Announcements
September 2022
Today only: $30 tickets for 'Anastasia' musical at Stephens
On Friday, Sept. 30 only, the Iowa State Center is offering $30 tickets to the Oct. 4 performance of the Broadway musical Anastasia. This offer is valid online through Ticketmaster (click "unlock" and use the passcode THIRTY). Curtain time Tuesday is 8 p.m.
cyBUY Supplier Show is Oct. 13
Procurement services will host its annual cyBUY Supplier Show Thursday, Oct. 13 (10 a.m.-2 p.m., MU Great Hall). Meet the staff members from ISU's internal stores (central stores, chemistry stores, ISU Book Store, printing services and transportation services), and 23 cyBUY market suppliers. Bring your ISUCard; you'll need it to check in and get entered in the drawing for door prizes (gift cards, mugs, vendor swag bags, a tablet and iPad).
Bridging STEM and games at Game2Work event Oct. 27
Game2Work, an ISU interdisciplinary gaming research program, will host the first statewide gathering for people whose work includes using serious games and gameful elements for STEM education and workforce development on Thursday, Oct. 27 (10 a.m.-4 p.m., ISU Alumni Center). Researchers, entrepreneurs, industry partners, gamers and game designers are welcome. The day will feature keynotes, facilitated breakout sessions, lightning talks, connection opportunities and games. Registration is free but required. Questions may be directed to Brittany Eide, Game2Work.
Developing the next Norman Borlaug
A panel of faculty, staff and students from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will share three time-tested models of youth development focused on preparing the next generation of hunger fighters, global problem solvers and international development specialists on Tuesday, Oct. 18 (5:15-6:15 p.m., Iowa Events Center, Des Moines). Their presentation is part of the World Food Prize's International Borlaug Dialogue. CALS dean Dan Robison will host a networking reception following the panel presentation. There is no cost to attend, but registration is preferred.
Lunch hour workshops offered on personal finance
Rising prices in the last year may be an extra push to examine your financial well-being and work toward financial goals. A series of free personal finance workshops for ISU employees held by ISU Extension and Outreach (EO) could help. Online registration is required at least 24 hours before each session. The courses are held Thursdays (noon-1 p.m.), and participants can earn points in the Adventure2 well-being program. The schedule:
- Time for a Financial Checkup, Oct. 6: A review of your family's financial situation.
- Money Smart: Taking Control of Your $, Oct. 13 and 20 (two parts): Take a big-picture look at how to control your money on a month-to-month basis.
- Mission Possible: Saving, Oct. 27: Strategies to help you save for short-term needs or long-term goals.
- Borrowing Smart, Nov. 3: Review basic credit principles, with a focus on reducing the cost and the risk of borrowing.
The workshops are part of Financial Wellness at Work, a new effort led by EO in partnership with university human resources. For questions or to schedule workshops for your unit, contact EO financial educator Barb Wollan, bwollan@iastate.edu or 515-832-9597. ISU employees also can request a face-to-face or virtual one-on-one consultation with Carolyn Steckelberg, an EO accredited financial counselor. Email Steckelberg to schedule a consultation.
Register your research by Oct. 29 to add first-year Honors students to your team
Oct. 29 is the deadline to register for the spring semester First-Year Honors Mentor program. All faculty (including teaching and research base) and scientists are invited to participate. Talented first-year students, who can be mentored by faculty or a research team member (postdoc or graduate student), work in some area of research or creative effort. The students work three hours/week per credit of Hon 290, up to six hours/week, graded satisfactory/fail. Students may apply for grants of up to $250 ($500 for group projects) to support their research. Interested faculty and scientists are asked to register their research project(s) on the program website. Questions may be directed to Svitlana Zbarska, undergraduate research program coordinator, 515-294-2064.
Writing contest: Explore humans, technology and food in 2050
Iowa State's AI Institute for Resilient Agriculture is hosting a national writing contest for undergraduate students. We invite contestants to submit writing that imagines the world in the year 2050 and explores the relationship between humans, their food and technology: What food will look, taste and feel like; where it will come from; who will produce and transport it; and how will we access and consume it? The world you bring to light should be believable and probe the role of artificial intelligence in the future of agriculture. The submission deadline is Dec. 31; three cash prizes of $1,000-$3,000 will be awarded.
Lunch info session on internal funded research programs is Oct. 6
Researchers considering submitting proposals to Iowa State's Presidential Interdisciplinary Research Initiative, the Presidential Interdisciplinary Research Seed Grant Program, the Presidential Cost-Sharing Program for Research Tools, Bridging the Divide, Bailey or Margaret B. Barry programs are encouraged to attend an information session Oct. 6 (noon-1 p.m., virtual and in-person options) hosted by the office of the vice president for research. Associate vice presidents for research Jim Reecy, Surya Mallapragada and Jerry Zamzow will answer questions about the programs. Register online.
Faculty, staff invited to Hispanic heritage celebration Oct. 4
Colegas ("coh-LAY-gahs"), meaning colleagues, Iowa State's Hispanic and Latino/a/x faculty staff association, is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month on Tuesday, Oct. 4 (4-6 p.m., Linden Shelter at Brookside Park). Food and refreshments will be provided, and all employees are welcome -- you do not need to be a member of Colegas. RSVP online. Learn more about faculty-staff associations on the office of diversity, equity and inclusion website.
Resource alert for international students impacted by disasters
The dean of students office sent direct outreach emails Sept. 26 to students who are residents of Puerto Rico, Taiwan and Pakistan related to the recent natural disasters in those areas. Anticipating they may be experiencing challenges either here in Ames or back at home, the note provides students with a list of on-campus support resources available to them. If you know of a student who is in need of assistance related to these natural disasters, please direct them to the dean of students office. Students can call 515-294-1020 or email dso@iastate.edu.
Wintersteen establishes Institutional Council on Diversity
A new university committee will help lead the charge in Iowa State's mission to cultivate a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where students and employees can learn, work and grow. Established by President Wendy Wintersteen, the Institutional Council on Diversity brings together leadership from academic colleges and student affairs to advise the overall institutional strategy for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). It's chaired by Sharon Perry Fantini, vice president for DEI, and will begin meeting this semester.
"This group will play a critical role in crafting our diversity, equity and inclusion action plan in response to the results of the upcoming campus climate survey," said Perry Fantini. "I'm excited to collaborate with colleagues across campus to share ideas and guide the university’s efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion at Iowa State."
Session proposals sought for February P&S conference
The subcommittee planning the Professional and Scientific Council's annual professional development conference on Feb. 22, 2023, seeks proposals for breakout sessions. Presentations should tie into one of four tracks and engage P&S employees in personal or professional development:
- Human interactions (networking, communication, conflict resolution, diversity and inclusion)
- Leadership (leading from different levels, working with people and groups)
- Health and wellness (stress management, financial planning, personal health and safety, mental health)
- Professional resources (technical tips and tricks, tools, project management, benefits)
Presenters who want to share their expertise should complete the online form by 5 p.m. Nov. 4. All submitters will be notified of their status by Nov. 18. Those who would like assistance from the conference subcommittee to tailor a proposal to P&S employees should email pands-conf@iastate.edu. Each selected presenter receives complementary registration for the conference. Additional information is online; questions can be directed to pands-conf@iastate.edu.
Postal station at the MU closes
The U.S. Postal Service closed its counter in the Memorial Union, effective Sept. 20. Staffing difficulties were part of its decision. MU leaders are considering other uses for the space in a future renovation. The post office closest to campus is the Cyclone Station at 119 Stanton Ave., which is staffed on weekdays noon-4 p.m. Ames' main post office is downtown at 525 Kellogg Ave. The counter service is open weekdays 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-noon; self-service options are 24/7.
Pancake breakfast on central campus supports Dance Marathon
Iowa State's Dance Marathon team will host a central campus breakfast, "Stacks for Stead," on Sunday, Sept. 25 (9 a.m.-noon) in support of the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, hear family stories and learn more about ISU Dance Marathon. Advance tickets can be purchased online for $8; door price Sunday morning is $10.
COACHE workshop shares data on faculty experiences
The first faculty development workshop, Moving Forward, Together: COACHE Data Highlights about the ISU Faculty Experience, is Sept. 27 (10 a.m.-noon, MU Sun Room). Tera Jordan, associate provost for faculty development, institutional research executive director Karen Zunkel and institutional research data analyst Susan Ray will share highlights from the 2021 COACHE survey and action items moving forward. Register to attend the in-person workshop. More information on the survey is available on a newly redesigned webpage. ISU faculty take part in the COACHE survey every few years.
'Spirits in the Gardens' time-stamped tickets on sale
Reiman Gardens is selling tickets (day- and entry time-specific) for its annual "Spirits in the Gardens" Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 22-23 (5-9 p.m.). Tickets must be purchased in advance. Special events from 5 to 7 p.m. include Simon Says, magic show and presentations by the ISU SCUM (chemistry), juggling and unicycling, and cosplay student clubs. From 5 to 9 p.m., enjoy more than 1,000 carved jack-o-lanterns, holograms and candy stations. Tickets are $15 ($13 members and ISU students), $7 for youth (2-12 years) and free for children under two years. A jack-o-lantern only preview (no entertainment or treats) will be held Friday, Oct. 21 (7-9 p.m.). Register and purchase tickets online.
Virtual conversation with young adult author is Oct. 5
ISU Writing and Media Services, part of the Academic Success Center, will host a virtual conversation with young adult author and filmmaker Camryn Garrett on Oct. 5 (5:30-7 p.m., via Webex). The conversation will include Garrett's advocacy work as a novelist and filmmaker, her path to publication and what it means to listen to and amplify the stories of young, Black women. Her novels are "Full Disclosure" and "Off the Record;" her third novel, "Friday I'm in Love," will be released in January. Read more about her work. More information, including registration to receive the event link, is online.
Baby Shark live show tickets on sale Sept. 23
Tickets ($29-$59) for a Nov. 12 matinee performance at Stephens Auditorium of "Baby Shark Live!: The Christmas Show" go on sale at noon Friday, Sept. 23, via Ticketmaster. The performance begins at 2 p.m. The tour is based on the Pinkfong Company's hit song and dance video about a family of sharks, which later morphed into a preschool television series on the Nickelodeon channel.
Grand opening for MU renovated floors is Sept. 23
If you haven't been upstairs at the Memorial Union yet, the renovated floors 4-6 are hosting an open house Friday, Sept. 23 (11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.). The event starts with opening remarks in the Durham Great Hall, followed by ribbon cuttings in the various areas on the three floors. Last spring, a 15-month, $10 million renovation of the former hotel floors wrapped up, and student-serving units moved in over the summer.
Ames fall housing fair is Sept. 28 in the MU
The Memorial Union's fall housing fair will take place Wednesday Sept. 28 (11 a.m.-2 p.m., MU Great Hall). This free event is designed to help college students and community members find their next Ames rental. Check out the options available from local property managers and others, learn about tenants' rights and discover other Ames-area housing resources. Questions may be emailed to housingfair@iastate.edu; interested vendors are invited to register online.
'Girls Discovering Engineering' day is Oct. 1
Iowa State's chapter of the Society of Women Engineers is hosting a "Girls Discovering Engineering" Day on Saturday, Oct. 1 (10 a.m.-3 p.m., 2200 Marston) for girls in grades 5-8. (Watch for details about GLEE Day this fall for girls in grades 1-4.) It's a day of fun STEM activities and demonstrations, and it's free for those who pack their own lunch; purchase a box lunch for $5. Register online. Questions can be sent to isusweoutreach@gmail.com.
Six-part series assists caregivers for veterans and military personnel
ISU Extension and Outreach is offering a six-part telehealth course, “Powerful Tools for Caregivers of Military Members and Veterans,” on Wednesdays, Oct. 5-Nov. 9 (6:30-8:30 p.m., via Zoom). It will provide information, support strategies, communication techniques, stress reduction ideas and resources to assist family members and friends who are caregivers for veterans and military personnel. The course will be led by certified class leaders, most with military experience. Questions about the course may be sent to ptcmastertrainers@iastate.edu.
Volunteers sought for Three Minute Thesis prelims
Iowa Space Grant Consortium will hire half-time faculty director
Faculty candidates are sought to serve as director of the Iowa Space Grant Consortium. The director also serves as principal investigator for Iowa NASA's EPSCoR (Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research). The 50% administrative appointment is for three years and renewable. The preferred application deadline is Sept. 30; more information is available in job requisition # R9375 on ISU's jobs website. Questions may be directed to Surya Mallapragada, 515-294-7407.
Volunteers sought for pumpkin stenciling, carving next month
Fee assistance available for national faculty training program
The office of the senior vice president and provost will contribute $2,500 toward early registration costs of $4,250 for up to four tenure-track or tenured faculty in the spring 2023 Faculty Success Program offered by the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity. Early career faculty will have priority. The 12-week, online mentoring program teaches participants the skills to increase their research and writing productivity while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Participants need to cover the remaining fee through other sources such as department or college matching funds, professional development funds, grants, startup funds, etc. To apply for provost funding support, fill out this short application form by Oct. 11. To learn more about the program, join a moderated panel discussion with past participants who will share their experiences on Sept. 27 (2-3 p.m., via Zoom). Register to receive the Zoom invitation.
English conversation program seeks volunteers
Learn more about Hispanic heritage in the next month
Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, is an annual celebration in the United States to recognize the independence days of several Latin American countries that fall within this timeframe and commemorate the history, culture and achievements of the Hispanic and Latin American communities. Vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion Sharon Perry Fantini and Yamille Perez and Loerna Dorado-Robles, co-chairs of ISU's Hispanic and Latino Faculty and Staff Association, Colegas, invite the campus community to learn more and get involved.
Thielen health center has some monkeypox vaccine
Vaccination is a valuable tool in preventing the spread of monkeypox virus (MPV), part of the virus family that includes smallpox. Thielen Student Health Center is partnering with Story County Public health to provide vaccine for eligible groups including students, staff, faculty and community members. To schedule a MPV vaccine appointment, call TSHC at 515-294-5801. Students also can schedule online at cyclonehealth.org/appt. Patients will be asked screening questions to determine eligibility and if qualified, will be scheduled for an appointment. The vaccine is administered one day a week to ensure efficient use of limited doses. The Thielen public health staff has posted more information about monkeypox online.
Herbarium tour featured in Sept. 21 art walk
University Museums' September art walk (noon-1 p.m. Sept. 21) combines an Anderson Sculpture Garden mural, "Hidden Gems of the Sculpture Garden," and the Ada Hayden Herbarium in Bessey Hall that inspired artist Ouizi to create it. The tour begins at the sculpture garden south of Morrill Hall. Tour space is limited and registration is recommended.
Practice fire safety at Sept. 21 event
As part of its Campus Fire Safety Month observance, Environmental Health and Safety will host a fire safety event Wednesday, Sept. 21 (9 a.m.-noon, south of Parks Library). Put out a simulated fire, learn additional fire safety tips and receive a free T-shirt (while supplies last).
MU wedding expo is Sept. 25
The Memorial Union's 5th annual wedding expo, United at the Union, will be held Sunday, Sept. 25 (1:30-3 p.m., MU Great Hall). Anyone planning a wedding is invited to meet wedding vendors and service professionals. There will be expo-exclusive vendor discounts, giveaways and lots of wedding planning inspiration. General admission is free; a $10 ticket provides early access (1 p.m.), beverage, swag bag and the chance at VIP prizes. Questions may be emailed to weddings@iastate.edu.
Judges needed for student Homecoming events
The Homecoming Central committee seeks faculty and staff volunteer judges for these events during Homecoming week, Oct. 30-Nov. 5: Yell Like Hell cheer contest, talent show, lawn displays, pomping and campus banners. Volunteers may judge more than one event. Indicate your interest on this Google form (which describes each event) by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7.
Cyclone small business fair set for Sept. 22
Student and alumni-owned small businesses are invited to participate in a small business fair Thursday, Sept. 22 (3-6 p.m., 207 Stanton) hosted by ISU's Student Alumni Leadership Council. Enjoy games, prizes and free snacks while you shop. To showcase a business, complete this Google form.
Student poster abstracts due Sept. 26 for Borlaug competition
ISU's Nutrition Sciences Council is accepting poster abstracts through Sept. 26 for the 19th annual Norman Borlaug Lectureship Poster Competition for graduate and undergraduate students. Faculty and staff are asked to encourage students to participate who have done work/research related to world issues. The poster display and competition, with cash prizes, will be held Monday, Oct. 17, in the Memorial Union.
Business attire pop-up shop is this week -- and it's free
The once-a-semester, free Business Attire Pop-Up Shop, hosted by the college directors of multicultural student success with funding from student government prior to college career fairs, will be held Thursday and Friday, Sept. 8-9 (1-5 p.m. daily, also 9 a.m.-noon Friday, 1009 LeBaron). Students from all colleges are welcome -- to pick up a complete outfit or a single piece.
Business attire pop-up shop needs your help
The once-a-semester, free Business Attire Pop-Up Shop, hosted by the college directors of multicultural student success with funding from student government prior to college career fairs, will be held Thursday and Friday, Sept. 8-9 (1-5 p.m. daily, also 9 a.m.-noon Friday, 1009 LeBaron). Students from all colleges are welcome -- to pick up a complete outfit or a single piece.
Additionally, donations of gently used business clothing, accessories and shoes are being accepted:
- Sept. 6 and 7 in 131 MacKay
- Sept. 8 and 9 in 1008 LeBaron
Reiman Gardens hosts succulents, cacti event
Reiman Gardens' first All About Succulents will be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10-11 (10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily) for lovers of succulents and cacti. Members of the Mid-Iowa Cactus & Succulent Society will display unique specimens from their collections and answer questions. Vendors Chaos on Coyote Trail Cactus & Succulents, Sand Springs, Oklahoma; and Bedwell Gardens, Norwalk; will offer for sale a large selection of succulents and cacti. Regular garden admissions policies apply for this event.
Share your message in campus 'Field of Memories' Sept. 9
September is National Suicide Awareness Month. Each year 1,100 U.S. college students die by suicide, and many more are impacted by their deaths. On Friday, Sept. 9 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), Cyclones are encouraged to experience Iowa State's first annual "Field of Memories" south of Parks Library, organized by Student Counseling Services. 1,100 yard flags will be there, one for each life lost nationally. Write a message on a flag to honor a life saved, remember a life lost or share hope with individuals who are struggling. All are welcome to participate.
Passport service available at Study Abroad Fair
Consider the Study Abroad Fair on Sept. 15 (10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., MU Great Hall) a one-stop shop to learn about adventures abroad. Students can learn about interning and studying abroad in experiences ranging from one week to one year. And anyone from the Iowa State community may apply for a U.S. passport during the fair; appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. More information about the fair and passport service is online.
Passport service is at Study Abroad Fair Sept. 15
Consider the Study Abroad Fair on Sept. 15 (10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., MU Great Hall) a one-stop shop to learn about adventures abroad. Students can learn about interning and studying abroad in experiences ranging from one week to one year. And anyone from the Iowa State community may apply for a U.S. passport during the fair; appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. More information about the fair and passport service is online.
Student financial aid conference for faculty and staff is Sept 23
Registration is open for the office of student financial aid's 25th annual Financial Aid Conference for Campus Partners on Friday, Sept. 23 (8-11:30 a.m., Memorial Union Sun Room and South Ballroom). The conference assists faculty and staff in their professional roles by providing information about the financial aid process and financial aid issues/situations affecting ISU students. The morning includes two breakout periods, a keynote talk about the impact of financial aid on campus and an update/Q&A session. More information, including the registration form, is online. Questions may be directed to Isaac Ehlers.
