Announcements
September 2016
ISU Theatre opens 2016-17 season this weekend
This year's performance lineup debuts Friday in Fisher Theater with a production of the dark comedy Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play.
Saddle up for a rodeo weekend
Collegiate teams from five states will compete in national qualifying events at the Hansen Ag Student Learning Center on Saturday and Sunday. It is the 54th annual Cyclone Stampede Rodeo, hosted and run by the ISU rodeo club.
Latest hiring cycle will bring 76 more faculty to ISU
Iowa State hired 76 tenured or tenure-eligible faculty in the 12 months leading up to this semester. Total faculty are expected to surpass 2,000 in the annual October count.
Trash compactors continue to save some green
Seven years after first appearing on campus, the now-familiar green solar trash compactors continue to make a big financial and environmental impact.
Lactation spaces receive updates
Facilities planning and management and university human resources are working together to create new lactation spaces on campus and improve existing ones.
Oct. 13 hearing precedes regents' Cedar Falls meeting
If you'd like to comment on any items scheduled for discussion at the state Board of Regents Oct. 19-20 meeting in Cedar Falls, you have several options:
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Attend one of six public hearings held at the regents institutions and board office Oct. 13-14. Iowa State's hearing is Thursday, Oct. 13 (5-6 p.m.), Oak Room, Memorial Union. All public hearings will be video recorded and posted to the regents' hearings website. Transparency officer Shirley Knipfel will preside at the meeting.
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Provide written comments to regents transparency officer Josh Lehman, jlehman@iastate.edu.
Meeting materials and an agenda for the October meeting will be posted to the regents homepage by Oct. 11.
Police report includes safety tips, crime stats
Crime and fire statistics, tips on staying safe and more information on campus security and safety are available in the 2016 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (PDF, 3M), developed by the ISU police department.
Be vigilant about scam calls
The Office of Student Financial Aid phone number, 515-294-2223, is being fraudulently used to contact students and threaten law enforcement action. Should you receive such a call, hang up. Roberta Johnson, director of student financial aid, said no one should send money via wire transfer without first contacting her office to confirm the authenticity of the request. More information is available on the financial aid website.
Disability Awareness Week starts Oct. 3
A series of campus events are planned as part of Disability Awareness Week, Oct. 3-7. Events include a student panel, interactive awareness challenge, ice cream social and design presentations. Contact the student disability resources office for more information, 294-7220.
Memorial service for Rick Hall is Oct. 9
Rick Hall, professor of natural resources and ecology management and an ISU faculty member since 1974, died Sept. 21 of leukemia. A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 9 (10:30 a.m., ISU Alumni Center). Memorials may be directed to The Nature Conservancy or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Obituary
Activities will celebrate American Archives month
October is American Archives month. The library's special collections and university archives department has a number of activities planned to raise awareness about the importance of preserving history. More information about Liz Garst's Oct. 3 lecture, #AskAnArchivist Day on Oct. 5 and the department's Oct. 28 open house is online.
Celebrate Earth Observation Day on Oct. 11 with the GIS facility
Iowa State's geographic information systems (GIS) facility is celebrating Earth Observation Day with an open house on Oct. 11 (11 a.m.-1 p.m., 206 Durham Center). Mapping enthusiasts and anyone interested in STEM activities are invited to attend (bring a laptop if you have one). No previous experience is required. Activities will include a pizza lunch, mini mapathon and a lecture about remote sensing research. Information about GIS and remote sensing education opportunities at Iowa State, including classes, a GIS minor, GIS certfication and work-study opportunities, also will be available. If you plan to attend, email iowamapgive@gmail.com along with your pizza preference and whether you need a laptop.
Reiman Gardens seeks pumpkin-carving volunteers
Volunteers are needed to help carve 500 pumpkins for Reiman Gardens' "Spirits in the Gardens" event on Oct. 22-23. Volunteers will gut, draw and carve pumpkins Oct. 17-21 (9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily). Those interested in assisting are asked to contact the gardens' events coordinator, 294-8981.
Science camp for girls meets on four Friday afternoons
Registration is open through Oct. 10 for Science Explorations, an after-school camp for girls in grades 3-6 designed to teach them about science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on activities. The camp is led by students in the Women in Science and Engineering program and meets on four Fridays, Oct. 14-Nov. 4 (4-6 p.m., Carver Hall). The cost is $30; online registration or email registration is available.
Rock the Vote bus stops on campus Sept. 29
As part of a voter registration tour through battleground states, the nonpartisan Rock the Vote bus will stop on campus Thursday, Sept. 29 (10 a.m.-4 p.m., west side of Memorial Union). Tablets and printing docks will be available so voters can ensure they're registered and print voter registration cards. Oct. 29 is the voter preregistration deadline in Iowa; you may register on election day at your correct polling site.
Memorial gathering for Carlota Gutierrez is Oct. 3
Carlota Gutierrez, former 28-year employee in the College of Design reading room, died Sept. 24 at home after battling illness for several months. Per her wishes, her body will be cremated and there will not be a public funeral. The College of Design will hold a memorial gathering on Monday, Oct. 3 (5-6:30 p.m., program at 5:30 p.m., Gallery 181, College of Design). Those attending are invited to share their memories of Gutierrez. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests a donation to the Spanish ministry at St. Cecilia Church, Ames, where she was active; or to the Latina scholarship fund established in her name in the college through the ISU Foundation. It will be awarded for the first time on the college's Awards Day ceremony in April.
Workshop instructors sought for TAG conferences in February
The Office of Admissions Early Outreach (OPPTAG) will host two Thursday conferences in Feburary that provide high-achieving middle school students the chance to explore new interest areas during hands-on sessions. Outstanding faculty, graduate students, staff and student organizations are sought to provide an engaging 45-minute workshop for the students (grades 6-8). It's an opportunity for departments to showcase majors, programs and outreach activities. More information, including dates, session times and the proposal submission, are online. Proposals are due Nov. 18.
13th Street scheduled to reopen on Tuesday
The city of Ames has shared its intent to reopen all four lanes of 13th Street on Tuesday, Sept. 27. A section of the road, between the Furman Aquatic Center entrance and Ridgewood Avenue, closed Sept. 6 for the third phase of a project to install retaining walls, replace sidewalks and reconstruct the road.
Marston art was a campus effort
Pieces of the newly installed sculpture in Marston Hall were crafted and fabricated by students, faculty and staff in ISU laboratories.
Cherry pie sale returns Monday during Human Sciences week
- Sept. 26, Cherry pie sale (11 a.m.-4 p.m., while supplies last, 23 MacKay), $2 each
- Sept. 28, Meet-and-greet, with dean Laura Jolly (4-5:30 p.m., 118 MacKay)
- Sept. 29, Lecture, "Physical Activity: Wonder Drug for Chronic Disease Prevention," I-Min Lee, Helen LeBaron Hilton Endowed Chair, (7 p.m., Benton Auditorium, Scheman Building)
Quick-stop survey is important to CyRide's future
CyRide consultants will be hanging out at busy spots on campus the first weeks of October. If you've got time to complete a very short CyRide survey (even if you're not a regular rider), you'll help to build a more efficient and useful transit system.
Port, Mendez-Shannon named to new diversity and inclusion posts
Vice president for diversity and inclusion Reginald Stewart has filled two new posts in his office, adding a project director in LGBTQA+ affairs and a project director in Hispanic/Latino affairs.
Searches are underway for student affairs posts
Committees are at work and positions are posted for two associate vice president positions in the student affairs division.
A complete fleet
With the return of Indian Delights next week near Hoover Hall, the campus food truck lineup is back to eight vendors.
Gordon Lightfoot concert tickets on sale now
Balladeer and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Gordon Lightfoot will have a concert on campus Friday, Oct. 14 (8 p.m., Stephens Auditorium). Tickets, $49 and $64, still are available via Ticketmaster, including the Stephens ticket office.
Sunday network upgrade may slow connections
The campus network will acquire more speed and reliability with the installation of new internet routers Sunday, Sept. 25, (4 a.m. to 4 p.m.) During the install, those using ISU's network and websites may experience intermittent periods (up to 30 minutes) of little or no connectivity, most likely in early morning. On-campus users will be able to reach other on-campus resources, such as Blackboard and AccessPlus, but may not be able to connect to off-campus sites, such as CyBox and CyMail. Off-campus users may be unable to reach university sites. Emergency services, such as fire alarms and 911 connectivity, will be maintained.
Upgrade updates: If there are extended outages, upgrades will be posted on Information Technology Service's Twitter account (@ISUITS).
Child care scholarship applications due Sept. 30
The Childcare Assistance Program (CAP), a program that assists student-parents with child-care expenses for children not yet enrolled in kindergarten, is accepting scholarship applications through Sept. 30. All ISU students with children are encouraged to apply. Application packets are available online. Contact ISU child care and family resource services at ccfamily@iastate.edu or 294-3149 with questions.
Picnic planned for students with children
ISU's Parents As Students Support (PASS) Group invites all Iowa State students with children and their families to a free picnic on Sept. 30 (5-7 p.m., Brookside Park, 1325 6th St., Ames). If you plan to attend, please RSVP by Sept. 28 to ccfamily@iastate.edu. ISU child care and family resource services is hosting the event.
Voter registration available on campus
Story County Auditor staff and members of the local chapter of the nonpartisan League of Women Voters will assist Iowa State students and employees who are U.S. citizens with voter registration prior to the November general election. A table will be in the Pride Veterans Lounge (main level of the Memorial Union, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.) for two weeks: Sept. 26-30 and Oct. 3-7. On Sept. 27, National Voter Registration Day, additional tables will be staffed (also 10 a.m.-3 p.m.) at Parks Library and outside the dining centers at Union Drive Community Center and Maple Willow Larch commons. Election information.
Now online: Latest Fact Book
The 2016-2017 edition of the Fact Book -- an annual collection of statistics and facts about ISU students, faculty and staff, alumni, classes, departments, finances, facilities and more -- is now available online. The publication, produced by the office of institutional research, is updated continuously throughout the year.
Employee discounts for Cyclone hockey tickets
Faculty and staff can purchase Cyclone hockey season ticket packages at up to 40 percent off individual tickets. Options include: Season ticket, Cardinal flex pack (20 game vouchers) and Gold flex pack (10 game vouchers). Call the Cyclone hockey office at 294-0410 for more information or to buy tickets. Ticket purchases can be charged to a U-Bill account.
MU birthday party features free chili and cake
The university community and the public are invited to help celebrate the Memorial Union’s 88th birthday with a free chili supper and birthday cake on Friday, Sept. 23 (starting at 4:30 p.m., MU Great Hall). Food will be served until 6:30 p.m. -- or until it runs out. It's first come, first served, so arrive early and bring your friends!
Strategic plan posters, cards available in president's office
Copies of the four posters and mission/vision card for Iowa State's 2017-22 Strategic Plan, referenced by President Steven Leath during his annual address Sept. 14, are available in the president's office, 1750 Beardshear.
ISU has an ethics hotline
The ISU Compliance and Ethics Hotline allows anyone to anonymously report concerns regarding compliance with laws, regulations and policies at Iowa State. Get more information on the hotline website. Concerns may be submitted online or by leaving a voice message at 515-294-7119.
Three-Minute Thesis competition for grad students is Nov. 15
The Graduate College will host a Three-Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition on Tuesday, Nov. 15 (2-5 p.m., 1213 Hoover). Up to 30 doctoral and master's students will be selected to present their research -- in three minutes with a single slide -- to a panel of non-expert judges. The application deadline is Oct. 6. More information, including the application process, is online. The winner will represent Iowa State at a regional competition in Indiapolis in April, and cash scholarships will be awarded to the top three finishers.
Funding for biotech-related conferences, speakers
The office of biotechnology has funds for biotechnology-related conferences, symposia or workshops (up to $2,000), and for seminars or speakers at events held on campus or in Ames (up to $500). To be eligible, events must be organized by ISU faculty. Applications for events that occur between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2017, are due Oct. 31. More information and the application form are online; questions may be directed to Glenda Webber, 294-4749.
Leath: Build a campus community that is respectful and inclusive
In his annual address Wednesday evening, President Steven Leath said a safer, more welcoming campus will take a "team effort." He also introduced new tuition possibilities, private fundraising, economic development plans and strategies to help researchers compete successfully for grants.
Bus stop surveys are part of CyRide study
Rider surveys and bus stop counts are underway along CyRide routes this week. It's all part of a yearlong CyRide survey to determine if the bus system's route structure is the most efficient and effective.
Sept. 25 network upgrade may slow connections
A Sunday morning installation of internet routers may slow ISU network connections on Sept. 25, particularly around dawn. The new routers should add speed and reliability to the ISU network.
Regents approve ISU's FY18 state funding requests
Iowa State will seek $100 million over five years (FY 2018-22) from the Legislature to replace the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
Info meeting on NSF grad research fellowship is Sept. 21
Students in various STEM and social science fields interested in applying to the National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship Program are invited to an informational meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 21 (5:10-6 p.m., 2019 Morrill). Learn more about the fellowship and the application process. GRFP applications are due the last week in October. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or permanent resident and pursuing a research-based master's or doctoral program in a GRFP-supported field. Students planning to attend the meeting should RSVP; questions may be directed to faculty members Dana Schumacher or Craig Ogilvie.
Presenters sought for Nov. 5 Women's Leadership Retreat
The Student Activities Center, Margaret Sloss Women’s Center and Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics seek speakers for the annual Women’s Leadership Retreat for undergraduate and graduate students on Nov. 5 (9 a.m.-5 p.m., Memorial Union). This year’s theme is "Unlocking Your Potential by Envisioning, Empowering and Enacting." Breakout sessions (50 minutes each) will host approximately 20 to 30 students. Individuals interested in speaking about leadership are asked to complete this form. Retreat planners also would like to receive suggestions for individuals in the Iowa State or Ames communities who might be willing to speak; email their contact information.
Pathogen added to federal select agent list
The Federal Select Agent Program recently added Bacillus cereus Biovar anthracis as a Select Agent. B. cereus Biovar anthracis is an emerging pathogen that has properties very similar to Bacillus anthracis. If you have this organism in your inventory, contact EH&S, 294-5359, or by email.
Six-part series targets caregivers for adults
ISU Extension and Outreach is sponsoring Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a six-part series to help adult caregivers learn how to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate their feelings, balance their lives, make tough decisions and locate helpful resources. Sessions (2.5 hours each) will be held Tuesdays, Oct. 4-Nov. 8 (6-8:30 p.m., 213 MacKay). The $20 fee includes a boxed dinner, served at 5:30 p.m. To register, call the ISU Extension and Outreach office in Story County, (515) 382-6551.
Stephens ticket office adds service hours
Beginning Monday, Sept. 12, and lasting through fall semester, the Stephens Auditorium ticket office will be open for extended hours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday (an additional two hours daily). Iowa State Center executive director Tammy Koolbeck said the change is intended to better serve patrons who are unable to visit the ticket office during the normal workday.
Center to launch energy education competitive grant program
The Iowa Energy Center, administered by Iowa State, is launching an energy education and workforce development grant program, intended to provide students and adult learners in the state with practical, credible energy-related education. The program will fund projects that create energy educational content that can be distributed widely. Examples include curriculum development and online adaption, instructional design, workshops, promotional materials and education evaluation. A request for proposals is anticipated around Nov. 17.
M-Shop releases fall performance schedule
The Maintenance Shop, a live entertainment venue operated by the Student Union Board on the ground level of the Memorial Union, has announced its fall lineup. Shows are added throughout the semester. Tickets may be purchased at the M-Shop's box office (Monday-Friday 11a.m.-5 p.m. and before most shows), by phone (294-8349 during normal box office hours; $1/ticket service fee), and online via Midwestix.com (3 percent service fee). Ticket prices range from $10 to $20 per show, with discounts for ISU students with I.D.; most tickets increase $2 on the day of the show.
Writing and Media Center announces special events
The Writing and Media Center, a program of the Dean of Students office, will offer 15 special events during the 2016-17 academic year in the Hixson-Lied Student Success Center. Learn more about grammar, punctuation, avoiding plagiarism and writing effective resumes and cover letters. The lineup includes three writing retreats specifically for graduate students. Registration is free and online but limited to 60 for workshops and 25 for the writing retreat. Refreshments are served at each event.
Enrollment is a record 36,660
Iowa State's fall enrollment of 36,660 is the largest in school history and represents an increase of nearly 1.9 percent over the previous record in fall 2015.
You're invited: President's annual address is next week
In his Sept. 14 annual address, President Steven Leath will introduce the new strategic plan and discuss his priorities for this academic year.
More from-scratch treats in the bakery case
A bakery menu that features seasonal choices is another change this fall by ISU Dining.
Report summarizes enrollment management study
A faculty task force charged with studying enrollment management issues and developing ideas and solutions submitted its report to President Steven Leath in June. The report is available on the Faculty Senate website.
Iowa Staters' guide to political activities
Campustown's movie night moves to MU Friday night
Because of anticipated rain showers Friday evening, the Campustown Action Association's free movie night on Sept. 9 will move indoors to the Memorial Union South Ballroom. The film, Zootopia, will begin at 8 p.m., preceded by family activities, treats and a reading corner at 7 p.m. Free parking still is available in the St. Thomas Aquinas Church parking ramp (entrances on Lynn and Ash avenues). All are welcome.
Honors program seeks seminar proposals, mentors for spring semester
The University Honors Program seeks both seminar proposals and undergraduate research mentors for spring semester 2017.
- Honors seminars, usually one- or two-credit courses that explore topics of interest, are pass/fail with enrollment usually limited to 17. A $500 grant per seminar supports instructors' professional development. A proposal form and guidelines are available online. Proposals are due Sept. 16.
- Mentors are needed for first-year Honors students. Faculty members may mentor students directly or delegate that role to a research team member (the faculty member would serve as the supervisor of record). Students work either three or six hours per week and are matched with mentors based on mutual research interests and needed skills. To become a mentor, complete the mentor information form by Sept. 16. Additional information and project examples are available online. Contact Svitlana Zbarska, 294-2064, with questions.
Bacon Expo tickets go on sale Sept. 8
Tickets for Iowa State's 4th annual Bacon Expo go on sale online at 8 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 8. Bacon Expo will be held on Saturday, Oct. 8 (11 a.m.-2 p.m., Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center), hosted by students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Advance tickets are $12 ($15 at the door). The ISU event features innovative as well as traditional bacon treats, live entertainment and educational exhibits about Iowa's pork industry.
Blanket raffle benefits United Way
The College of Design is kicking off its United Way fundraising efforts with a Cy-Hawk blanket raffle, featuring an ISU blanket and an Iowa lap quilt. Tickets, $1 each or $5 for six, are available on Sept. 8 (noon to 1 p.m.) outside 146 Design, or through Linda Galvin (lagalvin@iastate.edu). The drawing will be held Friday, Sept. 9, in Design's Lightfoot Forum; winners do not need to be present to win.
Gilman Lecture is Sept. 9
K.C. Nicolaou, Harry C. and Olga K. Weiss Professor of Chemistry at Rice University, Houston, will present the ISU chemistry department's Gilman Lecture on Friday, Sept. 9 (4:30 p.m., Hach Hall atrium). The title of his presentation is "Total Synthesis of Natural and Designed Molelcules of Biological and Medical Importance." All are welcome.
Study Abroad Fair is Sept. 15
The Study Abroad Center will host its annual Study Abroad Fair on Thursday, Sept. 15 (10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., MU Great Hall). Learn more about interning, studying and volunteering abroad in experiences ranging from one week to one year. Students may enter a drawing for a chance to win a study-abroad scholarship.
Comedian Dan St. Germain is in the M-Shop on Sept. 8
Comedian Dan St. Germain will perform a free stand-up comedy show on Thursday, Sept. 8 (9 p.m., MU Maintenance Shop; doors open at 8:30 p.m.). He has appeared on television programs such as Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Conan, Guy Code, @Midnight, Not Safe with Nikki Glaser, The Electric Company and Adam Ruins Everything, and was featured on Comedy Central's The Half Hour.
Classic look for an oft-used lawn
The renovated fountain plaza on the Memorial Union's north lawn reopened with the new academic year.
Online shopping = mailroom challenges
Online shopping is convenient, especially for college students. See how the department of residence is meeting the challenges of packages aplenty in residence hall mailrooms.
Arts and events
The student affairs division is hosting a new event April 28-30 to promote healthy study habits and personal wellness during prep week.
The bakery in ISU Dining is hosting pop-up events this week that feature specialty items normally not sold in campus bakery cases.
