Announcements
May 2018
Tuition decision expected next week
When the state Board of Regents meets in Cedar Falls, it also will vote on an admissions index proposal, plans for a Gerdin addition and Memorial Union upstairs renovation, and several new degree programs.
Reminder: Cardinal Women applications due June 15
Applications will be accepted through June 15 for Cardinal Women, a growth program for faculty and P&S women. Participants will engage in discussions designed to foster leadership development, goal orientation and purpose in their personal and professional spheres. The curriculum involves four monthly, two-hour gatherings this fall that will include large and small group discussions. Short written or video resources should be previewed prior to each gathering. Topics include identifying and silencing the inner critic, discovering and utilizing your inner mentor, communication style strategies, approaches to negotiation, and how to support and affirm those who identify as women in our community. There is no cost to participate. Cardinal Women is an outcome of a leadership initiative funded with a 2017 Women's and Diversity Grant Program award (renamed in 2018).
P&S Council installs new members for 2018-19
Following the year's final meeting of the Professional and Scientific Council on May 24, new members were installed. In addition to 18 members elected earlier this spring, the council selected John Hascall of IT services to fill a vacancy representing president's office employees. The 2018-19 council's first meeting is July 12 at 2:10 p.m. in the Memorial Union Gallery Room. The president is Stacy Renfro of the Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Science. The president-elect is Amy Ward of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching.
It's a Cyclone state
The results are in, and Iowa State is the winner of the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series. It was the closest finish in the 14th annual athletics competition between ISU and the University of Iowa, with the Cyclones earning two academic points to win 14-13. Iowa State leads the all-time series 7-6-1 and is 3-1-1 in the last five years.
Grant covers NFO films digitization effort
University Library, assisted by Memnon Archiving Services, will digitize 166 black-and-white 16mm films from the National Farmers Organization over the next 11 months. The films are an important contribution to agriculture history, farm protest movements, farmers' rights and the experiences of rural farming communities in the Midwest. University archivist Brad Kuennen and AV and film preservation specialist Rosie Rowe are responsible for the project, covered by a $49,800 grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources, Washington, D.C.
Highway 69 commuters: South Ames closure coming
A month-long closure of South Duff Avenue in the Southdale area will send through traffic on Highway 69 to Interstate 35 between the Iowa 210/Huxley exit and U.S. Highway 30 in Ames. Road improvements to be completed in concert with the Brick Towne apartment development on the west side of the road include expanding South Duff fto three lanes (with center turn lane) from Ken Maril Road to Jewel Drive. The city also will add a shared-use path to the east edge of the street from Ken Maril Road to Kitty Hawk Drive and a traffic signal to the Crystal Street intersection. Dates for a planned 30-day closure haven't been set, but the work has to be done before Aug. 24. Contractor bids are due June 12. Not closing the street would add 6-8 weeks to the project timeline.
CyRide turn-around going in near Towers
Construction has begun on a bus turn-around in the green space northeast of the Knapp-Storms dining complex, off of Welch Avenue. The turn-around supports CyRide's new high-frequency service (Gold route) between the Towers, central campus and Schilleter-University Village apartments, and provides an off-street location for safe passenger pick up and drop off. Work is scheduled to be completed prior to fall semester.
Summer carillon concert series starts next week
Four performances are planned, including one during the July 24 RAGBRAI stop in Ames.
Work resumes south of football stadium
A pool and fountain, elevated circular walkway, paved walkways and an ambitious layout of shrubs, grasses and perennial flowers were removed during the winter from the plaza's design. The result is a simpler, more park-like setting.
Welcome: University registrar Mark Simpson
Simpson became Iowa State's registrar May 21, by way of the University of Utah.
Library continues to add electric outlets
In response to student requests, the area outside the dean's office (third floor) and the south portion of the Periodical Room (second floor) of Parks Library will have additional outlets when classes resume this fall. In 2017, the library began installing Thread™, a system that allows the installation of power outlets where they're needed.
Dinkey's now open north of Hub
Dinkey's, ISU Dining's first food truck, opened Wednesday, May 23, in the driveway north of the Hub. Hours are 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. weekdays. Dinkey's features a street taco menu. This location is temporary; when the renovated Hub opens in November, Dinkey's will relocate to another campus location.
Meeting for Rummage RAMPage volunteers is May 24
The City of Ames and ISU's Office of Sustainability seek volunteers to assist with the "Rummage RAMPage," a waste-reduction event July 27-Aug. 2 to keep reusable items out of the landfill during move-out and lease changeovers. An informational meeting for those wanting to volunteer will be held Thursday, May 24 (5:30 p.m., St. John's by the Campus, 2338 Lincoln Way).
Memorial Day ceremony is May 28
Iowa State employees, retirees and spouses who died during the past year will be remembered at the university's annual Memorial Day ceremony, hosted by the ISU Retirees Association, on Monday, May 28 (9 a.m., Reiman Ballroom, Alumni Center). The ceremony will include an invocation by Rev. James Secora, pastor at St. Cecilia Catholic Church; prelude by Collegiate Brass of Collegiate United Methodist Church; a reading of the names and a time for family, friends and colleagues to share memories of loved ones. In addition to ISU employees, retirees and spouses, the individuals on the center's Wall of Alumni and Friends who passed away in the past year will be recognized. Parking is available on the east side of the Alumni Center. For more information, contact Jerilyn Logue, 294-3192.
Work resumes on I-35 flyover ramp
Work is underway at the Interstate 35-U.S. Highway 30 interchange to prepare the top surfaces of the support piers for steel girders that will become the flyover ramp connecting northbound I-35 lanes to westbound Highway 30 lanes. When the piers are ready, the girders will be lifted into place. November remains the target month to open the new flyover ramp, which will replace the loop ramp in the interchange's northeast quadrant. Work began in spring 2017. The only directional road closures planned this summer are overnight ones (11 p.m.-5 a.m.), and drivers will be alerted to temporary detours.
Spring 2019 proposals sought for Freshman Research Initiative
The Freshmen Research Initiative (FRI) is accepting proposals for introductory research course support for the spring 2019 semester. FRI introduces first-year undergraduates to authentic research in the classroom, in collaborative projects with 15 to 30 students. The goal is to increase enthusiasm for science and develop critical thinking and research skills. See the call for proposals here and some additional background here. Submissions are due June 30.
Summer visitors
Iowa State hosts a wide variety of visitors throughout the summer. Here are the events expected to draw 100 people or more.
Move-in is underway at new biosciences building
A major bioscience facility upgrade years in the making is nearly complete. Faculty have started moving their offices and labs into the new $57.5 million Advanced Teaching and Research Building, part of an $88 million project that also included the Bessey Hall addition that opened last fall.
David Spalding is named to economic development interim post
David Spalding, the Raisbeck Endowed Dean of the Ivy College of Business, will succeed vice president for economic development and business engagement Mike Crum, who requested a return to the Ivy College of Business faculty. The change takes effect July 1. Spalding will continue to serve as Business dean.
Summer is 'go' time
Here's a quick look at some of the significant building and road projects around campus, planned around a smaller student population during summer session.
Ames Bookmobile has temporary location for campus stop
Due to construction at The Hub, the Ames Public Library Bookmobile has moved to a temporary home on Osborn Drive, across from Snedecor Hall. The time/day for this campus stop remain unchanged: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays. Check out, return and pick up items reserved in advance. When fall semester starts, the Bookmobile will relocate again to the south side of Bessey Hall. When construction at The Hub wraps up in November, the Bookmobile will return to its 'home' location between Parks Library and Morrill Hall.
The Pretenders will perform July 19 in Stephens
The Pretenders, whose debut album was released in 1980, return to Iowa for the first time in nearly a decade for a July 19 concert in Stephens Auditorium. Tickets, $39.50-$99.50, are on sale via Ticketmaster, including the Stephens ticket office (noon-6 p.m. weekdays).
Volunteers needed for queer and trans people of color community building
The Center for LGBTQIA+ Student Success and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs are collaborating to host the Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC) Fall Social on Aug. 29. This event is part of a larger initiative to create more community spaces for QTPOC students at Iowa State. Organizers are seeking faculty, staff and graduate students who identify as QTPOC to volunteer as facilitators for this event. Facilitators will lead activities and introductions during the event. Facilitators also may join in planning the event. Interested individuals may sign up here. Questions may be sent to center@iastate.edu.
Applicants sought for World Food Prize fall internship
The World Food Prize Foundation, Des Moines, is accepting applications for its George Washington Carver internship for fall semester. Students receive professional experience in graphic design, public relations and communications, event planning, and youth programming and education. A minimum commitment of 12 hours per week for three months is required. The position is unpaid, but students may be eligible for course credit. Interns work one-on-one with a staff mentor. Application information is online.
Kooser/Winlock road section closed for utility work
A section of Kooser and Winlock roads is closed between the entrances to parking lots 35 (north of ATRB) and 31 (east of Printing Services) for six to eight weeks for construction of a utility vault. Traffic will need to enter the north area of campus on Morrill Road.
Save the date: College Creek cleanup is June 23
The annual trash removal along campus sections of College Creek will be held Saturday, June 23 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.). Small groups of volunteers will walk along the banks and pick up trash. No minimum time commitment is required; all help is appreciated. Preregistration with the Volunteer Center of Story County is requested. Supplies (bug repellent, sunscreen, gloves, bags and trash grabbers) will be provided; however volunteers are welcome to bring their own supplies. Refreshments also are provided.
Policy guides summer office hours
ISU's Policy Library includes a general policy on office hours as well as guidelines for setting summer hours, both of which were updated this spring. Generally, any university office -- and that now includes deans, vice presidents, senior vice presidents and the president -- may implement flexible hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a shortened lunch break, beginning Monday following spring commencement and concluding one full week prior to the start of fall semester classes. This summer, that window is May 7-Aug. 10. Exceptions are noted for necessary services.
Start time set for Wintersteen installation
A 10:15 a.m. start time is confirmed for the installation of President Wendy Wintersteen on Friday, Sept. 21, in Stephens Auditorium. The university community is invited and the unusual time is intended to accommodate students and faculty coming out of 9 a.m. classes that morning. A public reception will follow, also in Stephens. Additional details about the celebration will be shared as they become available.
Leopold Center seeks nominations for Spencer award
The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture seeks nominations by June 16 for its annual Spencer Award for Sustainable Agriculture. More information, including the nomination form, is online. Nominees must have:
- A record of accomplishment in research, education or technical/practical advancement
- A longstanding commitment to the sustainability of family farms
- A signifcant contribution that will affect, influence or advance the ecological and economic sustainability of family farms in Iowa
Mark Simpson is named registrar
Mark Simpson will begin his duties as university registrar May 21. He comes to Iowa State from the University of Utah, where he serves as director of enterprise student systems.
Results are in on the first 60 completion grants
Of 60 ISU seniors who received the first 'completion' grants in November, 54 enrolled for spring semester and three graduated in December. The average grant to keep them in school? $530.
Hilton gaining more parking, direct access to Lincoln Way
Visitors to Hilton Coliseum for commencement this weekend may notice the beginnings of a project to reconstruct the arena's sidewalks and parking lots, adding both vehicle capacity and a new driveway to Lincoln Way.
AmeriCorps team is assisting at Reiman Gardens this month
Reiman Gardens is hosting seven AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) volunteers May 7-June 5. The volunteers, all 20-25 years old, come from all over the country and will help gardens staff with major construction projects, including building and planting a shade garden, installing a series of pathways and building raised beds for the rose gardens. They will work 40 hours each week. AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, residential, team-based program. Young adults develop leadership skills and strengthen communities by completing service projects.
Mental health crisis training offered this month
During May, the Student Counseling Service will offer the eight-hour training, RESPOND: Partnering for Campus Mental Health, for faculty, staff or administrators who want to learn more about how to respond to students or colleagues experiencing a mental health crisis or developing a mental health problem. ISU Wellbeing is covering registration costs. For more information or to register, go to the RESPOND website. July training dates are TBA. The two May training options are:
- Thursdays, May 17 and 24 (8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. daily)
- Friday, May 18, and Monday, May 21 (8 a.m.-noon daily)
Two opportunities for free garden admission
Reiman Gardens will participate in the National Public Gardens observance Friday, May 11, with free admission all day. Additionally, all moms will be admitted to the gardens free of charge on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13.
Restroom renovations at Parks Library begin May 7
Phase 1 work on the 57-year old restrooms (south end of the 1960s addition) in Parks Library will begin Monday, May 7. A substantial completion date of Aug. 10 means that students will have new bathrooms to use when they return for fall semester. Located on each floor of the building, the modern facilities will comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and be gender- and family-inclusive.
Forums set for city health center planned on ISU land
A series of informational meetings begins May 3 for a proposal to build a city-owned health center on land owned by Iowa State. The $48.7 million plan calls for constructing the Healthy Life Center on Scholl Road north of Ontario Street, a facility that would include an indoor aquatic center and numerous other amenities. Check out the project's website for more information. The schedule for the meetings, which all begin at 7 p.m.:
- May 3, Ames Public Library auditorium
- May 7, Mitchell Elementary School lunchroom
- May 9, Ames High School commons
- May 15, Ames Middle School commons
Teaching in Canvas this summer? Read this
Faculty teaching in the Canvas learning management system this summer should follow this trail to set up courses: On the Canvas homepage, select the Help icon on the global navigation menu and choose "Global Course Administration." From the "Prepare to Teach" menu, you can request your course shell, combine sections, enroll students and publish your course. Use the same process for Summer 2018, Fall 2018 and Spring 2019.
Spring semester grades due May 9
Spring semester 2018 grades are due by 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 9. Follow the online end of semester checklist to guide you through the end of the semester process in Canvas. Faculty also may submit grades through AccessPlus.
Credibility in science communication is focus of annual summer symposium
Learn how trust and credibility play a role in communicating controversial science topics at the three-day Science Communication Summer Symposium, June 7-9, hosted by the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication. Local and national scholars will explore the intersection of scientific credibility and public acceptance of scientific claims. Register online ($45 for ISU participants, $95 for others).
- June 7, 6-8 p.m., Opening reception, MU Campanile Room
- June 8, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Sessions and keynote address, Morrill Hall
- June 9, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sessions, Morrill Hall; 6-8 p.m., dinner, Reiman Gardens
Nominations are open for 2019 'Women Impacting ISU' calendar
The Catt Center is accepting nominations through Sept. 28 for its 2019 'Women Impacting ISU' calendar. Any woman currently employed by, or a student at, Iowa State is eligible to be nominated. Self-nominations are not accepted. The 12 honorees will be notified in November. More information, including the nomination template, is online.
Sixth Street closed at Brookside during Wednesday, Thursday work day
Work on a Union Pacific railroad bridge over Sixth Street near Brookside Park has necessitated closing a section of the road to through traffic -- from University Boulevard to Brookridge Avenue. The Sixth Street entrance to Brookside Park is accessible from the east. The closure is from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, May 2-3. The CyRide Green route will detour to Lincoln Way.
Training for youth program leaders is May 9
The offices of Risk Management, Extension and Outreach, and Conference Planning and Management will offer training on May 9 (10 a.m.-noon, Administrative Services Building, conference room 1155) 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 7.
