Announcements
August 2017
Help available to those affected by hurricane
A team of student affairs staff is available for individuals who have been affected by hurricane Harvey. Contacts and student affairs resources include:
- Dean of Students Office: 515-294-1020, dso@iastate.edu
- Student Assistance: 515-294-1020, studentassistance@iastate.edu
- Student Counseling Services: 515-294-5056
- Office of Student Financial Aid, 515-294-2223, financialaid@iastate.edu
- Student Wellness: 515-294-1099, studentwellness@iastate.edu
- Thielen Student Health Center: 515-294-5801
- Crisis Text Line: text “ISU” to 741741
Anniversary kickoff event is Sept. 19
The women's and gender studies program in the College of Liberal Arts and Studies will kick off a yearlong 40th anniversary celebration with a reception on Sept. 19 (5:30-7 p.m., Christian Petersen Art Museum, Morrill Hall). A brief program will begin at 6 p.m. The university community is invited; refreshments will be served.
University is closed Monday
Iowa State classes will not meet and offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4, to observe the Labor Day holiday.
Peppers on purpose forges new ground for ISU Dining, research farm
Iowa State's Horticulture Research Station devoted a small plot of land this summer to growing produce for ISU Dining -- 3,000 pounds of bell peppers, to be precise. It's the first time the research farm has planted crops with ISU Dining in mind, an initiative that may expand.
New campus gallery invites participation, action
University museums is opening a new gallery and gathering place, reACT Gallery, which will feature month-long exhibits on topics relevant to Iowa State and other current events. The campus community is invited to the gallery's kickoff on Sept. 5 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Christian Petersen Art Museum, 0003 Morrill).
Six shows highlight ISU Theatre season
Season tickets went on sale this week, single-show tickets will be available Sept. 11. ISU Theatre kicks off the season Sept. 29 with "Out of the Fire: The Banned Books Monologues."
'Nutcracker' ballet auditions are Sept. 10
Auditions for the Dec. 9-10 performances of "The Nutcracker Ballet" at Stephens Auditorium will be held Sunday, Sept. 10 (noon-7:30 p.m., Stephens). The production showcases more than 200 local dancers. Dancers are asked to arrive at 11:15 a.m. with a completed audition card. Additional audition details are available online.
Honors Program seeks spring seminar proposals
The University Honors Program seeks proposals for spring 2018 Honors seminars. These one- or two-credit courses explore various topics of current or special interest. Seminars are pass/fail, with enrollment usually limited to 17.  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 by Friday, Sept. 15.
Social Security workshop is Sept. 6
University human resources and VALIC (retirement planners) will host a workshop, "Social Security and Your Retirement," on Sept. 6 (noon-1 p.m., MU Gold Room) that will cover the basics and benefits of the Social Security program. Register online (use registration code ISUAME11AF) or call 800-426-3753.
Tearoom opens Sept. 7
The Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom in 0023 MacKay opens for the semester on Thursday, Sept. 7. Lunch will be served Tuesday through Friday (11:50 a.m.-12:50 p.m.); cost is $7 per meal and menus are online. Reservations (294-3330) are required by 9 a.m. the day of service. The College of Human Sciences' Quantity Food Production and Service Management Experience class operates the tearoom.
Training for youth program leaders is Sept. 6
The offices of Risk Management, Extension and Outreach, and Conference Planning and Management will offer training on Sept. 6 (9-11 a.m., 1020 4-H Extension 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 Sept. 4.
Child abuse awareness, prevention training available online
Invidiuals who interact with youth through ISU programming are encouraged to complete Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention training, available online at Learn@ISU (Office of Risk Management catalog). This interactive course provides an overview of effective techniques for preventing and responding to child abuse, as well as regulations, laws and ISU policies that apply to child abuse prevention and reporting.
Presidential search soon shifts to next phase
The search for Iowa State's next president will soon move from collecting candidates to considering them. Today's the deadline for applications and nominations.
Another fun place to eat on campus
Following a 10-month demolition and construction project in the former Friley dining hall, ISU Dining's Windows opened this week to help distribute diners across campus during the week.
Free feature film series kicks off this weekend
The Student Union Board's Cyclone Cinema begins its fall run tonight with twice-nightly screenings of "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" through Sunday in the Carver Hall auditorium.
Weekly training email to feature student experiences
The office of multicultural student affairs is offering faculty and staff an opportunity for ongoing professional development focused on serving students of color at Iowa State. The Spark is a weekly (Wednesday) email that will include experiences shared by ISU students to serve as training for ISU faculty and staff, with a time commitment of approximately 10-15 minutes per week. Please join in listening to them. Sign up for The Spark by Friday, Sept. 8.
Tickets on sale for Dustin Lynch concert
Tickets are on sale now for the Oct. 11 performance by country artist Dustin Lynch (8 p.m., Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center). Cost is $35 ($25 for students). Tickets are available online and at the Maintenance Shop box office in the Memorial Union in person (weekdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m) or by phone (294-8349).
Keep up with digital scholarship news at the library
The library's digital scholarship and initiatives (DSI) department, formed in 2016, has created a "DSI Update" blog that covers department activities, including new collections, and provides related links. It's one of the new features on revamped top levels of the library's website, launched to coincide with the new academic year.
Nominations for Catt Center calendar honorees are due Sept. 29
The Catt Center for Women and Politics is accepting nominations through Sept. 29 for its 2018 'Women Impacting ISU' calendar. The calendar highlights the accomplishments and achievements of 12 women currently on campus as students, faculty and staff. Nominees must be employed by Iowa State for the 2018 calendar year; seniors graduating next May are eligible. More information, including the nomination form, is online.
Funeral service for Deb Duncan is Aug. 25
Deb Duncan, a custodian in the residence department, longtime leader among campus members of AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) and a member of the union's state executive board, died unexpectedly Aug. 20 at Mercy Medical Center, Mason City. She was 59. A funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25, at the Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 609 7th St., Boone. Interment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery west of Boone. A visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, also at the funeral home. Duncan's family prefers that memorials be given to the Boone Area Humane Society. Obituary.
Three new members selected for Biotech Council
Karin Allenspach, professor of veterinary clinical sciences; Maria Salas Fernandez, associate professor of agronomy; and Elizabeth (Birdie) Shirtcliff, associate professor of human development and family studies, have been selected to serve three-year terms on Iowa State's Biotechnology Council. The council makes recommendations to the office of biotechnology on program activities supporting biotechnology research, education and outreach.
'After hours' in the gardens is Sept. 8
Reiman Gardens' next quarterly after-hours event is Friday, Sept. 8 (5-8 p.m.). Preregistration and payment ($22, members $17) are due by noon Sept. 1. Enjoy a tailgate-themed dinner by ISU Catering, cash bar and live music by the Bill Martin group. Participants must be at least 21 years old. More information, including menu details and registration, is online.
Report wireless connectivity issues
With thousands of students returning to campus -- most with multiple mobile devices to register on the ISU network -- wireless connectivity may be sluggish at times. Users who continue to experience issues are encouraged to contact information technology's solution center (294-4000, solution@iastate.edu) with specifics to help staff identify problem areas. Students in residence halls and apartments can help limit network interference by turning off wireless enabled devices (such as microwaves or Bluetooth) and personal wireless routers.
Instructors sought for middle school TAG conferences in November
The Office of Admissions Early Outreach (OPPTAG) hosts two conferences, Investigation Series, at which gifted middle school students explore new interest areas. OPPTAG seeks outstanding faculty, graduate students, staff and student organizations to provide an interesting, hands-on 45-minute workshop for the 6th-8th grade students. This is a great way for departments to showcase majors and programs of study for this audience. More information, including program dates and times and the proposal template, is online. Proposals are due Sept. 15. Questions may be directed to Kate Cossa, 294-3782.
Klobuchar lecture is Aug. 31
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota, will visit campus Aug. 31 as the 30th holder of the Mary Louise Smith Chair in Women and Politics. She will present a public lecture, "Women Leaders: Building Bridges to Get the Job Done," that evening (7:30 p.m., MU Great Hall, reception follows).
Single-game football tickets on sale now
Tickets to individual games on the Cyclone football schedule are on sale now. There are six home games on the 2017 schedule. Just single seats ($90) remain for the Iowa game on Sept. 9. For all other games, ticket prices range from $30 to $75. A limited number of the mini-pack (against opponents Northern Iowa, Iowa and Oklahoma State) also remain ($125).
How, and why, to see Monday's total eclipse
An astronomy professor who has seen three of them says a nearby total solar eclipse is too magnificent to miss. But since eclipse day also is the first day of fall semester, here's how to check in on it locally.
New MU director
Steve Winfrey started as the new director of the Memorial Union this week. Previously, he oversaw the student union at North Dakota State University, Fargo.
Tuition review
Here's a short summary of the five-year tuition proposals the three university presidents presented to a state Board of Regents task force this month. The proposals will be forwarded to the full board next month.
Destination Iowa State runs Thursday-Saturday
First-time undergraduate students will take part in a three-day orientation to Iowa State Aug. 17-19. Destination Iowa State events include a kickoff celebration in Hilton Coliseum, educational sessions, social events and community service.
Campus conversation is Aug. 25
With the events occurring at the University of Virginia, the office of the vice president for diversity and inclusion will host a campus conversation on Friday, Aug. 25 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 3150 Beardshear). All members of the university community are welcome to stop by for all or part of the discussion. For more information, contact Liz Mendez-Shannon or Nicci Port.
Campus childcare center has openings
University Community Childcare, 2623 Bruner Dr. on the north side of campus, has openings in these childcare programs:
- Cheerful Cheetahs preschool program (ages 3 to 5 years), held 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Program begins Sept. 5.
- Comfort Zone, a get-well center for mildly ill children (infants through 5th grade). Care is provided by a registered nurse and professional staff. Preregistration is required; more information is online or email czone@iastate.edu. Program opens Sept. 1.
A sliding fee scale is available for qualified families. For more information or to enroll your child(ren) in a program, call 294-9838 or email univcc@iastate.edu.
Alumni association announces fall tailgate schedule
The ISU Alumni Association will host a Cyclone Central tailgate at the Alumni Center prior to all six home football games this fall. Admission is free. Tailgates feature games and prizes, marching band step show, cash bar, food truck and a catered meal (meal requires preregistration, $20, members $15, children $8, menus). Tailgate dates and times are:
- Sept. 2, 4-6:30 p.m.
- Sept. 9, 8-10:30 a.m., special guest wrestling alumnus Dan Gable
- Sept. 28, 4-6:30 p.m.
- Oct. 14, time TBD, special guest Cyclone men's basketball team
- Oct. 28, time TBD
- Nov. 11, time TBD, special guest Cyclone gymnastics team
Cyclone Fan Fest is Aug. 20
The annual Cyclone Fan Fest is Sunday, Aug. 20 (noon-3 p.m., Bergstrom Facility). At noon, enjoy activities, food truck options and entertainment in the parking lot; an autograph session with members of the football and men's basketball teams will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. indoors, where there also will be interactive sports stations. Cy and the spirit squad will attend, and Cy's Locker Room will be on site to sell helmets, basketballs and other memorabilia for autographs. To ensure that more fans are able to get autographs, fans will be limited to a single item for players and coaches to sign. Jr. Cyclone Club members (students grade 12 and younger) may pick up their membership packets at an outdoor table; new memberships ($59) will be sold.
Iowa State's five-year tuition proposal
Interim President Ben Allen laid out a proposal Wednesday that relies on 7 percent annual increases for resident undergraduates and 4 percent for nonresident undergraduates to begin the task of catching up with a decade of enrollment growth. The priorities include hundreds of new faculty, competitive salaries and reasonable salary increases for employees, additional student financial aid and nearly 1 million square feet of additional building space.
New building is core of research park's sunny outlook
As the first central home for Iowa State's economic development agencies, productive chance encounters are meant to be routine at the Economic Development Core Facility, which opened last summer. The gleaming new nexus of the ISU Research Park is expected to have a broad impact in the years to come.
Poster sale runs Aug. 16-25 at the Memorial Union
The Student Activities Center is hosting its annual poster sale Aug. 16-25 (9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, MU Campanile Room). There are hundreds of choices from art prints and movies to music and pop culture, and most are priced $8-12. Proceeds from the sale support art programs at the Memorial Union.
Annual Chalk the Walks promotion is Aug. 15
The Economic Development Core Facility, 1805 Collaboration Place in the research park, is one of seven Ames locations for the annual "Chalk the Walks" event on Tuesday, Aug. 15. Started in 2011 in Vancouver, Washington, by The Joy Team, the event is intended to spread happiness and optimism. Participants chalk positive messages on designated sidewalks and share them around the world on photos posted to social media sites. The city's planning and housing department is spearheading the local effort. Participants are asked to post photos of chalk art to the city's social media sites (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) using #AmesChalkTalk and #ChalkTheWalks.
ISU community invited to audition
ISU Theatre invites faculty, staff and students to audition for "Out of the Fire: The Banned Books Monologues," on Thursday, Aug. 24 (6-10 p.m., 0308 Carver). The series of readings were written by playwrights from around the country, including ISU. The monologues range in length (3-10 minutes) and scope (comedy to drama), and provide roles for actors of varying ages, ethnicities, and genders. Audition materials and signup are available in 0310 Carver Hall. Callbacks are Aug. 25, rehearsals begin Aug. 28 and the performances are Sept. 29-Oct.8. Email apschrag@iastate.edu for more information.
Watch for traffic congestion
Students living in the residence halls this year will be moving in Aug. 15-18. The department of residence recommends that faculty and staff avoid areas where move-in congestion may occur, including Union Drive and Beach Road.
Summer office hours wind down this week
University offices that adjusted their hours for the summer (earlier start, shorter lunch break) following spring commencement are reminded that normal office hours resume on Monday, Aug. 14.
Graveside service for former faculty member Philip Allen is Aug. 11
Philip Allen, 86, professor emeritus of art and design, died July 2 in Fargo, North Dakota. A memorial graveside service will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at Ames Municipal Cemetery. Allen joined the department of applied art (later art and design and now art and visual culture) in 1967 as an assistant professor and retired from Iowa State in 1996. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Protestant Fellowship at St. Francis Village or the Salvation Army. Obituary.
LEDs lead the way in overhaul of campus lighting
Facilities staff are making headway in a 5-year-old initiative to replace outdated, inefficient fluorescent lighting across campus. The conversion should speed up as prices drop for LED lights, which promise to last up to 20 years.
State fair exhibit highlights how donors help students
From a fashion show to space mining, the university's main exhibit at the Iowa State Fair this month will highlight how donor support has created special opportunities for students. Iowa State programs and people will be involved in other ways at the 11-day fair, which opens Aug. 10.
Regents approve FY18 budget, campus improvement proposals
Projects will add cancer radiation therapy at the veterinary hospital, expand Sukup Hall's vehicle power systems lab and renovate more student intramural fields.
Lincoln Way safety study heads into solutions phase
Phase 1 of the study found little amiss with the engineering or physical conditions along the route -- but room for improvement in pedestrian behavior at the various intersections.
Listening session on future of Leopold Center is Aug. 9
The first of several listening sessions to discuss the future of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture will take place Aug. 9 (6-8 p.m., Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center). This is the first of several sessions to be held around the state, led by a task force gathering public input. Dates and times for those sessions is forthcoming. Comments also may be submitted online.
Tickets on sale for Tim Allen comedy show at Stephens
Stand-up comedian, TV personality and movie icon Tim Allen will perform at Stephens Auditorium on Friday, Sept. 15 (8 p.m.). The performance has adult content and Stephens Auditorium will enforce an 18-year-old age minimum for admittance to the show. Tickets, $49-$119 plus fees, pay be purchased at the Stephens ticket office (Tuesday-Friday, noon-6 p.m.) or online via Ticketmaster.
Single-show tickets for Stephens series go on sale Aug. 4
Single-show tickets for the 2017-18 Performing Arts Series at Stephens Auditorium go on sale Friday, Aug. 4. Purchase tickets at the Stephens ticket office (Tuesday-Friday noon-6 p.m.) or online via Ticketmaster.
Open forums planned for student health VP finalists
Open forums and public receptions are planned for two finalists identified in the search for an assistant vice president for student health services. The position was created as part of a reorganization in the student affairs division and will oversee the Thielen Student Health Center, student counseling services, student wellness and recreation services.
Candidate résumés and evaluation forms are available on the student affairs website. Finalists and public events are:
- Aug. 3, Heather Paris, Iowa State (11 a.m.-noon, open forum, MU Gold Room; 4:30-5 p.m., reception, 2350 Beardshear)
- Aug. 8, Caesar Ross, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, South Carolina (11 a.m.-noon, open forum, MU Gold Room; 4:30-5 p.m., reception, 2350 Beardshear)
Student Wellness provides Green Dot violence prevention training
Staff, faculty and student organization leaders can request Green Dot training for their employee teams, classes and student groups from the student wellness staff. At Iowa State, Green Dot is a prevention program focusing on power-based personal violence (including sexual assault, stalking and dating or domestic violence). Presentations can start as early as the first week of fall classes. The request for training, as well as other training provided by student wellness, may be made online.
