Announcements
October 2023
Half-day flu clinic is Nov. 9
A half-day flu clinic for employees who missed the the October clinic will take place Thursday, Nov. 9 (9 a.m.-2 p.m., 1218 State Gym). Use the south entrance to reach the clinic. Parking spots will be available near the door. Learn more about the flu vaccine.
Limited time: Homecoming football tickets for $25
Single-game tickets for the Iowa State vs. Kansas Homecoming football game Saturday, Nov. 4 (6 p.m.) are only $25 for a limited time. The sale ends at 11:30 a.m. CST on Monday, Oct. 30.
Alumni association's Honors & Awards ceremony is Nov. 3
Reminder: United Way pledges requested by Oct. 27
Pledges and one-time gifts in the 2023 United Way of Story County fundraising campaign are requested by Friday, Oct. 27. The campus campaign goal is $400,000 and, as of last week, 71% of that goal had been pledged. Participation in the United Way campaign is optional. Participants who want to pay their gift through payroll deduction may make their pledge in Workday (follow the link in the announcements section of your home portal). Those who prefer to pay with a credit card may make their pledge on the United Way of Story County website.
Both formats offer one-time payment and installment options. University employees who live outside of Story County have the option to designate their gift to their local United Way office or nonprofit service agency.
Memorial Union's wedding expo is Oct. 29
The Memorial Union will hold its annual wedding expo on Sunday, Oct. 29 (1:30-3 p.m., Durham Great Hall). This event is free for all attendees. Meet with wedding professionals, register for prizes and receive vendor discounts. For more information, email weddings@iastate.edu.
Peppa Pig story time at the bookstore is Oct. 28
Wear your costume and join Peppa Pig for a fun, free Halloween-themed story time at the ISU Book Store, Memorial Union, on Saturday, Oct. 28 (10:30-11:15 a.m.) There will be stories, kids activities, coloring pages, candy and an opportunity to take photos with Peppa! Also, find special deals on plush toys and kids and general books as part of Independent Bookstore Day.
Reminder: Federal student aid application opens later this year
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-25 academic year won't open until December (not the usual Oct. 1). The U.S. Department of Education is updating the application process. Students enrolling for the 2024-25 academic year should file the FAFSA as soon as possible once the application opens. Iowa State's priority filing dates (to be considered for university aid) are Feb. 1, 2024, for first-year students and Feb. 29 for currently enrolled and transfer students.
CyRide stop in commuter lots will relocate temporarily
Facilities planning and management is adding a sidewalk to connect the bus stops in the commuter parking lots between Hilton Coliseum and Jack Trice Stadium. To accommodate this work, the CyRide bus stop will move south to lot D4 on Monday, Oct. 23, through Wednesday, Oct. 25.
Two-day course for food entrepreneurs is about product development and safety
ISU Extension and Outreach will offer a two-day course for food entrepreneurs, "Successful Food Product Development for New Food Businesses," on Friday-Saturday, Dec. 1-2 (8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Kitchen Council, Council Bluffs). Registration is $40, and the registration deadline is Nov. 24. ISU Extension acquired the curriculum, a mix of lectures and activities, from the University of Massachusetts.
No time like the present: Flu shot clinic closes Friday
The final day of ISU WellBeing and occupational medicine's flu shot clinic is Friday, Oct. 20. Weekday hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the fitness studio (Room 1218) in State Gymnasium. No appointment is needed, and participants check in electronically with their employee ID number when they arrive. Employees are encouraged to walk to the clinic and enter through the south doors of the building.
Single-game basketball tickets go on sale Oct. 19
Single-game tickets for the Cyclone men's and women's basketball teams' home games this season go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 19. The men's home schedule already has five sold-out contests. Single-match wrestling tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 2. Due to demand, on Oct. 10, the athletics department expanded wrestling season-ticket sections in Hilton Coliseum to include the eight corner sections of the lower bowl.
New option: Split your paycheck among as many as three accounts
Effective Oct. 18, employees can allocate their net pay to up to three different bank accounts. Previously, employees could have just one bank account on file for direct deposit. Instructions for adding or updating accounts and viewing direct deposit information are in a knowledge base article. These tasks can be completed in the "Pay" app in Workday. Questions may be directed to the payroll team at payroll@iastate.edu.
Campus 4K run/walk supports Green Dot mission
Faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in a run/walk/stroll/roll to support the Green Dot mission of ending power-based, personal violence on Saturday, Oct. 28 (9:30 a.m.-noon, campanile south lawn). Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., with opening remarks at 9:15 a.m. and a complimentary breakfast following the walk. There also will be yard games and free Green Dot swag. Register.
Fall edition of Iowa Stater honors Trice's legacy
The fall edition of Iowa Stater magazine features the story of ISU's first African American student-athlete, Jack Trice, the history of Jack Trice Stadium and more:
- Alumnus and former student athlete Anthony Johnson Jr. celebrates Trice as a path maker and changemaker.
- Keith Yamamoto, leader of the world's largest general scientific society, remembers his Iowa roots.
- Melha Mellata, associate professor of molecular microbiology, works to prevent salmonella in the food supply chain through protective probiotics.
- Iowa State continues to shine in its entrepreneurial efforts and was named Entrepreneurial University of the Year for the Americas this summer.
- Morgan Brandt reflects on her Cyclone family legacy and her first year as an Iowa State student athlete.
- And meet the new Iowa Stater editor, Kirsten Kraklio.
Reminder: Public comment period for Catt Hall draft report closes Oct. 29
Responses to a campus committee's preliminary vote to keep Carrie Chapman Catt's name on Catt Hall are due by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, the final day of a 60-day public comment period. In its initial vote in August, the review committee voted 9-6 to keep Catt's name on the building. The campus community and the public are invited to read the committee's draft report and submit comments on the public comment submission website. After Oct. 29, the committee will reconvene to review public input and take its final vote. The committee's report will then be finalized and sent to President Wendy Wintersteen.
Students offer landscape design consultations
Workshop on regenerative agriculture is Nov. 16
The Bioeconomy Institute and office of the vice president for research will host an interdisciplinary workshop Nov. 16 (2:30-5 p.m., MU Sun Room) focused on expanding regenerative agriculture in Iowa through research and development. The goals of the workshop are to:
- Share findings from a study of stakeholder perspectives on opportunities for regenerative agriculture in Iowa.
- Understand the breadth and depth of research being conducted at ISU on the topic.
- Identify key science gaps and also in ISU's research and development capacity.
- Assess synergies with the existing bioscience platforms such as precision and digital agriculture and biobased products.
Attendees should RSVP by Nov. 2 through Qualtrics. Proposals for lightening talks can be submitted at the same time.
How to verify safety course completion in Workday Learning
Workday Learning does not provide safety course completion certificates like other learning platforms, but faculty and staff still can verify course completion. Environmental health and safety staff shared these ways you can verify your own or your employees' learning history in Workday.
Funeral for Fred Breitsprecker is Oct. 19
The funeral Mass for Fred Breitsprecker, formerly a cook in ISU Dining, will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 2900 Hoover Ave., preceded by visitation from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., also at the church. Breitsprecker died Oct. 12 after a brief illness. He was 54. He had worked for ISU Dining since 2019, most recently at the Marketplace dining center in the Union Drive Community Center. Obituary.
Nominations due Dec. 1 for alumni association awards
Nominations are due Dec. 1 for three annual awards from the ISU Alumni Association. Questions 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. This award may be given posthumously.
- Kansas City Cyclone of the Year (started in 2021), recognizes alumni and friends whose career achievements, volunteer involvement or philanthropic efforts positively impact the greater Kansas City and Iowa State communities.
- 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.
State department leader to hold campus conversation Oct. 25
Iowa native Ramin Toloui, who serves as assistant secretary for the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, will lead a campus conversation, "The Nexus of Diplomacy, Economics and Food Security," on Wednesday, Oct. 25 (5:30-6:30 p.m., 2630 Memorial Union). Toloui leads the department's efforts to expand opportunity for American workers and businesses, deepen cooperation with other countries on shared economic challenges, and leverage economic tools to advance U.S. national security objectives. He completed a bachelor's degree in economics at Harvard University and a master's degree in international relations at Balliol College at Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar.
Celebrate 50-year-old central campus prairie
The Science II Prairie, located between Science and Science II halls, is 50 years old this year. A celebration, featuring cake and brief remarks, will be held on Friday, Oct. 20 (4 p.m., Lot 37, east of the prairie). College of Agriculture and Life Sciences dean Dan Robison and Pat Schlarbaum, an Iowa State student when the prairie was established, are the scheduled speakers. Postcard from Campus video.
Trunk or Treat by student orgs is Oct. 26
The Collegiate 4-H student organization is hosting a Trunk or Treat Halloween event Thursday, Oct. 26 (6-8 p.m., parking lot 124, west of Administrative Services Building). Members of the university community are invited to attend, and campus organizations are invited to participate. At a trunk or treat, participants decorate the trunks of their vehicles and distribute candy. It's an opportunity to contribute to a service activity, connect with the community and promote your club. Awards will be presented for creativity. To secure your spot in the lot, complete the online form. Questions may be directed to 4hofficers@iastate.edu.
Block and Bridle Club's summer sausage, cheese sale closes Oct. 27
The Block and Bridle student organization is accepting orders through Oct. 27 for its annual fundraising sale. Featured products are summer sausage from ISU's Meat Laboratory, cheddar cheese from the ISU Creamery and white cheddar cheese curds from WW Homestead Dairy, Waukon, Iowa. In-person pickup is Nov. 7-9 in Kildee Hall; shipped orders will be mailed the week of Nov. 13.
At checkout, shoppers may make a donation to the club, which will be matched by the nonprofit Cactus Cares and used to purchase Meat Laboratory products for the student food pantry, SHOP.
It's Cyclone Family Weekend on campus
Oct. 13-15 is Cyclone Family Weekend, an annual event organized by student leaders and filled with opportunities for families to spend time with their students, learn about Iowa State and experience campus. Events include tours of campus facilities, college open houses and social activities including a Saturday football tailgate and game watch (the Cyclone football team kicks off at 11 a.m. at new Big 12 Conference opponent, University of Cincinnati).
Indoor trick-or-treat party is Oct. 22
Iowa State's sorority and fraternity community will host its annual Trick-O-Treat on Oct. 22 (1-3 p.m., Memorial Union Great Hall). This event is free and open to ISU staff, faculty and students, and Ames-area families; no registration is required. Greek chapters will host games and there will be lots of candy to take home. Children, parents and all participants are encouraged to wear their best family-friendly costume. Activities you might see:
-
Candy toss
-
Pin the Donkey
-
Bags
-
Mini golf
-
Candle stick ring toss
-
Simon Says
-
Craft: Lollipop ghosts
-
Apple relay
-
Wheel of misfortune
- Trick-or-Treat walk
Sign up by Oct. 22 to participate in Homecoming door or office decorating contest
Homecoming's campus involvement committee invites employees and students to participate in its office and door decorating contest during Homecoming week, Oct. 29-Nov. 4. Decorations should spread Iowa State pride, Cyclone cheer and homecoming spirit. Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, after which the committee will send instructions for uploading photos of your decorating for judging purposes. Photos are due Oct. 27. Contestants may decorate offices, dorm or apartment doors, or residence hall floors. Winners in several categories will receive cupcakes and a shoutout on @isuhomecoming Instagram.
'Money Smart' virtual series begins Nov. 14
With inflation continuing to apply financial pressure, some Iowans may be wondering how they can cut costs and save money. ISU Extension and Outreach will host "Money Smart: Prioritizing Bills, Credit and Debt," a free, three-part, virtual series on Tuesdays in November (either noon-1 p.m. or 5:30-6:30 pm.). Pre-registration is required.
Grants for produce donation gardens extended to ISU departments
Growing Together Iowa provides minigrants to support gardens that donate fresh produce and provide nutrition and gardening education materials to local food pantries. Organizers are opening the program to university departments. To be eligible to apply, the following individuals must be actively involved in the application:
- ISU staff person (Extension or department)
- Master Gardener (in active status)
- Food pantry director
Learn more about the minigrant program during a pre-application virtual session on Oct. 26 (9-10 a.m. via Zoom). Applications are due Dec. 18 for the 2024 growing season. Questions may be directed to Katie Sorrell, Human Sciences Extension and Outreach.
Homecoming buttons on sale at the bookstore on Oct. 16
Homecoming 2023 buttons will go on sale at the ISU Book Store in the Memorial Union on Monday, Oct. 16. As always, the $5 button gets you five meals on central campus weekdays during homecoming, Oct. 29-Nov. 4. Campus employees interested in ordering a large quantity of buttons for their department should contact Katie Lickteig, assistant vice president of constituent engagement at the ISU Alumni Association.
Register by Oct. 13 for fall research & innovation roundtable
The office of the vice president for research has scheduled the next Research & Innovation Roundtable for Tuesday, Nov. 7 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., Memorial Union, full lunch provided), around the general topic: Energy Solutions for Iowa and Beyond. To participate, register online by Oct. 13. Launched in 2022, the roundtables are designed to pool many perspectives from around campus on a topic, ultimately assembling a multidisciplinary team to explore solutions. The day will include facilitated breakout discussions and pitch project ideas, with time reserved for self-assembly of teams.
Arts and humanities celebration is Oct. 12
The Center for Excellence in Arts and the Humanities will celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month during its fall event Thursday, Oct. 12 (4-6 p.m., atrium and step-a-torium, Student Innovation Center). Three faculty members who received research funding from the center will share highlights of their work.
You're invited: Seminar on creativity and artificial intelligence
Artist Kunal Sen, global chief information officer at Encyclopaedia Britannica and Merriam-Webster, will lead an interactive seminar, "Art, Creativity and Generative AI," on Friday, Oct. 13 (1:15-2:30 p.m., 1227 Hoover). Sen, an AI scientist turned artist, has the privileged perspective of seeing AI from both sides. He'll share his thoughts on questions such as: Are all things creative necessarily artistic? Are machines creative, and if so, can they make art? Is intentionality essential? Are machines intentional?
Competition among Big 12 university food pantries is Oct. 7-14
Iowa State's food pantry serving students, SHOP, is part of a food pantry network at Big 12 Conference universities that shares operational best practices and other ideas to address food security on their campuses. During the 2023 football season, the group is holding a competition to support its campus pantries and share information about food insecurity among college students. For the Oct. 14 gameday, Iowa State's competitor is the University of Cincinnati. The competition officially runs Oct. 7-14 and tracks three metrics: Instagram followers, funds raised and pounds of food donated. During that week, the campus community is encouraged to follow SHOP on Instagram, donate to help organizers purchase food or host a food drive to benefit SHOP. To count toward the competition, efforts have to occur between Oct. 7 and Oct. 14 -- though the need continues long after.
Where to find 2024 health plan details
Employees who want to review changes to the BlueHMO and BluePPO health care plans for 2024 can find that information on the benefits open enrollment website. Through calendar year 2023, the plan information found on the benefits website ("health and welfare" section) applies to the 2023 health care plans.
P&S CYtation Award nominations due Dec. 1
The Professional and Scientific Council encourages individuals, programs, departments and colleges to nominate P&S employees for these annual awards:
- Individual CYtation Award, including the Woodin CYtation Award
- Team CYtation Award
- Outstanding New Councilor CYtation Award
Anyone can submit a CYtation Award nomination, which are due Dec. 1. The awards showcase the many ways P&S employees go above their normal duties, do something extraordinarily well or make a real difference at ISU. The nomination process has been streamlined; simply complete the brief Smartsheet form to tell us about your nominee's outstanding work over the last 1-2 years. More information about each award is on the council's awards website; questions can be emailed to pands-a@iastate.edu.
Nationwide emergency alert test is Oct. 4
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will conduct a national test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System on Oct. 4 (1:20 CDT). The test ensures that wireless and emergency alerts warn the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. All major U.S. wireless providers participate and will transmit the national test to their subscribers.
Two Oct. 18 events celebrate Women Entrepreneurship Week
As part of its celebration of Women Entrepreneurship Week (Oct. 16-20), the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship will host two events Oct. 18 at the ISU Research Park Core Facility. Registration is requested.
- Women Who Create Conference, for local entrepreneurs and business owners, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $50 registration includes breakfast and lunch
- She Talks networking reception, open to the public, 4:30-6:30 p.m., featuring six Pecha Kucha presentations (20 slides each shown for 20 seconds)
Arts and events
Country music icon George Strait and Grammy Award winner Chris Stapleton headline a concert at Jack Trice Stadium Saturday, May 25.
