Announcements

April 2018

Reminder: Some CyRide changes take effect May 5

CyRide will implement a first round of changes to the public transit system on Saturday, May 5. One of the biggest changes is a return to 2011 fares, lowering the cash fare from $1.25 to $1. and creating savings of 17 to 20 percent on most passes. Drivers no longer will wait for riders who are running late. A majority of route changes are scheduled for early August, just before the new academic year begins. 

Open forums set for Graduate College associate dean candidates

Open forums have been set for four candidates for the position of associate dean of the Graduate College. Each 50-minute forum will be held at 2200 Marston Hall. The candidates are:

  • May 7 (1 p.m.): Annette O’Connor, professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine
  • May 8 (1 p.m.): Carolyn Cutrona, chair of psychology department
  • May 10 (8:30 a.m.): Carlton Basmajian, associate professor of community and regional planning and director of the Center for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities
  • May 11 (8:30 a.m.): Daniela Dimitrova, professor in Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication

ISU Dining has extensive summer projects list

In addition to rolling out the department's first food truck, ISU Dining's leadership team will oversee about $5 million in remodeling projects this summer at three heavily used locations.

Large classrooms to get tech upgrades

Technology overhauls in 10 of Iowa State's biggest classrooms will provide seamless compatibility and state-of-the-art equipment for instructors and students.

RAGBRAI rolls into town July 24

Thousands of bike riders will make an overnight stop in Ames for the annual trek across Iowa. Plans unveiled Wednesday include a welcome area near Jack Trice Stadium, camping in city parks and entertainment on Main Street.

Plant sale/fundraiser is May 12-13

Proceeds from the Plant Sale Extravaganza May 12-13 in the Reiman Gardens parking lot will directly support the ecology, evolution, and organismal biology graduate student organization, Graduate Student Horticulture Society, Horticulture Club, Reiman Gardens and the Story County Master Gardeners. Plants for sale include perennials for sun and shade, herbs, vegetables, Iowa natives, trees, shrubs, Buck roses, container annuals, hanging baskets, annual vines, strawberries, Hosta of the Year 2018, and prefinished mixed containers. Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.

New Vet Med commons opens this summer

A year in the making, the College of Veterinary Medicine's new gathering space includes a large commons, two small meeting rooms, vending area, a larger Gentle Doctor Café and lots of daylight.

New contracted travel agency offers orientation sessions

Iowa State's new contracted travel agency, Corporate Travel Planners, will hold open orientation sessions on campus. No registration is required. The session will include a demonstration of the Concur online booking tool. Sessions will meet in 0198 Parks Library on these dates and times:

  • Monday, May 7, 9:30-10:30 a.m., 12:30-1:30 p.m., 3-4 p.m.
  • Tuesday, May 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Save the date: Campus climate survey results will be presented May 9

A summary of results from last fall's campus climate survey will be presented during two public forums on Wednesday, May 9. The survey evaluated perceptions of the living, learning and working environment at Iowa State. Sue Rankin and Dan Merson from the Rankin and Associates consulting firm that conducted the survey will provide an overview of the survey results during afternoon (1-2:30 p.m.) and evening (5:30-7 p.m.) presentations in the Memorial Union Gallery room. Livestream links for the presentations are available on the survey website.

Memorial event for Warren Kuhn is May 7

University Library will host a celebration of life in honor of past library dean Warren Kuhn Monday, May 7 (1:30-3 p.m., staff lounge on the third floor, Parks Library). Kuhn died Feb. 19. There will be refreshments and fellowship, with remarks at 2 p.m. and time for individuals to share their memories. Kuhn worked at Iowa State from 1967 to 1989, retiring as dean emeritus of library services. Obituary.

Last chance ice cream

The Dairy Science Club's final ice cream sale of the semester is today (11 a.m.-1 p.m., near the north doors of Lush Auditorium in Kildee Hall). Choose from eight flavors: vanilla, chocolate, chocolate caramel, mint chocolate chip, Twix, Snickers, Oreo and Reeces. The price is $1 for an 8-oz. cup. 

Exhibition proposals sought for downtown Ames gallery

The ISU Design on Main gallery seeks exhibition proposals from Iowa artists for the spring and fall 2019 semesters. Proposals may include solo, two-person or group exhibitions; performance; installation; two- or three-dimensional fine art; community-engaged projects; artist-led workshops; artistic/musical showcases, etc. Submit 10 images of current work (produced within the past three years), a description of the proposed exhibition, a one-page artist's statement and a one-page CV/resume by May 1. Apply online.

cyBUY vendor show is May 2

Procurement services will hold its cyBUY vendor show Wednesday, May 2 (12:30-3 p.m., MU Great Hall and Oak Room). More than two dozen contracted vendors will share new products and services (a partial list is online). Enjoy refreshments and register for door prizes. Admission is free.

Reiman Gardens extends its hours for tulip viewing

Reiman Gardens staff anticipates 54,000 tulips and other spring blooms will be at their peak during the first two weeks of May, so the gardens will remain open until 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday (May 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12). The gift shop also will stay open until 8 p.m., but the butterfly wing will close at 4:30 p.m.

Summer hours at the gardens, which are in effect May 1-Sept. 30, are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (outdoor gardens, conservatory and gift shop). The butterfly wing closes at 4:30 p.m.

Art Mart is May 3-5

The Workspace in the Memorial Union will host its annual Art Mart May 3-5 in the MU Trophy Tavern (adjacent to the food court). Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Friday and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Items for sale include blown glass by the ISU Gaffers' Guild, pottery, glass beads and jewelry, bags, handmade soap and prints. Most items sell for $5-$25; all purchases support the sponsoring clubs as well as individual artists.

SCAVMA Scamper is Saturday morning

The 35th annual SAVMA Scamper 5K/10K will be held Saturday, April 21 (10 a.m.). The run/walk begins and ends at the College of Veterinary Medicine and supports the One Health mission to promote healthy lifestyles for people and their pets. Runners and walkers who bring their dogs to the SAVMA Scamper must provide proof of an updated rabies vaccination. The entry fee is $20 for ISU students ($25 for faculty, staff and the public) and includes chip timing, T-shirt and pre- and post-race refreshments. Fees increase $10 on race day. Register online.

New hammock posts take pressure off trees

FPM staff installed six hammock posts among a cluster of trees frequently used for hammocking east of the campanile. The goal is to preserve old (and in some cases fragile) trees.

Kinetic art by students

Second-year architecture students installed their own oversize sculpture in the northeast corner of Reiman Gardens as part of the gardens' "Forces of Nature" exhibition. 

Parks Library will remain open 24/7 for 13 days

Parks Library will be open around the clock April 22-May 4, during dead week and finals week. The library has expanded its hours for Barks@Parks this spring. Students will be able to play with comfort dogs during dead week (April 23-27), 1-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Bookends Cafe in the library will have extended hours during finals week, until 11 p.m. April 27-28 and until 2 a.m. April 29-May 2. 

Memorial service for Dick Manatt is April 26

Richard (Dick) Manatt, University Professor emeritus in the former educational leadership and policy studies department, died April 13 in Ames. He was 86. Manatt was a member of the ISU faculty from 1964 to 2002. A celebration of life will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 26, at Collegiate United Methodist Church, 2622 Lincoln Way. Friends and family will gather at 1 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be directed to the Richard P. Manatt Fund at the Iowa State University Foundation. Obituary.

Catt Center director finalist forums begin next week

Campus interviews have been scheduled for finalists in the search for the next director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics. All public forums will be held at noon in 302 Catt Hall. More information, including candidate résumés, are available on the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences website.

Finalists and open forum dates are:

  • April 25, Tracy Osborn, University of Iowa
  • April 30, Angela Bos, College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio
  • May 2, Karen Kedrowski, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, South Carolina
  • May 3, Nichola Gutgold, Penn State University, Lehigh Valley

New contracted travel agency offers orientation sessions

Iowa State's new contracted travel agency, Key Travel, will hold open orientation sessions on campus. No registration is required. The session will include a demonstration of the company's online booking tool. Sessions will meet in 31 Parks Library on these dates and times:

  • Monday, April 23, 3-4:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 24, 9-10:30 a.m., 1-2:30 p.m., 3-4:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 25, 1-2:30 p.m., 3-4:30 p.m.

Enrollment open for Summer Youth Fitness program

The ISU Summer Youth Fitness program is accepting enrollment applications. The annual program provides physical activity for children ranging in ages from entering kindergarten to entering seventh grade. Activities such as team sports, tumbling, dance, cooperative games and swimming will be led by ISU physical education students and graduate students in kinesiology. The program runs June 4-July 26 (Mondays-Thursdays, 1:10-4:30 p.m.). Pick-up is allowed until 5 p.m. Activities will be in the Forker Building and surrounding outdoor locations. The cost is $410. Enrollment forms are available on the program’s website. Contact Jenny Smith, 294-1762, with questions.

10th annual campus food drive begins April 23

The 10th annual Live United Food Drive will be held April 23-May 4. Donations will go to Story County food pantries and ensure children and families have food during the summer months. Nonperishable items and cash donations will be accepted at more than 20 campus locations. Visit the Live United Food Drive website for more information on preferred donation items and how to give money in person or online. Questions may be directed to food drive co-chairs Tara Fisher or Haley Cook.

Honors program poster presentation set for April 25

The university honors program invites you to attend the spring 2018 poster presentation and reception featuring honors projects and spring and summer 2018 honors graduates. The event is 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, April 25 in the Memorial Union Great Hall. Spring and summer honors graduates as well as other honors students will be present to answer questions and speak with individuals interested in their projects.

Tickets on sale Friday for Ringo Starr at Stephens

Tickets for a Sept. 5 concert by Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band at Stephens Auditorium will begin selling at noon Friday, April 20, via Ticketmaster and the Iowa State Center website. Tickets range from $69.50 to $175, plus fees. The concert begins at 8 p.m.

Forums scheduled for women's center director finalists

Campus interviews have been scheduled for three finalists in the search for the next director of the Margaret Sloss Women's Center. Public forums will be held for each candidate. Details, including résumés and evaluation forms, are available on the dean of students search website. Candidates and open forum dates are:

  • April 23, Cinnamon Brown, assistant dean, Westminster College (2-3 p.m., 136 UDCC)
  • April 26, Erin Meek, adjunct faculty, DMACC, Drake and Iowa State (11 a.m.-noon, 136 UDCC)
  • April 27, Ruxandra Looft, advising coordinator, Iowa State (11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., 136 UDCC)

Memorial service for Jim Meek is April 21

Jim Meek, an ISU Extension employee for more than 40 years, died April 8 in Ames. He was 74. Meek worked for ISU Extension from 1975 to 2017. A celebration of life will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 1416 20th St. Meek was a U.S. Army veteran and burial will be in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Van Meter, at a later date. A gathering of friends and family will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, April 20, at Grandon Funeral Home, 414 Lincoln Way. Memorials are preferred to Northminster Presbyterian Church or Viet Nam Veterans of America, Chapter 1102, Story County, Iowa. Obituary.

Alumni Association announces Barron award recipients

Congratulations to the seven 2018 recipients of the Alumni Association's Wallace E. Barron All-University Award, established to recognize seniors who display high character, achievement in academics and university/community activities, and promise for continuing these exemplary qualities as alumni. The seven are Brooke Almasi, public relations; Emily Barske, journalism and mass communications/marketing; Malik Burton, speech communication; Chris Celona, sociology/criminal justice; Natalie Hanson, biological systems engineering; Daniel Jacobi, finance/economics/political science; and Cody West, biology.

Registration is open for May 18 awards ceremony

Five individuals will receive the 2018 Faculty-Staff Inspiration Award during a ceremony Friday, May 18 (6:30 p.m., reception at 5:30 p.m., Alumni Center.) The ISU Alumni Association established the award in 2011 as a way for former students to recognize current or former faculty or staff members who influenced their lives. Current employees to be honored are LeQuetia Ancar, College of Engineering student services; and George Micalone, Student Activties Center. Former employees are David Edwards, psychology department, Eric Hoiberg, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; and Thomas Emmerson, Greenlee School. Those attending are asked to register online by May 11; cost is $10.

Course reserve requests for summer, fall are due to library now

Instructors who wish to place required materials on reserve at Parks Library for summer or fall semesters should submit requests now. Forms are online.

Alumni association to preview its 2019 tours

Learn about the ISU Alumni Association’s 2019 Traveling Cyclones small group tours Thursday, May 24 (4:30-6:30 p.m., Reiman Ballroom, Alumni Center). Registration is free but requested. Enjoy food and beverages from around the world.

Carillon will be silent April 23-26

The carillon bells will be out of operation April 23-26 for upgrades to the wire transmission components in the bell chamber. Tours of the campanile will not be available on these days. There will be minimal exterior evidence at the campanile of construction activities, though sidewalk sections will be blocked off as necessary to give the contractor access to the site.

First phase of CyRide changes is coming next month

On May 5, fares -- including ISU-subsidized employee passes -- will return to 2011 levels to encourage more nonstudent riders. Drivers will be coached to keep their routes on schedule and not wait for late riders. 
 

Weeklong events celebrate fashion

The Fashion Show, in its 36th year, will showcase student designs on Saturday, April 14 (7 p.m., Stephens Auditorium). Several events remain in a weeklong celebration leading up to the student-led production.
 

First bell cast for carillon model

The first of 27 bells for a one-fifth scale model of the campanile/carillon was cast Tuesday on campus. The multiyear project, designed and built by students, will result in a portable, playable replica.
 

How student evaluations are used, from three perspectives

The value of student evaluations of teaching depends on who is using the data. A professor, a department chair and an associate dean explain their approaches.
 

Celebrate ISU intellectual property at April 26 event

The Iowa State University Research Foundation and the Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer will celebrate World Intellectual Property Day on central campus April 26. The event from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m will highlight important innovations developed by Iowa State researchers and include a sampling of products developed with ISU inventions. Those stopping by can meet faculty who are an important part of ISU’s intellectual property engine.  

Your input wanted for campus bicycling assessment

Facilities planning and management (FPM) is assessing needs for improving bicycling to and on campus. Input will be sought two ways: A 10-minute survey to assess travel patterns, barriers and incentives for bicycling, and a crowdsource map -- an online interactive tool that lets users draw points and lines to indicate good routes for biking, challenges and desired enhancements. Both are open through May 18. Members of the Bicycle Advisory Group (BAG) also will do intercept surveys on campus April 18-19. Whether you bike to, around or within campus -- or do not -- input from all is crucial.

FPM, with the help of BAG and Toole Design Group, will use results of the needs assessment to guide the planning and implementation of bike facilities, parking, policies and programs. For more information, contact Chris Strawhacker, landscape design services, 294-7071.

Funds available for biotech events, speakers

The office of biotechnology is providing funds for biotechnology-related conferences, symposia and workshops, as well as for seminar or individual speakers at events organized by faculty members and held in Ames. Applications are due April 30 for events that will occur between July 1 and Dec. 31. More information is online. Contact Glenda Webber, 294-4749, with questions.

It's time to renew extended library loans

ISU Library materials that were borrowed on "extended loan" (due May 4), can be renewed now. Many items can be renewed via the "My Library Card" site, visible at the top of the library's homepage. Remember, there is no grace period, so return or renew materials by the due date to avoide fines.

Weather forecast cancels Cyclone Carnival, spring football game

A cool, wet spring claimed its latest victims this week. The first student-organized Cyclone Carnival and the Cyclone football squad's annual spring game, both scheduled for Saturday, April 14, were canceled due to the weather forecast. Neither will be rescheduled this spring.

Reiman Gardens adds walking sticks to emergence case

Reiman Gardens has added a new insect -- besides butterflies and moths -- to its  permanent display. Two species of walking sticks, the New Guinea Walking Stick and Jungle Nymph, reside in the conservatory building's middle emergence case. Check them out the next time you visit the gardens.

P&S Council voting ends on Friday

Voting ends at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 6. for the Professional and Scientific Council’s 2018 election. Click here to cast your ballot. The council serves as a resource and advocate for P&S employees, who have the opportunity to choose the representatives who will be their voice in the university’s share governance structure

Events celebrate First Amendment freedoms

Lectures, discussions, interactive activities, art and a workshop are some of the events planned for this year's First Amendment Days, April 11-13. The Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication hosts the annual event to celebrate the five freedoms guaranteed by the constitutional amendment.

Weekly 'tea' makes for math mixer

A regular social hour is a time-honored tradition among mathematicians and the inspiration for the Thursday afternoon spread of snacks and sodas the math department offers undergraduates, a weekly chance to get to know each other and rub elbows with professors and graduate students.

Five things to know about our learning communities

Now in its 23rd year, Iowa State's respected program continues to grow and morph as enrollment and needs change.

Tuition proposal, faculty promotions go to regents next week

Also on the agenda: proposal to distribute fourth-quarter state funding cuts, four new degree programs, honorary degrees at spring commencement and final green light for new poultry farm.

Watch carillon bell casting at April 10 event

The first bell for a small-scale, playable carillon model will be cast April 10 on campus. Representatives from the Ohio-based Meeks, Watson and Co. bell foundry will work with Engineering students to pour the carillon bell in the Black Engineering metalcasting lab. Tours of the campanile and metalcasting lab (1098 Black Engineering) will be conducted from 3 to 4 p.m. Beginning at 4 p.m., a short program and live webcast of the pouring will be held in the Memorial Union's Campanile Room, followed by a reception (5 p.m.). All activities are free and open to the public.

Softball weekend homestand moved to Oklahoma

Forecasted low temperatures in Ames have moved Iowa State's weekend softball home series with the Sooners to Norman, Oklahoma. The games -- an April 8 doubleheader and April 9 matinee, both beginning at noon -- will be livestreamed free on SoonerSports.tv. Links to live coverage are available via the Cyclone softball online schedule.

Celebrate Earth Month

April is international Earth Month. Iowa State's Live Green! team has compiled a calendar of environmental, economic and social sustainability events across Story County -- but many of them on campus -- for the university community. As part of its 10-year anniversary, the Live Green! program also invites Iowa Staters to complete a short survey. Share your opinions, perspectives and suggestions on its products and services.

Register for Project LEA/RN May workshop

Project LEA/RN will host a two-day workshop on human learning May 8-9 (9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, 2622 Lagomarcino) for up to 20 ISU educators. Share insights about the brain based on current research, engage in strategies that promote interaction and deep thinking, and apply your new understandings in situations where you facilitate learning. The strategies you experience and the concepts you explore are applicable to classes, orientation sessions, extension meetings or any other learning situations. RSVP to Jan Wiersema.

Steve Martin-Martin Short tickets go on sale Friday

Tickets for a Sunday, Sept. 23, performance at Stephens Auditorium by comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short go on sale at noon April 6 via Ticketmaster, including the Stephens ticket office. Tickets are $85-$226, plus fees. Martin and Short will be joined by Martin's Grammy Award-winning bluegrass band, The Steep Canyon Rangers, and jazz pianist Jeff Babko, who is a member of Jimmy Kimmel's show band.

Undergraduate applicants sought for paid library internship

Undergraduate applicants are sought for the Association of Research Libraries' Fellowship for Digital and Inclusive Excellence next year in Parks Library. This paid internship program introduces students from historically underrepresented ethnic and racial groups to the library and information science discipline. The application deadline is April 12.

Leath portrait added to presidential collection

The oil portrait of former President Steven Leath, completed last year by New York artist Ying-He Lui, has been hung in the periodical room at Parks Library. It is part of the Presidential Portrait Collection in University Museums' Art on Campus collection. Leath's portrait was commissioned by the museums, with funding from the ISU Foundation.

April 11 brunch is for queer and trans people of color

The Center for LGBTQIA+ Student Success and the office of diversity and inclusion are hosting a free brunch for self-identified queer and trans people of color -- faculty, staff and students -- Wednesday, April 11 (10 a.m.-noon, 136 Union Drive Community Center). Drop in for whatever length of time you're able. Indria Jenkins, academic adviser in the psychology department, and Dian Squire, visiting assistant professor in the School of Education, will lead games and activities. Questions about the event may be sent to center@iastate.edu.

Departments, organizations invited to Destination Iowa State events in August

Destination Iowa State, the university's three-day welcome for first-year and transfer students, invites university departments and organizations to host interactive exhibits during two specific events:

  • Center of ExCYtment Picnic in the Scheman courtyard, Thursday, Aug. 16, apply
  • Late Night at the Memorial Union, Friday, Aug. 17, apply

During these events, share the resources your department/organization provides new students. New Student Programs staff can help you develop an activity geared toward the new students in attendance or decide which event would be most suitable for your activity. Questions may be directed to New Student Programs. Agreements are due July 1.

Lavender Graduation is May 3

Iowa State's 21st annual Lavender Graduation will celebrate the academic and personal accomplishments of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual and ally students. The ceremony will be held Thursday, May 3 (3-5 p.m., East State Gym). All are welcome. Students graduating from Iowa State in May, August or December  who will participate in the ceremony must register by April 24. Questions about the event may be sent to center@iastate.edu.

Shift in focus: student accessibility services

The dean of students office announced a unit name change, effective April 2. The former Student Disability Resources is now known as Student Accessibility Services. Associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students Vernon Hurte said the name change shifts the focus from a medical model of 'disability' toward creating a campus climate where all students have equitable access to education. The new email for the office is accessibility@iastate.edu.

Ticket packages on sale now for next season at Stephens

Ticket packages for the 2018-19 50th anniversary Performing Arts Series at Stephens Auditorium are on sale now. Subscribers who buy tickets to four or more events save up to 15 percent, receive priority seating and may use ticket exchange options during the season. Single-event tickets will go on sale this fall.