Announcements

October 2024

Snow blower service days are Nov. 8-9

The Agricultural Systems Technology club's annual snow blower service days will be held Nov. 8 (1-6 p.m.) and Nov. 9 (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) on the west side of Sukup Hall. For $30, club members will provide a routine service -- oil and spark plug change and a power wash -- but no major repairs. Drop off your snow blower during service hours. Pick-up and delivery (Ames zip codes only) is available for $25; email astservicedays@gmail.com.

Alumni honors and awards ceremony is Friday

Celebrate more than 40 Iowa State alumni and friends at the 91st annual Honors and Awards ceremony Friday, Nov. 1 (1:30 p.m., Stephens Auditorium, dessert reception follows). Recipients of awards from each college, the Memorial Union and the ISU Alumni Association will be recognized. The ceremony is open to the public; it also will be livestreamed.

Governor announces paid holidays for state employees

Iowa State employees will receive two additional paid holidays in 2024, as announced by Gov. Kim Reynolds and shared Wednesday in an email to faculty and staff from President Wendy Wintersteen and vice president for human resources Kristi Darr. The university will implement the paid holidays on Wednesday, Nov. 27, and Thursday, Dec. 26. Normal holiday procedures will be followed on these days.

The university's winter break between semesters is Monday, Dec. 23, through Friday, Jan. 17. To promote time off, units may reduce services and develop schedules that align with Staffing Guidance for University Breaks. The winter break timeline is:

  • Friday, Dec. 20: Fall semester ends
  • Monday, Dec. 23: Online winter session begins
  • Tuesday, Dec. 24 through Thursday, Dec. 26: University holidays
  • Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025: University holiday
  • Friday, Jan. 17: Online winter session ends
  • Monday, Jan. 20: University holiday
  • Tuesday, Jan. 21: Spring semester begins

CyThx campaign begins Nov. 1

In its seventh year, CyThx gives Iowa Staters a chance to thank the faculty, staff, graduate teaching assistants or anyone else who makes them feel like a valued member of the ISU community. Your gratitude will remain anonymous if you chose, but your CyThx honoree will be acknowledged through email and on the CyThx webpage. Submissions can be made through the end of the month. The initiative is a partnership of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, ISU learning communities, multicultural student affairs, student government, Graduate and Professional Student Senate, student engagement and student union board.

Registration requested by Nov. 7 for retirees symposium

The ISU Retirees Association's 12th annual "Rock On in Retirement" symposium will be held Wednesday, Nov. 13 (8:30 a.m.-noon, in person at the Alumni Center and via Zoom). Three keynote speakers will address topics relevant to seniors:
  • The Changing Climate Across the U.S., Justin Glisan, state climatologist of Iowa
  • Building Homes to Address Changes in Our Climate, Justin Dodge, partner with Hunziker Companies and president of the Homebuilders Association of Iowa
  • Gardening in a Warmer World: Planning Now for Your Garden's Future, David McKinney, curator for the Iowa Arboretum and Gardens, Madrid
The symposium is free; registration is requested by Nov. 7 on the ISU Retirees website. Those who participate online will receive the Zoom link and a link to download the symposium packet. Those attending in person will pick up their packet at the symposium.

Digital accessibility update webinar recording available

The digital accessibility team hosted a webinar on Oct. 21 to help the campus community understand the new federal digital accessibility ruling and Iowa State's compliance efforts that must be completed by April 24, 2026. The PowerPoint slides also are available. Attendees were able to ask questions that were answered by the digital accessibility team.

Save the date: Gold Star Hall Ceremony is Nov. 13

Three former Iowans and Iowa State students who gave their lives serving our country will be honored during the university's annual Gold Star Hall Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov, 13 (4:15 p.m., Memorial Union Great Hall). After the program, there will be a reception with food and drink, along with displays of personal items from each honoree (Sidney Peterson, Ringsted, World War II; Max Harvey Collins, Nevada, Korean War; and James Herrick Jr., Panora, Vietnam War). More about Gold Star Hall.

Professional development funding requests from term faculty due Dec. 1

The office of the senior vice president and provost financially supports professional development for term faculty. Term faculty interested in participating in a virtual or in-person professional development activity, such as training, a workshop or conference, are encouraged to apply for up to $1,000 in faculty development funding. More information, including guidelines and the submission process, is online. Applications are due Dec. 1 for professional development activities that take place between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2025 (note: conference submissions do not have to be accepted by Dec. 1). Awards will be allocated and recipients notified by Dec. 21.

Dog costume contest is Oct. 31 at Reiman Gardens

Reiman Gardens' second annual Howl-O-Ween dog costume contest will be held Thursday, Oct. 31 (4:30-6 p.m.). Dogs of all sizes are invited to come dressed as their favorite ghoul, superhero, pumpkin, etc. for a walk around the gardens and the chance to win prizes. Photos of all contestants will be taken during the event and posted on social media Friday. Voting for best costumes will occur on Reiman Gardens' Facebook page, and winners will be announced on Monday, Nov. 4. Preregistration is encouraged, but not required. Dog owners pay regular gardens admission and $5 per dog.

Central campus Design parade is Nov. 1

The Procession of Forms Parade is a new, experimental project by students in the first-year Design Studies 1020 studio this fall. They will wear, carry, roll, fly or otherwise transport their large-scale sculptural forms in a coordinated "processional performance" on Friday, Nov. 1 (11:10-11:50 a.m.). The community is invited to stop by and observe the parade, which starts at 11:10 a.m. on the front lawn of the College of Design. The groups then will process through the west half of campus, parading by Sweeney, Snedecor, Morrill, Curtiss, Beardshear, Hoover and Howe halls before returning to the College of Design.

Celebration of life for Nani Ghoshal is Nov. 15

A celebration of life for former faculty member Dr. Nani Ghoshal, professor emeritus of veterinary anatomy, will be held Friday, Nov. 15 (2:30 p.m., Commons Area, Patterson Hall, use entrance B to enter through the "fish tank" lobby). Ghoshal died Aug. 7 in Ames at age 89. He was a member of the Veterinary Medicine faculty from 1963 until his retirement in 2009. The event will include remembrances followed by refreshments. Individuals who would like to share a remembrance are asked to email Audra Hartwigsen, biomedical sciences department. Memorials are suggested to a scholarship fund in Ghoshal's name at the ISU Foundation. Obituary.

Earn 8 continuing professional ed credits at accounting conference

The accounting department will host the annual Contemporary Issues in Accounting conference on Nov. 25 (8 a.m.-4 p.m., Gerdin Business Building). This year's conference features industry leaders and Ivy College of Business faculty, with topics ranging from how to use artificial intelligence at work to the future of the accounting profession. Registration closes Nov. 18. Earn eight credits of continuing professional education, including two credits of ethics education.

Block and Bridle's meat and cheese orders close Nov. 1

The Block and Bridle student organization is accepting orders through Nov. 1 for its annual fundraising sale. Featured products are summer sausage from ISU's Meat Laboratory and cheese curds and cheese blocks from Homestead Dairy, Waukon, Iowa. In-person pickups can be made from the ISU Meat Lab sales counter in the Kildee Hall atrium from 3-6 p.m. on Nov. 19, Nov. 21, Dec. 3 or Dec. 5. Orders will be shipped the same weeks. Payment can be made in cash, check or card during pickup.

Trailblazers share their OER stories

A panel of faculty members who successfully implemented open educational resources (OER) in their courses will share how they learned about these free course materials, challenges they faced along the way and the unique ways they leverage OER in their teaching during a 60-minute workshop on Thursday, Oct. 24 (2 p.m., 2630 Memorial Union, register online).

It's a great day for ice cream

Members of the Dairy Science club are selling ice cream today (noon-2 p.m.) outside the north doors to Lush Auditorium in Kildee Hall. Get a cup for $2 (cash only); flavors this week are triple chocolate, brownie caramel, Snickers, Twix and Reese's. The ice cream is mixed by club members at the ISU Creamery, and the sale serves as a fundraiser for club activities throughout the year. Interested in having the club's ice cream for your event? Send an email.

Wrestling, gymnastics season tickets are for sale

The athletics department ticket office is selling season tickets for the winter wrestling and gymnastics seasons:

  • Wrestling reserved season tickets: $99 (7 events beginning in November)
  • Gymnastics general admission season ticket: $20 (4 events beginning in January)

The two squads announced the return of their Beauty and the Beast tradition, when the Cyclone wrestlers compete against Oklahoma and Cyclone gymnasts host Simpson College concurrently on Friday, Jan. 24 (7 p.m., Hilton Coliseum). Single-event tickets for this event will go on sale later. 

Faculty reminder: Complete online survey about president's office

Members of the Faculty Senate-appointed committee leading a regular, comprehensive review this year of President Wendy Wintersteen and the office of the president ask faculty to complete the confidential online survey. Faculty received their invitation and link to the survey in an Oct. 8 email from the Faculty Senate Administrative Review Committee. The committee members want to hear from all voices across campus, and extend their thanks in advance for all contributions. Faculty are asked to complete the survey by end of month as the committee will analyze the data during November.

Research project management group to gather Nov. 5

The Research Project Management Council, supported and recognized by the office of the vice president for research, will hold its inaugural meeting Tuesday, Nov. 5 (2 p.m., 3204 Student Innovation Center). All P&S staff who manage sponsored research projects or programs are invited to connect with fellow research project management professionals and learn more about how the council can support you. Refreshments will be provided and registration is requested. Even if you can't attend this event, you're asked to register so organizers have your information for future opportunities.

During the council's collaborative forums, professionals will share best practices, address common challenges and foster a supportive network that advances the success of research initiatives. The group's direction is guided by the needs and priorities of its members. This first meeting will be used to introduce the council and assess current needs as provided by attendees. Questions may be directed to Nicole Scott or Stacy Renfro.

Memorial Union town hall is Oct. 24

Iowa State students are invited to share their ideas and opinions with Memorial Union director Chad Garland at an open forum on Thursday, Oct. 24 (6-7:30 p.m., 3580 MU). Come ready to discuss concerns, challenges and future plans affecting the Memorial Union. Pizza, dessert bars and beverages will be served on a first come, first served basis.

Vet Diagnostic Laboratory scores a LEED silver certificate

The new Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory facility (phase 1) has been recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) with LEED Silver Certification, the third-highest in the competitive program. The green building certification program is the globally recognized standard for designing, constructing and operating high-performance, sustainability-focused buildings and neighborhoods. Lab leaders and staff will hold a short ceremony Wednesday, Oct. 23 (10 a.m., first floor lobby) with Sheri Brezinka, USGBC regional director.

Procurement services' supplier show is Oct. 29

Procurement services will host its annual Supplier Show on Tuesday, Oct. 29 (10 a.m.-2 p.m., MU Great Hall). Explore options offered by internal and external suppliers who will attend in person. Meet the people behind ISU's internal stores and departments (central stores, chemistry stores, ISU Book Store, ISU catering, finance service delivery, IT services, transportation services and printing services). Bring your ISUCard; you'll need it to check in and get entered in the drawing for door prizes and games.

Reminder: Get your flu shot while it's easy

The annual flu shot clinic for employees runs through Friday, Oct. 18 (9 a.m.-4 p.m. while supplies last) in 1218 State Gym. The shots are available for faculty, P&S, merit, postdocs, ISU Foundation employees and Iowa State Daily benefits-eligible staff. No appointment is necessary; the process is paperless and takes a few minutes. Bring your university ID card and wear a short- or loose-fitting shirt. 

Satellite voting offered at Scheman Oct. 24-25

Satellite voting, an in-person form of absentee voting at a location other than the county auditor's office, will be offered two days on campus, Oct. 24-25 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., Scheman Building, look for the "vote here" signs). It also will be offered on consecutive Saturdays, Oct. 19, Oct. 26 and Nov. 2, at the Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave. Any Story County voter may vote at these satellite locations; absentee voting rules apply.

Wellmark's Explanation of Benefits has new look

The first paperwork employees on the ISU Plan receive after a healthcare visit is an "Explanation of Benefits" from Wellmark. It's not a bill. As this summary notes, it's a breakdown of costs of the services received, applicable discounts and likely amounts for what: insurance will cover and you will owe your health care provider. Around Oct. 1, the Explanation of Benefits (PDF) adopted a new layout that's intended to help members better understand their financial responsibility, rights and next steps when your health care provider submits a claim to Wellmark. The only change is to the document's visual design:

  • The member's cost-sharing responsibility is displayed on the first page for all claims contained in that Explanation of Benefits.
  • An updated summary page layout makes it easier to find services, notes and costs associated with each claim. Non-covered costs also are listed to help members understand the financial portion of services not covered by their plan.
  • The updated glossary includes straightforward definitions for health insurance words and phrases members may see when managing their health care services.
  • New language highlights a member's right to an appeal and other protections in the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act.

Homecoming update: Buttons and office decorating

Homecoming week is Oct. 27-Nov. 2. Homecoming buttons ($5 each) may be purchased at the ISU Book Store in the Memorial Union and the Innovate 1858 store in the Student Innovation Center. Or, campus units may place a bulk order (10 or more buttons, using an ISU worktag number) online. A homecoming button is your ticket to lunch on central campus Monday-Thursday that week.

The Homecoming committee is sponsoring an office decorating contest again this fall. The deadline to register to participate in the contest is noon Tuesday, Oct. 22.

MU gallery features student art through November

The Memorial Union Art Gallery is hosting an exhibit by Iowa State students,"Studies in Creativity," through Nov. 20 (weekdays 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m.). Art included in the exhibit was selected by juror Julia Franklin, executive director of Mainframe Studios in Des Moines. Franklin reviewed 94 pieces submitted by 44 artists and whittled entries to 34 artworks by 25 artists. She also chose the award winners, who will be announced at a reception in the gallery on Tuesday, Oct. 22 (6-7:30 p.m., Franklin's comments begin at 6:15 p.m.).

Nominate a colleague for their Workday Student help

Workday Student project leaders want to hear about implementation champions -- faculty and staff not officially assigned to a functional or technical team, but who stepped up to help you, your team or unit with the transition to Workday Student. Use the online form to share the contributions of your champion, who will be highlighted in a future WorkCyte newsletter.

Landscape club members offer design sessions Oct. 26

Members of the Landscape Club are offering hour-long landscape design sessions to property owners on Saturday, Oct. 26 (9, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., Horticulture Hall). Reserve a time online and club members will email you a request for site information and your preferences.  A student team will provide a basic site overview, plant recommendations and a landscape drawing. The cost is $125, and proceeds support the club's participation in the National Collegiate Landscape Competition in the spring.

EO office relocates within Beardshear

The Office of Equal Opportunity staff has moved to a second-floor location within Beardshear Hall, and is now in 2680 Beardshear. Office (294-7612) and staff phone numbers remain the same. 

October innovation lunch speaker is Jason Henderson

The October edition of the Innovation Lunch Club will feature vice president for ISU Extension and Outreach Jason Henderson. It will meet on Friday, Oct. 25 (11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m., training room, ISU Economic Development Core Facility, 1805 Collaboration Pl.). Learn more about how extension's approach to innovation and economic development helps develop a strong lowa. The free series is hosted by ISU's office of economic development and industry relations especially for its faculty and staff partners but open to all. RSVPs are requested to Stacy Dreyer.

Reserve a seat at fine dining events in the tearoom

Upper division hospitality management students, with professor of practice and chef Karla Boetel, will host fine dining events on three Wednesday evenings this fall in the Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom (23A MacKay). Each dinner is a three-course meal with dessert and wine pairings, and costs $60 per person. To reserve seats, email tearoom@iastate.edu with the date you'd like to attend and number of guests. The dates and themes (full menus will be shared soon) are:

  • Oct. 30, Italian cuisine
  • Nov. 6, French cuisine
  • Nov. 13, Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian fusion) cuisine

Indoor Halloween celebration is Oct. 27

Iowa State's Sorority and Fraternity Community will host its annual indoor Trick or Treat on Sunday, Oct. 27 (1-3 p.m., Great Hall, Memorial Union). Enjoy a free, safe, climate-controlled and inclusive trick-or-treating experience, complete with interactive activities and plenty of candy. This ISU tradition is open to all youth and their families/guardians from the Iowa State and greater Ames communities.

Proposals due Nov. 5 for February P&S conference

The Professional and Scientific Council's professional development conference planning team is accepting session proposals through Nov. 5 for the next conference Feb. 27, 2025, in Ames. Proposals should engage P&S employees in personal or professional development and tie into one of four tracks: health and wellness, human interactions, leadership or professional resources. A title and description are needed to complete the online submission form. Individuals will be contacted about their proposal status by mid-November.

P&S staff: Submit comments for review of president's office

During this academic year, the Faculty Senate is conducting a routine review of President Wendy Wintersteen and the office of the president, as mandated by the Faculty Handbook. The review is intended to enhance the ability of the office to support the university's teaching, research and service missions. Professional and Scientific (P&S) employees who would like to provide input to the review may send their comments by Oct. 25 to the P&S Council's executive committee, or contact council president Jason Follett. Council leaders will share comments with the committee leading the review process.

Dancing With the Stars tickets go on sale Oct. 11

Dancers from the hit television series "Dancing With the Stars" will perform at Stephens Auditorium Thursday, Feb. 13 (7:30 p.m.) as part of a winter tour. Tickets ($59.50-$125) go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at ticketmaster.com and the Stephens Auditorium ticket office. VIP packages include premium tickets, meet-and-greet photo opportunity, interactive experience with members of the touring cast, exclusive merchandise and more; details are on the tour website.

ISU's United Way campaign clears halfway mark

Iowa State's annual fundraising campaign for United Way of Story County is more than halfway to its $400,000 goal, with employees pledging or gifting nearly $214,000 as of late last week. The tally site usually updates on Fridays. Library dean Hilary Seo is chair of the campus campaign this fall. Oct. 18 is the local United Way's first deadline, though the campaign runs through Sunday, Dec. 1. Employees have two ways to make a gift:

  • Payroll deduction in Workday (follow the announcement tile on your home portal)
  • A secure credit card transaction on the United Way of Story County website (installments or a one-time gift)

Employees who don't live in Story County and would like to donate closer to home can, with a minimum gift of $50, direct their giving to a United Way service area (health, education or financial stability), another United Way or another 501c3 not-for-profit organization.

Celebrate Earth Science Week with the GIS facility

Iowa State's GIS Support and Research Facility and its IowaView program will host an Earth Observation Day come-and-go celebration on Tuesday, Oct. 15 (10-11:30 a.m., 206 Durham) as part of the global Earth Science Week. The campus community is invited to enjoy cupcakes, swag (posters, booklets, trading cards) and three presentations:

  • 10-10:30 a.m., "Google Earth Engine and Open Evapotranspiration," with Antonio Arenas, civil construction and environmental engineering
  • 10:30-11 a.m., "LiDAR Processing via ArcGIS and Point Data Abstraction Library," with Brian Gelder, agricultural and biosystems engineering, GIS Facility research lead
  • 11-11:30 a.m., "Google Earth Engine and Agriculture Residue Cover," with graduate student Bryce Pape, community and regional planning

Organic conference to highlight climate-smart systems

The country's largest university-sponsored organic conference will be held Nov. 25 at the University of Iowa Memorial Union and focus on economic opportunities and climate-smart systems. A joint effort of ISU Extension and Outreach and the University of Iowa, the conference will feature producers and experts sharing tips for transitioning into organic production and methods to enhance organic operations. Registration is $100 through Nov. 10, $150 after that date.

Big 12 Conference student government leaders meet on campus

About 100 student government leaders from Big 12 Conference universities will be on campus Oct. 10-12 for the group's annual conference. Their opening event is Thursday evening in the Student Innovation Center, with Friday and Saturday programming at the Memorial Union. ISU student senators Holly Schmitt and Monet Butler are co-chairs of the event; MU director Chad Garland and associate directors Kristine Heflin and Brad Hill serve as advisors to Student Government. 

Central campus' Sloss House reopens Oct. 14

After a nearly four-month closure for much-needed renovations, central campus' Sloss House will reopen on Monday, Oct. 14. Updates to the house include an upgraded porch and accessible front door and refinished floors. Also reopening is the Sloss resource room, an extension of The SHOP food pantry. Hours for the resource room are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday. While no official ribbon cutting will take place, ISU community members are encouraged to visit the home to see the updates.

The historic house was constructed in 1883 and originally called the Pines House. Later it was named for Thomas Sloss, the longest resident of the Pines and the college's superintendent of buildings. Margaret Sloss was Thomas' daughter and the first woman to graduate with a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Iowa State. In 1985, the full use of the Sloss House was granted to the Margaret Sloss Center for Women and Gender Equity.

Reminder: Employee veterans may request time off on Veterans Day

As Veterans Day -- Monday, Nov. 11 -- approaches, ISU employees who are veterans (as defined in Iowa Code Section 91A.5A) are reminded they may request unpaid time off on Veterans Day by following their normal procedures to request time off a month or more in advance. Those who accrue vacation may choose to utilize their accrued vacation time off to remain in paid status (using one of the unscheduled holidays incorporated into vacation accrual). See Iowa State's Holidays policy for more information, or contact your HR Delivery Team with any questions.

Museums' art and objects sale is Oct. 30

University Museums will hold an Art & Objects Sale, including many signed and artist-known pieces, on Wednesday, Oct. 30 (9 a.m.-6 p.m., ISU Surplus, 925 Airport Rd.), with proceeds supporting the museums' collection. This is a first come, first served sale; no holds or early sales. Prices (non-negotiable) range from several dollars to hundreds of dollars. Accepted payment forms are: cash, credit/debit (Discover, Visa, Mastercard), Apple Pay and Google Pay. Objects offered at the sale include:

  • Southwestern works of art, including baskets, jewelry, loose beads, pottery, sculpture, gourd art and textiles.
  • Central American pottery, baskets and beaded sculpture.
  • A selection of artwork, jewelry, ceramics and other items.

Nominations for Advancing One Community awards due Nov. 1

Nominations will be accepted until noon Nov. 1 for the university's Advancing One Community awards, which recognize a demonstrated commitment to the principles and goals of Martin Luther King Jr. over a sustained period. The award may be presented in multiple categories: student, employee and campus group/organization. Nomination letters should demonstrate the nominee's commitment to bringing about positive change to Iowa State University through their volunteerism, engagement, scholarship, research, teaching or program development. Recipients are honored at Iowa State's annual MLK campus celebration in January. More information, including eligibility criteria, past recipients and the nomination form, is online.

Education intern sought for spring semester at University Museums

University Museums has a spring 2025 internship opening for an education/early childhood education major, either for credit or stipend. Apply by Nov. 3 in CyHire or on the museums' internships website. Responsibilities include:

  • Help develop and implement early childhood and elementary educational activities and other programs for the Brunnier Art Museum spring exhibitions.
  • Learn about the important role of education and research in the museum field for all ages.
  • Gain knowledge of audience development through educational techniques.
  • Aquire insight into exhibition installations that utilize educational experiences.

Provost's office offers registration funds for faculty success program

The Faculty Success Program, offered online by the ncfdd, is a 12-week mentoring program designed to teach faculty the skills they need to increase their research and maintain work-life balance. The provost's office will contribute $2,500 towards the early registration costs of $4,495 for faculty in all tracks. Participants are expected to cover the remaining program fees through other sources, such as matching funds from their department or college, professional development funds or grants. The spring 2025 program dates are Jan. 27-April 6. To apply for this assistance, complete the short application form by Oct. 15. Faculty sponsored by the provost's office are expected to participate in and complete all components of the program.

Iowa State is an institutional member of the ncfdd; ISU faculty, staff and postdocs are eligible for an individual membership free of cost.

What's new in the tearoom?

The student-operated Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom in 23A MacKay is serving lunch Tuesday through Friday (11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m., with 11:45 a.m. and noon seatings). The lunch special, which changes weekly, is $10 and available for dine-in or carry out at the front of the tearoom. Walk-ins are welcome for dining in the tearoom, though online reservations are recommended. The tearoom is a cashless operation; payment is with a debit/credit card.

Feedback sought on S. 16th Street trail closure

Plans to widen South 16th Street to four lanes from University Blvd. to the Veterinary Medicine Trail would close access to the pedestrian trail on the south side of S. 16th Street during road construction. Construction will occur in two phases during the summers of 2025 and 2026. The South 16th Street trail serves as a pedestrian access to the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jack Trice Stadium and the Southeast Recreation Complex. Members of the Iowa State community can submit comments about the trail closure to the Iowa Department of Transportation until Oct. 16. More information (PDF) about the project and how to submit feedback is online.

ESPN host to give Friday keynote

As part of the Greenlee School's inaugural Sports Media and Communication Week (Sept. 30-Oct. 4) to promote its new major, ESPN's Clinton Yates will participate in a Q&A on Friday, Oct. 4 (11 a.m.-noon, 2630 Memorial Union). Yates' conversation with assistant teaching professor Tony Moton will focus on how success in today's sports media market depends on versatility and multiple skill sets. All are welcome. Yates joined ESPN in 2016 following nine years in several assignments with the Washington Post. Iowa State's sports media and communications major officially launches next fall.

Employee benefits site contains 2025 plan information

The Iowa State employee benefits website has been updated with a 2025 open enrollment page to help employees study their options for the plan year that begins Jan. 1. It includes an overview (35-minute video presentation or slide show), approved monthly premium rates, benefits summaries including the Wellmark health insurance options, dental insurance options, and the (optional) flexible spending accounts, Avesis eye care and group life insurance. Open enrollment for the next plan year runs Nov. 1-22, and enrollment occurs in the "benefits and pay" task in Workday.

ALEX, the free interactive guide (found in Workday) that explains how benefits work, analyzes the pros and cons of different offerings and proposes personalized suggestions for what benefits to select, also has been updated with 2025 information. Upcoming editions of Inside Iowa State will provide several preview articles about this fall's open enrollment.

ISU to host regents disability summit Oct. 24

Iowa State will host the 14th annual Iowa Disability Summit on Thursday, Oct. 24 (9 a.m.-5 p.m., Memorial Union), a day of sessions about accommodations in higher education. The summit, a collaborative event that rotates among the three regent universities, focuses on enhancing awareness and addressing issues related to disability and higher education. Registration is free and open to all faculty and staff.

Tickets available online for Spirits in the Gardens

Tickets for Spirits in the Gardens remain available for the Oct. 11-13 (5-9 p.m. nightly, Reiman Gardens) event. Visitors can explore the gardens at night, illuminated by twinkling lights and 1,000 jack-o'-lanterns carved by community volunteers and staff. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and cost $16 ($14 for members and ISU students, $7 for youth ages 2-12 years). As of Wednesday, Saturday night tickets were already limited, with some entry times sold out.

Oct. 17 'She Talks' features seven local business stories

Seven businesswomen will share their stories (20 slides, 20 seconds each) during the annual She Talks gathering on Thursday, Oct. 17 (5-6 p.m., networking at 4:30 p.m., reception 6-7 p.m., Core Facility atrium, ISU Research Park). The series is hosted by the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship and sponsored by the Ivy College of Business. Registration is free but requested.

Faculty, staff sought to judge Homecoming events

Iowa State Homecoming is seeking faculty and staff volunteers to serve as judges for several events. "Cy Around the World" will be celebrated Sunday-Saturday, Oct. 27-Nov. 2. Interested judges should complete the interest form. Additionally, the Homecoming committee has opened registration for its campus and community events: Painting Victory Lane and the kickoff celebration on Oct. 27, and office decorating