational program to help childcare professionals create healthier environments for kids.
Discounted admission to Science Center of Iowa during dinosaur run
Iowa State is a lead local sponsor of the "Ultimate Dinosaurs" exhibit at the Science Center of Iowa, Des Moines, that concludes on April 12. All faculty, staff and students who show their university ID will receive a $2 discount on each ticket purchased through April 12. The discount applies to general admission, not IMAX-only tickets or special events at the center.
Purchase 'Les Misérables' tickets soon
ISU Theatre's spring musical, Les Misérables, opens on April 10 and runs through April 19, and features Friday-Saturday evening performances and Sunday matinees, all in Fisher Theater. The performances are expected to sell out, so patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets, $24 for adults (including seniors) and $16 for students, may be purchased through Ticketmaster, including the Iowa State Center box office in Stephens Auditorium.
Ames road projects will impact access to campus
The city of Ames will reconstruct sections of three roads adjacent to the west or south edges of campus this spring and summer, with two of the projects scheduled for completion before fall semester begins. Here's a summary of the three:
- Crews will reconstruct Hayward Avenue (Lincoln Way south to Hunt Street) in two phases. Pavement removal for phase 1 (Chamberlain Street through the Hunt Street intersections), originally scheduled to begin on March 30, was moved up to Wednesday, March 25. Phase 2 will begin when phase 1 is complete, in an estimated four to six weeks. Work will include new storm sewer, sanitary sewer repairs, new water main and water service transfers, replacement of an existing box culvert and new concrete paving. The project has a targeted completion date of Aug. 15.
- Crews will reconstruct West Street (Sheldon to Hillcrest avenues) in three phases from west to east, with phase 1 (Hillcrest to west of Woodland Street intersection) anticipated to begin in April. Work will include storm and sanitary sewer repairs, sidewalk improvements and new concrete pavement. The work will close the Hyland Avenue-West Street intersection for approximately 10 days this summer; closure dates will be announced as the work progresses. The goal is to complete all three phases prior to the beginning of fall semester.
- A companion, fourth phase to the West Street project is reconstruction of Woodland Street from West to Forest Glen streets. This work will begin when the West Street work is completed. It has a targeted completion date of Sept. 25.
Lawnmower Service Days are March 27-28
The Agriculture Systems Technology Club will hold its annual Lawnmower Service Days March 27-28 on the west side of Sukup Hall. Service hours are 1-6 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. The cost for a routine mower service (half tank of gas, oil, sparkplug, grease and blade sharpening) is $35 for push mowers and $50 for riding mowers. An oil filter change costs $10 extra. Simply bring your mower during service hours. Pickup and delivery to Ames addresses is available for an additional fee ($15 for push mowers, $20 for riding mowers) and should be requested by 2 p.m. March 26; call 515-708-8672 or email astservicedays@gmail.com.
Seminar: Inclusive engineering considerations for dementia caregivers
Inclusive engineering considerations when designing for dementia caregivers is the topic of a seminar on Wednesday, March 25 (4-5:30 p.m., Howe Hall auditorium) hosted by the industrial and manufacturing systems engineering department. Tonya Smith-Jackson, chair of the department of industrial and systems engineering department at North Carolina A&T University, is the presenter.
Cyclone Family of the Year applications are now available
Iowa State Cyclone Family of the Year is an honor given annually during Cyclone Family Weekend (next celebration is Sept. 25-27). Because the Family of the Year recipients represent all Iowa State families, they should possess exceptional uniqueness, dedication and enthusiasm for their student(s) and Iowa State. Applications are due March 31.
Student organization event funding applications due April 3
Recognized student organizations can apply to receive funds for events throughout the academic year through the Division of Student Affairs' Student Organization Sponsorship program. Events must fall under the following tracks:
- service
- fundraising
- entertainment
- academic showcase
- student organization recruitment
- athletics/recreation (tournaments, activities)
The early submission deadline for fall 2015 events is April 3. Visit the online application page for more information. Direct questions to Kathleen Harrison, ksharris@iastate.edu, 294-0322.
Nominees for MU "lifesaver" awards due March 15
The Memorial Union seeks nominations for three awards that recognize individuals who have given their time and/or resources to make the student union a great place for students, alumni and employees. Nominees can come from any of these groups or the Ames community. Nominations are due March 15; more information and nomination forms are online. The three awards are:
- M.J. Riggs Award: For an individual or organization whose contributions have had an impact on a specific area or goal of the MU. The recipient of this award sees a bigger vision for the MU and has made strides to achieve this vision.
- Four Seasons Award: For an individual who has gone above and beyond his or her formal commitments to help the MU achieve its goals.
- Harold Pride Service Medallion (highest level of recognition): This individual has given extensively of his or her time on behalf of the MU. Through service of and pride in the MU, this person has shown support in an incredible fashion.
Memorial service for Gretchen Weber is March 12
Former associate professor of art and design Gretchen Weber died Feb. 16 in Denver from complications of Alzheimer's disease. A memorial celebration will be part of the noon Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 2210 Lincoln Way, on Thursday, March 12. A luncheon and time for sharing memories will follow.
Input on library dean candidates due March 12
Feedback on any of the four finalists for the position of University Library dean, who interviewed on campus Feb. 26-March 9, is due by noon Thursday, March 12. Video of each of the candidate's open forum, and an online feedback option, have been posted on the search website.
Focus committee seeks entries for grant proposals
The Memorial Union is seeking applications for Focus Grants. Student artists, writers and performers can apply for up to $600 in funding for creative projects done outside the classroom. Additional information, including rules and application forms, is online. Students must have a faculty member familiar with their project area as an adviser. A written description and detailed budget also are required. Applications are due by April 6 at the Student Activities Center, 1560 Memorial Union.
Lessons From Abroad Conference is April 11
The second annual Lessons From Abroad Conference is planned for Saturday, April 11 (9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Memorial Union). Highlights include discussing study abroad experiences with other returnees from across Iowa; listening to keynote speakers; learning how to use and talk about your acquired global skills in job interviews; discovering opportunities to work or study abroad after graduation; and networking with professionals in internationally-focused jobs. Cost is $15, which includes lunch and snacks. Students may register online now until the day of the conference.
Clearance sale at gardens' gift shop is March 14-15
Reiman Garden's gift shop will hold a clearance sale Saturday-Sunday March 14-15 (9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily). Sale items will be 50-75 percent off the regular price. If you're only visiting the gift shop, you don't pay gardens admission. Gift shop proceeds directly benefit Reiman Gardens.
UHR offers conflict management training opportunity
University human resources (UHR) is offering a 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.
Employee wellness: "Bite Into a Healthy Lifestyle" is March 18
Employees are invited to attend an employee wellness presentation, "Bite Into a Healthy Lifestyle," on March 18 (noon, 192 Parks Library). Learn how to make healthy choices every day to improve your overall health. Space is limited, so please register ahead of time by contacting Sally Barclay.
After-school science camp for girls starts March 27
Science Explorations, an after-school camp designed to teach girls in grades 3-6 about science and engineering by engaging them in hands-on activities, will meet on Friday afternoons March 27 to April 17 (4-6 p.m., Carver Hall). The program is led by students in the Women in Science and Engineering program. Registration, either online or via email, is on a first-come, first-served basis. Deadline for registration is March 25.
Reminder: Spring ahead on March 8
Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8. Set your clocks ahead one hour before turning in Saturday night.
Volunteer judges still sought for high school science fairs
Volunteer judges -- individuals with a major, degree or background in science, engineering or technology -- still are needed for the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa, March 26-27 in Hilton Coliseum. Growth of the event prompted organizers to divide the fair into two events: A senior high fair and FFA Agriscience Fair will be combined on Thursday, March 26; a middle school fair will be held Friday, March 27. The senior high event still needs about 50 judges; the middle school event about 250 judges, who will evaluate research projects and work with students to help them become better researchers. Volunteers are asked to register online.
Library to offer Altmetrics workshop on March 12
University Library will offer a 90-minute workshop, "Altmetrics: New Metrics for Your Research Impact," on Thursday, March 12 (3-4:30 in the library). Learn how to track the impact of your work beyond citations, including page views, social bookmarking, tweets, downloads, websites, etc. Preregistration is required. It will be offered live and concurrently as a webinar (preregistration also required for the webinar version). Registration questions may be directed to Jody Kalvik, 294-6117.
Nominations sought for teaching and mentoring awards
The Honors Program is seeking nominations for its 2015 teaching and mentoring awards. Two $500 awards are given each year, one for general exellence in Honors teaching, and one for general excellence in mentoring and advising Honors students. Nominations and optional supporting materials (syllabi, student letters, etc.) should be delivered to 2130 Jischke Honors Building by 5 p.m. on March 30. Contact Susan Yager for more information.
