Announcements

September 2012

Flu shot clinic begins Oct. 3

Occupational medicine staff will administer flu shots at no cost to employees (while supplies last) weekdays from Oct. 3 to Oct. 19 (10 a.m.-4 p.m., 205 Technical Administrative Service Facility). No appointment is necessary. Be sure to bring your ISU ID card or your university ID number to the clinic. Employees are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible during the specified October time frame.  More information is available online. 

Special dinner in Tearoom features Yucatan cuisine

Students in Iowa State's fine dining management class will help prepare the food for a special dinner in the Tearoom on Oct. 11 (6-7 p.m., music and cocktails at 5:30 p.m., 23 MacKay) that will feature cuisine from Mexico's Yucatan region. Chef Minelia Romero, a native of Merida, Mexico, will prepare a meal reminiscent of one she served on campus in May 2009. Cost is $40 per person, with proceeds benefitting programs of the Iowa-Yucatan Partners of the Americas. To reserve a seat, contact Rick Exner, 292-6802, by Friday, Oct. 5.

Environmental politics expert will present fall Hilton Chair lecture

Paul Wapner, the 2012-13 Helen LeBaron Hilton Endowed Chair in Human Sciences, will give a public lecture, "Environmentalism Without Nature," on Oct. 3 ( 8 p.m., MU Sun Room). In his 2010 book, Wapner calls for environmentalists to regroup and refashion the American environmental movement to be more politically relevant in the 21st century. His talk is free and open to the public.

ISU Blood Drive is Oct. 1-5

The annual student-run ISU Blood Drive is planned for Oct. 1-5 (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, MU Great Hall). Organizers are requesting that faculty support the drive in two ways: 1) Encourage students to attend and 2) donate. As an extra incentive for donating, faculty and staff may "skip the lines." To do this, find a commitee member in an ISU Blood Drive shirt during the donation times and indicate that you are faculty or staff. If you need additional information, contact the drive's organizers

"Stuff the Bus" is Oct. 6

The 10th annual Stuff the Bus Food Drive is Oct. 6 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.). Nonperishable food items, household items and monetary donations may be dropped off at the Lincoln Way Hy-Vee, West Hy-Vee, Downtown Fareway, Fareway North, Dahl's and Sam's Club. All donations will be given to Mid-Iowa Community Action and Food at First. Volunteers also are needed. If you're interested in volunteering, you may register online. 

Scholarships, funding available for undergrads

Several scholarship and funding opportunities are currently available for undergraduate students through the Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs, including:

  • Awards for student leaders
  • Awards for minority students
  • Funds for internships, research and study abroad for underrepresented students in science and technology fields
  • Funds for conference travel

Guidelines and applications are available online.

All traffic lanes on Stange Road will open today

Pavement replacement work in the southbound lanes of Stange Road has been completed several days ahead of schedule and all four lanes of traffic are scheduled to reopen today (Tuesday) at 2 p.m. The pavement work, the last of a summer-long project affecting mostly the north and east sides of campus, reduced Stange Road traffic to one lane in each direction since Sept. 10.

State Gym closures planned

State Gym will be closed Friday, Sept. 28, for the annual Order of the Knoll fall celebration. The east and west basketball courts at State Gym also will be closed Sept. 26 and 27 for event preparations. Beyer Hall and the Lied Recreation Center will remain open, and regular hours will resume at State Gym on Saturday.

Finalist from "The Voice" to perform at M-Shop Oct. 5

Tony Lucca, veteran of NBC's The Voice (and, 20 years ago, The Mickey Mouse Club), will perform in the Memorial Union's Maintenance Shop Oct. 5 (9 p.m., doors open at 8:30 p.m.). Tickets are $15 in advance ($12 for ISU students) and go up $2 the day of the show. Purchase ticket at the M-Shop box office (M-F 11 a.m.-5 p.m.).

Watch for email phishing scam

Phishing emails aimed at tricking you into divulging your personal information are popping up in campus inboxes. The latest email appears to be from Information Technology Services (ITS) and looks somewhat official with ISU-style branding.  ITS officials believe similar phishing emails that appear to come from other departments,  colleagues or acquaintances may appear in the coming weeks. It's important to remember that ITS will rnever will ask you to click a link or provide personal information in an email. If you receive the email, delete it. Contact the ITS Solution Center (4-4000, solution@iastate.edu) with questions or concerns.

Brush up the resume for college career fairs

Several college career fairs will be held on campus in the next few weeks. Details on the fairs and how to prepare for them are listed on the sites below:

Library announces lineup for fall workshops

Parks Library faculty will lead a series of workshops this fall targeting faculty and graduate students (but open to all). The series opens Sept. 25 with two workshops on SpringerMaterials, the world's largest resource for physical and chemical data in materials science. October workshops will focus on: digital textbooks, the Elsevier Biofuel database, the Knovel eBook collection, the Web of Science index and finding non-government grants for research. Preregistration is required for all workshops. For more information, contact Jody Kalvik, 294-6117.

Register for 12th annual Iowa Organic Conference, Nov. 18-19

Registration is open for the 12th annual Iowa Organic Conference, to be held at the University of Iowa Memorial Union Nov. 18-19 and co-hosted by Iowa State and the University of Iowa. The cost is $35 for students, $95 for others before Oct. 29. Keynote talks will be presented by Fred Kirschenmann, Distinguished Fellow at ISU's Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, and Will Allen, a national force in urban agriculture and community food systems.

Childcare scholarships available for student parents

The Childcare Assistance Program (CAP) is a scholarship program that assists student parents with their child care expenses while they are attending Iowa State University. Applications are due Sept. 30. More information, including the application form, is online, or contact Julia Graden, ISU Child Care and Family Resource Services, 294-8827.

Creative dance class for kids runs through November

Children ages 2 and up may participate in one of two creative dance classes this fall. Both classes meet on Tuesdays in September, October and November (ending Nov. 13). A class for dancers ages 6 and up is from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. in 196 Forker (cost is $2 per class). A class for kids ages 2 to 5 runs from 6:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. in 213 Forker (cost is $1 per class). Contact Janice Baker, 4-3047, with questions. 

ISU Campus Walk is Oct. 3

Join Iowa State students, faculty, staff, families and friends for the ISU Campus Walk on Oct. 3 (noon-1 p.m.), part of the Healthiest ISU Initiative and Healthiest State Initiative. Participants can choose from seven different campus routes, about one kilometer (0.62 miles) each. Participants are encouraged to sign up online in advance.

Learn how to use a fire extinguisher

ISU environmental health and safety and the Ames fire department are providing hands-on fire extinguisher training at the third annual Campus Fire Safety Event on Sept. 21 (9 a.m.-noon, street area between Kildee and Lagomarcino halls). Put out a fire and get a free T-shirt, and collect a series of "Hot Tips" cards that contain coupons to local restaurants.

Register for CyServe Day by Sept. 20

The fifth annual CyServe Day, a joint service effort between Iowa State and the Ames community, is Sept. 22. This year’s volunteer projects include work with the Campustown Action Association, Harmony Clothing Closet, Bethany Manor, Story!, City of Ames Parks and Recreation, Wesley Foundation and others. Those who wish to volunteer may register online through Sept. 20.

Catt Center calendar nominations due Sept. 28

The Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics is accepting nominations for the 2013 "Women Impacting ISU" calendar through 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28. Since 2007, the calendar has highlighted the accomplishments of 12 women -- faculty, staff and students -- currently at Iowa State. The nomination form (PDF) is online; for more information, contact the Catt Center, 4-3181.

SUB seeks creative design teams for Project Runway

The Student Union Board (SUB) is seeking teams of creative student designers to participate in ISU’s Project Runway Sept. 30 (8 p.m., MU Great Hall). The competition is open to currently enrolled ISU students of any major. Teams may include up to six people; a maximum of 20 groups can participate. April Johnston, from Project Runway Season 8 and Project Runway All Stars, will be the guest host and one of the judges. Registration forms and rules are available online. Entry forms must be returned to the East Student Office Space in the MU by Sept. 26. Project Runway is free and open to the public.

ISC courtyard plan will be shared at Sept. 19 meeting

Landscape architects from the Sasaki Associates design team will share the preferred concept plan for the Iowa State Center courtyard area at an open meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 19 (5:30  p.m., MU Cardinal Room). The meeting is free and open to the public.

Fan-pleasing fanfare at installation

The fanfare preceding the academic procession at the Sept. 14 installation of President Steven Leath should have a pleasantly familiar ring to many in the audience. Director of bands Michael Golemo  composed "A Cyclone Fanfare" for the occasion. "I used excerpts from the three school songs in a very symphonic and nontraditional way," Golemo said. "I also used a fourth unofficial school song that should be familiar to Jack Trice Stadium regulars." The installation ceremony is in Stephens Auditorium (10-11:30 a.m.). A reception follows in Stephens Celebrity Café (11:45 a.m.-1 p.m).

Students to celebrate, lunch with the Leaths Thursday

Students, joined by Cy, the pep band and cheerleaders, will welcome President Steven Leath and his wife Janet to the university on the eve of the presidential installation. The Sept. 13 student celebration will occur on central campus, near the campanile (11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.). President Leath will give brief remarks at 12:20 p.m., and a picnic lunch will be served.

Discrimination/harassment prevention training is free

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance invites all ISU employees (faculty, merit, P&S) to attend a general session on discrimination and harassment prevention. The 90-minute session will be offered several times each month this fall, and the enrollment cap has been raised to 170 people per session. Registration, including dates and times, is online via AccessPlus (once logged in, under employee tab, click on HRS training to see sessions listed alphabetically). Questions may be directed to Sara Brock, 4-7612.  

University awards ceremony is Sept. 21

The Iowa State community is invited to the 2012 university awards ceremony on Friday, Sept. 21 (3:15 p.m., Memorial Union Sun Room). Recipients of the university's most distinguished awards for faculty and staff will be honored. A reception will follow in the MU South Ballroom. Coming on the heels of president Steven Leath's formal installation Sept. 14 -- at which he'll share his vision for Iowa State -- the awards ceremony will not include this piece of the university's typical fall convocation. All are welcome.

Study Abroad Fair is Sept. 20

The Study Abroad Center is hosting the fall Study Abroad Fair on Sept. 20 (10 a.m.-1 p.m., MU Great Hall). The fair gives students an opportunity to get information about international programs, learn about financial aid for study abroad, and explore internship and work abroad options. Students from all majors as well as faculty interested in leading a program are encouraged to attend.

Lied Rec area to close Sept. 14

The main floor of the Lied Recreation Athletic Center -- including the track, turf and basketball courts -- will close for resurfacing on Friday, Sept.14. The area is scheduled to reopen Oct. 15. The first-floor racquetball courts, locker rooms and climbing wall remains open, along with the upper track and fitness area.

Medallion ceremony for Bergman is Sept. 21

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will honor professor of mathematics Clifford Bergman as the Janson Professor in Mathematics during a medallion ceremony Sept. 21 (5 p.m., MU Campanile Room). The public is welcome; RSVPs are requested to Laura Wille. A reception will follow.

Fine dining fall lineup announced

The students in the hospitality management program's fall Fine Dining Management course have announced their schedule of fine dining dinners, served in the Joan Bice Underwood Tea Room, 23 MacKay. The price per person is $35 ($30 without wine). The dinners start at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings, with seating beginning at 6:15 p.m. Participants may pay with check, cash or CyCash at the end of each dinner. Dinner themes, dates and contact people (to register) are:

  • Oct. 3: American Comfort Classics, Sammy, 515-669-1014.
  • Oct. 17: Northeastern American Cuisine, Choi, 515-509-0658.
  • Nov. 7: Midwestern American Cuisine, Kara, 563-499-3033.
  • Nov. 28: Southwestern American Cuisine, Stephanie, 563-579-3923.

Ohio State prof will give talk on supply chain risk management

Tom Goldsby, a professor of logistics in The Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business, will give a talk, "A Holistic Approach to Supply Chain Risk Management: Exposing Vulnerabilities and Prioritizing Action," on Friday, Sept. 21 (10 a.m., 3164 Gerdin). All are welcome to attend.

Sidewalk replacement between Beardshear and Hub begins Sept. 19 (new start date)

Look for sidewalk improvements between Beardshear and the Hub starting Sept. 19. The work will replace broken sidewalks and replace the brick paver area that has settled over time creating a tripping hazard. Given the high use of the area, facilities leaders believe it is important to make these improvements this fall. Construction is anticipated to last about one week. 

Engineering study, work abroad fair is Sept. 11

ISU engineering students have an opportunity to learn about their international study and work options at the "Tour the World!" Engineering study and work abroad fair on Sept. 11 (5:30-7 p.m., Howe Hall atrium). ISU faculty coordinators representing over 30 Engineering international partnerships will be available to discuss programs. Students who have participated in these programs and international exchange students also will share their experiences. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend. 

P&S Council open forum is walking art tour, Sept. 13

Dorothy Witter, University Museums, will host a walking art tour of central campus on Sept. 13 (noon-1 p.m., lobby of Parks Library) as part of the Professional and Scientific Council's open forum series. The tour wil include a stop at the Grant Wood murals and various Christian Petersen sculptures. All are invited to attend.

ISU ranks 68th in the world in scholarly web presence

A research group that ranks universities based on the scientific and academic materials on web sites puts Iowa State at No. 68 internationally. Among U.S. universities, Iowa State ranks No. 54. The binannual Webometrics Ranking of World Universities, comes from the Spanish public research organization Cybermetrics Lab. The group ranks universities by web presence and, particularly, the access they provide to scholarly materials. The latest July ranking lists the top 20,000 higher education institutions in the world. Rankings are based on the number of: pages on the university site, external sites that link to the university, rich files (Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Postscript, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint), and papers and citations on Google Scholar. 

Quisenberry to hold another listening session

Vice president for research and economic development Sharron Quisenberry will hold another listening session this fall with research faculty and staff as part of her review of the services provided by her office. Quisenberry and associate vice president for business and finance Pam Cain will convene the listening session Friday, Oct. 12 (10 a.m.-noon, MU Gallery). They'd like to hear what shortfalls exist and what is needed to build an infrastructure that can manage Iowa State's growing research enterprise. Quisenberry held two such sessions last fall and said the input was helpful.