Announcements
August 2022
Resources available for student loan debt relief questions
Under a national plan announced last week, student loan borrowers who meet income requirements will be eligible to have up to $10,000 of their federal student loan debt forgiven, or $20,000 if they received a Pell Grant. For more information about the forgiveness plan, see this office of student financial aid webpage.
The plan announced by President Joe Biden and the U.S. Department of Education set federal student loan repayments to resume in January, with more forgiving rules for income-based repayment. Student loan repayments were paused in March 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. See the Federal Student Aid's fact sheet for more details.
ISU employees also may be eligible for student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which has waived certain eligibility requirements through Oct. 31. See prior Inside Iowa State coverage of the PSLF waiver or check out the office of student financial aid's PSLF webpage for more details. ISU employees can use the Savi service to help navigate student loan debt relief programs such as PSLF. Sign up for Savi online or read prior Inside coverage for more information.
Undergraduate biochemists will share their summer work
The first nine undergraduate participants in the Biochemistry Summer Research Program will present their work during a showcase Thursday, Sept. 8 (4-6 p.m., 1414 Molecular Biology Building). To apply to the program, candidates pitched a research proposal describing a plan of work with a faculty mentor. In addition to research, their summer experience included weekly workshops on building professional communication skills.
Sept. 5 is university holiday
University offices are closed and classes will not meet on Monday, Sept. 5, in observance of the national Labor Day holiday.
Department merger takes effect this week
Two departments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences -- entomology, and plant pathology and microbiology -- officially merge on Sept. 1 to become the department of plant pathology, entomology and microbiology. The intent is to strengthen both programs and open channels in research, teaching and other collaborations. Discussions for merging the departments started in 2019 and final approval from the state Board of Regents occurred in June 2021. Steven Harris has chaired both departments since April 2021. Since it opened in spring 2018, teaching and lab spaces in the Advanced Teaching and Research Building have promoted collaboration among both departments' faculty, staff and students. Faculty, staff, students and alumni of the two programs will celebrate the merger on Sept. 9.
Learn about entrepreneurship resources for students
An information session for ISU students, "Start Something While at Iowa State: Entrepreneurship Resources," will be offered twice this month: Sept. 13 and 16 (4-5 p.m., 3231 Student Innovation Center). Students with an idea for a business are invited to learn about all the resources offered for free to Iowa State students and about the opportunities to get involved at the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship. Register online.
Application window is open for summer Cyclone Aide positions
Looking for a paid leadership opportunity on campus? Become a Cyclone Aide. The position offers opportunities to:
- Develop leadership and customer service skills
- Positively impact new students and guests during orientation
- Coordinate programs for Destination Iowa State and mentor DIS team leaders
Cyclone Aides work May-August, earning $12/hour. They receive summer housing and a meal package. Learn more about the time commitment, responsibilities and benefits of the position. Apply online by 11:59 p.m. Oct. 12. Questions may be directed to Cassidy Conway, 515-294-3765.
Nominations sought for student Cyclone Aide summer posts
The office of new student programs is building a new class of Cyclone Aides, who assist new students in their academic transition to Iowa State. Faculty and staff are asked to encourage students they think would make exceptional Cyclone Aides to apply. Cyclone Aides work over the summer (May-August); they are provided summer housing and a meal package and learn great leadership skills. Use this link to nominate students, and new student programs staff will send them information about applying for the position. The students' application deadline is Oct. 12. Questions may be directed to Cassidy Conway, 515-294-3765.
Student organizations: Opportunities to participate in Homecoming week
The Homecoming central committee invites all student organizations to get involved in Iowa State's Homecoming celebration, Oct. 30-Nov. 5. Student organizations are invited to participate in two large public events, a kick-off in the Iowa State Center parking lot on Sunday, Oct. 30 (replacing the parade downtown), and ExCYtment in the Streets on Thursday, Nov. 3. Faculty and staff advisors are asked to encourage their student orgs to take part. Details and sign-up are on this Google form. All signups are due by Sept. 30. Questions about student organization involvement in Homecoming can be sent to hcc.kickoff@gmail.com. All clubs are welcome, so be creative and help show off the best of Iowa State to the Ames community.
Nest announces monthly gatherings for fall
The library hosts monthly informal social gatherings for graduate and undergraduate students in the International Nest (4-6 p.m., 034 Parks Library). They're an opportunity to meet people, enjoy conversation and get connected with the library.
- Sept. 8, Topic: Libraries in our home countries, ISU librarians and university library services to help students succeed
- Oct. 13, Let's talk about our cultures
- Nov. 10, Holiday traditions around the globe
- Dec. 1, A chat with librarians about the end of the semester
Base print credits increased for students
Beginning this semester, base printing credits for students doubled from 500 to 1,000. The additional credits are funded through student technology fees. When nearing a zero-credit balance, students can submit a request for more print credits for no additional cost. The request button is available in the ISU Service Portal.
Employees and students have free access to NYT, WSJ
Students, faculty and staff can enjoy free access to The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. For details on how to sign up or more information, see the guidance the university library offers for accessing both publications.
Open house set for Sept. 1 at Student Innovation Center
Students, faculty and staff have a chance to see hands-on creativity in action at the Student Innovation Center's open house Sept. 1 (4-6 p.m.), which will feature demonstrations in the newly opened maker spaces, giveaways, displays and activities to promote the opportunities colleges and student organizations offer at the center.
Library announces topics for fall workshop series
University librarians will lead a series of workshops this fall, typically 50-75 minutes long and designed to help members of the campus community build skills for everyday use. Some are offered via Zoom, some are scheduled for first-floor rooms at Parks Library. Registration is open.
Nutrient Research Center hosts anniversary seminar series
The Iowa Nutrient Research Center will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a seminar series highlighting outcomes and impacts from a decade of research. Beginning Sept. 14 and continuing through May, two presenters will discuss center-supported projects on the second Wednesday of each month (3:10-4 p.m., 1306 Elings and via Zoom). Sessions are free and open to the public; participants are asked to register in advance.
Three members join Biotechnology Council
Eric Cochran, Mary Jane Skogen Hagenson and Randy L. Hagenson Professor in Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering; Douglas Jones, professor of veterinary pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine; and Dipali Sashital, associate professor in the Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, have been selected to serve three-year terms on Iowa State University's Biotechnology Council. The council makes recommendations to the office of biotechnology on program activities supporting biotechnology research, education and outreach.
Sept. 5 is proposal deadline for girls' STEM career conference
The Program for Women in Science and Engineering seeks session proposals for its Go Further STEM conferences for young women this fall (9 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 27 for 8th graders, Nov. 1 for 9th-10th graders). The online proposal form is due Monday, Sept. 5. Presentations are for 45 or 90 minutes and should include diversity in both the curriculum and among the presenters (when a team presents). A guidelines and best practices sheet provides other helpful information for preparing proposals. If you'd like to discuss a session idea or have questions, contact Mackenzie Schwartz, mjs18@iastate.edu.
Admissions will share new recruitment campaign at Aug. 30 town hall
This fall, the office of admissions is launching its new recruitment marketing campaign, "A Cyclone in the Making," for prospective students. The "Adventure" theme has served Iowa State well for 15 years, but extensive research has revealed it no longer resonates with today's students or differentiates Iowa State University from its competitors. Faculty and staff who recruit prospective students and are interested in learning more about the campaign are invited to a general overview during a town hall on Tuesday, Aug. 30 (9 a.m., 101 Carver). Seating is limited, so RSVPs are requested via this Qualtrics link.
CyBowl & Billiards announces upgrades
CyBowl & Billiards, on the ground floor of the Memorial Union, has added the Underground Café, and guests may order their favorite restaurant foods such as pizza, chicken tenders, franks in a blanket, taquitos, mozzarella sticks and French fries while they play. Last spring, couches at each bowling lane were replaced with red loungers. Upgrades completed while the building was closed during the pandemic include resurfaced bowling lanes, a new bar top created from old lanes and installation of state-of-the-art pinsetters. The renovated spaces are available for private rentals and party reservations; individual lanes or billiards tables also may be reserved. CyBowl & Billiards is open to the public; ISU students receive special rates. Email cybowl@iastate.edu for any questions or to book an upcoming meeting or party.
UHR virtual office hours set for Aug. 25
City-university garage sale sets records
Driver shortage forces CyRide to reduce weekend service
Due to an acute driver shortage, CyRide has announced that, starting Sunday, Aug. 21, and until further notice, it will operate its break service schedules on Saturdays and Sundays. This means any shaded lines on a bus schedule will not run on Saturdays and Sundays. Reducing weekend trips is one strategy to preserve existing services and avoid unpredictable missed trips that potentially could strand passengers.
Fifth Cardinal Women* cohort has begun its work
Sixty-one individuals in the 2022 Cardinal Women* cohort, selected from 110 applications, met for the first time Aug. 16. The program, offered at no cost to participants, provides personal and professional leadership development for ISU faculty and staff women* (including women who are cisgender, trans, gender nonbinary, or gender queer). Led by 10 small group leaders,the group will gather for five 2-hour sessions this fall, participate in large and small group discussions, and continue the conversation between sessions via Canvas. Cardinal Women* was developed and is led by Tera Lawson, procurement services; and Denise Williams-Klotz, office of multicultural student affairs.
Goo Goo Dolls tickets on sale Aug. 19
Monthly art walks announced for fall semester
University museums staff will lead a monthly art walk on Wednesdays (noon-1 p.m.) this fall. These walking tours begin at different places on campus (including indoors beginning in December) and focus on a theme. The art walks are free; registration is requested.
Single event tickets for Stephens season now on sale
Individual tickets for all 17 shows in the 2022-23 Performing Arts Series at Stephens Auditorium are now on sale. Previously, subscription packages, which require ticket purchases for at least four events, had been on sale. Subscription options remain available, too. The 2022-23 season opens on Sept. 20 and runs through April 22, 2023. Tickets may be purchased online via Ticketmaster or at the Stephens ticket office (11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and beginning 90 minutes before any ticketed event).
MU poster sale runs Aug. 17-26
The Memorial Union will host its annual poster sale to kick off fall semester Aug. 17-26 in the Campanile Room. It's open to the public. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and noon-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Choose from among hundreds of posters, most of which are priced between $8 and $15. Sale proceeds support MU art exhibit programs.
Childcare assistance for undergraduate parents
ISU WorkLife & Family Services is accepting applications for the undergraduate Childcare Assistance Program (CAP). This scholarship program is available to undergraduate student parents attending Iowa State who have out-of-pocket costs for child care services. Eligible student parents may receive up to $1,250 per semester. Students with the highest financial need will receive priority consideration. Full eligibility guidelines and application instructions are available on the Child Care & Family Services website. Questions may be emailed to worklife@iastate.edu.
'A Charlie Brown Christmas' tickets on sale Aug. 5
Tickets for a Nov. 29 performance of the Broadway-style production of "A Charlie Brown Christmas Live" at Stephens Auditorium go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5, online through Ticketmaster or at the Stephens Auditorium ticket office. Tickets are $31-$51. The performance begins at 6:30 p.m.
ClubFest planned for Aug. 31
The annual ClubFest, an opportunity for students to learn about many of the clubs and organizations at Iowa State, will be Aug. 31 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) at the Memorial Union. Student organizations will have display tables on the MU terraces, all of its ballrooms and west of the building along Morrill Road and the parking loop. From 6:15 a.m. to 6 p.m., Morrill Road will close from Union Drive to the ramp entrance off Morrill south of the MU. A volunteer fair featuring Ames nonprofits and agencies will be held the same day in the MU Campanile Room (11 a.m.-3 p.m.). Student organizations can begin registering for ClubFest Aug. 10.
Illegal parking, nuisance party fines increase Aug.19-21
In response to concerns about large house parties, noise, excessive drinking, unsafe behavior and illegal parking during the weekend before the start of Iowa State classes, the Ames City Council approved changes to the city code. These changes apply only to the weekend of Friday, Aug. 19, through Sunday, Aug. 21.
On Saturday, Aug. 20, vehicles that are illegally parked on streets from Lincoln Way south to Mortensen Road and from Beach Avenue west to State Avenue are subject to immediate towing. The immediate towing is necessary to ensure emergency vehicles have access to neighborhoods or residents. From 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, through 4 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, the fine for being cited with a nuisance party is $650 for the first offense and $855 for the second offense.
Nominations, applications sought for student affairs board
Senior vice president for student affairs Toyia Younger is seeking undergraduate and graduate students to serve on the 2022-23 Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Student Advisory Board. Student board members provide critical feedback on events, programs and policies impacting the student experience at Iowa State. Board members meet monthly with Younger and engage in discussions online. Faculty and staff may nominate a student by Aug. 24 or encourage students to apply online by Aug. 31.
Proposals sought for spring Honors seminars
The University Honors Program is seeking proposals for spring 2023 Honors seminars. The one- or two-credit courses, offered for a half or full term, allow Honors students to examine topics of current or special interest. Seminars are offered on a pass/fail basis, and enrollment is usually limited to 17 students. The Honors program allocates $500 per seminar for the instructor(s)' professional development. Proposals are due Friday, Sept. 16, via an online form. More information, including a list of prior seminars, is available on the Honors program website. Contact Leisha Estep or Laurie Smith Law with questions or for more information.
Student food pantry looking to fill volunteer shifts
SHOP, the student-run food pantry at 1306 Beyer Hall, is looking for faculty and staff volunteers to help over the last two weeks of the pantry's summer schedule, including shifts running through Aug. 19. SHOP's student leaders also encourage faculty and staff to volunteer during the first two weeks of the fall semester (Aug. 22-Sept. 2), as it's hard to schedule student volunteers at the start of the semester. Employees should wait until after Aug. 18 to select fall shifts to allow students time to sign up. SHOP is a student organization that operates a free and confidential food pantry for students, thanks to community donations.
Tickets on sale for C.S. Lewis performance
Tickets will go on sale 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 12 for "An Evening With C.S. Lewis," a performance Oct. 13 at Stephens Auditorium. The show stars actor David Payne as the famous British author, recalling events and people that shaped his work and thoughts on life. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are $55 plus fees and can be purchased online or at the Iowa State Center ticket office, which is open weekdays 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
City-university rummage sale wraps up on Saturday
The annual Rummage Rampage, held at the Ames Intermodal Facility, 129 Hayward Ave. to coincide with apartment leases expiring, is in its final days. Local residents donate no-longer needed items with a still-useful life for this community sale. The remaining schedule is:
- Thursday-Friday, Aug. 4-5, noon-6 p.m., sales and drop-off
- Saturday, Aug. 6, 8 a.m.-noon, half-price sale only (no drop-offs)
Summer office hours conclude by Aug. 12
Campus offices that have observed summer hours since spring semester concluded in mid-May are reminded to return to their academic year schedule, effective Monday, Aug. 15, one week before the start of fall semester.
Chinese Faculty Staff Association picnic is Aug. 13
The Chinese Faculty Staff Association (CFSA) will host its annual summer picnic and social on Saturday, Aug. 13 (5-8 p.m., Big Bluestem Shelter, Moore Memorial Park, 3050 Northridge Parkway). All CFSA members and their families and friends are welcome. Register for the picnic by Aug. 8.
The CFSA's goal is to build a community to support the personal and professional development of Chinese faculty and staff, and increase the visibility and awareness of Asian American heritage, history and culture throughout campus and in Ames. CFSA membership is open to all faculty and staff, regardless of race, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability or sexual orientation. While a majority of CFSA members have Chinese ancestry, all faculty and staff are welcome to participate. For more information, contact CFSA co-chairs Huifang Mao, marketing; and Zhengyuan Zhu, statistics.
Summer undergraduate research event is Aug. 4
ISU's summer Undergraduate Research Symposium will be held Thursday, Aug. 4 (1-3 p.m., MU Great Hall). During the summer, many campus labs provided opportunities for Iowa State students and participants in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program to conduct research. Learn more about 75 projects presented by 100+ students in a poster format (and summarized in this symposium program). Refreshments will be provided. Questions may be directed to Svitlana Zbarska, undergraduate research program coordinator campuswide, 515-294-2064.
Leave a retirement note for senior VP Pam Cain
President Wendy Wintersteen invites the Iowa State community to recognize senior vice president for operations and finance Pam Cain for an outstanding career by leaving a message on her Kudoboard. Cain will retire Sept. 6 after 15 years of service to Iowa State.
Expect move-in traffic Aug. 16-19
Students living in the residence halls this year will be moving in Aug. 16-19. The department of residence suggests that faculty and staff avoid areas where move-in congestion may occur, including Union Drive on the west side and Beach Road on the east side of campus.
Arts and events
"The Crucible" and "John Proctor is the Villain," will run in tandem during two weekends, April 18-28, at Fisher Theater.
