Announcements
April 2021
Summers hours shared for campus art museums
University museums has posted summer hours for its three indoor exhibition spaces:
- Brunnier Art Museum, Scheman Building (May 9-July 23): 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, closed for exhibition installations July 24-Aug. 22
- Christian Petersen Art Museum, Morrill Hall (May 17-July 30): 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays, closed May 8-16 for university break, closed for exhibition installation Aug. 1-22
- Farm House Museum, central campus (May 17-July 23): noon-4 p.m. weekdays, closed May 8-16 for university break, closed July 24-Aug. 22
Tickets on sale April 30 for Alton Brown at Stephens
Television personality, author and Food Network star Alton Brown will visit Stephens Auditorium next spring to present his live culinary variety show, "Alton Brown Live -- Beyond the Eats," a combination of cooking, comedy, music and science. Tickets for the March 26, 2022, show go on sale April 30 at noon and range from $49 to $79. They can be purchased online.
FAQ supplements return to campus announcement
As a follow-up to the April 19 senior leaders' Return to Campus memo, university human resources has developed additional initial guidance and a Frequently Asked Questions resource for employees and managers. More guidance and details will be coming in the coming weeks, and the FAQ will be supplemented as needed. Questions may be directed to HRdelivery.
Apply by May 14 to join summer peer review group
Graduate students interested in joining a peer review group this summer should apply online by May 14. The Center for Communication Excellence organizes groups of 5-10 graduate students from similar disciplines to meet weekly and share feedback on various types of academic communication. Common types of feedback are organization, logical flow of ideas, clarity of argument, specific language and adherence to genre conventions. Groups will continue to meet virtually this summer. Email peer review group facilitator Tanzeel Rehman, turehman@iastate.edu, for more information.
Food pantry announces summer hours, seeks volunteers
Student leaders of SHOP, the on-campus food pantry serving students, have confirmed summer service hours starting Tuesday, May 11, through Friday, Aug. 20. University employees are invited to volunteer in one-hour increments on the signup site. SHOP, located at 1306 Beyer, will be open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, and 2-7 p.m. Wednesdays. Volunteers will receive an email with details about volunteer duties prior to their first shift.
Countywide moment of silence requested on May 4
To commemorate lives lost to COVID-19, Mary Greeley Medical Center has invited organizations in Ames and Story County to participate in a moment of silence at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 4. The date is the one-year anniversary of the hospital's first COVID-19-related death. Since the pandemic began, more than 11,000 Story County residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and 47 residents have died from the virus. Mary Greeley has treated and discharged 568 COVID-19 patients from throughout central Iowa. Fifty-seven people have died from COVID-19 at the hospital.
End of semester sale: Ice cream cups just $1
The Dairy Science Club's Wednesday ice cream sale -- the last one of the semester -- will feature chocolate, strawberry, Oreo and Resse's flavors today (noon-2 p.m., near the Lush Auditorium north doors in Kildee Hall). The price is just $1 per cup.
Plant sale at Reiman Gardens is May 8-9
Reiman Gardens will hold its annual public plant sale Saturday-Sunday, May 8 (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) and May 9 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) in the gardens' parking lot, rain or shine. Plants for sale include perennials for sun and shade; herbs and vegetables; Iowa natives; woody plants (trees, shrubs and Buck roses); container annuals; hanging baskets; and prefinished mixed containers. Face coverings are required at the sale. Credit card, check and cash are accepted payment, and proceeds support programming by the graduate student origanization in the ecology, evolution and organismal biology department; graduate student Horticulture Society; ISU Horticulture Club; Reiman Gardens and Story County Master Gardener Association.
Term faculty invited to apply for professional development funds
The office of the senior vice president and provost has funds to support professional development of term faculty, particularly faculty without access to professional development support from their departments. Awards up to $500 help faculty attend a conference, workshop or training (virtual or in-person). Guidelines are online and applications (online) are due June 1 for conferences or workshops between July 1 and Dec. 31. The submission process has been updated. Recipients will be notified within three weeks. Abstracts for conference presentations need not have been accepted at the time an application is submitted.
Pop-up art mart is May 5-7
The Workspace and ISU Gaffers' Guild are hosting a pop-up Art Mart in the Memorial Union art gallery (near the food court) May 5-7. One-of-a-kind pottery, blown glass, jewelry, prints and accessories by campus artists will be for sale. Hours vary each day: 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday.
Campus clinic offers one- and two-dose vaccinations
The Iowa State vaccine clinic in State Gym will be open this week Tuesday through Friday (April 27-30). Both Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available and employees and students can select the type of vaccine when they schedule an appointment online. Iowa State is able to split up doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for students, faculty and staff with no requirement of both doses being received on campus. The Pfizer vaccine requires a second dose in three weeks -- whether you are on campus or at another location.
High use of the online scheduling site is expected. If the link is not working, do not call the Thielen Student Health Center. Continue to check the link; appointment slots and additional dates are added as vaccine becomes available. Patients are asked to stay hydrated and eat something prior to their appointment. Vaccinations support the university's goal of returning to a more traditional Cyclone campus experience this fall. Students and employees are encouraged to "vaccinate for Iowa State."
Faculty member Hector Avalos dies
Professor of religious studies Hector Avalos died April 12 following a battle with cancer. A memorial service is being planned for early fall 2021. His body was cremated, and his remains will be interred at the university cemetery. Avalos joined the religious studies faculty at Iowa State in 1993, and founded the US Latino/a studies program. The family has suggested memorial donations go to the Vasculitis Foundation, representing those who suffer from various diseases affecting blood vessels, including Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, the illness Avalos endured since about 1978. Obituary.
Vaccination appointment website opened to students, employees
All Iowa State students and employees can now schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine at the State Gym vaccination clinic. Appointments are available April 21-22 (second doses on May 12-13) and April 27-29 (second doses on May 18-20). Do not schedule a vaccine appointment at Iowa State if you are unable to receive both doses on campus. Your second appointment will be scheduled during registration for your first appointment.
Central campus tent use extended through May 13
A 40-by-60 tent erected last week on central campus just north of the campanile for faculty, staff and students use can be reserved through Thursday, May 13. The tent can be reserved free of charge online through the Memorial Union for internal events. All Cyclones Care safety measures apply.
Extension offers remote work certificate program
ISU Extension and Outreach, collaborating with its Utah counterpart, offers a self-paced, 30-hour remote work certificate program. It contains nine modules designed to provide the skills and tools needed for a virtual career or freelance work. A new session begins each month except in July and December; cost is $249.
Concert to commemorate Tulsa race massacre
The ISU Symphony Orchestra will present "A Thousand Thunderbolts: Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre" Saturday, April 24 (7:30-8:30 p.m., livestream). The concert will feature music by Black American composers including Florence Price, George Walker, Mary Watkins, Jessie Montgomery and Ulysses Kay. Each performance will be preceded by a short video of a Black civil rights leaders, icon or advocate to illuminate the history and lasting effects of race relations from a personal perspective. Speakers include Lessie Benningfield Randle, one of the last known survivors of the massacre; Rev. Robert Turner, Vernon AME Zion Church, Tulsa; Reuben Gant, director of Tulsa's John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation; and Tiffany Johnson, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean’s Artist-in-Residence. The performance will be available on demand through June 1.
This is the second year for the Symphony of Diversity performance at ISU. Director of orchestral activities Jonathan Govias, who developed the concept, brought the tradition with him to Iowa State last year.
On May 31, 1921, a white mob attacked homes and businesses in Tulsa's predominantly Black neighborhood of Greenwood, killing dozens and leaving thousands homeless.
United Way food drive is April 26-May 6
United Way of Story County is hosting its 13th annual LIVE UNITED food drive April 26-May 6. Iowa State students, faculty and staff can participate by dropping off donations at these campus locations:
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TASF east entrance, Ames Laboratory
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134 College of Design
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Environmental Health and Safety east entrance
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234 Forker Building
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Memorial Union front desk (second floor)
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2240 College of Veterinary Medicine
Monetary donations can be made online at www.uwstory.org/donate; select the food drive initiative. Story County is home to more than 20 food pantries, including the SHOP food pantry in Beyer Hall, and all are in need of support. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, more than 25% of children in Story County remain eligible for free/reduced lunch through their schools.
Exhibitor applications open for Destination Iowa State picnic
The new student programs staff invites university units to exhibit during the Destination Iowa State "Center of ExCYtment" picnic Thursday, Aug. 19 (3:30-7:30 p.m., lot C-2 south of Hilton Coliseum). University departments and recognized student clubs or organizations can apply online. Applications are due by July 16. This event will follow all COVID-19 health and safety guidelines established for the fall semester. Questions may be directed to nsp@iastate.edu.
Submit course reserves requests now for summer and fall
Instructors who want to place required materials on reserve for summer and fall courses should submit requests now via Canvas. Information and instructions are on the library’s website. For questions about reserve material, their copyright status or how to use them in Canvas, please contact the library's course reserves staff.
Library shares prep and finals week offerings
While it won't switch to round-the-clock open hours to close out the semester, Parks Library is offering several wellness options for students during prep week and coffee and packaged snacks for students around 10:30 p.m. most evenings April 26-May 7. And the seating capacity alert on the library's homepage is expected to get some attention in the weeks ahead.
Club ice cream sale is today
The Dairy Science Club's Wednesday ice cream sale will feature vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, Oreo and Resse's flavors today (noon-2 p.m., near the Lush Auditorium north doors in Kildee Hall). The price is $2 per cup. The club also fills orders for events and functions; send an email to dairyscienceicecream@gmail.com for more information.
Congratulations, exemplary student employees
Annually, Iowa State hosts the Student Employee of the Year award, recognizing undergraduate student employees nominated by their supervisors. The resilience and positive impact of ISU student employees was evident throughout the 44 nominations submitted during this pandemic year. The award recognizes demonstrated ability in eight competencies set by the National Association of Colleges and Employers: critical thinking/problem solving, oral and written communications, teamwork, digital technology, leadership, professionalism/work ethic, career management and intercultural fluency. Congratulations to ISU's student employee of the year Jacob Rose, ISU Dining; and students of distinction Tara Hoffman, materials science and engineering department; Elisabeth Remus, ITS/CSV Solution Center; and Alexa Gormley, Writing and Media Center.
Your help is needed in Pammel Woods April 20
As part of Earth Day events, the Live Green! program and campus services are organizing volunteers to pull the invasive garlic mustard weed in Pammel Woods Tuesday, April 20 (11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., meet near the ISU Cemetery). A group of ROTC students will help again this year. Participants should wear long pants and closed-toe shoes and bring work gloves if they have them. Campus services will provide garbage bags. Volunteers don't have to commit to the full two hours; any amount of assistance is appreciated.
Apply now for Green Dot facilitator training May 18-21
Green Dot at Iowa State will partner with Gender and Sexual Diversity Initiatives in the office of diversity, equity and inclusion to provide Green Dot facilitator virtual training May 18-21 (9 a.m.-noon and 12:45-3 p.m. daily). The program promotes behaviors and attitudes that can prevent incidents of personal violence. This free professional development opportunity is open to all ISU employees who meet training criteria (attend the training in its entirety and fulfill post-training expectations such as service on a Green Dot work group, help train others, support Green Dot activities). Employees who are LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, disabled or hold other marginalized identities are especially encouraged to complete the training so the facilitator team better reflects the wide range of identities in the campus community. Interested employees should complete the facilitator interest form by 8 a.m. April 26; applicants will be notified of their selection status by end of day Friday, April 30. Questions may be directed to nicci port or Emily Miller.
MU's bridal expo is April 25
"United at the Union," the Memorial Union's annual expo for couples planning a wedding, will be held Sunday, April 25 (1-3 p.m., MU Great Hall). Many central Iowa wedding vendors will take part. Face coverings are required for all vendors and attendees, six-foot social distancing is encouraged and hand sanitizer will be available at entrances.
Scamper with your dog on April 24
Iowa State's student chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association will hold its annual SAVMA Scamper 5K walk/run Saturday, April 24 (10 a.m., College of Veterinary Medicine). Runners are encouraged to race with their dogs. Registration for faculty, staff and the public is $25 ($20 for ISU students). Proceeds support local animal shelters and rescues community awareness campaigns about the OneHealth mission.
Bookstore's customer appreciation event is April 9
The ISU Book Store in the Memorial Union is holding a customer appreciation event in conjunction with its semiannual Apple one-day sale Friday, April 9. There will be merchandise sales all day, plus wine samples from two wineries, Chocolaterie Stam products and grazing boxes from Madrid's Sisters in Cheese (4-6 p.m.).
Virtual events this month boost students' financial literacy
The office of student financial success has put together these free virtual events and workshops for all ISU students. Participants will be entered to win a $100 ISU Book Store giftcard. Click on the link to register.
- Curious About Credit? How to Perfect Your Score, April 20 (1-2 p.m.), Covers components of a credit score, credit management strategies, the negative things that can impact your score, how to get your free credit report (and how to read it and correct any errors in it).
- Tackle Your Debt: Winning Strategies on any Budget, April 21 (2:30-3:30 p.m.) Covers repayment process for student loan debt, keeping on top of your debt, how to pay off your loans ASAP and save thousands in interest, ISU's exit counseling requirement.
- Big Senior Send Off: Financial Advice for Grads, April 22 (4-5 p.m.), financial management workshop for graduating students, topics include the importance of saving early for retirement, starting an emergency fund and preparing for life after graduation.
- Financial Literacy Trivia with Kahoot (limited to 50 participants each day), April 21 (12:30-1:30 p.m.) and April 22 (11 a.m.-noon)
Promotion and tenure requests are on regents' April 14 agenda
On the Iowa State portion of the agenda when the state Board of Regents meets virtually Wednesday, April 14, are 69 faculty promotion and tenure actions, a $16 million plan to replace the last two coal-fired boilers with natural gas models, a fire restoration budget for Ross Hall, a gift of 389 farm acres in Worth County, residence system and parking permit rates for 2021-22 and several program or department name changes. The meeting originates from Ames, and public portions will be livestreamed on the board's website.
Live concert will benefit KHOI community radio
A May 9 live concert at Stephens Auditorium featuring Midwest artists Chad Elliott and Bo Ramsey will raise funds for Ames' KHOI Community Radio as part of its spring membership drive. Tickets are $25 for reserved seats, $50 for VIP seats in the first 11 rows. Livestreaming for home viewing also is available for $15/single and $25/group. Tickets and livestream links can be purchased online. Safety protocols will be in place with physical distancing in the seated areas, enhanced disinfecting procedures and face coverings required. The concert begins at 5 p.m.
Register now for symposium on youth programming
Registration is open through April 19 for the office of risk management's 2021 Youth Programs Symposium Friday, April 23 (8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.). This free, virtual conference is open to youth program leaders, staff and other individuals interested in youth programming at Iowa State. Learn about policies, procedures and best practices; share challenges and successes; and identify the campus services and resources that can help you conduct successful youth programs.
ISD semi-annual report is posted online
The Improved Service Delivery Advisory Committee's FY21 semi-annual report, covering the July 1-Dec. 31, 2020 time period, is now available online. The six-page report notes improvements to several key performance indicators (in areas of customer satisfaction, operational efficiency and employee engagement with ISD) in finance delivery and human resources delivery, comparing the first six months of FY21 to FY20.
Based on feedback from senior leaders, for whom the report primarily is prepared, the ISD advisory committee will move to a quarterly reporting schedule.
Celebrate ISU Extension and Outreach Week
ISU Extension and Outreach Week is April 12-17. Iowa's 100 county extension offices will host activities throughout the week to thank Iowans for their support of extension educational efforts across the state. Information about each county's events is available from the county office.
Ugandan basket sale is April 12-24 in the MU
In collaboration with the Uganda Alliance Club, the Workspace is hosting a pop-up basket sale April 12-24 in its space in the Memorial Union east basement. Sale hours are 2-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Baskets sell for $10-$25. By purchasing a handmade basket created by a member of the Tusubila ("hope") Crafts Group, you are supporting women in Kamuli, Uganda. Baskets are made with dried raffia and banana leaves, and the money from sales goes directly toward supporting the artist's family. This initiative began through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' Uganda program, and students work with the Tusubila group to bring baskets over, sell them in the United States and send the money to the artists.
Daily trivia, career workshops planned for student employment week
National Student Employment Week is April 12-16. Nearly one-third of Iowa State students work on campus. In addition to the work they accomplish for the university, their employment is a powerful tool for students, helping them manage their time, connect to campus and develop career readiness skills. Virtual and free activities for all student employees include daily trivia events with prizes (1 p.m. Monday-Thursday, registration required) and career readiness workshops led by college career services staff:
- Resumes and job search tips, April 13 (two sessions: 1:10 and 3:10 p.m.), Engineering
- Professional communication and interview preparation, April 14 (noon), Design
- Utilizing your part-time job in your job/internship, April 14 (4 p.m.), Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Salary negotiation, April 15 (3:30 p.m.), Human Sciences
- Trends in hiring/job searching in a pandemic, April 16 (10 a.m.), Business
Election taps 15 members for P&S Council
Fifteen professional and scientific employees were elected to represent their division on the P&S Council during the 2021-22 academic year. The candidates elected in the March election are:
- Academic affairs division: Suzanne Ankerstjerne, geological and atmospheric science; Paula Burns, human development and family studies; Mickie Deaton, registrar; Paul Easker, Virtual Reality Applications Center; Matthew Femrite, human development and family studies; Erin Gibson, Ames Laboratory; Marlene Jacks, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; Judy Knoblock, Engineering Research Institute; Autumn Marks, Veterinary Medical Center; Nicholas Streauslin, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory; David Welshhons, College of Engineering; and David Zimmerman, agronomy
- Operations and finance division: Steve Couchman, environmental health and safety, and Katie Getting, Reiman Gardens
- Student affairs division: Jahmai Fisher, dean of students office
There were no candidates on the ballot for a vacancy to represent the president's division. Multiple write-in candidates have accepted their nominations and a run-off election will be held.
Council members serve terms of up to three years, beginning after the council's final meeting of the academic year in early June.
Watch for detours at I-35/U.S. Highway 30 interchange
The state Department of Transportation announced ramp closures at the the Interstate 35/U.S. Highway 30 interchange in order to complete repairs on the north- and south-bound I-35 bridges. The closures began April 6 and are scheduled to continue to Wednesday, Nov. 24, weather permitting. Several detours will involve rerouting traffic to Dayton Avenue (west of the interchange):
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Southbound I-35 drivers wanting to travel east on U.S. 30 will exit onto westbound U.S. 30, travel west to the Dayton Avenue exit and turn back onto eastbound U.S. 30.
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Eastbound U.S. 30 drivers wanting to travel north on I-35 will exit at Dayton Avenue and travel north to 13th Street, east on 13th Street to I-35 and north on I-35.
- Westbound U.S. 30 drivers wanting to travel south on I-35 will need to proceed to Dayton Avenue and get back onto eastbound U.S. 30 to use the southbound I-35 ramp.
Training session set for April 24 for LEGO innovation contest
Iowa State students, employees and alumni are invited to a virtual training session April 24 (11 a.m.-noon) to answer questions and provide inspiration for an upcoming LEGO design contest. In a competition to be held at the Iowa State Fair in August, teams working in in two-hour time slots will build LEGO models they designed to represent Innovate at Iowa State. See the contest webpage for more information and to access the link to the training session, which will be recorded for later viewing.
Employee volunteers sought for food pantry during prep, finals weeks
Faculty and staff are invited to volunteer in the ISU student food pantry, SHOP, in 1306 Beyer, during prep and final exam weeks (April 27-May 7) so student volunteers can focus on their studies. SHOP's normal hours will be maintained during these two weeks: Tuesday and Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Wednesday 4-7 p.m. ISU employees are asked to use the signup website to volunteer for an hour or more. Details about volunteering will be emailed to those who sign up. Questions may be directed to SHOP advisor Breanna Wetzler, 294-4875.
For the first time, SHOP will have summer hours, and there will be more opportunities for employees to volunteer. When a summer schedule has been set, a corresponding signup site will be shared.
Beware of 'tax refund payment' phishing scam
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has identified a phishing scam targeting individuals with ".edu" email addresses. The phishing email contains the IRS logo and a subject line such as "Tax Refund Payment." Iowa State employees or students who receive a suspicious email like this should not enter any personal information into the phishing form, and are asked to follow this process to report the suspicious email to Iowa State's IT security team. More information.
