Announcements
February 2023
Application deadline extended to March 9 for campus undergrad research symposium
Faculty are asked to encourage their undergraduate research mentees to present their research project in a conference-style oral presentation at ISU's 17th Annual Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression on Thursday, April 20, at the Student Innovation Center.
Comments due March 10 on policy draft covering out-of-state employment
The public comment period closes Friday, March 10, on a proposed university policy, Employment of Out-of-State and Out-of-Country (International) Residents. In response to workplace changes prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and to remain in compliance with employment law and payroll regulations, the university needs a policy to address residency and place of work. The proposed policy clarifies university expectations and implements consistent procedures for recruiting and employing faculty and P&S, merit, contract, temporary and student employees with out-of-state work locations.
Conversation continues on support for families in campus communities
ADVANCE Midwest Partnership, of which Iowa State is a member, is hosting a second virtual conversation about on-campus child care and family support Thursday, March 30 (noon-1:30 p.m. CST). This is a continuation of a Jan. 26 conversation, and the focus will be on strategies for implementing child care infrastructure that's flexible to better meet the family needs of a campus community rich in cultural, ethnic and gender diversity. Wendy Wagner Robeson, Wellesley Centers for Women, Massachusetts; and Autumn Green, 2023 Urban Institute fellow and visiting scholar-activist at the University of Michigan, will lead the session. All members of the ISU community (students and employees) are welcome. Register to receive the link.
Schwartz to step down as Ames Lab director
Adam Schwartz, who has served as director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames National Laboratory since 2014, announced this week he will step down and transition to a part-time role in business development for the lab's critical materials research. He will remain director until his successor is named, or until July 2024. The provost office will lead a national search to identify Schwartz's successor.
Free workshop answers questions about starting a small business
Anyone who has ever considered starting a small business is invited to a free "crash course" workshop, Smart Start, Saturday, March 4 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., Ames Chamber of Commerce, 304 Main St.). Topics to be covered by local professionals include insurance, taxes, applying for loans and grants, intellectual property, business organization, registration and operations. Smart Start provides information as well as the opportunity to ask questions. Register online for a partial or full day. The Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, Small Business Development Center and Ames Chamber of Commerce are cohosting the workshop.
Pitch off finale rescheduled for March 2
Winners of the college-by-college Pitch Off preliminary rounds (Feb. 13-17) will compete for a top prize of $5,000 at the Pitch Off finale Thursday, March 2 (2-5 p.m., 4250 Student Innovation Center). The Feb. 22-23 ice storm postponed the event a week. In each of two categories -- new idea for a business and existing business -- student pitches also will be rewarded for second place ($2,500) and third place ($1,500). Spectators are welcome.
Feb. 23: Remote work, classes meet virtually
Due to the icy conditions Wednesday that continued overnight, classes will be held virtually, when possible, and employees should work remotely on Thursday, Feb. 23. More.
Presentation proposals sought for Youth Programs Symposium
The office of risk management is accepting proposals for presentations for its 2023 Youth Programs Symposium, to be held virtually Friday, April 21 (8:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.). Proposals are due March 26. The symposium is for youth program leaders and other interested faculty, staff and stakeholders who want to learn more about youth programming at Iowa State. More information and the proposal submission form are online.
Faculty, staff volunteers needed at SHOP during spring break
The SHOP food pantry, 1306 Beyer, needs faculty and staff volunteers over spring break, March 13-17, to keep the pantry open to students. Use this link to sign up. SHOP's service hours are:
- Monday, 1-6 p.m.
- Tuesday, 5-8 p.m. (9-11 a.m. food stocking)
- Wednesday, 2-7 p.m.
- Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Design's first I+E Day highlights social innovation
The College of Design's first Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day on Friday, Feb. 24, will offer opportunities for students, staff, faculty and the public to contribute to a culture of care: care for oneself, for the community and for the built and natural environments. A student workshop continues all day Saturday.
Tickets remain for March 3 concert by Ukrainian orchestra
The Ames International Orchestra Festival Association is bringing the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine to Ames for a Friday, March 3, concert (7:30 p.m., Stephens Auditorium), the final stop on its U.S. tour. Tickets, $35-$80, are available via Ticketmaster. As part of the tour, the orchestra played New York City's Carnegie Hall and Washington D.C.'s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts earlier this month.
88th annual 25 Year Club Banquet is Feb. 27
The 25 Year Club will honor new members at its annual banquet Feb. 27 (5 p.m., Gateway Hotel and Conference Center). To be eligible for the 25 Year Club, employees must have completed at least 25 years of continuous service by Dec. 31 on the previous year. Employees who completed 35, 45 and 50 years of continuous service during the previous calendar year also will be recognized at the banquet. Honorees, supervisors, committee members and past members of the 25 Year Club can find information about the event on the 25 Year Club website.
'Ask Me Anything' panel looks at neurodiversity
The division of student affairs' Diversity and Inclusion Committee continues its series of Ask Me Anything panels with "Neurodiversity from Neurodiverse Perspectives" on Wednesday, March 8 (10:30-11:30 a.m. via Zoom). As described in a recent Inside story, neurodiversity acknowledges that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways. There is no one "right" way of thinking, learning and behaving, and these differences should not be viewed as deficits. Voices will include students, staff and faculty from across the university. Registration is encouraged, and questions can be submitted online.
Travel and special events fair for employees is March 2
Procurement services will host its first Travel and Event Services Showcase on Thursday, March 2 (noon-3 p.m., MU Campanile Room). The event will spotlight resources -- internal and external -- available to Iowa State employees to assist them in planning future events and travel. The list of outside vendor and university service units is online. No registration is needed; simply bring your ISUCard to check in and be entered in the drawing for door prizes. Enjoy giveaways.
Boxers compete Saturday on campus
Iowa State's Boxing Club is hosting the "Cyclone Throwdown" Saturday, Feb. 25 (2-5 p.m., doors open at 1:30 p.m., southwest courts, State Gym). There will be a single ring with spectator seating. Admission is $10 (students $5) at the door. Other clubs competing represent the universities of Wisconsin (Madison), Illinois (Chicago and Urbana-Champaign campuses) and Iowa, and Marquette University, Milwaukee. Each bout lasts up to three rounds.
Spring child care scholarships still available for undergraduate student parents
The office of Child Care and Family Services at Iowa State is accepting applications for the undergraduate Childcare Assistance Program (CAP). This scholarship program is available to undergraduate student parents attending Iowa State to assist with out-of-pocket costs for child care services. Eligible student parents may receive up to $1,250 per semester. Funds are still available for spring semester, and students with the highest financial need will receive priority consideration. Full eligibility guidelines and application instructions are on the Child Care & Family Services website. Email questions to ccfamily@iastate.edu.
Tearoom has dine-in, to-go options this semester
The Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom is open for the semester in 23 MacKay Hall. Lunch, which this semester will feature a weekly special, is served Tuesdays through Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The cost is $8, and students in Hospitality Management 380L, Food Production and Management Experience, are the tearoom "staff." Those dining in are asked to make a reservation using the tearoom's online reservation system. To-go orders are available from the back of the tearoom (16 MacKay, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or until food is out). To-go meals can be preordered by emailing tearoom@iastate.edu by 9 a.m. that day.
Safety trainings offered by ISU police officers
In response to this week's shootings on the Michigan State campus, leaders in the ISU police division remind the campus community of several safety trainings its staff can provide, on request. Also, remember the university has a new safety app for smartphones, Iowa State Safe, with many safety functions. For more information or to request a training session, email isupdoutreach@iastate.edu. Trainings include:
- Recognizing and Reporting Disruptive Behavior. The focus is on recognizing the warning signs of escalating and disruptive behavior, as well as strategies for mitigating potential acts of violence before a problem becomes unmanageable, including techniques for deescalating an agitated person. The length depends on audience interaction, but usually is 1-2 hours.
- Violent Incident Response Training. This training promotes an options-based response and teaches a flexible set of principles that can be adapted to any violent encounter. The emphasis is on Iowa State resources and response options, but the training can aid survival in any location. The length depends on audience interaction, but usually is 1.5-2 hours.
- Office space assessment. This outreach educates faculty and staff about best practices for safety in their workspaces. It combines principles of crime prevention with environmental design, and offers options for arranging an office space, adding elements of security and developing a plan for yourself and colleagues. This process is site-specific to employees' work spaces.
- Safety planning. For individuals or groups with an identified safety concern, this process helps identify tools and resources an individual already possesses to keep them safe -- and additional resources they may need. Safety planning is individualized and addresses emotional, psychological and physical safety risks.
March 1 is application deadline for campus undergrad research symposium
Undergraduate students who do mentored research in a campus lab are invited to present their research project in a conference-style oral presentation at ISU's 17th Annual Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression on Thursday, April 20, at the Student Innovation Center.
Business analytics symposium is March 29
Registration is open through March 21 for the Ivy College of Business' annual Business Analytics Symposium on Wednesday, March 29, at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, Des Moines. Learn from industry leaders, connect with the analytics community and earn up to 6.6 credits of continuing professional education. Keynote speakers include Anand Rao, global artificial intelligence leader at PwC; and Shannon Terry, senior vice president and chief advanced analytics officer at Nationwide. Peter Orazem, University Professor of economics, will participate in the conversation, "Making Sense of the Post-COVID Economy and Where it is Headed," with Robin Anderson, chief economist at the Iowa Department of Revenue, and Steven Elmore, chief economist at Corteva.
Events for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week
In association with National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, an annual campaign to educate the public about eating disorders and provide hope, support and visibility to those affected, these awareness events are scheduled:
- Feb. 20, 9-9:50 a.m., Mindful movement yoga class, 2112 State Gym, walk-ins welcome
- Feb. 22, 5-6:30 p.m., Panel discussion, "Dating Violence, Eating Disorders and Relationships," 2030 Student Services Building
- Feb. 23, 5:30-7 p.m., Presentation, "Body Respect: How to Develop a Better Relationship with Food and Your Body," with registered dietitians and psychologist, 2030 Student Services Building
- Feb. 24, 8 a.m.-5 p.m, conference, "Spotlight on Recovery," Eating Disorder Coalition of Iowa (morning session for caregivers, afternoon session for providers), West 48 Event Center, West Des Moines
Identify juniors for Carver scholarship
Staff in the office of student financial aid ask faculty and staff to help identify eligible candidates for the renewable $6,000 Roy J. Carver Scholarship, funded by the Muscatine-based Carver Trust and awarded to up to 20 Iowa State juniors each fall. Applicants must be Iowa residents, fulltime students with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.80 and 2023-24 FAFSA on file that demonstrates financial need. They also need to present evidence of unique social or financial barriers to attending college full-time. Encourage students to read more on the scholarship website.
Scholarship available to fall juniors
Twenty ISU students are selected each year for a renewable $6,000 scholarship from the Roy J. Carver Trust, Muscatine. This spring's applicants must be Iowa residents with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.80 who will be junior-level in fall 2023 and have faced significant social and economic obstacles to being a fulltime college student. Applicants must have a FAFSA on file for the 2023-24 academic year with a demonstrated need. The online application is due April 1; questions may be directed to the office of student financial aid, 0640 Beardshear, 294-0103.
Be a team leader at Destination Iowa State
New student programs staff are recruiting returning students to serve as team leaders during Destination Iowa State, Aug. 17-19. Each team leader mentors and leads a group of up to 20 students through the DIS experience. Leaders attend two leadership development workshops and complete a course in Canvas this spring. Earn up to $400. Applications are due March 5; questions may be directed to Cassidy Conway in the new student programs office (5554 Memorial Union), emailed to nsp@iastate.edu or call 515-294-0801. Learn more from past team leaders during a drop-in session Thursday, Feb. 23 (noon-2 p.m., 5554 MU).
Library seeks feedback about website
The university library is holding four focus groups Feb. 15-16 for researchers and instructors to share their thoughts on the library website. Breakfast sessions (8-9 a.m.) and lunch sessions (noon-1 p.m.) will offered each day. Register to participate.
Bookstore hosts Pete the Cat Saturday morning
The University Book Store is hosting a storytime with children's book character Pete the Cat Saturday, Feb. 11 (10:30-11:15 a.m., bookstore, Memorial Union). As part of the event, Pete the Cat books will be buy one, save 50% on the second, and themed plush toys will be $5 off.
Ames Lab youth science kits will be ready for spring break
The Ames National Laboratory's United Way committee has created science kits as a spring fundraiser. Each kit includes all materials and explanations needed to perform five experiments and understand what is happening during them. All of the experiments tie in to work Ames Lab is performing. The kits, $30 each, are geared toward middle school students, but younger children could participate with adult supervision. The kits will be available starting March 8, just in time for spring break. To reserve kits, submit this form by Wednesday, Feb. 22. After that, any remaining kits will be available on a first come, first served basis. Questions can be sent to unitedway@ameslab.gov.
Nominations open for awards to recognize great suppliers to ISU
Procurement services is accepting nominations through Feb. 28 for its six 2023 Supplier Awards. The awards are open to all suppliers that provided goods or services to Iowa State in 2022 and meet the criteria of the award(s) for which they're nominated. Faculty or staff who have worked with a supplier that deserves recognition are encouraged to nominate them. More information about each award, including the nomination form, is online:
- Customer Service
- Stratetegic Partnership
- Small Business of the Year
- Supplier of the Year
- cyBUY Supplier of the Year
- Environmental Excellence
City's snow ordinance takes effect Wednesday night
The city of Ames' snow ordinance will go into effect at 10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, and remain in effect until it has stopped snowing and the streets are plowed curb to curb. The snow ordinance likely will remain in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, but could vary throughout the community due to plowing challenges. 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.
Next Goldfinch Room concert is Feb. 28
Iowa singer/songwriters J. Jeffrey Messerole and Sara Routh will combine their talents for a Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. concert on the Goldfinch Room stage at Stephens Auditorium. Tables that seat up to four cost $40, and a limited number of general admission seats are $15; purchase tickets online. Concessions will be available, too.
Provost's office has partial funding for summer faculty success program
The provost's office will partially sponsor faculty who participate in this summer's online 12-week Faculty Success Program hosted by the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity. Faculty participants learn the skills to increase their research and writing productivity while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The office will contribute $2,500 toward early registration costs of $4,250; participants must cover the rest through other sources, including matching funds, professional development funds, grants, etc. The online application form must be completed by Feb. 23; questions may be directed to Katharine Hensley. Funds are available for up to four faculty in each group:
- Term faculty with a long-term appointment and research/publication responsibilities
- Tenured or tenure-track faculty, with a priority on early career faculty
Steven Nissen funeral is Feb. 10
Steven Nissen, professor emeritus of animal science, died Jan. 29 in Ames. He was 71. Friends and family will gather Thursday, Feb. 9 (4-7 p.m., Prairie Moon Winery, 3801 W. 190th St.). A funeral service will be held Friday, Feb. 10 (10:30 a.m., Gilbert Lutheran Church, 135 School St., Gilbert). Memorials may be directed to the Steven L. Nissen Scholarship in Entrepreneurship at the ISU Foundation, P.O. Box 2230, Ames, Iowa 50010. Obituary.
William Reece funeral is Feb. 11
Dr. William Reece, retired (1998) University Professor of veterinary physiology and pharmacology, died Feb. 1 in Ames. He was 94. Visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 10 (4-6:30 p.m., St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 2900 Hoover Ave.), with a vigil service at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, also at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to the Israel Family Hospice House or St. Cecilia church. Obituary.
Nominate students to be peer leaders in August
The new student programs staff soon will recruit team leaders for Destination Iowa State in August, and faculty and staff are invited to nominate worthy students. Team leaders play an important role in welcoming students to Iowa State and preparing them for academic success. You can nominate students two ways: complete the online nomination form or contact Cassidy Conway; the staff will follow up with your nominee(s).
Nominate a great faculty mentor
To acknowledge the critical role that faculty mentoring plays at Iowa State, the provost's office annually recognizes, with its Exemplary Faculty Mentor Award, senior colleagues who have gone above and beyond the usual expectations of a mentor. Completed nomination forms (PDF) for the recognition are due Feb. 28 via email to exemplary@iastate.edu. Questions may be directed to Katharine Hensley, 294-8823. This spring's Faculty Mentor recognition reception will be held Friday, March 31 (3:30 p.m., MU Campanile Room).
English conversation leaders sought for spring semester
Staff in the international students and scholars office (ISSO) are recruiting volunteer English conversation leaders for English Together: Daily English Conversations this semester. The program is intended to help international students and scholars practice their English skills through conversation, games and topics of interest. ISSO provides all guidance and weekly resources to lead the sessions. An information meeting for faculty, staff or students interested in being a conversation leader will be held Thursday, Feb. 9 (4-5 p.m., 0034 Parks Library).
Workshop presenters sought for state 4-H youth conference
Iowa 4-H Council, a unit of ISU Extension and Outreach, invites faculty and staff to lead an educational workshop at the annual Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, June 27-29, on campus. The conference is open to Iowa students in grades 8-12, and the 90-minute workshops focus on career opportunities, future planning, life and leadership skills, cultural enrichment, and current issues and opportunities. A list of suggested topics is online, and the workshop proposal form is due March 31. Questions may be directed to Madeleine Bretey-Smith. Choose from three presentation options:
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3-day continued workshop with the same delegates, more in-depth on the topic each day
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2-day continued workshop with the same delegates
- 1, 2 or 3 days, presenting the same workshop for different audiences
Nominations due March 1 for 2023-24 leadership academy
The office of the senior vice president and provost seeks nominations by March 1 for the 2023-24 cohort of the Emerging Leaders Academy. ELA fosters and enhances the leadership development of faculty and P&S staff currently serving in leadership roles or those who aspire to such positions. During the academic year, the cohort participates in monthly leadership activities led by content experts and facilitators. Participants also work in teams to complete a university-related capstone project. More information regarding eligibility and the nomination process is online. Next fall's cohort will be announced by April 1. Questions may be directed to Katharine Hensley in the provost's office.
Town & Gown Musicale tickets on sale now
The Ames Town & Gown Chamber Music Association's annual Musicale will be held Saturday, Feb. 18 (7 p.m., St. John's by the Campus Episcopal Church, 2338 Lincoln Way). Tickets, $50 (students $15) may be purchased online or at the door, and include a post-performance reception with hors d'oeuvres and desserts. Numerous Iowa State faculty and students will perform.
ISCORE registration is open
Registration opened Feb. 1 for the the 23nd annual Thomas L. Hill Iowa State Conference on Race and Ethnicity (ISCORE) on Friday, March 3. ISCORE is the university's comprehensive forum on issues of race and ethnicity and provides an ongoing platform of sharing and applying knowledge through presentations and workshops. It's free and open to all faculty, staff and students. A preconference for faculty, staff and graduate students will be held Wednesday, March 1 (10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.).
Horticulture club hosts Valentine's bouquet sale
Members of the horticulture club are selling rose, carnation and a few featured flower bouquets Feb. 13-14 (9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily, east foyer of Union Drive Community Center). Pre-orders (custom or pre-designed) will be taken through 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, or walk up to purchase flowers on those days. Bouquet prices range from $15 to $65. Cash, check and credit cards are accepte payment. Proceeds support the club's travel.
Undergraduate 'research in the capitol' applications due Feb. 6
The annual Research in the Capitol, featuring undergraduate research at Iowa's three regent universities, will be held Monday, March 6. Faculty or staff mentoring undergraduate researchers should encourage them to complete the RIC abstract form by Feb. 6. Applications may be submitted by individuals or small groups. Iowa State sends 15 research projects to the event, where undergraduates display posters and describe their research to legislators, reporters and university administrators, serving as ambassadors to convey the depth and variety of research on campus. Submissions are evaluated by topic, relevance to legislative interests and geographic representation. Students or their research mentors may contact Svitlana Zbarska, undergraduate research program coordinator, for more information.
Heart health for Iowa Staters
February is American Heart Month, and environmental health and safety (EHS) staff remind the campus community that the prevalence of heart diseases and heart defects in our country means you could be present when someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest. EHS coordinates the university's automated external defibrillator (AED) program, which provides equipment and training to increase the survival rate for people who experience sudden cardiac arrest. Learn more about the AED program and other heart health resources. Be prepared; be safe.
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.
