Announcements
September 2017
Tower crane to be installed in west campus Oct. 7-8
Crews will be installing a tower crane on the Student Innovation Center construction site Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 7-8. Employees and students on campus over the weekend should be alert to additional truck traffic on the west side of campus. Weather permitting, the crane assembly should by completed by end of day Sunday.
Faculty, staff and student veterans reception is Oct. 11
Faculty and staff are invited to a meet-and-greet with Iowa State's student veterans and staff in the Veterans Center on Oct. 11 (4-6 p.m., MU Col. Pride Veterans Lounge). This is a come-and-go event with refreshments served. RSVPs are appreciated but not required.
Four will be invited to campus for presidential finalist interviews
Four candidates will have an opportunity to interview on campus for Iowa State's top job. Details will be released soon about the on-campus interviews, which begin next week.
Searches begin for Vet Med dean, Extension and Outreach leader
The search timelines are structured so that Iowa State's next president, once named, will participate in the interviews and hiring decisions.
Interim President Allen outlines efficiency savings, regents approve state funding requests
Incremental state support, a request of $5 million for Iowa State, would be designated for resident undergraduate financial aid.
Next campus conversation is Oct. 3
Current events, police response and hate crimes are the focus of the next campus conversation Tuesday, Oct. 3 (3-5 p.m., 198 Parks Library). It will include an ISU police presentation on hate crimes as well as small group discussions. All are welcome.
Brent Shanks to testify before U.S. Senate committee on Sept. 28
Brent Shanks, Anson Marston Distinguished Professor in Engineering and director of the NSF Engineering Research Center for Biorenewable Chemicals, will testify before a U.S. Senate committee on Sept. 28 (8:30 a.m. CST). The Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry is holding a hearing on rural development, energy programs and the 2018 Farm Bill. Both Iowa senators serve on this committee. Shanks' comments will relate to Title IX in the Farm Bill regarding development of advanced biofuels production from biomass. A livestream video of the hearing will be available online.
Stress management workshop offered to faculty and staff
The Workspace is offering a stress managment workshop exclusively for faculty and staff on Wednesday, Oct. 4 (5:30-7:30 p.m, MU Workspace). The workshop, "Dear Stress, Let's Break Up," will offer mindfulness and relaxation techniques through art, music and movement led by certified movement therapist Camilla Kottman. The cost is $10. Space is limited, preregistration is recommended.
Volunteers needed for 'Hunger Fight'
The Block and Bridle student club is hosting a "Hunger Fight" on Wednesday, Oct. 4, in the Kildee Hall pavilion (8 a.m.-3 p.m.). Participants will help assemble and package meals that will be shipped globally by Meals From the Heartland. To volunteer, sign up for a time online. Walk-ins are welcome. Contact Gabby DiRusso or Katherine Taylor with questions.
Get cherry pies during Human Sciences Week, Oct. 2-6
The College of Human Sciences is celebrating its academic offerings with food, fun and festivities Oct. 2-6. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend multiple events throughout the week. A complete schedule is online. Of special note: Cherry pies will be sold Oct. 2 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) and Oct. 3 (11 a.m.-1 p.m. or until sold out) at the Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom, 23 MacKay. Cost is $2 each. If available, pies also will be sold at the tearoom (11:50 a.m.-12:50 p.m.) the rest of the week until sold out.
ISU Blood Drive is Oct. 2-5
Iowa State students, faculty and staff are encouraged to donate blood or volunteer their time at the ISU Blood Drive, Oct. 2-5 (10 a.m.-5 p.m., MU Great Hall). Those interested in volunteering may sign up online.
VPR office announces new F&A cost rates
The office of the vice president for research has announced new uniform facilities and administrative (F&A) cost rates for industry specialty agreements, beginning Oct. 1. The new 15 percent rates apply to animal product, field and human subject trials as well as technical evaluations. Additional information is online.
Baldwin named interim assistant VP for student health services
Erin Baldwin, director of the Thielen Student Health Center, will serve as interim assistant vice president for student health services. A national search that brought two finalists to campus in August was canceled. The assistant vice president position was created as part of the new leadership structure in student affairs to oversee the health center, student counseling services, student wellness and recreation services. The search will be reopened during the 2018 spring semester.
Fall fine dining dinners announced
Students in the Fine Dining Event Dinners course will offer three public dinners this semester in the Tearoom, 23 MacKay Hall. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., service begins at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $35 per person ($30 without wine selections); payment options are cash, check, credit/debit cards, departmental intramurals and ISU Card (not meal plan function). The dates, dinner themes and registration contacts are:
- Oct. 25: Ciao ISU, Taste of Italy, Matt Ocheltree (updated link)
- Nov.1: College Classics Reinvented, Brianna Namuth
- Nov. 15: Life Through Julia Child, Lindsay Miller
Training for youth program leaders is Oct. 10
The offices of Risk Management, Extension and Outreach, and Conference Planning and Management will offer training on Oct. 10 (1-3 p.m., 4-H Extension Building, conference room 1020) 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 Oct. 8.
Oct. 5 Cyclone lunch features Coach Campbell
Cyclone head football coach Matt Campbell is the scheduled speaker at the Oct. 5 Cyclone Club luncheon (noon-1 p.m., Reiman Ballroom, Alumni Center, doors open at 11:30 a.m.). The event is free and open to the public; an optional lunch, catered by Hy-Vee, costs $12.
Annual Major Fair is Oct. 11
Career Exploration Services will host its annual Major Fair Wednesday, Oct. 11 (10 a.m.-2 p.m., MU Great Hall). Representatives from every ISU major attend to help students who are undecided, thinking about changing their major, struggling to find a career path, or just interested in learning more about other majors.
Apply to be a peer wellness educator
The Student Wellness office is recruiting emerging leaders for their peer wellness educator program. Educators are paid student positions that focus on outreach, education and advocacy to enhance holistic wellness and student success at ISU. Students from all colleges and academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Activities include facilitating programs on various wellness topics, planning wellness events/programs and advocating for change that impacts student health and wellbeing. Applications are due Oct. 12.
Nominate student wellness leaders
Faculty and staff can nominate students to be leaders in the peer wellness educator program. The paid positions focus on outreach, education, and advocacy to enhance holistic wellness and student success at ISU. Nominations are due Oct. 5. Students will be contacted by student wellness staff with more information.
Sept. 27 digital accessibility training is canceled
Due to unforseen circumstances, the Sept. 27 digital accessibility training course, "Creating and Editing Captions for Your Videos," has been canceled.
Investment planning workshop is Oct. 3
University human resources and VALIC (retirement planners) will host a workshop, "Investment Planning," on Oct. 3 (noon-1 p.m., MU Gallery Room) that provides an overview of the various types of investment instruments so participants can determine which strategies best suit their needs. Register online (use registration code ISUAME11AF) or call 800-426-3753.
ISU Theatre afternoon rehearsals head to Parks Library
Students on the production team for ISU Theatre's "Out of the Fire: The Banned Book Monologues" will rehearse in Parks Library this week: Sept. 26-27 (1 p.m., Parks Library atrium). The monologues explore the topic of censorship and banned books from a variety of viewpoints. National Banned Books Week runs Sept. 24-30. The play opens Friday evening in Fisher Theater and continues for two weekends; tickets are available at the door or in advance at the Iowa State Center ticket office in Stephens.
Applications for Focus creative grants are due Oct. 1
Focus, an internal organization that fosters ISU students in the visual, literary and performing arts, has issued a fall call for grant proposals. Student artists, writers and performers -- individuals or groups -- can apply for up to $600 in funding for creative projects done outside the classroom. Applications are due Oct. 1. Guidelines and application directions are online.
Thursday evening football changes the parking game
The Iowa State football team will face Texas on Thursday evening, Sept. 28, in an ESPN national broadcast. It's a regular class and work day, so parking adjustments are planned. Here's what you need to know.
Coming this fall: campus climate survey, reallocation discussions
Interim President Ben Allen identified short-term priorities with long-term impact in his fall address.
Five questions for the face of the lectures program
Iowa State's lectures program celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Pat Miller has directed the program for the last 37.
Memorial service for emeritus professor Wesley Buchele is Sept. 23
A celebration of life service for Wesley Buchele, emeritus professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23 (10:30 a.m., Collegiate United Methodist Church, 2622 Lincoln Way). Buchele, who co-designed the large round hay baler in the mid-1960s, died Sept. 13 at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames at the age of 97. He was an Iowa State faculty member from 1963 until his retirement in 1989. Obituary.
Technology available for checkout at Parks Library
Students, faculty and staff may check out various types of technology, including laptops, headphones, chargers, iPads and other electronic hardware, from the Tech Lending Room in 117 Parks Library. All items are available on a first come, first served basis. The laptop checkout program previously was offered by IT Services, which still has digital cameras, camera accessories and PA systems for student checkout. Tech lending hours at the library are:
- Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Saturday, closed
- Sunday, 2-9 p.m.
Inquiries can be made at the circulation desk when the Tech Lending Room is closed.
Registration is open for Homecoming parade entrants
All university departments, colleges and professional organizations are invited to participate in the Iowa State Homecoming parade on Sunday, Oct. 22 (2 p.m.), in downtown Ames. Register online by Oct. 8. The entry fee is $50, payable through credit card or intramural. More information is online; questions may be emailed to the parade committee.
Campus resources can help with DACA questions
Student legal services is offering help with questions related to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal process. Renewal requests must be recieved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by Oct. 5. Information, resources and updates are avilable online, and by contacting student legal services, 294-0978.
Presidential semifinalists to interview at Twin Cities hotel
Semifinalists in the search for Iowa State's next president will interview for the position at a hotel in the Minneapolis-St.Paul area. The search committee conducting the interviews released its agenda on Monday for the Sept. 26-27 meetings. The dates for the semifinalist meetings have been set for months, but the location -- the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington -- hadn't been disclosed. On Sept. 12, the committee selected eight semifinalists to interview for the position that opened this spring when former President Steven Leath accepted a job as president of Auburn University.
Identities of semifinalists are confidential. Three to five of them will be selected as finalists and will be invited to visit campus for further interviews and a public forum. Finalists will be named shortly before they arrive for their campus visits.
Run for the Roses 5K/10K is Oct. 8
Iowa State's Alpha Omicron Pi women's fraternity invites faculty, staff and students to participate in the 31st annual Run for the Roses Oct. 8 at Ames Middle School. The 5K run/walk begins at 9 a.m. and the 10K run at 10 a.m. All participants receive a long-sleeve T-shirt, omelet breakfast and a long stemmed rose. Registration is $25 through Sept. 30 ($20 for students and members of Team Vardo or Ames Area Running Club, $15 for military/ROTC), $30 Oct. 1-6 and $35 race day. The event benefits arthritis research.
Be a part of library history on Sept. 25
Dress in Cyclone apparel on Sept. 25 and join other faculty, staff and students outside of Parks Library for a large, statement-making picture. Gather on the steps, plaza, lawn and entry area by 11:30 a.m. sharp. University photographer Christopher Gannon will capture the moment, and the photo will be used in Bookmarks, a library publication.
Cyclone Aide applications due Oct. 2
New student programs is seeking students to serve as 2018 Cyclone Aides. Cyclone Aides assist students with their transition to Iowa State through orientation and Destination Iowa State. This is a paid position that helps students develop their leadership skills. If any faculty and staff members know of students who would excel in this position, please contact Nicole Nicholson or forward this leadership opportunity to email lists, newsletters or qualified students. An application and detailed position description are online. Deadline to apply is Oct. 2.
Green Dot program launches Sept. 27
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to learn about the Green Dot program at its campus launch on Sept. 27 (11 a.m.-1 p.m., Parks Library south lawn, rain location: State Gym). Enjoy food, music, games, raffle prizes, Green Dot "swag" and a photo booth. Attendees will learn ways to address violence as reactive and proactive bystanders. Pledge a Green Dot on a giant "I" and learn how to end violence on campus and in the community.
Clarification regarding vehicle rentals for ISU business travel
A previous announcement noted that ISU has contracts with Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental, and ISU employees should use these contracts for business travel because insurance is included in the rental rate for travel within the U.S. To clarify, these contracts are to be used when vehicle travel commences in a location other than Ames, for example, following a flight to another city. When vehicle travel originates in Ames, ISU Transportation Services is the economical choice for business travel for faculty, staff, departments and organizations.
In a location other than Ames, If Enterprise/National are not options or an employee chooses another rental firm, he or she must purchase the minimum amount of liability coverage available AND the optional collision damage waiver or loss damage waiver (CDW/LDW). This cost is a reimbursable university travel expense. There is no reimbursement to an individual's personal insurance for rental vehicle damages or claims. Additional information regarding university business vehicle insurance coverage is online. Questions may be directed to the office of risk management, 294-7711.
Eight to interview for Iowa State presidency
The search committee this week selected eight semifinalists from a pool of 64 candidates -- 59 men and five women. Their deliberations Tuesday followed training on how to prevent implicit bias in hiring decisions.
Tuition questions will simmer another month
A tuition task force presented its report to the state Board of Regents Sept. 7, but made no recommendations. Task force chair Larry McKibben said the solution to underfunded higher education in Iowa has three pieces: better state support, predictable tuition rates and greater savings and efficiencies at the universities.
Geoffroy Hall is golden
Iowa State has earned its first LEED® certification for a residence building. Natural lighting, energy efficiency and reduced water consumption are a few of the features that earned Geoffroy Hall a Gold certification.
Childcare assistance available for ISU students with children
The Childcare Assistance Program (CAP), a program that assists student-parents with childcare expenses for children not yet enrolled in kindergarten, is accepting scholarship applications through Sept. 30. All ISU students with children are encouraged to apply. Application packets are available online. Contact ISU child care and family resource services at ccfamily@iastate.edu or 294-3149 with questions.
Another I-35 exit ramp will close Sept. 19 for six weeks
The northbound I-35 exit ramp to eastbound U.S. Highway 30 (exit 111A) will close at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, for up to six weeks, depending on weather. This closure is required as part of the interchange rebuilding project. Motorists wanting to travel east on Highway 30 from northbound I-35 will need to exit to westbound Highway 30, then exit at Dayton Avenue and travel south on Dayton for a short distance to the eastbound Highway 30 on-ramp.
Leopold Center task force schedules two more listening sessions
Two more listening sessions are scheduled this month to collect input on the future of Iowa State's Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. An 11-member task force is hosting a series of sessions around the state to hear from attendees how the Leopold Center could move forward after the 2017 Legislature defunded it. The sessions will be held:
- Sept. 19 (6-8 p.m.), 318 Campus Center, Dordt College, Sioux Center
- Sept. 26 (5:30-7:30 p.m.), Johnson County Extension Office, 3109 Old Highway 218, Iowa City
Donate items to The SHOP through Sept. 22
The College of Human Sciences' Professional and Scientific Council is collecting nonperishable food items and toiletries for The SHOP through Sept. 22. Drop off items between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at:
- Forker Building, main lobby
- 2312 Food Sciences Building
- 1620 Lagomarcino Hall
- 031 and 118 MacKay Hall
- 2330 Palmer Building
Contact Dennelle Hogan, 294-5257, for more information.
Abstracts due Oct. 9 for Borlaug student poster competition
Students are invited to enter the Norman Borlaug Lectureship Poster Competition, which precedes the annual Borlaug Lecture on Oct. 16. Posters should describe work in the general area of world food issues. Finalists will be selected from online abstract submissions, which are due Monday, Oct. 9 (11:59 p.m.) to ISU's Nutrition Sciences Council. Finalists will be notified by Oct. 13. Prizes of $200, $150 and $75 will be awarded for both undergraduate and graduate student competitions on Oct. 16. Questions may be directed to Whitney Sager.
Bob Dylan concert tickets go on sale Sept. 16
Tickets for an Oct. 24 concert by Bob Dylan and His Band at Stephens Auditorium go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, via Ticketmaster. Tickets range from $55 to $125. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
Postdoc appreciation week is Sept. 18-22
In observance of the the 8th annual National Postdoctoral Appreciation Week (Sept. 18-22), the ISU Postdoctoral Association is hosting three events on campus:
- Sept. 19: Retirement benefits workshop for international postdocs
- Sept. 21: Career panel
- Sept. 22: Ice cream social
Additionally, professional headshots will be taken during the week by appointment. For more information, contact Helena Khazdozian, 294-7901, president of the ISU postdoctoral association and research associate in Ames Lab's Critical Materials Institute.
A postdoctoral scholar ("postdoc") holds a doctoral degree and is engaged in a temporary period of mentored research or scholarly training to acquire the professional skills needed to pursue a chosen career path.
WiSE STEM Fest is Sept. 16
The Program for Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) is hosting STEM Fest on Saturday, Sept. 16 (1-4 p.m., Howe and Sukup halls). STEM Fest aims to teach people of all ages about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on activities provided by campus departments, student organizations and companies. Activities include robotics, Insect Zoo, simulated calf birth, virtual reality, tractors, Wildlife Care Clinic and 3-D printing. The ISU Dairy Science Club will serve homemade ice cream and the apparel, events and hospitality management department will sell cherry pies for $2. The event is free and open to the public.
UCC has work opportunities for ISU students
University Community Childcare has employment opportunities for Iowa State students in early childhood education; child, adult and family services; elementary education or related education majors. Assistant teachers are needed to work 10-12 hours per week with children ages 6 weeks to 11 years old. Eligibility for college work-study funding is a plus. The application is available online. For more information, email Candy Gaedke.
Fall enrollment is second highest on record
Leveling off follows predictions of the past year. This fall's student body includes nearly 20,000 Iowans.
December commencement will return to two ceremonies
A Graduate College ceremony will be held Friday evening and an undergraduate commencement ceremony will be held Saturday afternoon, both at Hilton Coliseum. Iowa State last held two December ceremonies in 2009.
More than 60 applicants considered in presidential search
Luis Rico-Gutierrez, dean of the College of Design, told the state Board of Regents Thursday that he's pleased with the quality of candidates who have applied to lead Iowa State.
Reminder: President's address is Sept. 14
The university community is invited to interim President Ben Allen's fall address Thursday, Sept. 14 (6:30 p.m., MU Great Hall, reception follows).
Criminal justice is topic of Sept. 11 LAS lecture
Matt DeLisi, professor in sociology, will present "Severe 5 percent: Understanding the Criminal Justice System," as part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences dean's lecture series on Monday, Sept. 11 (8 p.m., MU Sun Room). The lecture is free and open to the public.
MAD Architects partners to present 2017 Herbert Lecture
Ma Yansong and Iowa State University alumna and former assistant professor Qun Dang, partners in the Beijing-based firm MAD Architects, will present the architecture departments Charles E. “Chick” Herbert Lecture on Friday, Sept. 8 (4:30 p.m., 101 Design). The lecture is part of the department’s annual celebration of the new year, which begins with a student scholarship and awards ceremony at 3:30 p.m. and concludes with a reception at about 5:45 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
Phased city project will close 13th Street lanes near Hyland starting Sept. 11
A city of Ames project to fill concrete road joints next week on 13th Street south of Veenker golf course will close directional traffic for several days at a time. The work, by Henriksen Contracting, will begin Monday, Sept. 11, and be completed in three phases, each phase lasting 2-3 days. The impacted traffic lanes during each phase are:
- Phase 1: Closes eastbound 13th Street (from Iowa Avenue through the Hyland intersection) and all lanes of Hyland Avenue south to Ross Road
- Phase 2: Closes eastbound 13th Street (east of the Hyland intersection to Stange Road)
- Phase 3: Closes westbound 13th Street (between Stange Road and Hyland Avenue)
Cyclone Club luncheons kick off Sept. 7
The first Cyclone Club luncheon, a series hosted by the ISU Alumni Association, will be held Thursday, Sept. 7 (noon-1 p.m., doors open at 11:30 a.m., Alumni Center). The guest speaker is athletics director Jamie Pollard. An optional catered lunch from Hy-Vee costs $12. This luncheon series is open to the public.
Study Abroad Fair is Sept. 14
The Study Abroad Center will hold its annual Study Abroad Fair on Thursday, Sept. 14 (10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., MU Great Hall). Learn about interning, studying and volunteering abroad during experiences lasting from one week to one year. Students may enter their names for a chance to win study-abroad scholarships.
Scripps chemist to present Gilman Lecture on Sept. 15
Dale Boger, chair of the chemistry department at The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, will present the chemistry department's Gilman Lecture on Friday, Sept. 15 (1:10 p.m., 1352 Gilman). Boger's talk is titled, "Redesign of Vancomycin for Resistant Bacteria."
Heads up: Expect additional truck traffic near Stange/Pammel
Drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians in the vicinity of the Advanced Teaching and Research Building construction site on the north side of campus are asked to stay alert in the next few weeks. Contractors will be moving job trailers and material storage containers off the site the week of Sept. 4 in preparation for site grading to begin. Additionally, the temporary hoist at the site will be disassembled in mid-September. Both tasks will generate additional truck traffic around the Pammel Drive-Stange Road intersection.
Arts and events
A large student cast of actors, musicians and dancers bring this Broadway classic to Fisher Theater.
