Announcements
October 2022
Club's snowblower service set for Nov. 11-12
The Agricultural Systems Technology club's annual snow blower service days will be held Nov. 11 (1-6 p.m.) and Nov. 12 (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) on the west side of Sukup Hall (near lot 6). For the $25 fee, club members will provide a routine service -- oil and spark plug change and a power wash, but no major repairs. Drop off your snow blower during service hours. Pick-up and delivery is available for $25 to Ames zip codes only. Email astservicedays@gmail.com to request pick-up service. Payment is by cash or check (to: AST Club). Proceeds support club trips and meeting expenses.
STEM camp for grades 2-5 is Nov. 15
The Program for Women in Science and Engineering is hosting a STEM Explorations camp for girls and non-binary students in grades 2-5 on Tuesday, Nov. 15 (5:30-7:30 p.m., on campus). The cost is $10 and includes dinner. Register online.
Iowa State finds success with Chicago scholars program
On Oct. 25, Chicago Scholars held its annual Onsite College and Leadership Forum, attended by 600 Chicago-area students in the program and 150 college admissions representatives. Iowa State admissions' two recruiters in Illinois were there to meet with seniors, 70 of whom applied to ISU (the most ever). All qualified and were offered admission. Chicago Scholars provides opportunities for students in underserved areas of Chicago, starting as early as fifth grade. Students get coaching and assistance toward their academic success in middle and high school, and navigating the college application process. NBC 5 News story.
Memorial service for faculty member Ken Stalder is Oct. 31
Professor of animal science and Extension swine genetics specialist Ken Stalder died unexpectedly Oct. 24 at his Huxley home. He was 59. Stalder had been a member of the ISU faculty since 2003. Visitation will be held on Sunday, Oct. 30 (3-5 p.m., Grace Evangelical Free Church, 905 N. Fifth Ave., Huxley). A memorial service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 31, also at the church, and be livestreamed on the church's YouTube channel. His family prefers memorials to the Kenneth Stalder Swine Education Endowment, Animal Rescue League of Iowa or the St. Cecilia School (Ames) Scholarship Assistance Fund. Obituary. Farm Journal memorial.
Sigma Xi chapter celebrates its centennial
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a proclamation Oct. 19 to recognize the centennial anniversary of the Iowa State University chapter of Sigma Xi, to be observed in the state from Oct. 27 to Nov. 3. The ISU chapter was chartered on July 1, 1921, and installed on Oct. 27, 1922, becoming one of the first land-grant universities to have a chapter of Sigma Xi, the international honor society of science, technology and engineering. Charles Stewart, Jr., office of biotechnology and member of the chapter's executive committee, spearheaded the proclamation success. Distinguished Professor of animal science Don Beitz, secretary/treasurer of the chapter, was named a Fellow of Sigma Xi in 2021.
Online panel: Supporting our students' health and wellbeing
The first session of a webinar series on student health and wellbeing will be held Wednesday, Nov. 2 (2:10-3 p.m., via Zoom). Panelists Brian Vanderheyden, Kristen Clark and Laura Triplett, student wellness; and Erin Baldwin, student health services, will provide an overview of ISU's needs assessment process and highlight ISU data from the National College Health Assessment and findings from spring 2022 campus focus groups. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions. Register.
Cyclone Homecoming football kicks off at 2:30 p.m.
The Cyclone Homecoming weekend football game (Nov. 5) against West Virginia will begin at 2:30 p.m., and be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. As previously announced, the football team's Oct. 29 contest with the Oklahoma Sooners will begin at 11 a.m. and televised on Fox Sports 1.
Confirm teaching assignments, then submit course material requests
Faculty who will teach a winter session or spring semester course are asked to submit all materials needed for class -- such as textbooks, courseware, eBooks, course packets, manuals, Top Hat and other subscriptions, and supplies (Design, lab, tech, etc.) as soon as their teaching assignment is confirmed. Include courses for which there are no textbook requirements or where open educational resources (OER) will be used. These lists should be submitted to your department academic coordinator, who shares them with the textbook team at the ISU Book Store. No department coordinator? Contact Emma Hartman, 294-0362. The bookstore team provides custom book lists to students after course registration. Published textbook and course material requirements can be found online.
Go digital and support student affordability. The bookstore's Immediate Access program offers students Day One access to the course material in Canvas at a reduced price. Learn more, then contact John Wierson, 294-3501, to get started. The deadline to establish Immediate Access for spring semester is Dec. 1.
You're invited: Lunch and learn on ISU's startup programs, resources
The ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is hosting a free lunch and learn for faculty, staff and graduate students. "Start This, Start That…Start Something at Iowa State" will cover the university's startup resources and programs. The same content will be offered three times (noon-1 p.m.), each time in the Student Innovation Center. Registration is requested. Dates and locations are:
Next Goldfinch Room concert is Oct. 25
Tickets are on sale for the next Goldfinch Room concert, featuring Iowa musicians Matt Woods and Liv McNair, on Tuesday, Oct. 25 (7 p.m., Stephens Auditorium). The Goldfinch Room series is held in the Celebrity Café on the ground floor of Stephens. Reserve a table for up to four people for $40. A limited number of $15 general admission tickets provide chairs (no table) toward the back of the café.
2023-24 Miller Faculty Fellowship proposals due Dec. 12
The Miller Faculty Fellowship is a competitive grant program supported by the president and provost's offices and administered through CELT. It supports faculty efforts to "enhance their scholarly work in the university's undergraduate academic programs and develop innovative approaches to enhance student learning." CELT is accepting proposals for 2023-24 Miller Faculty Fellowships through Monday, Dec. 12. Program and application details are online. Learn more about program impacts during an Oct. 24 panel with previous Miller fellows. Questions may be directed to CELT, celt-miller@iastate.edu.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a recognition of the contributions of employees with disabilities to the United States workforce and an occasion to reaffirm the commitment to ensure equal opportunity for all citizens. Learn more on the office of diversity, equity and inclusion website.
Oct. 24-30 is Open Access Week
"Open for Climate Justice" is the theme for the international Open Access Week, Oct. 24-30, to encourage collaboration among the climate movement and the open community. ISU librarians assist scholars with promoting their work through the ISU Digital Repository and DataShare, ISU's open data repository.
Workshop is a refresher on using your health insurance benefits
ISU Benefits is offering a workshop that gives employees pointers on making the most of their health insurance benefits. "Smart Use Health Insurance -- Smart Actions" will be offered twice next week in a virtual format; learn registration is required.
The Smart Use workshop, a consumer education program developed by staff at the universities of Maryland and Delaware, has been adopted by numerous state extension programs around the country. ISU Extension and Outreach is a partner in the ISU workshops. 2023 benefits election for Iowa State employees will be held Nov. 1-18.
Alumni association seeks nominations for Impact Award
The ISU Alumni Association is accepting nominations through Dec. 1 for its Impact Award. The award recognizes individuals, businesses, organizations or units whose programs or accomplishments brought broad recognition to the university and increased the involvement of ISU constituents in the life of the university during the year prior to being nominated. One award is granted annually. More information, including the nomination form, is online.
Nutcracker Ballet tickets go on sale Oct. 21
Tickets for Stephens Auditorium's Nutcracker Ballet production go on sale to the public at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at the Stephens ticket office or online at Ticketmaster. Performances are set for 1 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11, and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Youth and adult dancers from across central Iowa appear in this holiday tradition, and two dance roles are filled annually by professional dancers. Tanya Trombly, a freelance dancer based in New York City, returns as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Chilean Mauricio Vera, also now working from New York, will play her Cavalier.
WorkFlex application window is Oct. 31-Nov. 23
For WorkFlex arrangements that will begin Jan. 16 (spring semester), employees' application window opens Monday, Oct. 31, and closes Wednesday, Nov. 23. The supervisor decision window for this round is Nov. 28-Dec. 22. WorkFlex agreements don't automatically renew; employees must request another contract. For example, employees who last winter requested a calendar year agreement for 2022 would need to reapply.
WorkFlex gives staff the flexibility to rethink when, where and how they work, as long as their preferred alternatives fit with the university's mission and their job duties. The program options include requesting up to three days a week of remote work. A knowledge base article in the human resources section of the ISU Service Portal explains how to submit a Workflex request.
Two satellite voting dates will be on campus
Story County residents who want to vote early in this fall's general election have two on-campus satellite voting opportunities:
- Friday, Oct. 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Memorial Union Cardinal Room
- Monday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Room 004 Scheman Building, Iowa State Center
Ballots for all Story County precincts will be available. Preregistered voters must present identification prior to voting absentee in person (same requirement as preregistered voters voting on Election Day). The deadline to preregister is 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24. The Story County auditor's office recommends that unregistered voters bring proof of identification and proof of residency with them. The Catt Center has an FAQ for students who choose to vote in their student address county rather than their home address county. Students must register and vote at only one address.
Greek-hosted Trick-or-Treat for families is Oct. 30
Iowa State's sorority and fraternity community invites Cyclone families to its annual (and free) Trick-or-Treat on Sunday, Oct. 30 (1-3 p.m., Memorial Union Great Hall, costume parade at 2:30 p.m.). Chapters will have games and activities for everyone and lots of candy to take home. Activity tables will be spaced out to provide a fun and safe atmosphere, and face coverings are welcome. Children, family members and other participants are encouraged to wear their best family-friendly costume. No registration is required; questions may be directed to the office of sorority and fraternity engagement, 515-294-1023.
Flu shot clinic reopens, extended
The university's flu shot clinic for employees at the State Gym south court will resume at 1 p.m. today (Wednesday, Oct. 13). The clinic was suspended earlier this week due to vaccine shipment delays. The clinic has been extended and the vaccine will be available Oct. 14, 17 and 18 (9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily).
Update on United Way campaign
With about seven weeks to go in the 2022 campaign to benefit the United Way, the Iowa State community is about 60% of the way toward its goal of $400,000 in gifts and pledges. Employees have made gifts or pledged 2023 payroll deductions of nearly $234,000. Follow the progress online. Contributions are requested by Dec. 1 and can be completed in Workday; follow the link in the "announcements" box.
Landscape students offer design sessions to homeowners
Iowa State's student Landscape Club will host its fall Student Design Sessions on Sunday, Oct. 23 (noon-5 p.m., Horticulture Hall). During one-hour appointments, club members will consult with homeowners to give landscape design advice and plant recommendations, and draw rough elevation sketches over the top of photos of a home. The cost is $100; sign up for a session online. For more information, email iastatelandscape@gmail.com. Proceeds will support the club's spring trip to the National Collegiate Landscape Competition at Mississippi State University.
Register by Nov. 9 for CELT's Active Learning Institute
The Active Learning Institute (ALI) guides instructors to practice techniques and design strategies focused on active learning to implement in their courses. Coordinated by Megan Myers, world languages and cultures and CELT faculty fellow, it consists of four Tuesday sessions (9-10 a.m., 2030 Morrill) on Nov. 15 and 29, Dec. 6 and 13, and four online asynchronous sessions from Nov. 15 to Dec. 13. The free institute includes two course observations with feedback. Instructors who participate and provide feedback may receive $500 in professional development funds. To participate, complete the registration form in Qualtrics by 6 p.m. Nov. 9.
Learn more about LGBTQ+ history this month
Though Pride Month in June also recognizes the LGBTQ+ community, October was selected as LGBTQ+ History Month to provide an opportunity during the academic year to explore the history of the LGBTQ+ community. Find additional information on the office of diversity, equity and inclusion website.
You're invited: Ask Me Anything series for faculty and staff
The Division of Student Affairs' diversity and inclusion committee will host the first of four Ask Me Anything panels for faculty and staff on Thursday, Oct. 27 (3-4 p.m., via Zoom). Register online to receive the link. This first panel features five parents of gender expansive kids. They will answer (almost) any question and provide guidance for best interacting with and supporting gender expansive kids, suggestions we can incorporate into our work with our gender expansive students. Rachel Boenigk (they/she), director of administrative services for the division of student affairs, will facilitate the discussion. Participants may submit questions for the panel when they register or submit questions anonymously in advance via a Qualtrics link in their registration confirmation email.
Chamber music concert season opens Thursday
The Ames Town & Gown Chamber Music Association opens its 2022-23 season this week with a concert by the duo Bridget Kibbey (harp) and Alexi Kenney (violin) Thursday, Oct. 13 (7:30 p.m., Tye Recital Hall, Simon Estes Music Building). Tickets ($30) may be purchased in 149 Simon Estes Hall, at Rieman Music and Chocolaterie Stam in downtown Ames, online and at the door (as space allows). A season ticket (for all five concerts) is $125. Admission is free for K-12 and university students with ID. Questions may be directed to Paula Forrest, 515-292-3891.
Shipment delay suspends flu shot clinic at State Gym
Due to a vaccine shipment delay, the university's flu shot clinic for employees at State Gym has been temporarily suspended. This week was to have been week 2 of a two-week clinic. ISU WellBeing, a host of the vaccination clinic, will send an email when the clinic resumes.
Indigenous Peoples' Day honors Native American history and impact
Celebrated on the second Monday of October, Indigenous Peoples' Day honors Native Americans and Indigenous people in the United States and around the world. Learn more on the office of diversity, equity and inclusion website.
Extension offers two training programs in mental health first aid
ISU Extension and Outreach is offering mental health first aid training programs for people who work with youth (ages 6-18) and adults. Participants learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders, and then provide initial support to someone and help connect them to the appropriate care. The virtual training includes a two-hour self-study course, completed in advance, and a six-hour instructor-led certification training. Registration costs $55, with funding provided for people who work or study in agriculture, banking, veterinary medicine, nursing or pre-med, and for extension staff; use the code AGPRO. Preregistration is required. Upcoming training dates are:
Payroll office is moving upstairs at ASB
The office of payroll, benefits and tax is moving this week from the first floor to the second floor of the Administrative Services Building. Effective Monday, Oct. 10, the office address is 2300 ASB.
WorkCyte readiness workshops to begin Oct. 19
Learn more about the WorkCyte Phase II: Student Information and Receivables implementation by attending one or all monthly readiness workshops. Conducted by project teams, the workshops will provide a first look at the new features and functionality of Workday. The first workshop, scheduled for Oct. 19, will be led by the curriculum management project team. Please note the date change from Oct. 12 to Oct. 19. Learn more on the WorkCyte website.
A few ways to prepare for Homecoming
Homecoming 2022 is Oct. 31-Nov. 4. Here are a few ways faculty and staff can get involved:
- Homecoming buttons ($5) will be for sale in the ISU Book Store, starting Oct. 18. A button is your ticket to lunch on central campus (the faculty-staff line will be back). Departments can place a bulk order (6 or more buttons) by Oct. 14 for delivery.
- Registration closes Oct. 28 for the annual office or door decorating contest during Homecoming week. Winners receive cupcakes.
- Faculty and staff interested in judging student events during Homecoming week are asked to complete the online interest form by Oct. 7.
Save the date: ISCORE 2023 is March 3
Save the date for the 2023 Thomas L. Hill Iowa State Conference on Race and Ethnicity (ISCORE): Wednesday, March 1, for the half-day faculty and staff preconference, and Friday, March 3, for the full-day conference open to all Iowa State community members. Registration opens Feb 1, 2023. The ISCORE planning committee is accepting session proposals through Dec. 2. If you are interested in presenting at ISCORE, visit https://www.iscore.iastate.edu/present-iscore.
Regional pest management center moved to Iowa State
The North Central Integrated Pest Management Center, previously located at Michigan State University, has moved to Iowa State with renewed funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture ($1 million annually for four years). Its new codirectors are Laura Iles, extension plant pathologist and director of the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic; and Daren Mueller, professor and extension plant pathologist.
Reminder: CyMail is done; email, calendar functions in MS Outlook
Effective Oct. 1, CyMail accounts were permanently deleted as part of Iowa State's transition to Microsoft Outlook and a single, capuswide system for email and calendar functions. Website managers are asked to remove links to Gmail and replace any remaining "CyMail" references with "student email" for a consistent message. Additionally, now is a good time to review Outlook calendar permissions, which control who can see your calendar events and details. ITS recommends "my organization" be set to "can view when I'm busy." More visibility can be granted by sharing your calendar with others, individually.
Alumni awards have Dec. 1 nomination deadline
Nominations are due Dec. 1 for four annual awards from the ISU Alumni Association. Questions may be directed to Katie Lickteig. The awards are:
- Faculty/Staff Inspiration Award (nominators must have been ISU students), recognizes an employee who had a significant impact on a student's professional or personal life while at Iowa State.
- Iowa STATEment Maker, recognizes alumni 34 years and younger who reflect the spirit of ISU with accomplishments in any of these categories: scholastic, career achievement, personal achievement, entrepreneurial spirit or service.
- Kansas City Cyclone of the Year (started in 2021), recognizes alumni and friends whose career achievements, volunteer involvement or philanthropic efforts positively impac the greater Kansas City and Iowa State communities.
- Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award, recognizes outstanding senior students (90+ credits) who display high character, achievements in academics and university/community activities, and promise for continuing these exemplary qualities as alumni. Seniors graduating this December are eligible.
