Announcements
October 2017
Retirement planning workshop for women is Nov. 8
University human resources and VALIC (retirement planners) will host a workshop, "Retirement Strategies for Women," on Nov. 8 (noon-1 p.m., MU Oak Room) that addresses financial hurdles specific to women and strategies for overcoming them. Register online (use registration code ISUAME11AF) or call 800-426-3753.
Traffic lights tweaked at Stange/Pammel
The traffic signals at the Pammel/Stange intersection were modified Oct. 24 to improve traffic flow for southbound vehicles on Stange turning left onto University Boulevard. To accommodate this change, northbound vehicles on Stange (south of Pammel) in the inside/west lane now must turn left. This change allows the left turn arrow to operate for southbound vehicles on Stange.
Canvas implementation prepares for full launch in January
Faculty and student access to Blackboard will end Jan. 5, 2018. The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching and information technology staff are hard at work preparing for the full launch of the Canvas learning management system.
Wintersteen to lead university she's long served
Iowa State has never had a president with more experience on its own campus than Wendy Wintersteen, but her first task still will be to listen. The sole in-house finalist was named the university's 16th president earlier this week. She takes office Nov. 20.
The skinny on Iowa State's skeleton sets
It's not just a saying. Skeletons actually belong in the closet. But at Iowa State, precisely how some of them got there is a mystery.
Celebrate Halloween at these campus events
Fans of Halloween who can’t get enough of the holiday, take heart. Campus groups will host Halloween events over three nights next week. Admission is free and the public is welcome at all events.
Volunteers needed for FIRST® LEGO® League championship
Poinsettia preorder sales are due Nov. 13
Preorders for the ISU Horticulture Club's annual poinsettia sale are due Nov. 13. The order form is online. Plant prices are $12 (6.5-inch pot) and $32 (10-inch pot). Preorders may be picked up at the retail sales or after 4 p.m. Nov. 29-Dec. 2 at Horticulture Hall. Retail sale dates (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) and locations will be:
- Nov. 29, Curtiss Hall, ground floor rotunda
- Nov. 30, Beardshear Hall, ground floor south counters
- Dec. 1, Memorial Union, outside ISU Book Store entrance
- Dec. 2, Reiman Gardens, hallway of main building
Training for youth program leaders is Nov. 8
The offices of Risk Management, Extension and Outreach, and Conference Planning and Management will offer training on Nov. 8 (9-11 a.m., 1155 Administrative Services Building) that provides information about policies, procedures and forms for 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 Nov. 6.
Celebration of life for Bill Zmolek is Nov. 3
A celebration of life for professor emeritus of animal science Bill Zmolek will be held Friday, Nov. 3 (5-8:30 p.m., prayers and remembrances begin at 7 p.m., Reiman Ballroom, ISU Alumni Center). A funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 4 at St. Cecilia Church, Ames, followed by a reception in the parish's social hall. Zmolek died Sept. 1 in Ames at the age of 96. He retired from Iowa State in 1984 after 36 years of service as an Extension beef specialist and faculty member. Previously, he served as extension director in Jasper and Marshall counties. Memorial contributions may be made to Youth and Shelter Services of Ames, Iowa 4-H Foundation or Green Hills Memorial Fund. Obituary.
Half-day flu shot clinic is Nov. 2
If you missed occupational medicine's flu shot clinic Oct. 9-20, you'll have a second chance. Flu vaccines will be administered to eligible employees on a walk-in basis Thursday, Nov. 2 (8-11 a.m. while supplies last, G11 TASF, 2408 Pammel Dr.). Bring your ISU Card and wear a short sleeve or loose fitting shirt. More information about the vaccine and eligible employee groups is online.
Candidate Whittaker withdraws from presidential search
Dale Whittaker, provost and executive vice president at the University of Central Florida and one of four finalists to interview in Ames for the ISU presidency, withdrew from the search Oct. 19. In a statement to the search committee, Whittaker wrote, "This was a difficult decision because Iowa State is an excellent institution that values student success and produces impactful research. I appreciate how warmly Mary and I were welcomed to campus. At this time, I'm committed to keeping our momentum moving forward at the University of Central Florida."
Dylan concert goers: Security measures added
Security measures will be in place for the Oct. 24 Bob Dylan performance at Stephens Auditorium. Patrons will be subject to wand searches and bag checks, and those who refuse to be searched will forfeit their tickets and not be allowed in. To accomodate the extra measures, doors will open at 6 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. show. Prohibited items include firearms, knives, chains, studded bracelets, hard containers, laser pointers, professional cameras, hairspray, pepper spray, mace or any aerosol, and outside food and beverages. Photos and audio and video taping will not be allowed during the concert. To streamline the entry process, ticket holders are asked to enter specific Stephens doors based on ticket location:
- Main floor rows 1-19, right side: Enter SW door
- Main floor rows 1-19, left side: Enter SE door
- Main floor rows 20-32, loge and balcony: Enter north main patio doors
- Will call tickets and accessible seating: Enter north ground floor doors
Workshop on preparing wine for bottling is Nov. 16
The Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute is sponsoring a workshop on the principles and practices of fining and finishing wine Nov. 16 (9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center). The day will include lectures and a sensory mini-lab. Cost is $50; register online or by mail by Nov. 10.
African Cirque performance comes to MU Oct. 25
Cirque Zuma Zuma, an African Cirque-style spectacle, will perform on campus Wednesday, Oct. 25 (7 p.m., MU Great Hall, doors open at 6:30 p.m.). Admission is free and the public is welcome. A 2011 finalist on NBC TV's "America's Got Talent," the troupe features performers from 16 African nations sharing African culture, dance, acrobatics, tumbling and music.
Fallen trees find new life on campus
Nearly all of Iowa State's downed or removed trees end up back on campus. Most of them return as mulch, but a select few are processed through the TreeCycle program, which preserves high-quality specimens for furniture and other items.
Open educational resources can ease students' financial burden
As college costs continue to soar, an alternative to traditional textbooks may help determine whether a student enrolls in, completes or drops a class.
Presidential announcement expected on Monday
The state Board of Regents will interview Iowa State's presidential finalists Monday, Oct. 23, and is expected to select the university's next leader by end of day. ISU's 16th president will be introduced in the Memorial Union Campanile Room, with video of the event livestreamed on both the board and search websites; anticipated start time is after 5 p.m.
Survey deadline is drawing near
Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to participate in a campus climate survey that evaluates perceptions of living, learning and working at Iowa State. Responses are confidential, and results will be used to address areas of concern and improve the Iowa State experience. The online survey takes 20-30 minutes and must be completed in one sitting. Participants can enter to win one of 10 $50 gift cards. The survey closes Oct. 31.
IRONDOG 5K for humans and dogs is Oct. 21
The Iowa State chapter of the IRONDOG charity will sponsor a 5-kilometer fun run on Saturday, Oct. 21 (9 a.m., Ada Hayden Park, 5205 Grand Ave., registration table opens at 7:30 a.m.). IRONDOG raises local funds to assist pet owners who must make difficult care decisions based on financial considerations. Dogs on leashes are welcome to run, too. Registration is $20-$25 through Oct. 20; $30 on Oct. 21.
'Bomb' transcribe-a-thon is Oct. 25
University Library's digital scholarship and initiatives department will host a transcribe-a-thon of Iowa State's yearbook, the "Bomb," on Wednesday, Oct. 25 (noon-4 p.m., 134 Parks Library). Participants will learn about the "Bomb" and how to transcribe its content in a quick tutorial. Come and go as your schedule allows.
Campanile model project sets crowdfunding goal
A student initiative to design and build a portable one-fifth scale model of the campanile -- with a playable carillon -- has a new FundISU account, hosted by the ISU Foundation, to raise the final $65,000 for the project. The fundraising effort will close on Nov. 8.
'Nutcracker' tickets available beginning at noon Oct. 17
Tickets for "The Nutcracker Ballet" go on sale at noon Oct. 17 for the Dec. 9 (1:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.) and Dec. 10 (1:30 p.m.) performances at Stephens Auditorium. Tickets, $25 for general admission ($20 for youth 18 and under, ISU students and groups of 10 or more), are available at the Iowa State Center ticket office or through Ticketmaster. A special event, Tea with Clara and the Mouse King, is Dec. 9 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $7.
Celebrate Open Access Week with the library
The campus community is invited to celebrate international Open Access Week, Oct. 23-29, with workshops, a guest lecture, lobby display and faculty-student panel discussion at the university library. Open access refers to the free, immediate, online availability of research articles -- and the rights to use them.
Alaska kayaking trip set for June 2018
ISU's Outdoor Recreation Program will sponsor a sea kayaking trip in Prince William Sound, Alaska, next summer, June 18-25. The cost is $1,964 ($1,499 for recreation services pass holders). Registration will close on March 13, 2018. Anyone, including local community members, are welcome to partipate in ORP trips.
Snowblower service days are Oct. 20-21
The Agricultural Systems Technology Club will hold its annual snowblower service days on Friday, Oct. 20 (1-6 p.m.) and Saturday, Oct. 21 (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) on the west side of Sukup Hall. Drop off snowblowers anytime during these hours. The $25 cost includes oil, grease, spark plug and a half tank of gas. Pickup and delivery is available for $15 (Ames only); call 515-708-8672 or email astservicedays@gmail.com by 2 p.m. Oct. 19 to request this additional service.
Reminder: Flu shot clinic runs through Oct. 20
Occupational medicine staff are administering flu shots at no cost to employees (while supplies last) weekdays through Oct. 20 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., 205 Technical and Administrative Services Facility, 2408 Pammel Dr.). No appointment is necessary. Bring your ISU ID card to the shot clinic and wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting shirt for better access to your arm. Parking is limited in front of TASF, so consider walking, biking or busing to the clinic. Additional information is online.
Greek (and indoor) trick or treat is Oct. 29
Iowa State's student Greek community will host its annual family-friendly Trick-or-Treat on Sunday, Oct. 29 (5-7 p.m., MU South Ballroom). Admission is free. Children and parents are encouraged to dress in costume. A costume contest, to begin at 6 p.m., will award prizes for the best children's costumes in these categories: funniest, scariest, cutest and most creative. Participants will enjoy treats, bag toss, limbo, goo making, pumpkin painting and other activities suitable for children K-5th grade.
Concert will raise funds for dance scholarships
Iowa State Dance will present its annual Dance Scholarship Gala Concert on Oct. 21 (7 p.m., 196 Forker). Orchesis I student dancers, local dance artists and the San Francisco-based Deborah Slater Dance Theater are the featured performers in this contemporary, modern dance concert. Proceeds from the event benefit the ISU Dance Scholarship fund for dance majors and minors. Tickets, $5 for the bleachers and $10 for the balcony, are available at the door.
Welcome, presidential finalists
Four finalists in Iowa State's presidential search will interview on campus Monday through Thursday this week. Their schedules include a public forum at 4 p.m. in the Memorial Union. Each finalist's name and curriculum vitae will be shared the morning preceding her or his interview. The finalists and their public forums are:
- Sonny Ramaswamy, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Washington, D.C., Oct. 9, 4-5 p.m., MU Sun Room / Online feedback form
- Pamela Whitten, University of Georgia, Athens, Oct. 10, 4-5 p.m., MU Great Hall / Online feedback form
- Dale Whittaker, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Oct. 11, 4-5 p.m., MU Sun Room / Online feedback form
- Wendy Wintersteen, ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Oct. 12, 4-5 p.m., MU Great Hall / Online feedback form
The forums will be livestreamed on the ISU presidential search website and archived, for viewing after all the forums have been held. The search website features candidate-specific feedback forms; members of the community are encouraged to use them.
Wine assessment workshop is Oct. 23-24
The Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute will host a two-evening workshop for wine consumers on Oct. 23-24 (6-9 p.m. daily, 1951 Food Sciences). Registration, $50, is required and due Oct. 17 (online or via mail). Participants will learn a variety of skills in wine evaluation to become proficient in tasting wines critically. Participants must be 21 years old.
Recaps of the presidential candidates' campus forums
- Sonny Ramaswamy, National Institute of Food and Agriculture
- Pamela Whitten, University of Georgia
- Dale Whittaker, University of Central Florida
The forum for the final candidate, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences dean Wendy Wintersteen, is 4-5 p.m. today (Oct. 12) in the Memorial Union Great Hall.
Regents opt to delay 2018-19 tuition discussion
Board president Michael Richards said board members will take additional time to consider tuition rates but won't revisit the topic once they make a decision.
Follow Team PrISUm
The Iowa State student solar car team began its north-to-south trek across Australia Oct. 8 as an entrant in the 1,900-mile Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. Follow the team's progress on a College of Engineering website.
Young Women in Business conference is Oct. 23
The College of Business will host a conference for high school girls (grades 9-12), their parents, teachers and high school counselors on Monday, Oct. 23 (8 a.m.-2 p.m., Memorial Union). During "Unleash Your Potential!" participants will explore majors and careers in business. They'll hear from professionals in those careers and interact with female business students in those majors. Registration, $15 and includes lunch and all materials, is due Oct. 13.
Funds available for biotech events, speakers
The office of biotechnology is providing funds for biotechnology-related conferences, symposia and workshops, and seminar or individual speakers at events organized by faculty members and held in Ames. Applications are due by Oct. 31 for proposed events that will occur between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2018. More information is available online. Contact Glenda Webber, 294-4749, with questions.
Library 160 readings are on reserve
If you've ever wondered what is taught in the Library 160 class, now you can find out. The chapter readings for the course are available in the library's online course reserves (look up the course in the alpha index).
Ice cream supply limited at today's sale
The Dairy Science Club's ice cream sale today (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) in Kildee Hall near the north doors to Lush Auditorium, will feature six flavors: chocolate, triple chocolate, strawberry, Oreo, Reese's and Heath caramel. Supplies are limited and flavors may sell out before 1 p.m. The cost is $1 for an 8-oz. cup.
Artist Rose Frantzen will paint portraits Oct. 10-12
Artist Rose Frantzen will paint five portraits of ISU faculty and/or staff during a on-campus residency sponsored by University Museums, Oct. 10-12. The public is invited to view the portrait sessions Tuesday through Thursday in the lower gallery of the Christian Petersen Art Museum (11 a.m.-4 p.m., 0003 Morrill). The new portaits will join the current 34 "Faces of Iowa State" portraits painted by Frantzen during the 2016 Iowa State Fair and her spring 2017 residency. The "Faces" exhibition runs through Dec. 8 at the Brunnier Art Museum. The campus community also is invited to an artist reception honoring Franzten on Oct. 10 (7-8:30 p.m., Brunnier Art Museum, 295 Scheman Building).
MU issues call for student artwork
The Memorial Union is seeking artwork created by ISU students for the 2017 Studies in Creativity exhibition. Students may submit up to three pieces in any media by Oct. 16 (9 a.m.-1 p.m., MU Gallery). Information on how to prepare artworks for entry and application forms are online. Juror Amdena Tate-Corso will select about 40 pieces for the show, which will be on display Oct. 19-Dec. 11 in the MU Gallery. A reception will be held Oct. 24 (6 p.m., MU Gallery) to recognize the student artists and announce award winners. Tate-Corso also will speak. For more information, contact Letitia Kenemer.
IRB will transition to electronic review system
Iowa State's Institutional Review Board (IRB), office for responsible research, is anticipating a January transition to an electronic system for submission, review and maintenance of applications. IRB staff currently are developing specific functions of the new system, IRBManager. Researchers can help now by: completing the CITI training modules to renew their human subjects training and closing any projects that are complete.
Jewish Faculty and Staff Association launched this fall
Faculty and staff who identify as members, friends, families or allies of the Jewish community are invited to participate in the new Jewish Faculty and Staff Association (FSA), launched earlier this fall. The group's goals are to:
- Create a welcoming environment for new and prospective faculty/staff
- Help strengthen the campus Jewish community
- Provide a venue to discuss issues relevant to the community and its allies
- Help connect new faculty/staff to resources in the Ames Jewish community
- Organize social gatherings and cultural events several times a year
Information about all university FSAs is available online.
Several events highlight Disability Awareness Week, Oct. 16-20
Disability Awareness Week is Oct. 16-20 and the Iowa State community is invited to participate in a series of events meant to educate individuals about some of the issues people with disabilities face. Activities include a panel discussion about disabilities and sexuality, an ice cream social, a disability summit with a keynote address from former Senator Tom Harkin, and an opportunity to use a wheelchair and white cane. Details about these events are available online.
Alumni association award nominations are due Dec. 1
Nominations are due Dec. 1 for three awards presented annually by the ISU Alumni Association. Questions about any of the awards may be directed to Katie Lickteig. The awards are:
- Faculty/Staff Inspiration Award (nominators must have been ISU students), recognizes an employee who had a significant impact on a student's professional or personal life while at Iowa State
- Iowa STATEment Maker, recognizes alumni 34 years and younger who reflect the spirit of ISU with accomplishments in any of these categories: scholastic, career achievement, personal achievement, entrepreneurial spirit or service
- Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award, recognizes outstanding senior students (90+ credits) who display high character, achievements in academics and university/community activities, and promise for continuing these exemplary qualities as alumni
Directory no longer will include student addresses
Beginning Monday, Oct. 16, in-session and home addresses no longer will be included for student listings in the online directory. If students do not choose to suppress any information in the directory, listings will include name, email, major, classification and phone number. Faculty and staff can access mailing address via AccessPlus if needed. Additional security changes for directory access to student email addresses and phone numbers is expected in November.
Thesis/dissertation boot camp for graduate students is Oct. 18
The Graduate College and Center for Communication Excellence will host their next boot camp, to guide graduate students through the final formatting of their theses or dissertations, on Oct. 18 (9-11 a.m., 134 Parks Library, a computer lab). Participants should bring an electronic copy of their thesis/dissertation on a flash drive or personal laptop. Registration is free but required. A LaTeX specialist will attend from 10 to 11 a.m. to assist with special formatting requirements for theses and dissertations produced in LaTeX.
Basketball season kicks off with Hilton Madness on Oct. 13
Hilton Madness, the annual launch of the Cyclone men's and women's basketball seasons, will be held Friday, Oct. 13 (7 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m., Hilton Coliseum). Admission is free but fans are asked to bring canned goods (or monetary donations) to support the student-athletes' drive for the Food Bank of Iowa. Hilton Madness will feature player introductions, NCAA banner drops, a 3-point shooting competition and short team scrimmages. All seating is general admision. Parking is free, but due to the home football game the next morning, fans should use lots C2-6 and D1-4. Handicap parking will be in lot B2.
How is your ISU experience?
Faculty, staff and students are asked to provide feedback in a confidential survey of the learning, living and working environment at Iowa State. The campus climate survey is available through October.
Marston renovation earns Iowa State's 15th LEED certification
In the two-year project, 29 percent of the original Marston Hall was removed to create 21st-century spaces inside a classic 20th-century shell. The result was another LEED Gold honor for the university.
GIS facility celebrates Earth Observation Day Oct. 12
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) facility is hosting an Earth Observation Day celebration on Oct. 12 (11 a.m.-1 p.m., 248 Durham). A mapping event, focused on humanitarian mapping projects in areas hit by recent natural disasters, will take place from 11 a.m. to noon. From noon to 12:30 p.m., Daryl Herzmann, systems analyst in agronomy, will talk about the Iowa Environmental Mesonet, a website which collects and displays environmental data for Iowa from various sources, including Iowa Flood Center, Iowa Department of Transportation, National Weather Service and ISU's agronomy department. Feel free to bring your lunch. Complete the registration form online if you plan to attend.
Oct. 10 Faculty Senate meeting is canceled
The Oct. 10 Faculty Senate meeting was canceled due to a direct conflict with a presidential candidate's public forum. Senators are urged to attend all four presidential publc forums. Tuesday's Faculty Senate meeting will not be rescheduled. Business items will be moved to the agenda for the Nov. 14 meeting (3:30-5 p.m., MU Great Hall).
Registration is open for girls STEM events
Iowa State's WiSE (Women in Science and Engineering) program is hosting these events for girls this fall:
- Science Explorations, after-school camp for girls in grades 3-6, features hands-on activities, Fridays, Oct. 20-Nov. 10 (4-6 p.m., Carver Hall), $30, register by Oct. 16 online or via email
- Taking the Road Less Traveled, career conference for girls in grades 9-10 to explore a variety of STEM fields before they finalize their college plans, Nov. 2 (8 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Memorial Union), $15, register online, questions may be sent to trlt@iastate.edu
Pumpkin carvers needed at Reiman Gardens Oct. 16-20
Volunters age 14 years and older are needed to help stencil and carve 650 pumpkins at Reiman Gardens Monday-Friday, Oct. 16-20 (9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily). The lit jack-o-lanterns will be used at the annual Spirits in the Gardens event Oct. 21-22. Volunteers will be provided with all the supplies for stenciling (Monday through Wednesday) and carving (Thursday-Friday) pumpkins. To volunteer, call or email Reiman Gardens' events coordinator, 294-8981, with the date, time and number of people you plan to bring.
Daniel Tiger tickets go on sale Oct. 6
Tickets for a Feb. 13, 2018, performance of "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood LIVE!" at Stephens Auditorium go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 6, via Ticketmaster, including the Stephens Auditorium ticket office. Tickets are priced $25-$78, plus fees. The show, King for a Day, is based on the PBS Kids TV series, and begins at 6 p.m.
Latino/a Heritage Month's Candelario talk moved to Scheman Building
The location for Latino/a Heritage Month speaker Ginetta Candelario's address on Thursday, Oct. 5, has been changed to Benton Auditorium in the Scheman Building. Her 8 p.m. talk is titled, "The Social Justice Origins and Future of Latins Studies."
Save the dates: Public forums scheduled for presidential finalists
Four candidates vying to become Iowa State's 16th president will visit campus Monday-Thursday, Oct. 9-12. Their interview schedules will include a public forum with the campus community. Each forum will be livestreamed on the presidential search website for those unable to attend in person. The details of those forums are:
- Oct. 9: 4-5 p.m., Memorial Union Sun Room
- Oct. 10: 4-5 p.m. MU Great Hall
- Oct.11: 4-5 p.m., MU Sun Room
- Oct. 12: 4-5 p.m., MU Great Hall
Fnalist interviews had been set for Oct. 5, 6, 9 and 10, but scheduling difficulties required the change. Each candidate will be announced 24 hours prior to his or her arrival and the candidate's curriculum vitae will be posted on the search website.
Spring course materials due now to ISU Book Store
Faculty are reminded to submit spring course materials to the ISU Book Store now or as soon as they receive their spring teaching assignments. Textbook and supply requirements should be submitted to the designated department coordinator. If departments don't have a designee, email orders to Katelyn Engh, ISU Book Store.
Design on Main gallery included in area studio tour
The College of Design's Design on Main gallery is one of 15 Ames-area visual and performing arts studios included in this year's Ames Area Studio Tour, Oct. 7-8. During this free, self-guided tour, patrons may visit any of the locations, where participating artists will demonstrate their crafts. Visitors are welcome to ask questions and purchase artwork. Tour hours are Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday noon-4 p.m.
