Announcements
January 2019
1 Million Cups Ames launches Feb. 6 at the MU
The inaugural meeting of 1 Million Cups Ames, a local chapter of the national Wednesday morning networking group for entrepreneurs, will be held Feb. 6 in the Memorial Union Maintenance Shop. Coffee and networking begin at 7:30 a.m., with a pitch presentation 8-9 a.m. from Magic Tee, Ames. All are welcome at this free event; the coffee (and MU ramp parking) is free as well.
DataShare: New platform supports public access to research data
DataShare, a data repository for sharing, publishing and archiving research data created by ISU scholars and researchers, completed beta testing in the fall. This resource provides Iowa State researchers and scholars a way to publicly share research data that meets data-sharing requirements specified by government and private research sponsors. Before data sets are published on DataShare, a review process confirms the data is suitable and appropriate for sharing. Once published, data sets are assigned a Digital Object Identifier, making them visible in search engines like Google. A two-year partnership between the offices of the vice president for research and chief information officer and university library created DataShare. More information.
University closed until noon Thursday, Jan. 31
Iowa State classes are canceled and university offices closed all day Tuesday, Jan. 29, through noon Thursday, Jan. 31, due to predicted record wind chills. Only essential staff -- including police, food service, security, power plant, animal care, critical maintenance, and snow and ice removal -- should report to work. Supervisors should contact their employees regarding their individual schedules. Please refer to the university policy on severe weather and emergency closings.
Winer named finalist for center director post
Eliot Winer, associate director of the Virtual Reality Applications Center since 2009, is a finalist for the center's director position. Winer will discuss his vision for its future during an open forum Friday, Feb. 1 (8-9 a.m., 0274 Carver). Winer is a professor in the departments of mechanical engineering and electrical and computer engineering (courtesy appointment), and a faculty affiliate of the human computer interaction graduate program. VRAC director Jim Oliver began serving as director of the Student Innovation Center Jan. 1.
Beach Boys concert tickets go on sale Feb. 1
Tickets for a May 8 "Now and Then" concert at Stephens Auditorium by the Beach Boys go on sale at noon Friday, Feb. 1, via Ticketmaster and the Stephens ticket office (weekdays noon-6 p.m.). Tickets are $54.50-$94.50. VIP packages are available at TheBeachBoys.com and MikeLove.com. The band marked its 50-year anniversary in 2012.
Update processes that rely on students' HS class rank
Admissions staff remind ISU departments or programs that use students' high school class rank in decisions or processes this data point is being retired. U.S. freshmen starting at an Iowa regent university in the summer of 2020 and after no longer have to self-report their class rank as part of their application process. Last summer, the state Board of Regents removed class rank from its Regent Admission Index in response to a declining number of high schools -- in Iowa and across the nation -- that maintain this ranking. Iowa State will begin admitting summer/fall 2020 students this June and admissions staff anticipate a significant percentage of them won't have a class rank.
When high schools do compute class rank, admissions staff will continue to enter the number into the Student Information System. However, this doesn't occur until Iowa State receives final high school transcripts -- typically after June orientation and perhaps just a month or two before new students begin. Questions about this change or its implications may be directed to Phil Caffrey in the admissions office.
Learn about Fulbright opportunities Feb. 11
Administrators, faculty and professional staff are invited to a free Feb. 11 workshop (10-11:30 a.m., MU Oak Room) to learn about opportunities abroad through the Fulbright program. Kaitlin Jewett, outreach and recruitment officer at the Institute of International Education, will present and also be available for 30-minute individual conversations that day (8-9:30 a.m. and 1-5 p.m., also in the Oak Room). Contact Megan Peterson in the provost's office by Feb. 6 to reserve a time slot with Jewett.
25 Year Club banquet set for March 4
The 25 Year Club will honor 120 new members at its annual banquet March 4 (5:30 p.m., Scheman Building). To be eligible for the 25 Year Club, an employee must have completed at least 25 continuous years of service to Iowa State by Dec. 31, 2018. Honorees and their supervisors will receive an invitation Jan. 24 from 25YearClub@iastate.edu and current club president Judy Strand. Check out www.ISU25YearClub.com to see the list of honorees, banquet details and information about the club.
Child care scholarships available for undergraduate parents
The Office of Child Care and Family Resources is accepting applications for the Childcare Assistance Program (CAP). This scholarship program is open to undergraduate student-parents attending Iowa State whose children have not yet entered kindergarten. CAP scholarships are up to $750 per semester to help cover child care costs. Students with the highest financial need will have priority. Eligibility guidelines and application materials are online. Call 294-8827 or email ccfamily@iastate.edu with questions.
Feedback sought on campus food trucks
Procurement services is conducting a survey about the food trucks on campus. Feedback from this survey will help determine if any changes are needed, including new locations, food options or other improvements. Members of the campus community are invited to complete a seven-question survey by Feb. 8. As a thank you, survey participants may enter a drawing for a gift card to a local restaurant. Questions may be directed to procurement@iastate.edu or 294-4860.
Student employee award nominations are due Feb. 4
Nominations are due Feb. 4 for the university's 2019 Student Employee of the Year award. A faculty/staff committee will select the recipient based on a student's reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism and unique contributions to the employer. Nominees must be undergraduates employed part-time on campus for a at least six months between June 1, 2018, and May 31, 2019 (anticipated). The nomination form and instructions are in the OneApp system, which allows one student nominee per nominator. Units with multiple students to nominate need multiple staff members to complete the nominations. All nominees will be honored at a March 5 ceremony (4-5 p.m., MU Sun Room). Questions may be directed to Erin Schwartz, 294-0102, or Julie Arnold, 294-0103, in the office of student financial aid.
Call for proposals for girls' STEM career conference
The Program for Women in Science and Engineering seeks proposals for STEM sessions for its Taking the Road Less Traveled career conferences April 4 and 11 in the Memorial Union. The one-day conference teaches girls in grades 8-10 about STEM fields and careers. Sessions are 45 or 90 minutes, available in the morning and afternoon. Facilitators should provide an engaging, educational, hands-on activity focused on a STEM field or career and share information about majors and careers in their field. Submit proposals online by Feb. 13; questions may be directed to Sarah DuBois.
MU poster sale runs Jan. 28-Feb. 1
The Student Activities Center is hosting the annual poster sale in the Memorial Union Cardinal Room Jan. 28-Feb. 1 (9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily). Choose from hundreds of posters, from art prints and movies to music and pop culture. Most are priced $8-$12. Proceeds support art programs at the Memorial Union.
Valentine fudge orders due Jan. 31
The Food Science Club is selling fudge by preorder in time for Valentine's Day. Club members make and package the fudge. Flavors this year are milk chocolate, peanut butter, cookies 'n cream and Cyclone (chocolate with peanuts, marshmallows and M&Ms). Online preorders are due by Jan. 31 -- or until the 250 pounds is spoken for. The price is $6 for a .5-pound container, or $10 for two. Payment is by cash or check at pickup. Orders may be picked up Tuesday-Wednesday, Feb. 12-13 (10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily, 206 MacKay).
One-fourth of winter tumbles occur in parking lots
In each of the last three years, between 25 and 32 percent of reported winter falls on campus occurred in parking lots, typically within a few feet of an employee's vehicle. No other locale is as risky, statistically.
Stephens Auditorium's Goldfinch Room debuts with Jan. 26 concert
The Iowa State Center is premiering a new venue later this month, a club-like setting for small acoustic shows tucked inside Stephens Auditorium.
Cyclone Cinema resumes Jan. 17
Award-winning films are among the 14 that will be shown in the Carver auditorium during spring semester. As always, admission is free and the public is welcome.
Martin Luther King Jr. events kick off Jan. 21
Among those speaking on campus is Ron Stallworth, a black Colorado Springs police detective who pretended to be white to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan during the 1970s. Director Spike Lee turned his story into the 2018 film, "BlacKkKlansman," which will have a campus screening the evening before Stallworth's lecture.
History faculty headline lecture series at Ames Public Library
ISU history faculty are being featured in the "Your Historian" series at the Ames Public Library. Five monthly presentations are scheduled this semester, each followed by audience Q&A and refreshments. Presentations begin at 7 p.m. Topics and presenters include:
- Jan. 23, "Eurasia's Metropolis: A History of Moscow from its Origins to Present," James Andrews
- Feb. 13, "1437: The Year Women Became Witches," Michael Bailey
- March 14, "I Ain't A'Marching Anymore: Draft Dodging in the U.S. from World War II to the Vietnam War," Amy Rutenberg
- April 22, "From Reformers to Revolutionaries: Religion, Class and Ethnicity in Guatemala During the Cold War," Bonar Hernandez
- May 6, "The Farm Crisis in Three Documents," Pamela Riney-Kehrberg
W-2 forms now available in AccessPlus
W-2 forms, an official document valid for tax filing purposes, are available in AccessPlus. Employees are encouraged to print their W-2 from the website to save mailing costs. To access the electronic version, log in to AccessPlus, select the Employee tab, then select "W2" in the left column. Turn off web browser pop-up blockers that may prevent the W-2 from opening. Employees who have not chosen the electronic copy of their W-2 by Jan. 24 will receive a paper copy via U.S. mail postmarked on Jan. 31. If you printed last year's electronic W-2 and received an ISU paycheck in December 2018, your electronic delivery preference automatically carries over.
Nominations sought for Ivy Women in Business awards
The Ivy College of Business seeks nominations for its second annual Ivy Women in Business awards. Three awardees will be recognized for their talent, inspiration and career achievements. Information about each award and nomination forms are online. Nominations must be received online by 5 p.m. Jan. 31.
Applications are due Feb. 1 for faculty conference on service-learning
Iowa's three regent universities are partnering to offer an Engaged Faculty Institute on Service-Learning May 22-23. The institute is for faculty who want to incorporate service-learning into a class but aren't sure where to begin, as well as faculty who have tried service-learning but seek assistance optimizing the experience. Service-learning incorporates community work into the curriculum, giving students real-world learning experiences that enhance academic learning while providing a tangible benefit for the community. More information, including the application, are on the CELT website. Applications are due by noon Feb. 1.
Employee interest survey due Friday, Jan. 18
All staff members -- professional and scientific, and merit -- need to respond to the employee interest survey emailed from the Improved Service Delivery Campus Outreach account. Survey responses will be used to match qualified staff with specialist positions on human resources and finance service delivery teams. Employees must select "maybe" or "yes" to be eligible for consideration and can withdraw from the process at any time. A "no" selection will terminate the survey. The survey closes at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18.
Free access to upgraded Overleaf account now available
Iowa State is now an institutional member of Overleaf, an online, collaborative, real-time compiler of LaTeX, the document typesetting and preparation system often used in academic writing. This provides anyone with an Iowa State email address access to increased storage (20 gigabytes), upgraded features, teacher accounts, training materials and improved support. Overleaf is administered jointly by the Graduate College and the library, with additional support from the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching and the colleges of Engineering, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. Library staff are asking experienced users to fill out a short survey and consider becoming part of a user group to share knowledge, answer questions and develop best practices. Visit Overleaf for more information, or contact librarian Eric Schares at 294-2117 (eschares@iastate.edu) or Judy Strand of the Graduate College at 294-5285 (jstrand@iastate.edu).
Honors program seeks seminar proposals
The university Honors program is seeking proposals for fall 2019 seminars. Honors seminars are small, one- or two-credit courses which give honors students an opportunity to examine topics of current or special interest in an active learning environment. The honors program seeks proposals from experienced instructors at any level, on topics from architecture to zookeeping. Seminars generally are limited to 17 students and offered on a satisfactory/fail basis. Honors seminar instructors receive $500 for professional development. The deadline for submitting proposals is Feb. 8.
'International Nest' opens in Parks Library
The University Library has opened the International Nest in 34 Parks Library, a space dedicated to international students and those who wish to get to know international students. This is a space for studying and socializing. A variety of programs are planned.
Proposals sought for ReACT gallery
University Museums, in partnership with the offices of the vice president for research and the senior vice president for finance and university services, invites proposals from faculty and staff for the 2019 ReACT exhibition series. ReACT exhibitions are intended to be a safe and respectful environment in which to express and explore reactions and perspectives of national current issues relevant to the ISU community. The deadline for submitting a proposal is Feb. 15. More information on ReACT, the proposal process and selection criteria is online. Dana Schumacher, University Museums project coordinator, is available to consult with individuals who wish to develop a proposal, recommend an exhibition theme or interested colleague, or have questions about the series.
Meet and greet with student veterans is Jan. 30
All faculty and staff, regardless of military status, are welcome to come and meet student veterans and military-affiliated students during a reception Wednesday, Jan. 30 (4-6 p.m., MU Col. Pride Lounge). This is a come-and-go event; stop by, say hello and grab a bite to eat. RSVPs are requested.
Online course designed for managers of non-exempt employees
University human resources offers an online, self-paced course for managers of non-exempt employees (eligible for overtime pay). "Wage and Hour Training for Managers" is available on Learn@ISU in the UHR section of the catalog and is a resource for understanding time tracking, reimbursements, work schedules, earning overtime and other premium pays.
Body image awareness student org shares spring schedule
The BIEDA (Body Image Eating Disorder Awareness) student organization announces its meeting schedule for spring semester: Thursdays, Jan. 24, Feb. 21, March 28 and April 18 (5-6 p.m., W0262 Lagomarcino). Each meeting will feature a guest speaker. The purpose and goal of BIEDA is to encourage a positive, sustainable lifestyle through body image and eating disorder awareness and campus/local resource identification.
Study Abroad Fair is Jan. 24
Students can learn about interning, studying and volunteering abroad in experiences ranging from one week to one year during the spring Study Abroad Fair Thursday, Jan. 24 (10:30-1:30 p.m., MU Great Hall). This is a one-stop opportunity to learn about many adventures abroad. In addition, for those in need of a passport or passport renewal, the U.S. Postal Service will have staff on hand to accept passport applications.
BOGO tickets for Cyclone-Longhorn women's basketball Jan. 12
Cyclone women's basketball is offering $3 tickets (regularly $12) and a free one so you can bring a friend when Iowa State hosts Big 12 Conference foe Texas Saturday, Jan. 12 (4 p.m., Hilton Coliseum).
Volunteers sought for LEGO state championships next week
Engineering Community Outreach is looking for volunteers for the FIRST® LEGO® League Iowa State Championships Jan. 19-20 (7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily) in multiple campus buildings. FLL is designed to get students ages 9-14 excited about science, technology and engineering. More information, including the volunteer registration site, is online or email fllvolunteer@iastate.edu to volunteer.
Library adds adjustable-height tables
During the semester break, the library installed 10 adjustable-height tables in the southwest part of third floor. They allow users to adjust the study surface to a height that's comfortable for them.
University childcare has openings in two programs
University Community Childcare, located north of campus at 2623 Bruner Dr., has openings in two of its programs. A sliding fee scale is available for qualified families. For more information or to enroll a child in a program, call 294-9838 or email univcc@iastate.edu:
- Cheerful Cheetahs preschool program is for 2-1/2- to 5 year olds. Families can choose, two, three or five mornings per week. Sessions meet Monday-Friday 8:30-11:30 a.m., and 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., September through May.
- Rock Stars, an afterschool program for kindergarteners through fifth graders. Children can ride the school bus from most schools to the center.
Comfort Zone reopens Jan. 14
The Comfort Zone, a get-well center for mildly ill children, infants through 5th grade, reopens on Monday, Jan. 14. Located at University Community Childcare on the north side of campus, Comfort Zone care is provided by a registered nurse and professional childcare staff. Preregistration is required; more information is online or by emailing czone@iastate.edu.
Regents to complete midyear evaluations Jan. 15-16
The state Board of Regents will meet Tuesday-Wednesday, Jan. 15-16 at the board office in Urbandale, solely for midyear evaluations of institutional heads. These evaluations are held in closed session.
Alumni award nominations due Feb. 15
The ISU Alumni Association is seeking nominations for six awards that will be presented Oct. 25, during Homecoming weekend. Award descriptions and nomination forms can be found online. Nominations are due Feb. 15; questions may be directed to Katie Lickteig. The awards for ISU alumni are:
- Alumni Medal, recognizes long, loyal service to the university through alumni-related activities
- Alumni Merit Award, recognizes humanitarian efforts that transcend professional accomplishments and bring honor to the university
- Outstanding Young Alumni Award, recognizes alumni age 40 years and younger who excel in their profession and provide service to their community
- James A. Hopson Volunteer Award, recognizes alumni association members age 40 years and younger who show volunteer leadership in the association or alumni-related activities
- Impact Award, recognizes individuals, organizations or units whose programs/accomplishments brought recognition to the university and increased the involvement of ISU constituents in the life of the university in the last year
- Alumni Service Award, recognizes alumni and friends whose service supports the daily work of the alumni association
CELT centralizes staff, services in Morrill Hall
All Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching staff, programs and services now are located centrally in 3024 Morrill Hall. The changes are in response to an external review recommendination to "foster a deeper intergration of the tools and technologies within the instructional development offerings of the Center and create opportunities for pedagogical integration of these tools within the classroom design." Contact information remains the same (294-5357, celt@iastate.edu).
Forums set for writing and media center director finalists
Three candidates will interview Jan. 15-18 in the search for the dean of students' director of the Writing and Media Center. The position will oversee the center's programs and services provided centrally and at satellite locations. Open forums are scheduled as part of the campus interviews. Meet-and-greet socials (3-3:30 p.m., 212 Ross Hall) also are planned for each candidate's visit. Details, including resumes and candidate evaluation forms, are available on the dean of students office's search website. Forum dates and candidates are:
- Jan. 15 (1-2 p.m., 290 Carver): Jenna Mertz, assistant director, ISU Writing and Media Center
- Jan. 17 (1-2 p.m., 311 Enrollment Services Center): Joseph Cheatle, associate director, Writing Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing
- Jan. 18 (1-2 p.m., 202 Carver): Lindsey Banister, assistant director, Writing Center, Fancis Marion University, Florence, South Carolina
Hub venues opening Jan. 11; preview event on Jan. 10
ISU Dining will host an open house (no sales) from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, in central campus' Hub, now home to the Roasterie coffee cafe and Heaping Plato Mediterranean food. Check out the renovated spaces and sample a few menu items during your afternoon break. On Friday, Jan. 11, the Roasterie will be open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Heaping Plato 11 a.m.-1 p.m. When the semester begins, service hours will be:
- The Roasterie, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. weekdays (closing at 5 p.m. Fridays)
- Heaping Plato, breakfast 7:30-10 a.m., lunch 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays
Dinkey's, ISU Dining's food truck, will resume service after spring break in a new location.
Register now for spring leadership development classes
University human resources has scheduled its spring slate of leadership development series. Participants may register now via Learn@ISU and up to the day before each series begins. Offerings include:
- Energize Your Leadership Process (six-part series), begins Jan. 15 and ends March 26 (9 a.m.-noon)
- Understanding, Handling and Championing Change (four-part series), begins Jan. 17 and ends Feb. 27 (9-11 a.m.)
- Leadership at Any Level (five-part series), begins April 9 and ends May 28 (9 a.m.-noon)
Normal library hours resume Jan. 14
Parks Library will be closed on the weekend days of Jan. 5, 6, 12 and 13. The library will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on week days, Jan. 2-4 and Jan 7-11. Normal library hours resume with the start of spring semester on Monday, Jan. 14.
Funeral service for Katy Rice is Jan. 4
The funeral service for former P&S employee Katy Rice will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 4, at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1517 Northwestern Ave. Visitation, also at the church, will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3. Rice died Dec. 29 in Ames. She worked at Iowa State from 1986 to 2014, mostly in administrative positions in the former College of Education and the College of Engineering. She served several terms on the Professional and Scientific Council, including a year as council president (1994-95). Obituary.
Family movies return to Reiman Gardens
Reiman Gardens once again is offering its Saturday in January movie series for childen, with showings at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. each week. Admission is free for all those 17 years old and younger. Garden members and Iowa State students also enjoy free admission; general public adults pay gardens admission. Popcorn, candy and soda are available for purchase. This month's featured movies are:
- Jan. 5: Christopher Robin
- Jan. 12: Winnie the Pooh
- Jan. 19: Pinocchio
- Jan. 26: Paddington
New name for Sloss center
Effective Jan. 7, the Margaret Sloss Women's Center will be the Margaret Sloss Center for Women and Gender Equity. The new name aligns with national trends towards inclusion of the vast identities students hold with respect to gender identity. Additionally, it improves clarity about the mission, programs, services, and resources offered in the center, including its focus on creating and promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment at Iowa State through a gender equity lens.
