Registration is open for P&S professional development conference
Registration is open for "Pieces to Possibilities," the 2026 conference hosted by the Professional and Scientific Council for P&S employees, on Thursday, Feb. 26 (8:30 a.m.-3:45 p.m., Scheman Building, Iowa State Center). The full schedule, including session summaries, is online. The puzzle theme encourages participants to seek where they can connect with others, look at problems from different angles, and to not be afraid to try something new. Through Feb. 1, early registration is $130; after Feb. 1 registration is $150. Registration closes Feb. 18.
CyMath program for grades 3-12 is recruiting tutors, mentors
CyMath is a math tutoring and support program with dual goals of helping school students, particularly those without math support at home, improve their math skills and confidence, while helping math and engineering faculty and graduate students improve their teaching and communication skills. Undergraduates also are welcome in paid and unpaid roles. Tutoring runs at Ames schools or via Zoom. Opportunities for Iowa Staters to participate:
- Unpaid tutors, especially 10-11 a.m. Saturdays via Zoom; other options available.
- Sign up for 1 credit of EE 5900 I.
- Paid positions for undergraduates (hourly or through Research Experience for Undergraduates) with preference for math or math education majors.
Additional information (PDF) is in these slides; questions may be directed to faculty coordinator Namrata Vaswani, electrical and computer engineering.
Winter courses for retirees begin Jan. 12
The first day of OLLI at Iowa State (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) winter classes is Monday, Jan. 12. Winter courses are online.
'Money Smart' virtual series begins Jan. 22
ISU Extension and Outreach will host "Money Smart: Prioritizing Bills, Credit and Debt," a free, three-part series that provides practical tools to help participants gain control of expenses, reduce stress and set themselves up for financial success in the year ahead. The series will be offered twice via Zoom on Thursdays, Jan. 22, Jan. 29 and Feb. 5: from noon to 1 p.m. and from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Iowans may participate in either the noon series or the evening series. Pre-registration is required by Jan. 13. Questions may be directed to Barb Wollan, 515-832-9597.
P&S winter social is Jan. 8
The Professional and Scientific Council will host a winter social for P&S employees on Thursday, Jan. 8 (3:30-4:30 p.m., near Sparks Cafe, fourth floor, Student Innovation Center). Enjoy hot cider, snacks, games and prizes. An RSVP is appreciated to help with food planning, but not required to attend. The social follows the council's monthly meeting nearby (2:10 p.m., room 4250), which is open to all P&S employees.
Ticket price reduced for women's conference opener
Fans can purchase general admission tickets for the No. 10 Cyclone women basketball team's Big 12 Conference opener on Sunday, Dec. 21, for $2.78 each, which includes tax and fees. The opponent is the Kansas Jayhawks and the game starts at noon in Hilton Coliseum. This offer ends at 11:59 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, for online purchases only.
Transportation services shares holiday hours
The mechanic shop and the dispatch desk at Transportation Services will not be staffed Dec. 22-26. The after-hours phone will be answered for emergencies involving university fleet vehicles and for kiosk-related issues.
Occupational medicine office is closed Dec. 22-Jan. 4
The Occupational Medicine office will be closed from Monday, Dec. 22, through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. Beginning Jan. 5, new medical appointments can be scheduled by contacting the office at 515-294-2056.
Art, research posters and exhibits invited for spring sustainability event
During ISU's Symposium on Sustainability in early March, a research, artwork and poster reception offers an excellent venue to discuss and exchange sustainability interests and initiatives. Organizers have issued a call for sustainability-connected displays (PDF) and sustainability-inspired artworks (PDF) for activities and projects in research, administration, operations and student organizations that support and further sustainability. The submission deadline for both is Feb. 10, 2026. Artwork registration form. Poster display registration form.
Nomination window opens for 2026 sustainability award
Nominations are open through Feb. 10, 2026, for the 2026 Live Green! Award for Excellence in Sustainability; the nomination form is online. The award recognizes ISU students, faculty and staff who make an impact on campus sustainability efforts by generating awareness and interest through initiatives in the 2025 calendar year that focus on teaching, research, outreach or operations. Nominations are evaluated in six areas: cultural impact, impact on natural resources, economic impact, transferability, legacy to the Live Green! initiative and overall merit. The awards are presented during the Symposium on Sustainability in February.
University museum exhibitions are open through Dec. 19
All university art museums will be closed Dec. 20-Jan. 11, 2026, for exhibition changes; a sneak peek is online. The Christian Petersen Art Museum in Morrill Hall will reopen to the public on Monday, Jan. 12, with a special "Winter Retreat at the Christian Petersen Art Museum." The Brunnier Art Museum and the Farm House Museum will resume regular hours on Jan. 20.
Recycle your unusable holiday lights
The City of Ames accepts non-working holiday lights for recycling: tiny white glass bulbs, multicolor plastic illuminations, indoor strands, outdoor icicles or battery-operated strands (remove the batteries first). Place your lights in the metals bin at the outdoor self-service recycling area on the north side of the Resource Recovery Plant, 420 E. Second St.
Holiday card recycling program discontinued; options exist
ISU's office of sustainability no longer is collecting used holiday and greeting cards for the Recycled Card Program at St. Jude's Ranch for Children because the program has been discontinued. Holiday and greeting cards can be recycled through paper recycling programs, including the City of Ames, which offers a free drop-off option for paper at its Resource Recovery Center. Drop-off bins for paper -- and many other materials -- are accessible 24/7 on the north side of the facility, 420 E. Second St. Participants should remove the following items, which will contaminate the recycling process:
- Foil, felt, plastic and other decorations.
- Musical components such as button batteries or electronic components (these can be recycled through the electronics recycling program at the Resource Recovery Center, via the vehicle drop-off entrance during business hours).
Last Inside edition of fall semester posts Dec. 18
The final Inside Update email of fall semester will be sent on Thursday, Dec. 18. Stories will resume posting on the Inside Iowa State website the week of Jan. 5, 2026.
Exhibition highlights coliseum history
A new exhibition, Historic Hilton Snapshots, is on display in the inner concourse of Hilton Coliseum, on the east side near section 122. In collaboration with the athletics department, special collections and university archives staff at Parks Library created the exhibit to showcase university treasures, legendary memorabilia, game-changing images and artifacts from #CyclONEnation. Take a peek during your next visit to Hilton.
Former faculty member Aili Mu has died
Professor emerita Ailu Mu, who established Iowa State's Chinese studies program, died Dec. 7 in Ames. She was a member of the world languages and cultures department from 2001 until her retirement in 2022. Memories and tributes may be posted to her online obituary site.
Saturday's lights event at Reiman Gardens canceled due to cold
Due to the cold temperatures forecast for Saturday, Dec. 13, and to protect guests, staff and volunteers, Reiman Gardens staff has canceled that evening's Winter Wonderscape event. Those with Dec. 13 tickets who want to rebook for another evening should do so before 8 p.m. Dec. 13.
General classrooms reserved for evening study Dec. 8-12
The room scheduling team has reserved 10 classrooms for student study use during finals week, Monday-Friday, Dec. 8-12 (5:30-11 p.m. daily). They are:
- Ross Hall (3): 0024, 0026, 0028
- Carver Hall (3): 0118, 0128 0160
- Town Engineering (2): 0250, 0270
- Pearson Hall (2): 1106, 3131
Ames snow parking ban takes effect at 8 p.m. Saturday
The city of Ames' snow ordinance will go into effect at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and is expected to remain in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 -- but may vary depending on plowing conditions. Crews may need to make multiple passes depending on the timing and intensity of the snowfall. 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 parked on snow routes risk being towed.
ISU wine and hard cider holiday pre-sale continues
The Iowa State University Winery is taking pre-orders now for its holiday wine sale (red, rosé and white varieties). Pick-up and payment for pre-orders will be held outside the Meats Laboratory in Kildee Hall on Fridays this month: Dec. 5, 12 and 19 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.). Wine bottles cost $20 each, and shoppers must be 21 years old with a valid ID to purchase and consume. Starting Nov. 10, the pre-sale will include the two hard ciders from the new Iowa State University Cidery: original cider and carbonated cider and rosé wine, both made with Iowa-grown apples. Questions may be directed to Jocey Caelwaerts.
Open forums scheduled Dec. 8-10 for enrollment management finalists
Three finalists for Iowa State's associate vice president for enrollment management post will visit campus the week of Dec. 8. Each visit includes an open forum (10:30-11:15 a.m., 3155 Marston) where stakeholders and members of the campus community can hear from the candidate and ask questions. The open forum schedule:
- Monday, Dec. 8
- Tuesday, Dec. 9
- Wednesday, Dec. 10
Sign up to judge the State Science & Technology Fair of Iowa in March
The State Science & Technology Fair of Iowa seeks university faculty, staff and students to serve as judges for the statewide fair, to be held March 26-27, 2026, at Hilton Coliseum. More than 600 middle and high school students from across Iowa present STEM research projects, and the expertise of judges plays a critical role in helping them grow as young scientists, engineers and problem-solvers. Whether your specialty is agriculture, engineering, biology, computer science, health sciences, environmental science or the social sciences, there's a category in the fair that will benefit from your background and insight. Sign up online. Training is provided, and both new and returning judges are welcome. Questions may be directed to Alexa Groff, Extension Youth and 4-H.
New dashboard, chemical inventory for researchers debuts
Garden calendar makes a great gift
The 2026 Garden Calendar, "A Bounty of Bulbs," may be purchased for $9 through the ISU Extension Store, online or at 119 Printing and Publications Building. This year's edition highlights the beauty and variety of bulbs, such as spring tulips, summer lilies, autumn crocuses and even winter's amaryllis, adding color to rooms. The calendar offers readers timely reminders to learn, grow and enjoy gardening throughout the year.
Guidelines during the holidays: Spending university funds
As the holiday season and graduation approach, faculty and staff are reminded to revisit the guidelines for using university funds, particularly as they relate to gifts and seasonal events. The controller's office has published an Allowability and Appropriateness manual (PDF) for university purchases as a helpful reference. Following these guidelines ensures university funds are used appropriately and responsibly. Here's a quick summary:
Allowable spending: Unit events aimed at boosting employee morale and team building are allowed at the department's discretion. In all situations, single-item vouchers from the ISU Creamery or ISU Dining are recommended over the use of gift cards. Gift cards have limited appropriate uses and are taxable to the employee recipient because they are considered a form of cash. A property receipt form should be completed and submitted to the tax team whenever a gift card is given.
Unallowable spending: University funds should not be used for personal events such as graduation celebrations, birthdays, weddings or anniversaries.
You're invited: Honors capstone poster session is Dec. 10
Fifty-six Honors students completing their honors capstone projects will present their posters on Wednesday, Dec. 10 (3-4:30 p.m., MU Gold, Oak and Cardinal rooms). All members of the university community are welcome to attend to learn about these students' projects.
Reiman Gardens' Winter Wonderscape opens Friday
Reiman Gardens' Winter Wonderscape is one of Iowa's largest holiday walk-through light displays, featuring more than 200,000 lights along lighted ADA-accessible trails. It will be held every Thursday-Saturday in December preceding Christmas and also Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 26-27 (5-9 p.m. nightly). Note: Forecasted extreme temperatures for Dec. 4 compelled organizers to cancel the opening night (ticket holders should email rgregistration@iastate.edu to rebook. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and are sold in half-hour increments (last entry starts at 7:30 p.m.). Once guests enter the gardens, they are welcome to stay as long as they wish up to the 9 p.m. close. Tickets are $16 (members and ISU students $14, youth 2-12 years $7).
Winter course preview for OLLI at Iowa State is Dec. 10
An online preview event of winter courses offered through OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) at Iowa State will be held Wednesday, Dec. 10 (1:30 p.m. CST, via Zoom). The six-week winter session runs during January-February and is online only. The course list and general course information are online. Registration for winter courses opens at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12.
Some volunteers still needed for Cy's Finals Frenzy
The division of student affairs seeks a few more volunteers for the fourth Cy's Finals Frenzy during prep week: Sunday-Friday, Dec. 7-12. In particular, pancake makers are needed Sunday night (9 p.m.-midnight) and BINGO assistants are needed Monday (7-10 p.m.). Most shifts are in 60- or 90-minute increments. This once-a-semester event promotes healthy study habits and personal wellness with free, fun activities for students as they prepare for final exams. As a result of student feedback, the program added three days (Dec. 10-12), all hosted in Cyclone Support Central, Parks Library. Faculty and staff volunteers are needed to help events run efficiently throughout the week and are encouraged to sign up for a shift (or two) to engage with students. More than 2,000 students participated in Cy's Finals Frenzy events in May.
Showcase your research in a spring public lecture
The ISU Committee on Lectures invites faculty, staff, researchers and graduate students to apply to present their work as part of the ISU Research Showcase, a 2025-26 lecture series highlighting innovative scholarship across campus. Selected presenters will receive a professional development award of $500 and the opportunity to share their research in a public lecture at the Memorial Union. Presentations should be 30 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of Q&A. To be considered, submit your proposal using the online form. The submission deadline for spring semester lectures is noon on Friday, Dec. 19. Questions may be directed to assistant director Laura Shaw, lectures program.
Register for Project LEA/RN workshop in January
Project LEA/RN will host an in-person workshop Tuesday-Wednesday, Jan. 13-14, 2026 (9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, 1022 Agronomy) that trains educators to help their students learn the kind of thinking required to solve complex problems. Faculty, staff and graduate students are welcome; enrollment is capped at 20. Participants will learn insights about the brain based on current research, engage in strategies that promote interaction and deep thinking, and apply them to situations in which they facilitate learning -- classes, orientation sessions, extension meetings or other learning situations. This workshop will not directly address the technology involved with remote and online learning or AI, but participants can directly apply their knowledge and practical understanding of human learning to the challenges presented in today's teaching world. To register or for more information, contact Project LEA/RN director Jan Wiersema, agronomy, (712) 221-1203.
Agronomy Club holds popcorn fundraiser
The Agronomy Club is holding its annual (unpopped) popcorn fundraiser. The $10 package weighs approximately two pounds and features custom red and yellow kernels grown at the Agronomy Research Farm west of Ames. Order online; payment is by cash or check made out to Agronomy Club at Iowa State. Club members deliver on-campus orders and will ship anywhere when the buyer pays for shipping.
Monday day and evening classes canceled; university open
Due to Saturday's winter storm and the potential for hazardous road conditions on Sunday, Iowa State has cancelled day and evening classes on Monday, Dec. 1, to allow students additional time to travel back to campus after the Thanksgiving holiday. The university will remain open with normal operations, and facilities crews will be working throughout the weekend to clear roads and sidewalks. Employees who can't make it to campus Monday should coordinate with their supervisor to arrange to work remotely or take leave.
Horticulture Club members will sell poinsettias Dec. 2-6
Members of the Horticulture Club will sell poinsettia plants, while supplies last, Dec. 2-6, with the campus location changing daily. Prices are: $12 (4-inch pot), $18 (6.5-inch pot) and $40 (10-inch pot), with several colors available in each size. Pre-orders will be accepted through Wednesday, Nov. 26, with pick-up Dec. 1-2 in 0045 Horticulture Hall. Accepted forms of payment are cash, check or card.
- Tuesday, Dec. 2 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.), Curtiss Hall rotunda
- Wednesday, Dec. 3 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.), Beardshear ground floor
- Thursday, Dec. 4 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.), Maple Willow Larch commons
- Friday, Dec. 5 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.), Union Drive Community Center entrance
- Saturday, Dec. 6 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), Reiman Gardens
Annual holiday art mart is Dec. 2-5 in the Memorial Union
Support local artists and find unique gifts at the annual Holiday Art Mart in the Memorial Union Dec. 2-5 (Art Gallery, first floor). Hours are 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday (part of WinterFest). Find pottery, blown glass, jewelry, decor, accessories, textiles and prints. Sales support the individual artists, The Workspace in the MU and ISU's Gaffer's Guild.
Healthcare management students shine in national case competitions
A team of healthcare management students from the Ivy College of Business placed first in the fifth annual Undergraduate Health Administration Case Competition, held in Charleston, South Carolina, Nov. 13-14. Over five weeks, the team worked on a complex case requiring them to develop a business plan for implementing multiple healthcare AI products at the Medical University of South Carolina. Their strategic thinking, case analysis and professional delivery of their presentation set them apart from the 13 other teams in the competition.
A second team of healthcare management students won first place in the Penn State Health Policy and Administration Virtual Case Competition held virtually Oct. 17-23. This national event featured 54 undergraduate and graduate teams from 37 universities. The challenge involved examining patient data for adolescents with congenital heart disease, a lifelong condition present at birth that requires ongoing care. The objective was to determine why patients between the ages of 10 and 19 disengage from treatment and develop actionable strategies to increase engagement among teenage patients.
Reminder: Benefits enrollment closes at 5 p.m. Friday
Open enrollment is the only time to enroll in or make changes to your benefits unless you have a qualifying event. Review your current choices in Workday and make any changes for 2026 before open enrollment closes at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. In addition to medical, dental, eyewear discount and flexible spending account selections, employees have their first opportunity to enroll in voluntary insurance plans that provide payments in instances of accidents, hospital stays and critical illnesses such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, major organ transplant and more.
Find unique gifts and treats at entrepreneurs' holiday market
The Pappajohn Center, in collaboration with Winterfest, will host the third annual Jingle and Mingle Holiday Market on Friday, Dec. 5 (3:30-7:30 p.m., ground floor of Beardshear Hall). At this market event, students and alumni will sell their handmade goods and services as part of the the holiday season. Find handcrafted one-of-a-kind gifts, food, art and more, all created by talented entrepreneurs. Admission is free.
No Inside email on Thanksgiving Day
Inside Iowa State will not publish next week, Nov. 27, due to the national Thanksgiving holiday. Remaining editions this semester are Dec. 4, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18.
Commodity director to give Deal leadership lecture
Gretta Irwin, executive director and home economist with the Iowa Turkey Federation, will present the 2025 William K. Deal Leadership Lecture, "It Takes One: Leadership, Legacy and the Power of Belief," on Wednesday, Dec. 3 (4:30 p.m., 0127 Curtiss). All are welcome. Irwin earned her degree at Central College, Pella, and has served with the Iowa Turkey Federation since 1994. She was a key player in advocating, fundraising and assisting in the design for ISU's Stanley L. Balloun Turkey Teaching and Research Facility and guiding the federation to make contributions toward the new Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
CeCe Winans concert tickets go on sale Nov. 20
Tickets for an April 23, 2026, concert by Grammy Award-winning American gospel singer CeCe Winans go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, via Ticketmaster. The 7 p.m. concert will be in Stephens Auditorium.
Nominations open for Student Employee, Student Employee Supervisor of the Year awards
The office of student financial aid seeks nominations through Feb. 1, 2026, for two 2025-26 awards. Follow each link for the nomination form and more information about the award criteria.
- Student Employee of the Year: Recognizes the outstanding efforts of hourly undergraduate student employees who are making a difference as leaders and innovators in their roles.
- Student Employee Supervisor of the Year (in partnership with university human resources): Recognizes the exceptional supervisors of hourly student employees for their mentorship and professionalism.
Forestry club's tree and wreath sale runs for three weekends
Members of the forestry club will sell Christmas trees and wreaths over three weekends: Nov. 29-30 (no Friday sale), Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14 in the Reiman Gardens parking lot. Sale hours are: 3-6 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays. The club will sell four tree varieties: white pine ($50-$65); Korean fir, balsam fir and Canaan fir ($100-$110), depending on size. Wreaths are priced $25 or $30, and accepted forms of payment are cash, check or card.
Ames-area podcast features Wintersteen
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance's (AREA) latest podcast (No. 105) is a conversation between AREA vice president for communication Eric Smidt and President Wendy Wintersteen, who shares her approach to leadership and talks about how Iowa State drives research and economic growth in the state and beyond. The length is about 45 minutes. It's available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, iHeartRadio and Podbean. A video version is on the alliance's YouTube channel.
New spring graduate course focuses on building research skills
LIB 5600x is a new, two-credit course for graduate students being offered spring semester. It's recommended for students who are at the beginning of their dissertation research or thesis. Open to students in all majors, this course provides structured guidance to conduct high-quality academic research. Students will develop advanced research and information literacy skills and build a holistic understanding of the research process and how to participate in it.
Newest Iowa Stater magazine looks at Wintersteen's ISU career
Iowa Stater magazine's fall issue features a look at President Wendy Wintersteen's nearly 47-year-career at Iowa State ahead of her retirement in January. Learn how a new major offered students a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity at the 2025 version of Farm O'Geddon in Ireland, how Iowa State invests in student ideas and innovations, and how one graduate student is engineering stronger roads -- plus much more.
CyMath is recruiting math tutors for grades 3-12
CyMath provides weekly math tutoring on campus, by Zoom and at two Ames schools for students in grades 3-12. The goal is for students to build their math confidence and competence so they thrive in future STEM classes. The free program, directed by professor of electrical and computer engineering Namrata Vaswani, is recruiting faculty, staff and graduate student volunteers in math, statistics, physics, computer science or computer engineering to tutor, help recruit tutors, assist with publicity, document impact or coordinate sessions in Des Moines (especially by volunteers who live in the Des Moines area). Improve your communication and teaching skills with young students -- perhaps future Cyclones -- while helping them learn. Complete the volunteer application to get started. CyMath impact reports are online. Questions may be directed to cymath@iastate.edu.
Stange west lane and sidewalk to close for grass seeding
From Thursday, Nov. 13, through Saturday afternoon, Nov. 15, the west/outer lane of Stange Road (southbound) and westside sidewalk along Stange will be closed so crews can complete grading and grass seeding in that area. The inner lane will remain in use. Pedestrians are asked to use the path along the east side of the road.
Celebrate GIS Day at Nov. 19 event
Iowa State's GIS (Geographic Information System) Support and Research Facility, along with Parks Library, will host GIS Day 2025 on Wednesday, Nov. 19 (9 a.m.-noon, The Catalyst, 199 Parks Library). This come-and-go event is for everyone, from the GIS curious to the GIS user. Get information about GIS opportunities and programs on campus, free GIS swag and free food. The Mapping Masterminds competition (with prizes in each of two categories) is open to everyone, and speakers from around campus will share their research throughout the morning.
Buy Cyclone-Hawkeye women's basketball tickets by Nov. 18
Faculty and staff have the exclusive opportunity to purchase general admission tickets for the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk women's basketball game on Wednesday, Dec. 10 (6 p.m., Hilton Coliseum) at a discounted $25 each. Any remaining tickets will go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19.