Announcements
November 2022
Package delivery service update during holiday week
To align with private carriers (UPS/FedEx) and to minimize service disruptions, ISU's central receiving will remain operational during the winter holiday break, with exceptions for the dates listed below. Modified services means that all next-day, time-sensitive and perishable packages will be received and delivered to campus that same day, to open buildings. All standard and non-time-sensitive packages and freight shipments will be securely received and held at central receiving and delivered to campus the following non-holiday business day(s).
Christmas
- Friday, Dec 23: open with modified services
- Monday, Dec 26: closed
- Tuesday, Dec 27: open with modified services
New Year's Day
- Monday, Jan. 2: closed
Questions about package delivery during the holiday breaks may be directed to manager Corey Bickelhaupt, 515-294-1804. Package recipients also may view their central receiving package status online.
Two more weekends to shop at forestry club tree and wreath sale
Forestry club members will sell Christmas trees and wreaths Dec 2-4 and Dec. 9-11 in the Reiman Gardens parking lot. Select from Korean ($70-$80), Balsam ($80-$100) and Canaan ($70-$80) fir and white pine ($60) trees. Wreaths come in two sizes, 25-inch ($25) and 30-inch ($30). Sale hours are Fridays 3-6 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Payment is by cash or check. Questions may be directed to jmerry@iastate.edu.
Holiday purchases should be shipped home
The postal and parcel services (PPS) staff reminds the campus community that university policy (and state law) prohibits employees from using university equipment and services -- including mail services -- for personal use during any season. Personal online shopping increases this time of year, but those purchases should be mailed to employees' homes, not to campus addresses, where PPS staff make the final delivery.
School of Ed's technology center celebrates 25 years
The School of Education's Center for Technology in Learning and Teaching will celebrate its 25th anniversary Dec. 5-8. Events include a superhero activity, laser cutter projects and a keynote lecture by Punya Mishra on Dec. 6. Mishra is the associate dean of scholarship and innovation and professor in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University.
Classrooms designated for open study during prep week evenings
Room scheduling will offer these 10 general university classrooms for students to use as study rooms during prep week, Dec. 5-9 (5:30-11 p.m. daily):
- Black Engineering 1028
- Carver 0184, 0190
- Pearson 3143, 3157
- Physics 0052
- Ross 0027, 0029
- Town Engineering 0250, 0290
Jennette McCurdy appearance canceled
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED. Tickets are on sale for actress, director and New York Times bestselling author Jennette McCurdy's appearance on campus Friday, Dec. 2 (8 p.m., MU Great Hall, doors open at 7:30 p.m.). Her August memoir, "I'm Glad My Mom Died," stayed at No. 1 on the Times' nonfiction bestseller list for eight weeks.
Poinsettia sale runs Nov. 30-Dec. 3
The horticulture club is selling poinsettias as a fundraiser to cover club activities, traveling expenses and student enrichment. Club members grew the plants in the horticulture greenhouses. Pot sizes are 4.5, 6 and 10 inches; prices vary from $10 to $40. Plants may be purchased (and pre-orders picked up) this week at these campus locations:
- Nov. 30 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), ground floor rotunda, Curtiss Hall
- Dec. 1 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), ground floor counters, Beardshear Hall
- Dec. 2 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), atrium, Horticulture Hall
- Dec. 3 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), main corridor, Reiman Gardens
Questions may be directed to Hannah Kramer, student chair of the sale.
Save the date: George Washington Carver Day program planned for Feb. 1
Iowa State University is making plans to observe the state of Iowa's first George Washington Carver Day in 2023. Last June, Gov. Kim Reynolds approved Senate File 2380, an act to designate Feb. 1 each year as George Washington Carver Day. Carver is only the third person to be recognized by the state with a day of recognition; the other two are Herbert Hoover and Norman Borlaug. Iowa State will hold a recognition program in the Memorial Union Great Hall during the evening of Feb. 1. Planning for the program, which also will be available virtually, is underway.
Carver was Iowa State's first Black student and faculty member before leaving for a lifelong career at Tuskegee Institute (now University) in Alabama. He introduced improved farming systems and developed hundreds of food products from plants such as peanuts, sweet potatoes and others native to the southern United States.
Application deadline is Dec. 2 for spring Startup Factory cohort
The ISU Startup Factory incubator program is accepting applications through Dec. 2 for its spring semester cohort. Over 18 weeks, researchers, inventors and founders looking to validate their scalable idea receive training, resources, guidance and access to a network of mentors, alumni and advisors. Participants develop their business acumen, build their communication skills and learn more about their customers. Questions may be sent to Startup Factory director Peter Hong.
No Inside on Thanksgiving Day
Inside Iowa State will not publish next week, Nov. 24, due to the national Thanksgiving holiday. Remaining editions this semester are Dec. 1, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15. The first edition of 2023 will be Jan. 5.
Reminder: Benefits open enrollment closes at 5 p.m. Friday
Open enrollment is the one time each year when employees can add, drop or make changes to most benefits, other than adjustments allowed to accommodate qualifying life events such as job and marital changes, births and deaths. This year's open enrollment closes at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18. Elections are made in Workday and go into effect Jan. 1. More information about options is online. Instructions on how to enroll or make changes are in this slide presentation.
You can help Iowa State students in need on Giving Tuesday
As part of the global philanthropic Giving Tuesday on Nov. 29, the Iowa State University Foundation will promote four programs on its FundISU website that assist ISU students in critical need:
- SHOP, on-campus food pantry serving students
- STORIES, support programming for students in all colleges who experienced foster care, or are homeless or financially independent
- Completion grants, for seniors within a semester or two of graduation with an outstanding U-bill and no other means to pay it, register for classes and graduate
- Emergency grants, for any ISU student in an emergency beyond their control and struggling to pay bills and remain enrolled
In addition to electronic gifts, payroll deduct and checks (mailed to the ISU Foundation) are options for donations to these programs.
Chicago will play at Stephens in May
The multi Grammy Award-winning band Chicago will perform at Stephens Auditorium on Thursday, May 25, 2023. Tickets ($80-$129) and VIP packages go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18, via Ticketmaster. Chicago released its 38th studio album, "Born For This Moment," earlier this year.
GoldSheet, Cardinal Sheet to phase out next summer
Iowa State's research enterprise will discontinue use of the GoldSheet and Cardinal Sheet in June 2023 after more than 20 years of use. The internal routing forms and related systems will be replaced with Streamlyne, an enhanced "one-stop shop" proposal development and routing system that will offer faculty and administrators many new features and functionalities. Streamlyne dashboards will provide better transparency of the process and content at all stages. Budget development is included, and Streamlyne has a system-to-system portal for grants.gov submissions that eliminates the duplicate entries required with Cayuse. User training will begin in spring 2023. Additional information about the new system is online.
Researchers sought for Research Experience for Teachers program
Iowa State researchers interested in mentoring a middle or high school STEM teacher are invited to participate in the office of biotechnology's summer 2023 Research Experiences for Teachers program, June 16-July 26. The six-week program provides hands-on lab experience and virtual learning for high school and middle school instructors with oversight from ISU researchers. Questions may be directed to program coordinator Maureen Griffin.
Last employee walk of the semester is Friday
ISU WorkLife will host its final Friday Walk and Talk of the semester on Nov. 18. All who want to participate in the one-mile group walk around campus should meet at the Beardshear Hall front steps at 12:10 p.m. No registration is required; bring your colleagues.
City snow ordinance takes effect at noon Tuesday
The city of Ames' snow ordinance will go into effect at noon Tuesday, Nov. 15, and remain in effect until it has stopped snowing and the streets are plowed curb to curb. Vehicles on city snow routes (identified by red and white signs) should be moved to off-street parking or to streets not designated as snow routes. To assist with the plowing effort, owners are asked to not park vehicles on any residential street, particularly on circles and cul de sacs; however, only vehicles on snow routes are required to be moved or risk being towed.
Thankful? Submit your CyThx now
In its fifth year, CyThx gives Iowa Staters a chance to thank the faculty, staff, graduate teaching assistants or anyone else who makes them feel like a valued member of the ISU community. Your gratitude will remain anonymous, but your CyThx honoree will receive an email with your message and an acknowledgment on the CyThx webpage. Submissions can be made through the end of the month. The initiative is a partnership of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, ISU learning communities, multicultural student affairs, student government, Graduate and Professional Student Senate, student engagement and student union board.
Employee flu shots available on Nov. 16
Another flu shot clinic will be available to benefits-eligible employees on Wednesday, Nov. 16 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., room G11, Technical and Administrative Services Building, 2408 Pammel Dr.). Bring a phone. No appointment is necessary, but when you arrive outside TASF, call 515-294-2056 for access to the building. The vaccine is provided at no cost to employees.
Football game time announced
The Cyclone football game Nov. 19 with Texas Tech at Jack Trice Stadium will begin at 6 p.m., with the TV broadcast on Fox Sports 1.
Presentation proposals for ISCORE '23 due Dec. 2
The Iowa State Conference on Race and Ethnicity (ISCORE) planning committee encourages faculty, staff and students to submit presentation proposals for the 2023 ISCORE conference. The faculty-staff preconference is March 1 and the full-day, all-ISU conference is March 3. Proposals for a 50-minute presentation about a topic in race and ethnicity should be submitted online by Dec. 2. Notification of presentation status will occur on Dec. 16.
Wi-Fi updates increase connectivity in high use areas
More than 5,000 new access points are being installed across campus to improve Wi-Fi performance in high-density areas such as classrooms and popular public areas. The phased installation is underway and scheduled to be completed in early February. When installed, the new access points can support Wi-Fi connections that are up to three times more efficient. The new access points will support most devices. If you're unable to find or connect to Iowa State's Wi-Fi networks, contact the IT Solution Center.
On Veterans Day, honor all who served
Observed annually on Nov. 11, Veterans Day honors military veterans in the U.S. Armed Forces. Though both holidays honor military personnel, Veterans Day differs from Memorial Day in that it acknowledges the service of all military veterans. Memorial Day honors those who died while serving. Learn more on the office of institutional diversity, equity and inclusion website.
Complete the CELT survey, Reflections and Looking Forward
Members of the campus community who have interacted with CELT services -- instructors, including graduate students; administrators and staff -- are invited to complete the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching's survey, Reflections and Looking Forward. As the center prepares for further growth in its 30th year, survey responses are crucial for guiding its growth. The survey takes 5-10 minutes to complete.
CyMail, Google calendar data erasure begins next week
On Monday, Nov. 14, information technology services will start deleting all data from Google Calendar and CyMail accounts to comply with Google's reduced storage capacity for its higher education customers. This process won't remove items stored in Google Drive or impact Microsoft Outlook email and calendar. Iowa State retired its CyMail-branded Google Mail this summer, and the read-only final phase expired Sept. 30. Questions may be directed to the IT Solution Center.
VPN name is changed to Secure Client
Iowa State employees who access files via the virtual personal network, or VPN, will notice a name change. The VPN app, previously called "AnyConnect," has been renamed to "Secure Client" by the vendor. The name change and new branding took effect Nov. 8. The app will automatically update when connecting to the VPN if it has been used previously. For employees using the app for the first time, search for "Secure Client" in applications (iOS) or in the software center (Windows); download and install.
Faculty, staff enjoy half price tickets to weekday women's basketball games
Faculty and staff may purchase general admission tickets for $5 (50% discount) for all weekday home games during the Cyclone women's basketball 2022-23 season. For more information, contact assistant director of athletics marketing Brittany Famiglietti via email, bfam@iastate.edu. In a preseason poll, Big 12 Conference coaches picked Iowa State to finish first in the conference this year.
Reminder: Complete your benefits survey by Nov. 15
The benefits survey for faculty and staff remains open through Tuesday, Nov. 15, and takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. Check your email for a survey from ISUbenefitssurvey@mercer.com sent on Nov. 1 with a subject line, "Iowa State University Benefits Survey." Feedback helps the university understand your opinions and what you value most about your benefits package. All responses are anonymous.
Volunteers needed to keep food pantry open during exam and break weeks
The SHOP student food pantry invites university employees to volunteer during fall break week, prep week, finals week and over winter break to help keep the pantry open several days a week 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. Shifts may open as the date approaches, so volunteers are asked to check back. Questions may be directed to SHOP advisor Breanna Wetzler, 294-4875. SHOP also is in need of plastic or paper bags, which can be dropped off at the pantry location.
Roundtable event will assemble climate-smart research teams
The office of the vice president for research is hosting a Research and Innovation Roundtable (RIR) this month for faculty whose research focus is on climate smart issues. Register by Nov. 16 to participate in the roundtable on Tuesday, Nov. 29 (1-5 p.m., MU Great Hall and South Ballroom). The intent of the RIRs is to assemble voices from across campus representing varying perspectives and expertise, in order to build multidisciplinary teams that compete for seed funding designated in one of the jumpstart priorities of the 2022-31 strategic plan.
Input needed to measure WorkCyte project awareness
Faculty and staff are asked to complete a short online assessment to measure their awareness of the WorkCyte project. The survey results will serve as a point-in-time barometer of what employees know, allowing the project team to shape training programs and better communicate about the project. The assessment will close Friday, Nov. 18. To learn more about the WorkCyte project, go to www.workcyte.iastate.edu.
Science Bowl volunteers needed
Ames Laboratory Regional Science Bowl is seeking 150 volunteers, both scientific and nonscientific, for its 2023 competitions, in which high school and middle school teams from across Iowa will square off in fast-paced, game-show style rounds of questions from a range of science and math disciplines. Volunteers serve as moderators, judges, timekeepers, scorekeepers and runners; learn more about their duties on this information page. High School Science Bowl will be held Saturday, Jan. 28 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Middle School Science Bowl will be held Saturday, Feb. 18 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.), both on campus. Shifts range from four to eight hours. A buffet lunch, T-shirt and other goodies are provided. Sign up online.
Poinsettia sale preorders close on Nov. 18
The horticulture club is selling poinsettias this month as a club fundraiser to cover club activities, traveling expenses and student enrichment. Poinsettias were grown by club members in the horticulture greenhouses. Pot sizes are 4.5, 6 and 10 inches; prices vary from $10 to $40. Plants may be preordered online by Nov. 18 or purchased Nov. 30-Dec. 3 at these campus locations on a first come, first served basis:
- Nov. 30 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), ground floor rotunda, Curtiss Hall
- Dec. 1 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), ground floor counters, Beardshear Hall
- Dec. 2 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), atrium, Horticulture Hall
- Dec. 3 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), main corridor, Reiman Gardens
Questions may be directed to Hannah Kramer, student chair of the sale.
Tickets on sale for Reiman Gardens' holiday light show
Reiman Gardens is selling date- and time-stamped tickets for its Winter Wonderscape holiday light show, Thursday-Saturday evenings in December (5-8 p.m.). The price is $13 ($11 for members and ISU students, $7 for youth ages 2-12 years). Tickets must be purchased online and in advance (no phone or in-person sales).
Lunch and learn introduces entrepreneurial resources
The Start This, Start that … Start Something at Iowa State lunch & learn series continues with sessions in November and December. The event (same content offered three times this fall) is an introduction to commercialization, entrepreneurship and startups. During the lunch hour (noon-1 p.m.), attendees can expect to learn how to move their technology through the university into a new venture and get connected to available resources. The next session is Nov. 7 in room 4250 (Launch Pad) of the Student Innovation Center, and the final session is Dec. 13 in room 3231. Registration is requested.
Faculty applicants sought for Hispanic/Latino student success fellow
The offices of the senior vice president and provost and vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion seek applications from tenured faculty members to serve as faculty fellow for Hispanic/Latino student success, a half-time appointment for two years. The fellow will develop and implement programming to support the academic success of Hispanic and Latino undergraduate, graduate and professional students, and support Iowa State's role with the University Innovation Alliance. The position is open to current, full-time tenured associate and full professors at Iowa State who have been employed at the university for at least five years. Applications are due Friday, Nov. 11, to Rose McCarty in the vice president for DEI's office.
November is Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month honors the culture and history of Native Americans and Indigenous peoples. Learn more on the office of diversity, equity and inclusion website.
Shop from winter wish list for STORIES students
Faculty and staff are invited to purchase gifts for students in Iowa State's STORIES program, serving undergraduates in all majors who have experienced foster care, homelessness or similar circumstances. Gifts will be given anonymously to the participant who requested it. Visit the STORIES 2022 winter wish list on Amazon.com to get started. A few shopping tips:
- During checkout, select "Laura Kilbride's Gift Registry Address" so the gifts will be 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 preferred deadline to donate is Dec. 1, but the shopping site will remain open through December. Gifts arriving later will be delivered to students after winter break.
For faculty or staff who would like to make a donation that is not from the Amazon wish list, gift cards of any kind are always useful to the students. Questions about STORIES or the wish list may be directed to program coordinator Laura Kilbride, Human Sciences student services, 515-294-8436.
Alumni, friends honored at Friday afternoon ceremony
Celebrate more than 40 ISU alumni and friends at the 91st annual Honors and Awards Ceremony Friday, Nov. 4 (1:30 p.m., Stephens Auditorium, also livestreamed). Awardees from each college, the Memorial Union and ISU Alumni Association will be recognized. The ceremony is open to the public; a dessert reception follows. 2022 honorees.
'Fall back' on Nov. 6
Gain an hour of sleep Saturday night. Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Nov. 6, when clocks turn back one hour and we are reminded how smart our phones really are.
Iowa Staters, meet Iowa Stater
In December, the ISU Alumni Association will transition VISIONS magazine to a new name -- Iowa Stater -- and a new look, style and broader focus. The campus community is invited to a faculty/staff Latte and Learn to get to know Iowa Stater magazine on Thursday, Nov. 17 (8 a.m., 3580 Memorial Union, program at 8:30 a.m.). Connect with fellow faculty and staff, learn about ISUAA membership benefits (or refresh your memory, if you're a current member) and find out about collaborative partnership opportunities, all over continental breakfast and coffee. Registration is requested by Nov. 10; questions may be directed to Emily Beck, director of member services. The program will include a welcome from President Wendy Wintersteen and a panel of Iowa Stater students featured in the debut issue:
- Alex Abraham, event management, a resilient recruiter and connector
- Kaleb Nichols, sociology and African American studies, a collaborative and spirited artist
- Erin Lowe, elementary education, a student leader and passionate Cyclone
- Sam O'Brien, agricultural and biosystems engineering, a curious and driven scientist
Half-day flu shot clinic is Nov. 3
Flu shot vaccine will be available to benefits-eligible employees on Thursday, Nov. 3 (8 a.m.-noon, room G11, Technical and Administrative Services Building, 2408 Pammel Dr.). Bring a phone. No appointment is necessary, but when you arrive outside TASF, call 515-294-2056 for access to the building. Staff from Occupational Medicine will administer the vaccinations.
You're invited: Cider social with student engagement staff
Meet the staff behind ISU programs such as Winterfest, AfterDark, Alternative Breaks and Student Union Board. Memorial Union Student Engagement is hosting a cider social in its newly remodeled office on Thursday Nov. 17 (2-4:30 p.m., 1560 MU, across from Panda Express). Enjoy freshly made popcorn and hot apple cider and meet the faces behind ISU student programs and organizations. RSVP requested.
