Announcements
April 2024
Bookstore hosts Star Wars-themed story time May 4
"May the 4th be with you." The ISU Book Store will host a Star Wars-themed free story time on Saturday, May 4 (10:30-11:30 a.m., bookstore in the Memorial Union). This family event will feature stories, free coloring pages, photo opportunities with light sabers, Star Wars music and a chance at a prize for those who come in costume. The bookstore also will launch exclusive new ISU Star Wars merchandise at this event.
Pre-order ISU wall calendars for your unit
Department pre-orders are being accepted for the ISU Alumni Association's 50th edition (2024-25) ISU wall calendar. Pre-order calendars with a P-card or Worktag/DD # and choose your preferred method of delivery, either pick-up at the ISU Alumni Center or delivery via campus mail. The price is $15 each for up to 19 calendars, $13 each for 20-29 units and $11 each for 30 or more calendars. To receive the price break, only one Worktag or p-card may be used.
Faculty, staff 'Inspiration Award' reception is May 17
Call for nominations for 2024 Ivy Women in Business Awards
The Ivy College of Business invites nominations for its three annual Ivy Women in Business Awards. Honor someone who has been a champion for women in business or recognize an impressive young professional. One of the three awards is limited to an Ivy alumna, and the Champion Award is open to organizations and individuals, regardless of gender. Online nominations must be received by May 24.
Reception for Jonathan Wickert is May 6
The university community is invited to a reception honoring Jonathan Wickert for his 12 years of outstanding service as senior vice president and provost. The event will be held Monday, May 6 (3:30-5:30 p.m., program at 4 p.m., first floor atrium of Beardshear Hall). Online RSVPs are requested. Wickert returns to the mechanical engineering faculty this summer.
Innovation showcase is April 30-May 3
The annual IGNITE Innovation Showcase (April 30-May 3, Student Innovation Center) will feature displays, exhibitions, panels and presentations to highlight innovative student work happening across campus. The daily schedule of challenges and workshops is online. An interactive expo will take place May 2 (2-5 p.m.) with several hands-on activities, including a glassblowing demonstration, floral creativity, laser engraving and more. President Wendy Wintersteen will speak at 4 p.m. at the stepatorium.
Volunteers invited to help Sunday-Monday at Cy's Finals Frenzy
The first Cy's Finals Frenzy (Sunday-Tuesday, April 28-30, Memorial Union and lawns) will promote healthy study habits and personal wellness for students during prep week. It features study options, opportunities to play and lots of snacks. Faculty and staff volunteers still are needed to assist at some of the activities; sign up online.
Aerospace student project expo is May 1
Make to Innovate (AerE 2940/AerE 4940) invites the campus community to view 11 student projects at its annual project expo on Wednesday, May 1 (4-6 p.m., Howe Hall atrium). They include teams that, over the past year, traveled to competitions in Kansas and Alabama, or traveled to Utah and Florida. Ask about their research in cold welding, rocket engines and the future of flight. Learn more about taking your research to the next level, from 5,280 feet off the ground to 100,000 feet above the earth.
'Inside' summer schedule is set
Inside Iowa State and its companion email, Inside Update, will post weekly through May 9. The publication cycle will shift to every other week for the summer. Posting dates are: May 23, June 6, June 20, (Wednesday) July 3, July 18, Aug. 1 and Aug. 15. The weekly schedule resumes Aug. 29, the first week of fall semester. The submission deadline for announcements, retirements, campus forums and awards remains noon the day before Inside posts.
Classrooms reserved for evening study during prep week
Room scheduling will offer general university classrooms for students to use as study rooms during prep week, April 29-May 3. These 10 classrooms are reserved for evening study (5:30-11 p.m. daily):
- Carver Hall 0118, 0128, 0132
- Pearson Hall 1106, 3157
- Ross Hall 0029, 0031, 0129
- Town Engineering Building 0230, 0290
Showcase by Start Something LAS Academy students is April 30
Students completing their first year of the Start Something LAS Academy will display or demonstrate their projects during a showcase on Tuesday, April 30 (4:10-5:30 p.m., 4250 Student Innovation Center). All are invited to stop by this open house event.
Sales innovation conference is May 14
The annual Ivy Sales Innovation Summit, hosted by CIRAS and the Ivy College of Business, will be held Tuesday, May 14, at the Memorial Union. Registration closes May 6. The conference is designed for leaders and teams who are seeking best practices in sales. This year's summit features three engaging speakers who will discuss motivation and performance psychology, plus an exploration of how understanding your strengths can unlock potential and maximize performance. The registration fee ($199; discount of $20/ticket for three or more) includes a code to take the CliftonStrengths assessment in preparation for the summit.
Who's joining public radio's 'Science Friday' show in Ames?
Public radio's "Science Friday," hosted by Ira Flatow, has announced the program and guests for its Saturday, May 4, live event at Stephens Auditorium. Faculty experts include Arti Singh, Patrick Schnable, Balaji Narasimhan, Ikenna Nlebedim and Erin Norton. The event begins at 6 p.m.; doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets remain via Ticketmaster.
Honors program poster presentation, convocation are May 1
The University Honors program invites the campus community to its spring poster presentation, featuring honors capstone projects, on Wednesday, May 1 (3-5 p.m., MU Great Hall). Spring 2024 honors graduates and other honors students will present, answer questions and speak with individuals interested in their projects. The Honors spring convocation will follow at 5:45 p.m. in the MU Sun Room, preceded by a reception (5-5:45 p.m.).
Reiman is open late for spring blooms
Reiman Gardens will remain open until 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays April 18-20 and April 25-27 so more visitors can enjoy thousands of tulips and other spring flowers in full bloom. Regular admission prices apply. The gift shop will be open until 7:30 p.m. those evenings.
Volunteers sought for food pantry on-call list
The SHOP, Iowa State's on-campus student food pantry, would like to expand its on-call list for when it is short-staffed with volunteers. To be added to the list, email shop_exec@iastate.edu and say you would like to be added to the on-call list. SHOP relies heavily on volunteers, and in the past year the demand for services has grown substantially. Each month, SHOP receives about 1,000 visitors and distributes more than 14,000 pounds of food. Volunteers are needed during Tuesday delivery times (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on first, third and fifth Tuesdays, time varies on second and fourth Tuesdays) and during open hours:
- Monday, 1-6 pm.
- Wednesday, 2-7 p.m.
- Thursday, 4-7 p.m.
- Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
You're invited: Distinguished Awards celebration is April 19
Help celebrate the university's highest awards by attending the annual Distinguished Awards celebration on Friday, April 19 (2 p.m., MU South Ballroom). The ceremony is open to the public. Details about the awards given to alumni and friends through the ISU Alumni Association and ISU Foundation, as well as livestream information, is online.
Reminder: Provost candidate forums start today
Four finalists for Iowa State's senior vice president and provost leadership post will interview on campus this month. The first, Elizabeth Wentz, dean of the Graduate College and vice provost, Arizona State University, visits campus April 15-16. Campus forums are consistently at 3 p.m. on the candidate's first day on campus. The administrative searches website will share the finalists' names and vitae the day prior to their arrival.
Woodcarvers gather at Reiman Gardens April 20
The Mid Iowa Woodcarvers Show comes to Reiman Gardens on Saturday, April 20 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.). Visitors can view woodcarving contest entries, watch carving demonstrations and join a hands-on lesson in whittling. Attendees pay normal gardens admission.
LeBaron Hall construction is focus of April 25 meeting
Facilities planning and management (FPM) will hold a virtual meeting Thursday, April 25 (9-10 a.m., via Microsoft Teams) to share information about the LeBaron Hall replacement project with those who work in or visit buildings near the construction site on the northwest edge of the central campus lawn. The presentation will focus on construction activities and their impact on campus circulation, including nearby buildings. The meeting will include time for Q&A. Email FPM project manager Liz Clarke by April 24 to receive the meeting link.
Undergraduate research symposium is April 16
The 18th annual Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression will be held Tuesday, April 16 (8 a.m.-6 p.m., Student Innovation Center). A day-long celebration of undergraduate research, the symposium provides undergraduates from all academic disciplines an opportunity to share their research with the university community through conference-style oral and poster presentations. Attendees are encouraged to review the symposium schedule and symposium program with abstracts and come to support undergraduate researchers. Faculty or staff interested in moderating an oral session may sign up at this link. Questions may be directed to Svitlana Zbarska, undergraduate research program coordinator campuswide, 515-294-2064.
Design art club's spring sale is April 17-19, earlier than usual
The CODAC (College of Design Art Club) spring sale of work by students in integrated studio/visual arts and club members will be held Wednesday and Thursday, April 17-18 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.), and Friday, April 19 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), in the foyer inside the main entrance to the College of Design. Find unique gifts for upcoming spring and summer celebrations -- or something for yourself. A majority of proceeds go to the artists, while the rest help fund club activities such as workshops, field trips and guest speakers.
Reminder: Applications due April 15 for fall family weekend
Cyclone Family Weekend 2024 (Sept. 13-15) aims to help families strengthen their connection to Iowa State while spending valuable time with their student. ISU units are invited to participate in several ways:
- Organize a tour. Showcase your college, department or facility with a guided tour for Cyclone families. Highlight unique features, programs and opportunities at ISU, giving families an insider's perspective of campus life. Tours typically are ticketed; capacity and number of tours are the host's discretion.
- Host a reception, open house, meet-and-greet or cultural showcase that creates opportunities for meaningful connections and interactions.
- Facilitate family-friendly activities such as workshops, demonstrations, recreational outings and more.
To participate in Cyclone Family Weekend, complete this form by April 15. The staff in Parent and Family Programs will promote your event in the official schedule, provide attendee estimates as the weekend approaches, handle registration for ticketed tours and share tour locations with registered families. Questions may be directed to Parent and Family Programs.
Cyclone Voice prelims are April 15; register by April 12
ISU students who want to compete in the 2024 Cyclone Voice singing competition need to register online by 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 12. A preliminary round will be held Monday, April 15 (starting at 6 p.m., MU Maintenance Shop). Finalists will compete at Cyclone Voice on Saturday, April 27 (7 p.m., MU Great Hall). The finals event will be hosed by the Chicago quartet and Grammy nominee Plain White T's. Contestant rules, including preliminary round instructions, are online. Questions may be directed to the Student Union Board, subse@iastate.edu.
Translational AI Center is the focus of April innovation lunch
The Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations' April installment of the Innovation Lunch Club will feature Jessica Bell, program manager at Iowa State's Translational AI Center. Learn what the center is and how it can work for you. The lunch is Friday, April 26 (11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m., training room, ISU Economic Development Core Facility, 1805 Collaboration Pl.). Campus partners are welcome to this free event; RSVP to sdreyer@iastate.edu.
Celebrate ISU Extension and Outreach Week April 15-20
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Week is April 15-20. Iowa's 100 county extension offices will host "I Spy Cy" activities and educational events throughout the week to thank Iowans for their support of ISU Extension and Outreach across the state.
Author on homelessness to give keynote at campus symposium
Gregg Colburn, associate professor in the University of Washington's Runstad department of real estate and co-author of the book, "Homelessness is a Housing Problem," will present a keynote lecture on the same topic on Thursday, April 18 (5 p.m., 0101 College of Design). It's part of Iowa State's 2024 Homelessness Symposium, hosted by the department of community and regional planning.
Register for suicide awareness walk on April 27
Student Health and Wellness is organizing an "Out of Darkness" Walk for Suicide Awareness on Saturday, April 27 (10 a.m., registration opens 9:15 a.m., south campanile lawn). The walk follows sidewalks on campus, and if it rains, will move indoors to State Gym. Registration is free; walkers who raise $100 in donations receive a walk shirt (there isn't a requirement to raise funds). Register to walk (individual or group); volunteer to assist at the event. Questions may be directed to Jeffrey Nelson, suicide prevention coordinator in student counseling services, 515-294-0153.
Hach's Thiel atrium to be dedicated April 17
The university community is invited to the dedication of of the Thiel Atrium, Hach Hall, on Wednesday, April 17 (5-6 p.m.). The atrium honors former Distinguished Professor in Liberal Arts and Sciences Pat Thiel, who had appointments in chemistry and materials science and engineering, and also was a scientist at the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames National Laboratory. Thiel died Sept. 7, 2020, from breast cancer.
Ugandan baskets for sale in the Workspace April 8-20
The Workspace in the Memorial Union and the Uganda Alliance Club are hosting a pop-up basket sale April 8-20 (2-9 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, Workspace, east basement, MU). Purchase a handmade basket created by members of the Tusubila ("hope") crafts group, and directly support women artists and their families in Kamuli, Uganda. Baskets are made with dried raffia and banana leaves and sell for $10-$25.
This initiative began through ISU's Uganda Program. Students studying abroad saw that market access was limited for the basket artists and formed the Uganda Alliance Club. Students work with the Tusubila group to bring baskets to the United States, sell them and send the money back to the artists.
Plant-a-Row for the Hungry lunch and learn is April 9
Reiman Gardens will host a lunch and learn on Tuesday, April 9 (noon-2 p.m.) on the Plant-A-Row for the Hungry food donation program. Learn how gardens' staff, volunteers and local food pantries work together to address food needs in Story County. Bring a lunch to listen while representatives from Growing Together Iowa talk about their efforts and the state's food needs. Light refreshments will be available. Registration is requested.
'Cy's Finals Frenzy' promotes healthy habits during final exams prep
The division of student affairs is hosting the first Cy's Finals Frenzy April 28-30 to promote healthy study habits and personal wellness for students ahead of final exams. Held in the Memorial Union and outside spaces around the building, the frenzy will offer study sessions, tutors and Supplemental Instruction leaders on site, quiet and group study rooms, free food and stress-relief activities including a smash room, crafts from the Workspace, free bowling and more. The event will be held all day on Sunday, April 28 (including a late night breakfast) and the evenings of April 29-30.
New prep week event will promote healthy study habits, student wellness
The division of student affairs is hosting the first Cy's Finals Frenzy April 28-30 to promote healthy study habits and personal wellness for students ahead of final exams. Held in the Memorial Union and outside spaces around the building, the frenzy will offer study sessions, tutors and Supplemental Instruction leaders on site, quiet and group study rooms, free food and stress-relief activities including a smash room, crafts from the Workspace, free bowling and more. The event will be held all day on Sunday, April 28 (including a late night breakfast) and the evenings of April 29-30. Watch for volunteer opportunities for faculty and staff to support this event in next week's Inside.
Encourage your student employees to celebrate 'their' week
The Student Employment Center, part of the office of student financial aid, is sponsoring several events daily to celebrate National Student Employment Week, April 8-12. Options include free food options daily, wellness and career readiness workshops, virtual trivia with prizes, free headshots, cash cab and a session with therapy dogs. Units that employ students are asked to encourage their students to participate.
Tickets on sale for April 20 fashion show
Tickets ($16-$31) are on sale via Ticketmaster for The Fashion Show 2024 on Saturday, April 20 (7 p.m., Stephens Auditorium). The event features dozens of student designs modeled by students and several guest judges/designers. From press releases to stage lighting, The Fashion Show is produced entirely by students from many majors working on 15 committees.
You're invited: Students who work on campus
The Student Employment Center, part of the office of student financial aid, is sponsoring several events daily to celebrate National Student Employment Week, April 8-12. Nearly one-third of Iowa State students work on campus. They are invited to participate in these events and more:
- Kickoff event on Monday (1-3 p.m., Beardshear Hall), snacks, crafts and campus networking.
- Four wellness and career readiness workshops for student employees in all majors, on topics such as budgeting and preventing burnout.
- Therapy dog session on Wednesday (noon-2 p.m., outside Beardshear Hall).
- Free food options daily for all student employees at Iowa State.
- Virtual trivia on Wednesday and Thursday (noon-1 p.m.) with prizes. Themes TBA; registration required.
- Cash Cab will roam campus April 12. Win gift cards, T-shirts and more.
Two 'Question, Persuade, Refer' trainings offered this month
Two final sessions this semester of "Question, Persuade, Refer" mental health training for faculty and staff will be held April 5 and April 19 (both 11 a.m.-noon, 1312 Gilman). Learn to recognize the warning signs of suicidal individuals, learn tips for persuading others to access support and learn more about local referral resources. Register online (select option 2: register myself to attend a presentation or training).
Confirm teaching assignments, then submit course material requests
Faculty who will teach a summer session or fall semester course are asked to submit all materials needed for class -- textbooks, courseware, eBooks, coursepackets, subscriptions and supplies (design, lab, PPE, technology, 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 or through the ISU Book Store's adoption platform. 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.
As shared March 21 in Inside Iowa State, effective fall 2024, all required textbooks for undergraduate courses will be part of Immediate Access ONE, a one-program, one-price, day-one access program where students receive all their required books for one flat rate. For more information about the program, contact immediateaccess@iastate.edu.
Exhibitors sought for new student picnic in August
Destination Iowa State, Aug. 22-24, is three days of high-impact programming for more than 4,000 new-to-Iowa State undergraduates to help them explore campus, make connections with their peers and the university, prepare for classes, experience Iowa State traditions, discover ways to be healthy and safe, and join Cyclone Nation. To help welcome them, departments, student organizations and other units are invited to be exhibitors at the kickoff picnic on Thursday, Aug. 22 (3:30-7:30 p.m., outside Hilton Coliseum). More information, including the application form, is online. Preference is given to applications received prior to May 10. Questions may be directed to Jordan Baumgardner, new student programs, 515-294-5714.
Lawn mower service days are this weekend
The Agricultural Systems Technology Club will hold its lawn mower service days April 5-6 (1-5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, west side of Sukup Hall). This routine service for lawn mowers includes oil and spark plug change and blade sharpening. The cost is $35 for a push mower; no riding mowers. Mower pick-up and delivery is available in Ames zip codes for an additional $25; email astservicedays@gmail.com to schedule a pick-up.
Northbound I-35 entry ramp at 13th Street to close April 8-12
In connection with the city of Ames' sanitary sewer extension project on 13th Street east of Interstate 35, the northbound entry ramp onto I-35 will be closed Monday-Friday, April 8-12 (weather permitting). Drivers should follow posted signs for the preferred detour route.
Arts and events
'Die Fledermaus' is a farce of mistaken identity, flirtation and a practical joke with unanticipated consequences. It opens Nov. 7 in Fisher Theater.
