Announcements
January 2018
First aid, CPR and AED training available on campus
Environmental health and safety offers cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) and first aid training each month for faculty and staff. Upcoming dates are Feb. 20 and March 14. The course runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; participants learn and become certified in the three by the American Heart Association. The course also serves as recertification for CPR and first aid. The cost is $42, which may be covered by your department. Classes are held at the EH&S Building. Dates, registration and payment details are available via Learn@ISU. Questions may be directed to EHS, 294-5359.
Free webinars for researchers, contract negotiators begin Feb. 7
The office of intellectual property and technology transfer is hosting seven free webinars for researchers and contract negotiators. The webinars, held between Feb. 7 and May 2, are designed to help researchers better navigate expectations when industry and university researchers collaborate. Sessions will be held from noon to 1:15 p.m. at 1805 Collaboration Place in the ISU Research Park, except on Feb. 21 (Room 6115 of Building 6, ISU Research Park). More information, including a list of webinar topics, is online. Attendees should register at least one week ahead of the sessions by emailing pduncan@iastate.edu.
Emerging Leaders Academy: Nominations sought for 2018-19 class
The office of the senior vice president and provost seeks nominations for the 2018-19 cohort of the Emerging Leaders Academy. The academy is open to faculty and P&S staff in all divisions, whether currently in a leadership role or aspiring to such positions. Participants attend monthly sessions led by on-campus and outside experts, and members complete modules in areas such as strategic planning, budget development, performance management, understanding diversity and creating an inclusive organizational culture. Nominations are due March 1; participants will be selected by April 1. More information, including eligibility criteria and the nomination documents, is online.
Apply now for undergraduate research presentation opportunities
All undergraduates conducting research are invited to apply to participate in two presentation opportunities this spring. Applications for both are due Thursday, Feb. 8. An information session for students will be held Thursday, Feb. 1 (3-4 p.m., 1151-1155 Jischke Honors Building). Questions may be directed to Svitlana Zbarska, University Honors program, 294-2064.
- Research in the Capitol, April 3 (morning through mid-afternoon), a regent university joint event; 20 ISU research projects will be selected
- Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression, Memorial Union, April 10, more than 100 students participate
Training for youth program leaders is Feb. 7
The offices of Risk Management, Extension and Outreach, and Conference Planning and Management will offer training on Feb. 7 (10 a.m.-noon, 1020 4-H Extension Building) that provides youth program leaders, administrators and student organization officers information regarding youth-related policies, procedures and forms for successfully conducting youth programs at ISU. The training is for anyone responsible for planning and supervising youth programs or providing administrative support for one. Preregistration is required; send an email to orm@iastate.edu by Feb. 4.
Hort Club will hold cut flower sale
Members of the Horticulture Club will sell single-stem and bouquets of roses Feb. 12-14 (11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, Carver Hall). The club also is accepting rose and carnation online pre-orders through Jan. 31; those orders may be picked up during the same dates and times but in another location: near 033 Horticulture Hall.
Less tax withheld from paychecks beginning Jan. 31
Beginning with the Jan. 31 payroll, a new tax law that went into effect Jan. 1 will decrease the amount of federal income tax withheld from most employees' paychecks. Payroll manager Doug Anderson said the amount will vary depending on where employees' incomes land in the new federal tax tables. He suggests employees consult a tax adviser to determine how the new tax law will impact their future withholdings. Other tax changes are forthcoming, including new W-4 withholding forms and instructions. Stay tuned to the faculty/staff announcements and Inside Iowa State.
Four Vet Med dean finalists will visit campus in February
Four finalists in the College of Veterinary Medicine dean search will interview on campus in February. Each candidate's name will be shared publicly the day before his or her visit. Visit dates are: Feb. 1-2, Feb. 6-7, Feb. 12-13 and Feb. 19-20. Each candidate will meet with students, faculty and staff, and hold an open forum at the college. Updates will be shared on the provost's office search page.
Veterans Center offers training for faculty, staff
Veterans Center staff will lead two sessions of its free Gold Star training for faculty and staff this semester. Learn tips and strategies aimed at serving student veterans, military personnel and their families. RSVPs are requested. Training dates are:
- Tuesday, Feb. 6 (1-2 p.m., MU Cardinal Room)
- Tuesday, March 7 (1-2 p.m., MU Gallery Room)
Dedicated training for departments or offices also is available; contact the Veterans Center staff at veteranscenter@iastate.edu to schedule.
Call for proposals: Summer symposium on science communication
The program planning committee of the 6th Iowa State University Summer Symposium on Science Communication, hosted by the Science Communication Project, is accepting submissions through Jan. 29 for:
- Individual abtracts that engage the symposium theme of: Understanding the role of trust and credibility in science communication
- Panel (up to 4 members) proposals focused on a unifying topic, content area, method, research question, etc. relevant to the theme
Contributions are welcome from relevant disciplines, including communication, rhetoric, human dimensions of natural resources, planning, science and technology studies, history and philosophy of science, psychology, sociology, design, as well as from scientists who have been involved in science communication and broader impact activities. 2018 symposium dates are June 7-9. Contact Dara Wald, Greenlee School, with questions.
W-2 forms available in AccessPlus
W-2 forms, an official, two-sided document valid for tax filing purposes, are available in AccessPlus. The payroll office encourages employees to print their W-2 from the website to save the university mailing costs. To access the electronic version, log into AccessPlus, select the Employee tab, then select "Payroll Info" in the left column. Turn off web browser pop-up blockers that may prevent the W-2 from opening. Employees who have not chosen the electronic copy of their W-2 by Jan. 24 will receive a paper copy via U.S. mail postmarked on Jan. 31. If you printed your 2016 W-2 from the electronic version and received an ISU paycheck in December 2017, your electronic preference from last year automatically carries over.
Farewell receptions for admissions' Kurt, Ralston
A farewell reception for Liz Kurt, director of New Student Programs in the office of admissions for 19 years, will be held Monday, Jan. 22 (10 a.m.-noon, MU Campanile Room). Kurt has accepted a position with conference planning and management at Iowa State.
A farewell reception for Kate Ralston, assistant director of admissions (research) will be held Friday, Jan. 26 (2-4 p.m., 311 Enrollment Services Center). Ralston has accepted a position with ACT.
Registration is open for library's spring workshops
University Library has posted its spring semester workshops. Most begin at 3 p.m. and last for 90 minutes. Registration opens 60 days prior to an event and is required.
Honors program seeks fall seminar proposals
The University Honors Program is seeking proposals for fall 2018 Honors seminars, 1- or 2-credit courses on topics of current or special interest. Seminars, open to all Honors students, are pass/fail with enrollment usually limited to 17. A grant of $500 per seminar supports the professional development of the instructor(s). Further information, including a proposal form and guidelines, is available online. Proposals are due Feb. 2.
Reminder: Student employee-of-the-year nominations due Feb. 2
Nominations are due Feb. 2 for the university's 2018 Student Employee of the Year award. A faculty/staff committee will select the recipient based on a student's reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism and unique contributions to the employer. Nominees must be undergraduates employed part-time on campus for a minimum of six months between June 1, 2017, and May 31, 2018 (anticipated). The nomination form and instructions are online in Qualtrics and must be completed in one sitting. All nominees will be honored at a ceremony on Feb. 27 (4-5 p.m., MU Sun Room). Questions may be directed to Julie Arnold, 294-0103, or Erin Schwartz, 294-0102, in the office of student financial aid.
Beware of latest email phishing scam
A phishing scam targeting campus email addresses is hitting inboxes as a message from the IT service desk. The subject line starts with "Ticket:" and includes a code, and the message asks for user login information (ISU never will ask for login credentials via email). If you get such mail, forward it to abuse@iastate.edu as soon as possible and DON'T click any links or message content. Solution Center staff are available to answer your questions (294-4000 or solution@iastate.edu). IT staff also recommend this phishing email tutorial.
Center offers dance ticket package
The Iowa State Center is offering a dance package for three shows this semester: the Moscow Festival Ballet on Jan. 25, Ballet Des Moines on Feb. 16 and the Houston-based Fly Dance Company on March 24, all at Stephens Auditorium. Tickets are $90 at any price level ($50 for students and youth) and available at the Stephens Auditorium ticket office or with this online form.
Student leaders sought for Destination Iowa State
New Student Programs is accepting applications for 2018 Destination Iowa State team leaders through Feb. 11. More information and an application form are available online. Team leaders play an important role in welcoming new students to Iowa State and preparing them for academic success. Faculty and staff are encouraged to personally contact students who would excel at being team leaders. Questions may be directed to Nicole Nicholson, or email or phone the office, 294-0801.
Poster sale at MU runs Jan. 22-26
The Student Activities Center is hosting a poster sale Jan. 22-26 (9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, MU Cardinal Room). There are hundreds of posters to choose from, including art prints, movies, music and pop culture. Prices are generally $8-12. Proceeds from the sale support art programs at the Memorial Union.
Heads up: Chillers to be delivered by truck to north campus location
Two chillers will be delivered Jan. 15-17 to the north chilled water plant on Kooser Drive. A large crane will arrive onsite early Monday, Jan. 15, through parking lot 35. Two trucks each on Jan. 15 and Jan. 16 will bring in the main components of a chiller, and the electrical gear for the chillers will arrive on Jan. 17. Expect intermittent delays on Winlock Road while the trucks arrive and are unloaded. Morrill Road will remain open and provide access to this north area of campus. The new chillers will be operational this spring and increase the campus' cooling capacity by 30 percent to support new and future buildings.
Website helps navigate animal research guidelines
A new website coordinated by Annette O’Connor, professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine, is a collection of reporting guidelines for research that involves animals. The site, "Meridian," aims to assist researchers in navigating the many guidelines and also improve the quality of reporting.
Tearoom reopens Jan. 25 for lunch, dinner
The Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom, 0023 MacKay, reopens Jan. 25 for spring semester. Lunch will be served Tuesday through Friday (11:50 a.m.-12:50 p.m.) and dinner will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays (5:30-6:30 p.m.). Meals cost $7. Reservations are required; call 294-3330.
Regents approve professional development assignments, four ISU project proposals
In a 9-0 vote without discussion, the state Board of Regents approved a consent agenda Jan. 9 that included 43 ISU faculty professional development proposals for the 2018-19 year and four project proposals at Iowa State. The projects earlier cleared committee review at the board. They are: a home for the new Nanovacccine Institute on the fifth floor of the Advanced Teaching and Research Building, reconfiguration plans for the interior of the Hub, parking and lighting improvement plans adjacent to Hilton Coliseum and a new budget and expanded improvement plan for the recreation fields east of Willow residence hall.
Visitation, ceremony for professor emeritus Richard Willham are this weekend
A visitation and celebration of life for Richard Willham, professor emeritus of animal science, will be held Jan. 12 and 13, respectively. Willham, who was named a C.F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture in 1997, died Dec. 31 at the age of 85. Friday's visitation will be at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care (4-6 p.m.) and Saturday's celebration will be held at the Green Hills Retirement Community (1:30-3:30 p.m.), both located in Ames. Obituary.
Alumni award nominations due Feb. 15
The ISU Alumni Association is seeking nominations for six awards that will be presented Oct. 26, during Homecoming weekend. Award descriptions and nomination forms can be found online. Nominations are due Feb. 15; questions may be directed to Katie Lickteig. The awards for ISU alumni are:
- Alumni Medal, recognizes long, loyal service to the university through alumni-related activities
- Alumni Merit Award, recognizes humanitarian efforts that transcend professional accomplishments and bring honor to the university
- Outstanding Young Alumni Award, recognizes alumni age 40 years and younger who excel in their profession and provide service to their community
- James A. Hopson Volunteer Award, recognizes alumni association members age 40 years and younger who show volunteer leadership in the association or alumni-related activities
- Impact Award, recognize individuals or organizations whose programs/accomplishments brought recognition to the university and increased the involvement of ISU constituents in the life of the university in the year prior to being nominated
- Alumni Service Award, recognizes alumni and friends whose self-initiated service supports the daily work of the alumni association in connecting alumni, students and friends to the university
Summer program seeks course proposals for high-ability students
The Office of Admissions Early Outreach (OPPTAG) seeks faculty, staff, graduate students and local teachers interested in teaching summer camp courses for talented and gifted students entering grades 3-11 next fall. The program seeks to add engaging new classes, particularly in the STEM fields, for students who do best in hands-on environments. Course proposals are due Jan. 19, with a decision shared by mid-February. Instructors are monetarily compensated for their time in the classroom. More information about wages and program dates is online. Questions may be directed to program coordinator Tricia Stouder.
Study Abroad Fair is Jan. 18
The spring Study Abroad Fair will be held Thursday, Jan. 18 (10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) in the Memorial Union Great Hall. Learn about interning, studying and volunteering abroad in experiences ranging from one week to one year. Students can enter a drawing for a chance to win study-abroad scholarships.
University childcare has openings in two programs
University Community Childcare, located north of campus at 2623 Bruner Dr., has openings in two of its programs. A sliding fee scale is available for qualified families. For more information or to enroll a child in a program, call 294-9838 or email univcc@iastate.edu:
- Cheerful Cheetahs preschool program for 3- to 5-year-olds. Sessions meet Monday-Friday 8:30-11:30 a.m., and 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., September through May.
- The Comfort Zone, a get-well center for mildly-ill infants through fifth graders. Preregistration is required. Care is given by a registered nurse and professional staff. More information is online or email czone@iastate.edu.
Training for youth program leaders is Jan. 16
The offices of Risk Management, Extension and Outreach, and Conference Planning and Management will offer training on Jan. 16 (9-11 a.m., Administrative Services Building, conference room 1155) that provides youth program leaders, administrators and student organization officers information regarding youth-related policies, procedures and forms for successfully conducting youth programs at ISU. The training is for anyone responsible for planning and supervising youth programs or providing administrative support for one. Preregistration is required; send an email to orm@iastate.edu by Jan. 14.
Call 294-5100 to report a facilities emergency
Members of the campus community are asked to call 294-5100 to report an emergency with a building or utility. This extension is answered 24/7. Non-emergency problems may be submitted online.
Include department name on campus mail
A helpful habit to adopt in 2018 is to include a department name on campus mail addresses. Particularly in buildings with multiple delivery boxes, a department name expedites delivery. If the sender doesn't include it, a campus postal staff member has to look it up -- and that adds time to the process.
