Announcements
November 2021
Adobe Sign replaces DocuSign as university e-signature software
Iowa State is replacing DocuSign as its designated software for contracts and documents that require electronic signatures. This includes business and HR processes in Workday. A three-year contract for Adobe Sign began Nov. 1, and the university will be in a transition period until the DocuSign contract expires April 29, 2022.
An IT services team led by software development manager Jim Hurley is coordinating the conversion, which includes migrating more than 700 DocuSign documents to Adobe Sign and downloading all signed documents to a location where they'll be accessible once the DocuSign contract concludes. The team will contact document owners once their documents are moved to Adobe Sign. Questions about the change may be emailed to adobesign@iastate.edu.
Ten classrooms reserved for evening study during prep week
Room scheduling has designated 10 general university classrooms on central campus for students to use as study rooms during prep week, Dec. 6-10 (5:30-11 p.m. daily). They are:
- Carver 0274 and 0294
- Pearson 1105
- Physics 0038, 0056 and 0058
- Ross 0027, 0028, 0029 and 0131
Art Mart at the MU is Dec. 1-4
Support local artists at the Memorial Union's annual fall holiday sale, Art Mart, Dec. 1-4. Hours are 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, noon-8 p.m. Friday (WinterFest), and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. The event will be in the MU Art Gallery on the first floor. Art Mart features one-of-a-kind gifts from our campus community of artists, including jewelry, pottery, paintings, coloring books, accessories, fibers and more, and blown glass vases, vessels and sculpture by members of the ISU Gaffer's Guild. To support physical distancing, a shoppers capacity limit will be in place.
Extension's 2022 calendar features edible Iowa plants
Extension and Outreach's 2022 garden calendar was created around the theme of edibles, and features 12 images of edible plants and flowers found in Iowa, including rhubarb, pineapple sage, dandelions and tomatoes. The calendar is gardener-focused but appeals to anyone looking for a photographic plant calendar. It's available for $8 on the ISU Extension Store or in many extension county offices.
COVID-19: By the numbers
For the week that ended Nov. 14, the positive rate for COVID-19 tests completed at the Thielen Student Health Center was 7.22% (21 of 291 tests completed), down from 8.36% the week earlier. Testing reflects both symptomatic students and student-athletes following NCAA testing protocols. The Story County positivity rate for the week ending Nov. 17 was 13.22%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vaccination rate among Story County residents at least 12 years of age rose to 64.6% as of Nov. 17. Iowa State is providing weekly updates on these and other public health benchmarks on its COVID-19: By the numbers website.
No 'Inside' on Nov. 25
Inside Iowa State will not publish on Thursday, Nov. 25, in observance of the national Thanksgiving holiday. The next edition will post on Dec. 2.
WinterFest set for Dec. 3, with president's open house at Beardshear
Celebrate WinterFest Dec. 3 by joining President Wendy Wintersteen and her spouse, Robert Waggoner, for the president's open house, 4-6 p.m. that day in the ground floor lobby of Beardshear Hall. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider, cookies, ISU Creamery ice cream and music by a student string quartet. This year's open house was moved to Beardshear from its traditional location at The Knoll to provide ample gathering area for guests.
Reminder about COVID-19 vaccination status in Workday
Has your COVID-19 vaccination status changed? Remember you now are able to submit documentation verifying it in Workday. Employees also may submit a request for a vaccination waiver in Workday. Board of Regents president Michael Richards announced last week that regent employees voluntarily may complete either option. An ISU-authored vaccination verification FAQ provides additional information for employees, and an announcement on each employee's Workday landing page can initiate the process.
These knowledge-base articles in the HR service portal also may be helpful to employees:
Reminder: WorkFlex requests are due Nov. 26
The first application window for the university's WorkFlex program is open through Friday, Nov. 26. Eligible staff can submit a request for a flexible work arrangement through Workday. Enter "create request" in the Workday search bar and select "WorkFlex Request Type" to find the online form. Detailed instructions for submitting a request are posted in the ISU Service Portal.
The first round of WorkFlex arrangements will take effect Jan. 18, the first day of spring semester. More information about the program is on the WorkFlex webpage or in previous coverage in Inside Iowa State.
Deadline is Dec. 15 for spring professional development funds for term faculty
The office of the senior vice president and provost provides funds to support professional development of term faculty -- up to $500 to participate in a virtual or in-person activity, such as trainings, workshops or conferences. Applications from faculty with limited professional development support particularly are encouraged. Applications are due Dec. 15 for opportunities Jan. 1-June 30, 2022. Abstracts for conference presentations don't need to be accepted at the time of submission. Recipients will be notified within three weeks of the deadline. More information, including submission directions, is online.
Call for student entries for MU multimedia exhibition
The Memorial Union Art Gallery is issuing a call for art, poetry and design by ISU students for a multimedia exhibition that will run Jan. 27-March 10, 2022. The theme of the show is Nostalgia, which can be interpreted in multiple ways. Artists, apparel designers and writers are invited to submit up to three entries for consideration by Dec. 1. More information is online.
CyThx submission deadline is Nov. 30
The fourth cycle of the recognition initiative CyThx is accepting submissions through Nov. 30. The purpose of CyThx is to celebrate and thank those who make individuals feel like a valued member of the Iowa State University community. Messages of gratitude to faculty, mentors, advisors, teaching assistants and colleagues can be submitted via the online submission form. All who receive recognition will receive an email after Dec. 22 and a post on the CyThx website. CyThx is a joint effort of CELT, learning communities, Graduate and Professional Student Senate, office of multicultural student affairs and Student Government.
Forestry Club annual Christmas tree sale begins Nov. 27
The Forestry Club is holding its annual Christmas tree fundraiser in the Reiman Gardens parking lot Nov. 27-28, Dec. 3-5 and Dec. 10-12. Hours are 3-6 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays. The club will have wreaths, white pines and Korean, balsam amd Canaan firs. Cash or checks only. Proceeds go toward club activities and student development.
Meat Science Club taking holiday ham orders
The Meat Science Club is taking orders for its annual holiday ham fundraiser. Club members trim, inject, cook, smoke and package the holiday hams. Whole hams and ham hocks have sold out; orders for half hams will be taken until the supply is gone. The money raised helps members attend academic conferences, funds industry trip tours and supports club activities and events. Pick-up dates are Nov. 18 or Dec. 9 (4-6 p.m.) at the Meat Lab sales counter in Kildee Hall.
Silent auction through Dec. 1 benefits food/nutrition clubs
The Culinary Science Club, Dairy Products Evaluation Club, Food Science Club and Student Dietetics Association Club are hosting the annual food science and human nutrition silent auction through Dec. 1. Winners will be notified Dec. 2 to pick up items in the Culinary Discovery Lab (2379 Food Sciences) on Dec. 3 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. The bidding link is now open. All proceeds benefit the four clubs.
Poinsettia sale is Dec. 1-4
Students in the Horticulture Club will sell poinsettias Dec. 1-4 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) at a different campus location each day. A variety of colors and two sizes are available: 6-inch pot ($15), and 10-inch pot ($35). Proceeds from the sale support club activities. Preorders close after Nov. 19 and can be picked up at one of the sale locations or at Hort Hall Dec. 1-4 (4-6 p.m.).
- Dec. 1, Curtiss Hall, ground floor rotunda
- Dec. 2, Beardshear Hall, sale desk
- Dec. 3, Memorial Union, by the ISU Book Store
- Dec. 4, Reiman Gardens, main corridor
Eagle's Loft has child care openings
Editor's note: The ISU partnership with Eagle's Loft ended in 2022 due to low utilization. Contact ISU Child Care and Family Services for current child care options.
Thinking about your child care arrangements for the spring semester? Eagle's Loft Early Learning Center at 2715 Dayton Ave. is currently enrolling all ages for January 2022 and has immediate but limited openings for all ages. Eagle's Loft is a 117-child capacity center that joined the list of child care facilities affiliated with Iowa State this summer, meaning the center offers tuition on an ISU-subsidized income-based sliding scale and adheres to the university's requirements for service quality, staffing, security and safety.
Food pantry seeks volunteers for December, January shifts
The SHOP student food pantry is asking university employees to volunteer during prep week, finals week and over winter break to help keep the pantry open three times a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday) for students who remain in Ames. The food pantry, located in 1306 Beyer, will not be open on university holidays. Volunteers may select their shifts on this sign-up site, and more information is sent automatically in an email. Questions may be directed to SHOP advisor Breanna Wetzler, 294-4875.
COVID-19: By the numbers
For the week that ended Nov. 7, the positive rate for COVID-19 tests completed at the Thielen Student Health Center was 8.36% (25 of 299 tests completed), down from 10.48% the week earlier. Testing reflects both symptomatic students and student-athletes following NCAA testing protocols. The Story County positivity rate for the week ending Nov. 10 was 11.41%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vaccination rate among eligible Story County residents -- those at least 12 years of age -- rose to 64.4% as of Nov. 10. Iowa State is providing weekly updates on these and other public health benchmarks on its COVID-19: By the numbers website.
Governor awards two paid holidays to state employees
Expressing her gratitude for their dedication, innovation and accomplishments during an entire calendar year in a global pandemic, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Nov. 9 that all state employees will receive two additional paid days off before the end of 2021. University leaders are coordinating with the state Board of Regents on the dates of the two holidays for university employees. Details will be shared next week.
Another option in Workday: Submit vaccine record, request exemption
As noted in a Nov. 10 campus memo from state Board of Regents president Michael Richards, employees may submit documentation verifying their COVID-19 vaccination in Workday. Employees also may submit a request for a vaccination waiver in Workday. Richards noted that both options are voluntary, pending further evaluation of President Joe Biden's executive order 14042 (ensuring COVID-19 safety protocols for federal contractors), including litigation outcomes.
A knowledge-base article in the HR service portal, ISU COVID-19 Vaccination Status Submission Instructions, walks employees through the verification and exemption processes; a new announcement on each employee's Workday landing page also can initiate the process. Workday-related questions about submitting a vaccine verification or an exemption request may be emailed to vaccine@iastate.edu. An ISU-authored vaccination verification FAQ provides additional information for employees.
Funeral service is Nov. 13 for former faculty member Neil Harl
Neil Harl, Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor emeritus in economics, died Nov. 4 at Mary Greeley Medical Center. He was 88. A funeral service will begin at noon Saturday, Nov. 13, at First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg Ave., with burial to follow in the university cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, at Adams Funeral Home, 502 Douglas Ave. Harl was a member of the ISU faculty from 1965 to his retirement in 2005. In lieu of gifts, his family requests donations to the Dr. Neil Harl Opportunity Award (#270620) at the Iowa State University Foundation. Obituary.
Reminder: CYtation award nominations due Dec. 1
The Professional and Scientific Council encourages individuals, programs, departments and colleges to nominate P&S employees by Dec. 1 for a CYtation award:
- Individual CYtation Award/Woodin CYtation Award
- Team CYtation Award
- Outstanding New Councilor CYtation Award
Anyone can submit a CYtation award nomination. The awards showcase the many ways P&S employees have gone above their normal duties, done something extraordinarily well or acted in a way to make a real difference at ISU. Questions about the awards can be emailed to pands-a@iastate.edu, or visit the P&S website.
Winter wish list for STORIES students
Faculty and staff are invited to purchase gifts for students in Iowa State's new STORIES program, currently serving 17 undergraduates who have experienced foster care, homelessness or similar circumstances. All gifts will be given anonymously to one of the participants. Visit the STORIES 2021 winter wish list on Amazon.com to get started. A few shopping tips:
- During checkout, select "gift registry address" so the gifts are delivered to the STORIES office.
- (Optional) Click "email the recipient a copy of their gift receipt after the gift is delivered" to give the student the option to exchange the gift, for example, if the size is not quite right. The recipient's email address is kilbride@iastate.edu.
- The shopping deadline is Dec. 31.
Questions about STORIES or the wish list may be directed to program coordinator Laura Kilbride, 515-294-8436.
COVID-19: By the numbers
For the week that ended Oct. 31, the positive rate for COVID-19 tests completed at the Thielen Student Health Center was 10.48% (22 of 210 tests completed), up from 5.56% the week earlier. Testing reflects both symptomatic students and student-athletes following NCAA testing protocols. The Story County positivity rate for the week ending Nov. 3 was 11.13%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vaccination rate among eligible Story County residents -- those at least 12 years of age -- rose to 64.1% as of Nov. 3. Iowa State is providing weekly updates on these and other public health benchmarks on its COVID-19: By the numbers website.
Library hosts online multimedia exhibit for Indigenous Heritage Month
To celebrate November as Indigenous Heritage Month, university library has assembled an online exhibit that shares a variety of resources on both recent and historical topics: Books, streaming media such as Tik Tok videos and movie trailers, trivia questions, recipes, links to Indian Nation websites and an interactive map that highlights geographic locations in Iowa significant for their indigenous history. Parks Library publications include a call number for easy retrieval. The exhibit was curated by library staff Hema Thulsidhos and Katie Wampole, who serve on the library's DEI committee.
Proposed regent policy addresses Biden directive
The state Board of Regents will review a proposed board policy that permits exemptions to President Joseph Biden's September executive order covering COVID-19 safety protocols for federal contractors. Those protocols include vaccination, face coverings and physical distancing in the workplace.
The policy proposal is a late addition to the board's Nov. 4 meeting in Cedar Falls. As drafted, it provides employees several possibilities for exemption from the executive order, including religious, moral or ethical beliefs that "are sincerely held," or a belief that receiving the vaccine would harm their health and well-being or that of a person living with them.
Daylight saving time ends Sunday
Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 7. Clocks turn back one hour, adding an hour of rest to your night.
Wednesday sale features caramel apple ice cream
Among the Dairy Science Club's five flavors at its Wednesday ice cream sale is a fall favorite, caramel apple. It joins vanilla, strawberry, Oreo and Reese's flavors today (noon-2 p.m., near the Lush Auditorium north doors in Kildee Hall). The price is $2 per cup.
Revised policy clarifies expectations for serving students
Iowa State's office hours policy was updated last week to clarify expectations for student-serving units and help create a consistent student experience across campus. Units should begin implementing changes now to align with the policy when spring semester begins and approved WorkFlex plans take effect Jan. 18, 2022. Two notable revisions are:
- Administrative and service offices (for example, student-facing services, undergraduate and graduate departmental offices, advising offices) must be staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to assure services remain available. Exceptions are allowed during holidays, academic breaks and the summer.
- Service coverage must extend over lunch periods and staff breaks, especially in units that provide student health, safety and crisis services.
Celebrate first-generation college students at Nov. 9 reception
Faculty and staff are invited to meet and chat with first-generation college students at Iowa State during a mixer Tuesday, Nov. 9 (3-5 p.m., MU South Ballroom). November is recognition month for first-generation college students. The student affairs division, its campus life unit and the dean of students office are sponsoring the event. Enjoy free food and activities.
Register for 'Coded Bias' documentary discussion on Nov. 16
The ADVANCE Midwest Partnership (of which ISU is a member) will host a virtual discussion Nov. 16 (6 p.m. CST) with filmmaker Shalina Kantayya, who directed the 2020 documentary "Coded Bias." The 85-minute film explores MIT media lab researcher Joy Buolamwini's discovery that facial recognition does not see dark-skinned or female faces accurately and her push for legislation to govern against bias in artificial intelligence's algorithms. Those who register will receive two invitations: One to screen the film prior to Nov. 16 and one to join the live discussion with Kantayya on Nov. 16. Questions may be directed to Cinzia Cervato, Morrill Professor of geological and atmospheric sciences and Iowa State's P.I. for the partnership.
Holiday light show tickets go on sale Nov. 2
Timed tickets for Reiman Gardens' holiday light show go on sale at noon Nov. 2 and must be purchased online. "WInter Wonderscape" is offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings Dec. 2-Jan. 1 (5-8 p.m.), except for Christmas Day, Dec. 25. Ticket holders must arrive during their assigned time but may stay until the show ends that night. Tickets are $10 (members and ISU students $8, youth $5, children under 2 years are free). Live music will be offered some evenings. Reiman Gardens will close early at 4 p.m. on light show nights for set-up.
Here's how to submit a WorkFlex request
Through Nov. 26, eligible staff can submit a request for a flexible work arrangement under the new WorkFlex program. Applications are made through Workday. Enter "create request" in the Workday search bar and select "WorkFlex Request Type" to find the online submission form. All fields in the form are required. Detailed instructions for submitting a request are posted in the ISU Service Portal.
Before requesting a WorkFlex option, staff should review the employee guidance, talk with their supervisor and be familiar with the request and approval process. The first round of WorkFlex arrangements will take effect Jan. 18, the first day of the spring semester. For more information about the program, see the WorkFlex webpage or Inside Iowa State's prior coverage.
