Announcements
September 2020
Annual student financial aid conference for employees is Oct. 9
All faculty, staff and other campus partners are invited to the 23rd annual Financial Aid Campus Partners Conference, which will be held virtually on Friday, Oct. 9 (8:30-11 a.m., via Webex). Register online. The conference shares with faculty and staff information on financial aid policies, procedures and program changes and gives them an opportunity to ask questions. An optional 30-minute session at 8:30 a.m. is geared for those new to campus or who need a refresher on the nuts and bolts of ISU student financial aid. Beginning at 9 a.m., staff will cover these topics:
- Office of Student Financial Success
- Scholarships, OneApp
- Student financial aid assistance options
- Consortium agreements
- Summer aid
- Withdrawals, Satisfactory academic progress
- FAFSA
- Winterim
P&S seminar focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion
The next event in the Professional and Scientific Council Seminar Series is set for Oct. 13 (2-3 p.m., online). Join the discussion when representatives from the ISU offices of Diversity and Inclusion and of Equal Opportunity and the Iowa Civil Rights Commission share their thoughts, insights and experiences with engaging in diversity, equity and inclusion work on campus. All events in the seminar series this fall are being livestreamed on Adobe Connect, and the recorded session will be posted in Learn@ISU approximately one week later.
Celebrate CALS Week through Oct. 2
The College of Agriculture and Life Science Student Council is celebrating CALS Week this week, Sept. 28-Oct. 2. The following events will follow COVID-19 mitigation guidelines and are open to faculty, staff and students:
- Block and Bridle hunger fight, Sept. 28, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Iowa Farm Bureau Pavilion, Kildee Hall
- Free pork chop on-a-stick, Sept. 30, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., central campus
- Bacon Expo, Sept. 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m., parking lot 40 near Kildee Hall
- CALS Olympics, Sept. 30, 6:30 p.m., central campus
- Free pizza, Oct. 1, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., central campus
- Mr. CALS crowning, Oct. 1, 6 p.m., Troxel Hall
- Free bagels, Oct. 2, 7-10 a.m., central campus
Registration is open for girls STEM conference
Registration is open for the virtual "Go Further" Girls STEM Conference Monday-Saturday, Oct. 19-24. Registration is free and open to all female-identifying students (including those who are cisgender, trans, of trans experience, etc.) in grades 8-10. In live and prerecorded sessions, participants learn about various STEM fields and STEM opportunities at Iowa State and interact with female-identifying STEM role models. Questions may be directed to Sarah DuBois.
Study Abroad Center moves to MU third floor
The Study Abroad Center has moved to 3226 Memorial Union from the building's sixth floor. The office is open to walk in traffic, but virtual meetings are encouraged. Students can find more information about connecting with the Study Abroad Center online.
FEMA to open derecho recovery center in Ames for 11 days
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will operate a drive-through disaster recovery center in Ames Tuesday, Sept. 29, through Saturday, Oct. 10 (9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday). The location is North River Valley Park on East 13 Street. Property owners and renters in Benton, Boone, Cedar, Jasper, Linn, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story and Tama counties whose homes were damaged by the Aug. 10 derecho qualify for individual assistance through FEMA. At the center, FEMA personnel will scan aid applicants' documents and quickly answer questions about disaster assistance programs. Applicants don't have to visit a center to submit documents to FEMA; mail, fax and online (DisasterAssistance.gov) options also are available.
Reiman Gardens seeks pumpkin stencilers, carvers
Volunters are needed to help stencil (Oct. 2, 8, 9, 16, 17) and carve (Oct, 21-23, Oct. 28-30) pumpkins at Reiman Gardens this month. Carvers must be at least 13 years old. The lit jack-o-lanterns will be used at the annual Spirits in the Gardens event Oct. 23-25 and Oct. 30-Nov. 1. Registration is required and closes 48 hours before each date. To register a large group, email the volunteer coordinator. COVID-19 mitigation strategies will be in place during all volunteer shifts.
New hours at COVID-19 testing site begin Sept. 28
Beginning Monday, Sept. 28, the university's primary COVID-19 testing site at Johnny's in Hilton Coliseum will have new service hours. They are:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.-noon
Students, faculty and staff should continue to call 515-294-5801 (option 9) to schedule an appointment, or make an appointment online at www.cyclonehealth.org/appt.
Weekly snapshot added to COVID data website
A new feature added to the top of the COVID-19 Testing site is a weekly snapshot that provides a few takeaways on the current dashboard data. The snapshot will be updated every Monday when the new weekly numbers are posted.
Pick a day to celebrate Green Dot Action Month in October
As part of Green Dot Action Month in October, Student Wellness is asking faculty, staff and students to lead their offices or student organizations in promoting Green Dot, the university's personal violence prevention initiative. Go to the online sign-up sheet to select a proactive Green Dot action for an office or organizations and a specific day. On the day of your group's event, celebrate by decorating and wearing green. Post photos of your virtual or in-person gathering with #GreenDotActionMonth to enter a drawing for gift cards.
Nominations due Dec. 1 for alumni association awards
Nominations are due Dec. 1 for three awards presented annually by the ISU Alumni Association. Questions about any of the awards may be directed to Katie Lickteig. The awards are:
- Faculty/Staff Inspiration Award (nominators must have been ISU students), recognizes an employee who had a significant impact on a student's professional or personal life while at Iowa State.
- Iowa STATEment Maker, recognizes alumni 34 years and younger who reflect the spirit of ISU with accomplishments in any of these categories: scholastic, career achievement, personal achievement, entrepreneurial spirit or service.
- Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award, recognizes outstanding senior students (90+ credits) who display high character, achievements in academics and university/community activities, and promise for continuing these exemplary qualities as alumni. Seniors graduating this December are eligible.
Reminder: TIAA match goes down in September
University employees who participate in the TIAA mandatory retirement plan are reminded the reduction in the university's match takes effect this month and will show up for the first time in the "employer paid benefits" section of September payslips. Announced in July as part of a broad budget-reduction plan, the university is reducing its TIAA match 2 percentage points (from 10% to 8%) for 10 months, September through the end of the fiscal year in June. This change does not impact an employee's pay. The reduction will save the university an estimated $4.8 million.
University faculty, staff awards ceremony won't be held
Iowa State's annual faculty-staff awards ceremony, which honors the recipients of 27 university-wide awards for excellence in teaching, research, outreach, service and professionalism, won't be held this fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Award plaques will be delivered to all recipients later this semester. The list of award recipients was shared with the campus community in the April 30 Inside Iowa State.
Register for Oct. 1 'Picture a Scientist' screening, discussion
ISU ADVANCE will host a screening of "Picture A Scientist" Oct. 1 (6 p.m., via Webex). The 93-minute documentary chronicles the careers of three women scientists who overcame harassment, institutional discrimination and years of subtle slights to revolutionize the culture in science. After the screening, there will be a panel discussion of representatives of the ADVANCE Midwest Partnership: Iowa State, North Dakota State, Western Michigan and Michigan Tech. Register in advance to receive a Webex link for the event.
Reiman entrepreneurial speaker is Sept. 29
Alex Timm, CEO and cofounder of Columbus, Ohio-based Root Insurance, will present the Pappajohn Center for Entreprenuership's next Reiman series address Tuesday, Sept. 29 (noon-1 p.m., via Zoom). Register online to receive the Zoom link. Timm altered the insurance industry when he founded Root Insurance on the principle that rates should be based on driving behaviors, not demographics. His talk is titled, "Using Data and Technology to Disrupt."
Grants available to support student artistic projects
Iowa State student artists, writers, performers and musicians are invited to apply for Focus grants to support their creative ideas. Individuals or groups from all majors may apply for up to $600 for new artistic projects done outside of the classroom. Grants support creation and presentations in visual art, apparel design, writing, theater, dance and musical performances. Fall applications are due Oct. 1; more information about how to apply is online.
View John Lewis documentary, support Stephens Auditorium
Stephens Auditorium patrons can unlock access to the 2020 documentary, "John Lewis: Good Trouble," join a nationwide watch hosted by 60+ cultural sites and support Stephens. The $12 rental fee includes a $5 donation to Stephens, and the movie link is good for 30 days after purchase. This rental includes access to Lewis' interview with Oprah Winfrey shortly before his July 17 death and a one-hour panel discussion, recorded in July, between the film's director and two of Lewis' fellow Freedom Riders, Bernard Lafayette and Rip Patton. You also may take part in a live virtual conversation about Lewis' legacy Sept. 21 (6 p.m.)
P&S class/comp system goes live in Workday this weekend
As announced last month, Sunday, Sept. 20, is the go-live date in Workday for the new classification and compensation system for the university's professional and scientific (P&S) employees. Information relevant to the new system -- including final job title, pay grade, the new 16-level pay matrix and exemption status under the federal FLSA -- will be available in Workday. Last week and this week, supervisors of P&S employees received email notification of their employees' placement in the compensation structure, the final piece to implementing the new system. Supervisors were invited to share this news with their employees prior to Sept. 20. P&S employees are encouraged to review their profiles in Workday starting next week; see the new headline in the announcements section when you log in.
Celebration of life for Pat Thiel is Sept. 18
A celebration of life for Distinguished Professor of chemistry and of materials science and engineering Patricia (Pat) Thiel will be held Friday, Sept. 18 (11 a.m., MU Great Hall). Thiel died Sept. 7 from breast cancer. Doors open at 10:15 a.m. with limited seating. Face masks and physical distancing are required. The service will be livestreamed here. Memorials may be directed to Thiel's family for future designation, in care of the Adams Funeral Home, P.O. Box 745, Ames, 50010. Obituary.
Cardinal Women* announces 2020-21 cohort
The third cohort of Cardinal Women*, a personal and professional leadership development program for ISU faculty and staff who identify as women, kicked off this month. The 60-person roster is split into fall and spring participants, with each 30-person group holding five two-hour in-person sessions with 10 small group leaders, following Cyclones Care safety protocols, and continuing the discussion on Canvas between meetings. Program topics include identifying and silencing the inner critic, discovering and utilizing your inner mentor, communication style strategies, approaches to negotiation, and how to support and affirm community members who identify as women. Tera Lawson of procurement services and Denise Williams-Klotz of Multicultural Student Affairs developed and lead the program.
Fall deadlines extended for student tuition adjustments
Recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic may be causing challenges or hardships for students and their families, Iowa State is extending the deadlines for withdrawals and tuition adjustments for fall 2020 semester.
- The deadline to withdraw and pay 50% of fall tuition has been extended from Friday, Sept. 4, to Friday, Sept. 25.
- The deadline to withdraw and pay 75% of fall tuition has been extended from Friday, Sept. 11, to Friday, Oct. 9.
The university's objective during this time has been to help all students make academic progress toward their degrees by balancing in-person learning and virtual classes. These circumstances are not ideal and may not be sustainable for all students.
CELT will hire an inclusive classroom faculty fellow
The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) invites tenured and term faculty at the rank of associate or full professor to apply for a half-time, three-year position as an Inclusive Classroom Faculty Fellow, beginning no later than January 2021. The fellow will be provided with 50% release time. More information, including application instructions, are on the CELT website.
Homecoming week will go virtual Oct. 4-10
The 108th homecoming celebration at Iowa State will be a first of its kind, with all activities and events held virtually. The Oct. 4-10 homecoming week, Cardinal and Bold, will include a look at the alumni band's 40th anniversary, a live Cyclone Power Hour with alumni association president and CEO Jeff Johnson and a paint victory lane contest for Cyclone fans everywhere. Find details about more events at the homecoming week website. Homecoming buttons will still be available at the ISU Book Store for $2.
GEAR UP student success program arrives at Iowa State
Iowa State's freshman class includes 330 students from 12 Iowa school districts that participated in the federal GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), which expands college access for underrepresented students in grades 7-12. In Iowa, it's administered by Iowa College Aid. Iowa State received grant funding this year for resources that support the students' transition to college. That assistance could be book vouchers for the bookstore, tutoring funds for the Academic Success Center, emergency grants, peer mentoring and advising with ISU's GEAR UP coordinator, Samantha Secor. Participating students have a GEAR UP tag in EAB Campus, and their academic advisers may either recommend GEAR UP services to them or contact Secor. The students have been receiving regular emails from Secor that explain resources available to them. National GEAR UP week is Sept. 21-25.
Tell us about your United Way fundraiser
The university's 2020 United Way fundraising campaign is underway, with a goal of $400,250. Pledges are requested by Oct. 15; donations via payroll deduction this fall should be requested in Workday; click on the "Donate to the United Way" announcement on your Workday homepage to get started. University campaign leaders include vice president for extension and outreach John Lawrence (campaign chair) and College of Veterinary Medicine dean Dan Grooms (leadership gifts chair).
If it's open to the university community, send details about your unit's United Way auction site or fundraiser event to inside@iastate.edu, and the staff will post a list.
Happy Constitution Day
Sept. 17 is Constitution Day and Citizenship Day in the United States, commonly shortened to Constitution Day. It commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on Sept. 17, 1787, the final day of the Constitutional Convention, by 39 men representing 12 states. (The 13th state, Rhode Island, didn't send a delegate because its leaders cautioned against laws that gave additional powers to a national government). In 1911, Iowa became the first state to recognize the anniversary as Constitution Day. Constitution Day is a national observance, though not a public holiday.
Language in the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005, requires educational institutions that receive federal funding to observe the day, celebrating the enduring strength of the Constitution. The National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, is providing online programming this year. More.
Study abroad fair is Sept. 23 at the MU
The Study Abroad Center will host its fall study abroad fair Wednesday, Sept. 23 (10 a.m.-3 p.m., MU Sun Room and South Ballroom). "Dream now, plan next, travel soon" is a one-stop place for students to learn about future opportunities, including internships and study options from one week to one year. Masks are required and social distancing measures will be in place. A decision about ISU spring semester study abroad programs is pending.
Senior VP Younger urges students to hold safe football parties
In a Sept. 9 letter to the Cyclone student body, senior vice president for student affairs Toyia Young encouraged students to party smart and stay committed to the Cyclones Care behaviors on opening football weekend -- and the fall weekends to follow. She reminded them to limit guests to 10 (and have a plan if uninvited others show up), wear face coverings and avoid sharing food or beverage containers.
How to cite presentations at conferences canceled by the pandemic
It's a question many researchers ponder: When my paper was accepted for a conference that later is canceled, is there still a place for it in my vitae? In this short article, library interim associate dean and head of the research services department Lorrie Pellack summarizes style recommendations from the Modern Language Association and American Psychological Association.
Webex updates should improve user experience
An updated version of Webex Meetings was released this week that enhances several aspects of the user experience. Among the improvements are command buttons for the audio and video controls, a microphone bar that indicates how well sound is transmitting and easier access to controls for meeting hosts. Users do not need to reinstall the application, but fully closing and reopening it may be required.
Same symptom checker, new look
On Friday, Sept. 11, the Cyclones Care morning symptom checker will have a new look that's consistent with the Cyclones Care branding. A campus team fast-tracked its efforts in mid-August to develop the symptom checker to get it into use quickly. This week, only the appearance of the daily COVID-19 symptom checker has been tweaked; its function and content remain the same.
Caribou Coffee returns to campus at MU location
ISU Dining's MU Market and Café in the Memorial Union is serving Caribou Coffee products this fall under the company's "Proudly Brew" option. While featuring Caribou Coffee beverages, the arrangement allows ISU Dining to serve its own bakery, smoothie and other menu items in the retail store. The reintroduction is about bringing more options to campus, said associate director for retail operations Kristi Patel. With the addition, ISU Dining can serve four brands at various campus locations: The Roasterie, Starbucks, Ames-based Windmill and Caribou.
A Caribou licensed store operated in the Hub from 2008 to 2017.
'Women Impacting ISU' calendar nominations due Sept. 25
The Catt Center is accepting nominations for its 2021 "Women Impacting ISU" calendar through 11:59 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25. The calendar is open to all individuals who identify as a woman, inclusive of cisgender and transgender identities. Faculty and P&S or merit staff must be employed by Iowa State during the 2021 calendar year to be eligible for nomination. Students graduating in May 2021 may be nominated. Nominators do not need to be employees or students at Iowa State. Nomination instructions are on the Catt Center's website; questions about the process may be directed to Sue Cloud, 294-3181.
Students: Submit your artwork by Sept. 23 for fall exhibit
The Memorial Union has issued a call for Iowa State student artwork. Through Sept. 23, students may submit up to three pieces in any art media for consideration in the 2020 "Studies in Creativity" exhibit. A juror will select approximately 40 pieces for the show, Oct. 19-Nov. 15 in the Memorial Union Art Gallery, room 1568. Students should submit their entries online at www.mu.iastate.edu/exhibits. Questions may be emailed to mugallery@iastate.edu.
Student study spaces now available in campus buildings
Nearly 40 rooms in a dozen campus buildings are available weekdays as independent study areas with limited capacities. Ten rooms (indicated in bold) are open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday-Friday. The remaining rooms are open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days when they're not in use as a classroom.
- Agronomy Hall (2026)
- Carver Hall (0008, 0118, 0128, 0160, 0174, 0184, 0190, 0274, 0290, 0294)
- Curtiss Hall (0108, 0225)
- Food Sciences Building (2311, 2315)
- Forker Building (0291)
- Gilman Hall (1051, 1114, 1811, 2104, 2354)
- Hamilton Hall (0210)
- Howe Hall (1246)
- Pearson Hall (1105, 1106, 2125, 2131, 2158, 3125, 3131, 3137, 3149)
- Physics Hall (0038, 0043, 0056, 0058)
- Sweeney Hall (1116)
- Town Engineering Building (0206, 0230)
Date is set for a virtual fall commencement
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Iowa State leaders have approved virtual delivery for the fall 2020 undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies and college convocations. The ceremonies will be prerecorded and available for viewing beginning at 10 a.m. CST Saturday, Nov. 28. Similar to spring 2020 graduation, virtual commencement will include the conferring of degrees, a listing of graduates' individual names and addresses from President Wendy Wintersteen and other leaders. The university commencement ceremonies and college convocations will be viewable at https://virtual.graduation.iastate.edu/. In a Sept. 4 letter, Wintersteen also invited fall graduates to participate in a future in-person commencement ceremony.
Faculty mentors: Register for spring Honors research program by Sept. 15
Faculty and staff researchers at ISU or any associated research center/institute are invited to register by Sept. 15 for the spring 2021 First-Year Honors Mentor Program. Talented first-year honors students work under faculty mentorship in some area of research or creative effort, three hours a week per credit, with a limit of six hours/two credits (graded satisfactory/fail). The registration software allows faculty to register multiple research projects and request students from specific majors and with specific background and skills. There is no limit on the number of projects or students faculty may register for. Questions may be directed to Svitlana Zbarska, Honors program undergraduate research coordinator, 294-2064.
Food trucks are serving on campus
Vendor food trucks are back on campus this fall, operating Monday through Friday, roughly 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Finley's Curbside Beastro and Carlos Quesadillas are back between Kildee and Lagomarcino halls. Carlos Quesadillas has added a second location by Coover Hall. The Cheese Steak Factory and Macubana return to the Carver Plaza. Several pandemic-related modifications were added to keep everyone safe. Vendors must wear face coverings and food-grade gloves, condiments should be in prepackaged containers and self-serve stations aren't allowed. Social distancing is recommended; vendors were encouraged to post signs to assist in the effort.
Clubfest '20 moves to a virtual format
The fall ClubFest -- featuring ISU student clubs and organiations -- will be held as a virtual event Sept. 14-18 on the Flipgrid platform. It will feature videos of up to 3 minutes produced by the various organizations, including instructions for joining. An in-person, outdoor portion of ClubFest scheduled for Sept. 8-10 has been cancelled due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the community.
P&S seminar focuses on staff engagement
Instructional development specialists Angela Braggs and Shawn Peterson, Child Welfare Research and Training Project, will present techniques for encouraging staff interaction during the Professional and Scientific Council's monthly seminar, "How to Engage Staff to Foster Learning" Tuesday, Sept. 8 (2-3 p.m., online). All are welcome.
