Announcements
April 2017
Training for youth program leaders is May 10
The offices of Risk Management, Extension and Outreach, and Conference Planning and Management will offer training on May 10 (2-4 p.m., 1155 Administrative Services Building) that provides youth program leaders, administrators and student organization officers information regarding youth-related policies, procedures and forms for successfully conducting youth programs at ISU. The training is for anyone responsible for planning and supervising youth programs or providing administrative support for one. Preregistration is required; send an email to orm@iastate.edu by May 8.
Late tuition change surfaces for second year
Declining state support has spurred the outgoing regent president to call for a tuition adjustment before fall. Other board decisions: 2017-18 faculty P&T requests, salary appeals from employee representatives, flat parking permit rates and student housing/dining rate increases.
Two ISU centers await governor's decision
An overview of 2017 legislative action on state support for Iowa State, including a building projects update and two centers that could lose their direct appropriations.
Presidential search timeline will match the 2011 search
Goal is to introduce finalists to the state Board of Regents the first week in October.
MU renovation proposal won't be abandoned
Interim director says short-term space crunch, deferred maintenance issues are too critical to ignore.
Nominations sought for 2018 'Women Impacting ISU' calendar
The Catt Center will accept nominations for its 2018 "Women Impacting ISU" calendar through Sept. 29. Any woman who is currently employed by the university (must still be employed for the 2018 calendar year) or is a current student at Iowa State is eligible to be nominated. Self-nominations will not be considered. Those selected for the 2018 calendar will be notified in November. More information, including the nomination form, is online.
Jr. Cyclone Club memberships are open
Memberships for the 2017-18 Jr. Cyclone Club are now available for $59. The club is open to kids in 12th grade and under. Members receive an official club T-shirt, lanyard, personalized membership card, invitations to exclusive events and admission to more than 70 sporting events at Jack Trice Stadium and Hilton Coliseum. Visit jrcycloneclub.com for more information or email jrcycloneclub@iastate.edu with questions.
CELT website offers resources for accessible course development
The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) has developed a website, Accessify Your Course, that provides resources for faculty and instructional designers to plan, develop and implement courses in ways that reduce barriers to learning and facilitiate meaningful participation by all students. Some of the site's resources include "10 Tips to Creating Accessible Course Content," "Effective Practices for Making Course Sites Accessible," "Universal Design for Living" (UDL), individual action plans and more.
Faculty promotion, tenure approved for 2017-18
Meeting April 2 in Council Bluffs, the state Board of Regents approved faculty promotion and tenure cases at the three regent universities, including 52 cases at Iowa State. The new titles and promotions take effect in July for A-base (12-month) faculty and in August for B-base faculty.
Undergraduate minor in pharmacology and toxicology starts this fall
The interdisciplinary pharmacology and toxicology undergraduate minor will be offered for the first time in fall 2017 through the biomedical sciences department. The minor has three required courses; additional credits may be fulfilled by any of 30 electives. Questions may be directed to pharmtox@iastate.edu.
Reiman Gardens open late during peak tulip time
The staff at Reiman Gardens planted nearly 50,000 tulip bulbs in seasonal beds and a variety of colors, titled "Springtime Swirl." To take full advantage of the flower canvas, the gardens will stay open until 7 p.m. on April 29-30 and May 4-7. The butterfly wing will continue to close at 4:30 p.m. on those days. Regular admission rates apply.
Summer hours at the gardens begin Monday, May 1, and run through Saturday, Sept. 30. The outdoor gardens, indoor conservatory and gift shop will be open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. The butterfly wing will be open 9 a.m. to 4:30 daily.
Welcome, Ben Allen
Former Iowa Stater Ben Allen returned to campus this week as the presidential transition begins. Allen is serving as a senior policy adviser to President Steven Leath through May 8 and receives the interim president role on May 9.
New platform will provide portal to multiple applications
Iowa State's contract with Okta, an identity and access technology company, will eliminate the need for multiple passwords and provide a secure, single sign-on portal to university systems such as Outlook, Cybox and CyMail.
Training helps faculty, staff assist military students
Iowa State students with military connections have unique needs. The Veterans Center has created a training session to help faculty and staff better assist them.
Volunteers sought to facilitate violence prevention program
Faculty and staff volunteers are needed to help facilitate campus workshops and initiatives as part of a national violence prevention program developed by Green Dot etc. A free weeklong training program will be provided for volunteers, July 10-14.
Four finalists selected for VP for human resources post
The search committee tasked with finding Iowa State's next vice president for human resources has identified four finalists who will visit campus in the next few weeks. During their visits, the finalists will meet with representatives from all senior administrative offices, Faculty Senate, P&S Council, Student Government and Merit staff. They also will meet with leaders and staff in the office of university human resources.
The search committee is co-chaired by Michael Norton, ISU general counsel; and Beate Schmittmann, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The four finalists and their interview dates are:
- April 24: Jay Stephen, associate vice president for human resources, Boise State University
- April 26: Laurie Textor, chief human resources officer, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh
- May 1: Kelli Shuman, vice president of human resources and Title IX coordinator, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City
- May 3 or TBD: Stephen Ferber, assistant vice chancellor of human resources, University of Pittsburgh
Honors spring poster presentation is April 26
The University Honors Program invites the university community to its spring Honors poster presentation and reception on Wednesday, April 26 (3-5 p.m., MU Great Hall). Spring and summer 2017 Honors graduates, as well as other Honors students, will be present to answer questions and speak with individuals interested in their projects.
Memorial service for former VP Layton is April 29
Wilbur "Bill" Layton, who was a 30-year member of the psychology faculty (1960-90) and also served as vice president for student affairs (1967-76), died April 14 in Minneapolis at the age of 95. A celebration of life/open house will be held on Saturday, April 29 (2:30-4 p.m.) in the chapel at Walker Place (his residence), 3701 Bryant Ave. S., Minneapolis. The Layton family has identified several memorial recipients. Online obituary.
Library expands hours, brings back dogs for semester's end
Parks Library is gearing up for the last two weeks of the semester with expanded hours and, arguably, its most popular event. Barks@Parks returns during dead week, April 24-28 (1-4 p.m., upper rotunda), giving students the opportunity to interact with certified therapy dogs to relieve stress. The library also will be open 24 hours daily, April 23-May. Healthy snacks will be available overnight and Bookends Café will extend its operating hours. More information is available on the library website and social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter).
Arts, humanities center director applications due April 24
Tenure-eligible Iowa State faculty in arts, humanities, design or appropriate social sciences are invited to apply for the part-time director's post in the Center for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities. The position has a three-year term (renewable). April 24 is the application deadline for guaranteed consideration.
United Way food drive is April 24-May 4
Iowa State will participate in United Way of Story County's 9th annual food drive April 24-May 4. Non-perishable items and monetary donations will go to food pantries in Story County to help ensure children have food during the summer months. Currently, 25 percent of Story County children are eligible to receive free/reduced lunch. A wish list of needed items and a list of campus dropoff sites (including contact people if your donation is monetary) are online. Questions may be directed to the food drive campus co-chairs Tara Fisher or Haley Cook.
Veterinary Medicine, Extension searches to launch this fall
Senior vice president and provost Jonathan Wickert confirmed this week that two leadership searches will launch in the fall. The searches for the next Veterinary Medicine college dean and extension and outreach vice president will follow the presidential search so that Iowa State's next president can be involved in those searches. Wickert noted that candidates for those posts also will want to know who the next president is. In the meantime, Wickert said, his office will appoint broadly representative search committees and select search firm(s) so work can begin in the fall.
Finalists, forums announced for MU director post
Four candidates will participate in public open forums during campus their interviews to become director of the Memorial Union. The position oversees all programs, activities, services and facilities within the MU. Résumés and candidate evaluation forms are available online. Finalists and forums are:
- April 19: Kim Jacobs, Bowling Green State University, Ohio (11 a.m.-noon, MU Soults Family Visitor Center)
- April 21: Steve Winfrey, North Dakota State University, Fargo (11 a.m.-noon, MU Cardinal Room)
- April 24: Benjamin Perlman, Emory University, Atlanta (11 a.m.-noon, MU Gallery)
- April 26: Lisa Kratz, University of Wisconsin, Platteville (11 a.m.-noon, 136 Union Drive Community Center)
Summer tutoring available for K-12 readers
The School of Education's Duffelmeyer Reading Improvement Clinic is accepting registrations for the 2017 summer tutoring program for students in grades kindergarten through 12. Sessions in reading, writing and spelling are conducted by advanced students, with guidance of literacy education faculty. The program runs June 12-29 (Monday through Thursday, 9-10:15 a.m., Lagomarcino Hall). Cost is $125 per child, or $100 per child if enrolling two or more children. Application forms (PDF) are available online; questions may be emailed to reading@iastate.edu.
Iowa's Latino immigrants are subject of annual lecture
Kimberly Greder, associate professor of human development and family studies, will present the Rossmann Manatt Lecture on Wednesday, April 26 (11 a.m.-noon, 175 Scheman). "Securing Health and Education: Hopes and Realities of Iowa Latino Immigrant Families" is open to the public. Greder is the 2016-17 recipient of the Rossmann Manatt faculty development award, available to tenured faculty in the colleges of Human Sciences and Agriculture and Life Sciences who show exceptional creativity and productivity in scholarship, teaching and service.
Submit requests for library's summer, fall course reserve
Instructors who wish to place required materials on reserve for summer or fall courses should submit requests now. The forms are on the library's website.
You're invited: Faculty-Staff Inspiration Award event
The university community is invited to help honor the alumni association's 2017 Faculty-Staff Inspiration Award recipients on Friday, May 19 (6:30 p.m., ISU Alumni Center). The program will be preceded by a reception at 5:30 p.m. featuring heavy appetizers and cash bar, and followed by a dessert reception at 7:30 p.m. Cost to attend is $10; online registration is requested by May 12. This year's recipients are: Don Beitz, Brad Dell, Gail Nonnecke, Stephen Pett and (posthumously) George Jackson.
Work begins at west construction site
The construction fence is in place and preparatory work for the Student Innovation Center is underway. Work on a temporary loading dock on the north side of Sweeny Hall has begun and the contractor is exposing underground utilities between the Nuclear Engineering Laboratory and Hoover Hall for removal or protection. The contractor also has started demolition inside Nuclear Engineering; building demolition will begin after graduation weekend.
Holger retirement prompts internal searches
Associate provost and Graduate College dean David Holger will retire on June 30. Parallel searches are underway for the two leadership posts.
You're invited: Demos for next learning management system
The options for would-be users during the April 17-20 window are: demonstrations led by the vendors and shorter, scenario-based overviews presented by university staff.
The bells will go silent
Construction work will close the campanile and silence the Stanton Memorial Carillon for the summer, beginning May 22.
Library project lets you be a part of history
The University Library staff needs help transcribing 100 years of the "Bomb," Iowa State's campus yearbook.
Part of I-35 Ames interchange to close for the summer
From May 8 through mid-August, southbound vehicles on I-35 won't be able to exit to westbound Highway 30. Instead they should exit at 13th Street.
Faculty P&T requests go to board next week
Faculty promotions and tenure requests (52) for 2017-18; new center (crop bioengineering), institute (nanovaccine) and program (master of human computer interaction) proposals; parking permit rates for 2017-18; remarks on salary levels by representative employees and an update on the ISU presidential search are on the agenda when the state Board of Regents meets April 19-10 at the Iowa School for the Deaf, Council Bluffs.
SCAVMA Scamper is April 22
The 34th annual SCAVMA Scamper, a run/walk event for humans and their dogs hosted by the ISU student chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association, will be held Saturday, April 22 (10 a.m., College of Veterinary Medicine). There are 5K and 10K options. Preregistration is $30 ($25 for ISU students), and jumps to $35 (ISU students $30) on race day. Questions may be directed to scavmascamper@gmail.com.
Networking lunch precedes April 18 leadership seminar
Professional and scientific employees are invited to network and meet P&S Council representatives at a brown bag lunch on April 18 (12:30 p.m., MU Gallery). The lunch precedes the council's 2 p.m. seminar, in which Cyclone volleyball head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch will discuss "Leadership Principles." The presentation will be livestreamed, then archived online within a few days of the event.
Recycle your old electronics on April 20
The Iowa Department of Transportation is co-hosting an electronic products recycling event on Thursday, April 20 (7 a.m.-noon, Iowa DOT, 800 Lincoln Way, enter at Grand Avenue entrance, and drive west through parking lot to dropoff site near fueling station). It's open to all local, state and federal government employees. CRT monitors and televisions will be accepted for a fee ($7 for 17" screen and smaller, up to $37 for consoles and projection systems; checks and exact cash accepted). These items will be accepted for free: batteries, cell phones, copiers, CPUs, DVD players, fax machines, handheld games, keyboards, laptops, main frames, mice, PDAs, phones, printers, routers, servers and video games.
Funds available for biotech events, speakers
The Office of Biotechnology is providing funds for biotechnology-related conferences, symposia and workshops, as well as for seminar or individual speakers at events organized by faculty members and held in Ames. Applications are due by April 28 for proposed events that will occur between July 1 and Dec. 31. More information is available online. Contact Glenda Webber, 294-4749, with questions.
Registration open for K-5 summer program
University Community Childcare (UCC) is offering summer programming, called Rock Stars, for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. Activities include trips to Furman Aquatic Center, Ames parks, bowling, exploring nature and investigating science, art, drama and playwriting. Contact UCC at 294-9838, univcc@iastate.edu or go online for more details.
Student counseling services director finalists interview next week
Two candidates for director of student counseling services will take part in public open forums and meet-and-greet receptions as part of their campus interviews next week. Résumés and candidate evaluation forms are available online. Student counseling services include assessment, crisis intervention, short-term individual therapy, referral services, outreach programming and student support groups for a variety of different topics. Finalists and forums include:
- April 10: Thomas Berry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater (11 a.m.-noon forum, MU Gold Room; 4 p.m. reception, 2350 Beardshear)
- April 11: Joyce Davidson, Iowa State (11 a.m.-noon forum, MU Soults Visitor Center; 4 p.m. reception, 2350 Beardshear)
Welcome, Michael Newton
Chief of police Michael Newton started in his new post on April 3.
System search is down to two vendors
Education technology companies Canvas and Desire2Learn (D2L) have been selected to give on-campus presentations for Iowa State's next learning management system.
Four Cyclones named Goldwater Scholars
Iowa State is one of just four universities to boast four recipients in this year's batch of Goldwater Scholarships, the nation's premier undergraduate scholarship in math, natural sciences and engineering.
Halbur named interim Vet Med dean
Professor and department chair Pat Halbur will become acting Vet Med dean on June 1, succeeding Lisa Nolan as interim on July 1. Locke Karriker will fill in as interim chair of the veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine department.
Work session on accessible online course content is April 14
The office of digital access will offer a free working session, Accessible Online Course Content, on Friday, April 14 (2-3 p.m., 206 Durham Center). Register online.
Undergrad research/creative expression symposium is April 11
Iowa State's 11th annual Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression will be held on Tuesday, April 11 (8 a.m.-6 p.m., Memorial Union). Nearly 170 students from the six undergraduate colleges will present about 140 research projects in conference-style oral or poster presentations. More than 50 faculty members will participate as facilitators or judges. For the first time, the best presenters will receive monetary awards.
Sigma Xi celebrates science and scholarship on April 13
Sigma Xi, an international honor society for research scientists and engineers with nearly 250 Iowa State members, invites the campus community to its Celebration of Science and Scholarship on April 13 (noon-1 p.m., MU Campanile Room). Learn what ISU researchers are discovering and creating, and how you can help spread the word about the value of ISU research. Contact Jill Pruetz, ISU chapter president, with questions.
Outdoor rec equipment sale is April 27
ISU's Outdoor Recreation Program will hold a public sale of its used equipment on Thursday, April 27 (6-7:30 p.m., west gymnasium, State Gym, enter the west addition). Items for sale include bicycles, canoes, water gear, rock climbing gear and camping gear. Accepted forms of payment are cash, check, VISA and MasterCard.
Science fair for elementary students is April 22
The ISU student chapter of the American Meteorological Society will host its third annual science fair for students in grades 1-5 on Saturday, April 22 (1-5 p.m., one-hour increments by grade, first and second graders in the first hour, MU Pioneer Room). Completed projects or posters do not have to be weather-related; they can be on any topic. Registration is free but required by April 17. Questions may be emailed to sciencefairams@gmail.com.
Departments, organizations sought for Destination Iowa State
Destination Iowa State, the three-day welcome event for first-year and transfer students Aug. 17-19, invites university departments and organizations to participate in two specific activities: an evening picnic at the Iowa State Center on Thursday and Late Night at the Memorial Union on Friday. Participating units would host interactive activities for new Cyclones (while also promoting their department or unit). DIS staff can help develop ideas for activities. Email New Student Programs or call 294-5714 to express your interest or to get more information. Agreements are due July 28.
Applicants sought for Graduate College's leadership academy
The Graduate College is accepting applications from graduate students and postdocs for its 2017-18 Emerging Leaders Academy. The academy will meet for one year with approximately five full-day sessions each semester. Organizers hope for a group of leaders with broad career aspirations including government, industry, nongovernmental organizations, entrepreneurs and academia. The application deadline is April 15; more information and application details are online.
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.
