Winter session, winter break begin Dec. 23

Iowa State's winter session for undergraduates, now in its fifth year, drew interest from approximately 1,260 students for about 50 courses. They'll begin class online on Monday, Dec. 23, and wrap up their work on Friday, Jan. 17. As of late last week, upper-division students accounted for 68% of enrolled students, including 445 seniors and 412 juniors. This is consistent with the first four winter academic sessions. Nearly 80% of the courses offered are 2000- or 3000-level, with a handful each of 1000- and 4000-level classes.

A priority during the four weeks is staffing levels that support a successful winter session for enrolled students. Most students are not in Ames but have access to academic support and student services online.

Winter session timeline:

• Monday, Dec. 23: Winter session (online) begins
• Tuesday, Dec. 24, through Thursday, Dec. 26: University holidays
• Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025: University holiday
• Friday, Jan. 17: Winter session concludes
• Monday, Jan. 20: University holiday
• Tuesday, Jan. 21: Spring semester begins

Winter enrollment*

*as of Dec. 13, source: registrar's office

Prep your space before you depart

Winter session aligns with the break between semesters, Dec. 23-Jan. 17. As shared in October, to promote time off, units may reduce services and develop schedules that align with Staffing Guidance for University Breaks. Units open during the winter break may implement break office hours (7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.).

Faculty and staff who will be out of the office over the holiday break should make sure their workspace is in safe and energy-saving mode before they depart. Employee attention to these details will minimize risks and prevent potential issues. Here are some tips:

• Check windows to make sure they're tightly closed and locked. Leaving windows even slightly open during cold weather can cause significant problems for a building's pipes and systems. If a pipe freezes and bursts, it can result in extensive water damage.
• Lock doors and close fire doors.
• Shut down all computers, printers and other accessories. Leave office computers on if needed for remote access or critical operations but turn off connected devices.
• Turn off and unplug appliances and electronics such as copiers, space heaters, coffee pots, microwaves, desk lamps, radios and chargers for electronic devices. 
• Make sure faucets in restrooms and break rooms are turned off and not dripping. If you notice a dripping faucet, contact facilities planning and management's service center, 515-294-5100.
• Turn off office lights and public lighting in areas such as hallways, restrooms and conference rooms.
• Shut down unnecessary climate-controlled plant growth chambers and close fume hood sashes completely, if possible.
• Make sure exterior doors close securely when you exit (or enter) a building.

Changes to service hours

Below are schedule changes for some campus services over the semester break.

Chemistry Stores

Open Dec. 23 and 27 (8 a.m.-noon, no deliveries). Closed Dec 24-26, Jan. 1. Open weekdays Dec. 30-Jan. 17 (7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.).

CyRide

Break schedule in effect Dec. 21-Jan. 19, eliminating some routes and reducing frequency on others. No service Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. No Moonlight Express Dec. 20. Service ends at 6 p.m. Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.

Student health and wellness 

Student Counseling Services and Thielen Student Health Center open weekdays 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed weekends. Closed Dec. 24-26, Jan. 1.

ISU Book Store

Open weekdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22, noon-4 p.m. Closed Dec. 24-25, Dec. 28-29, Jan. 1, Jan. 5 and Jan. 12.

ISU Dining

Closed Dec. 22-Jan. 7. Select retail dining locations begin opening Jan. 8. See online schedule for hours and menus.

IT Solution Center

Open weekdays 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., weekends noon-4 p.m. Closed Dec. 24-26, Jan. 1.

Parks Library

See online schedule for reduced hours Dec. 21-Jan. 19 and library department hours. Closed Dec. 24-26, Dec. 28-29, Jan. 1, Jan. 4-5, Jan. 18 and Jan. 20.

Recreation Services

See online schedule for reduced hours Dec. 21-Jan. 20 (State pool and Lied Recreation closed during this time). State Gym and Beyer Hall open weekdays 6 a.m.-8 p.m. and weekends noon-6 p.m. Beyer pool open 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Dec. 23, Dec. 27, Dec. 30-31 and weekdays Jan. 2-17. Office and all facilities closed Dec. 24-26 and Jan. 1.

Reiman Gardens

Normal winter hours 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. Open 5-9 p.m. for Winter Wonderscape holiday light show Dec. 21, Dec. 23 and Dec. 26-Dec. 28. Closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1.

Stephens Auditorium ticket office

Closed Dec. 23-Jan. 1. Tickets may be purchased via www.ticketmaster.com.

Student Innovation Center

See online schedule for reduced building and Makerspace hours Dec. 23-Jan. 20. Closed Dec. 22, Dec. 24-26, Dec. 28, Jan. 1 and Jan. 20. 

Transportation Services

Kiosk and fuel pumps available 24/7. Call after-hours line at 515-509-1686 with emergencies. Office closed Dec. 21-Jan. 1.

University Museums

All galleries closed Dec. 23-Jan. 20. Office closed Dec. 24-26, Jan. 1 and Jan. 20.