Healthcare management program joins short list of certified programs
The undergraduate healthcare management program in the Ivy College of Business has received full undergraduate certification with the Association of University Programs in Health Administration, the only undergraduate program in Iowa and one of fewer than 50 nationwide to achieve this certification. It is the program's inaugural certification and covers a four-year term. The Ivy college began offering the 20-credit certificate in fall 2025.
Ice cream sale is today in Kildee Hall
Members of the Dairy Science Club are selling ice cream today (10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.) outside the north doors to Lush Auditorium in Kildee Hall. Get a cup for $3 (cash only). Flavors this week are birthday cake, blueberry pie, caramel apple, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and mocha chip. 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. The weekly sale goes on hiatus during spring break.
Benefit concert features International Blues Challenge musicians
Ames Community Radio KHOI will hold its spring fundraising concert, Celebrate the Blues, on Saturday, March 28 (7 p.m., Stephens Auditorium). The Weary Ramblers, the duo of Chad Elliott and Kathryn Severing Fox and winners at the 2026 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, will headline. Opening will be The Other Brothers, semifinalists at the same challenge. Tickets can only be purchased online: General admission tickets are $20, VIP (reserved, first 11 rows) tickets are $40, and just 25 premium VIP tickets ($100) also include a pass to Songwriting Stories Session with The Weary Ramblers and an autographed show poster.
Promotional products showcase is March 25
Procurement services will hold its Promotional Products Showcase on Tuesday, March 25 (1:30-3:30 p.m., Iowa Farm Bureau Pavilion, Kildee Hall). Its partner, Staples, will bring five suppliers to campus to highlight the latest trends in promotional items. Attendees can explore new products, gather creative ideas and handouts for upcoming events, and connect directly with supplier representatives. Enjoy pizza and a chance to win door prizes. Questions may be emailed to procurement services.
Resilience training is scheduled for April 6
The ombuds office is offering a training, "Developing Resilience," on Monday, April 6 (9-10 a.m., 4250 Student Innovation Center), open to all staff and faculty. Registration is required, and participation is limited to 30 participants. Resilience is the confidence and ability to tackle difficult situations. It is an attitude cultivated throughout your life. In this workshop, attendees will learn how to practice and leverage resilience.
Feedback still sought on three survey platform options
Procurement services extends a thank you to everyone who has participated in its survey platform RFP process so far. The evaluation of survey platform options continues, and faculty and staff who haven't shared their input are invited to review recordings of the three supplier demos, available in a CyBox folder, and then submit their feedback by April 1 via via the link in the same CyBox folder. Faculty and staff insights are essential to ensuring a thorough and consistent review of each supplier and helping the procurement team move forward in the selection process. Questions may be emailed to procurement services.
Faculty: Did you complete the COACHE survey yet?
Faculty recently received a personalized email to complete the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) survey. Administered by Harvard Graduate School of Education, COACHE provides a snapshot of faculty satisfaction in nine broad areas and compares the ISU results to more than 250 peer universities nationally. Faculty feedback helps the academic affairs division enhance the faculty experience in areas like promotion, advancement, onboarding, mentoring and policies. Faculty are encouraged to take time to complete the COACHE survey by March 27.
Food pantry volunteers needed during spring break
Library has spring break staycation offer for staff, faculty
The University Library team invites faculty and staff to experience the student wellness activities it provides during its Spring Break Staycation on Wednesday, March 18 (11 a.m.-1 p.m., Cyclone Support Central, 140 Parks Library). Options include a hydration and snack bar, Barks@Parks-style pet therapy, five-minute chair massages (sign up for a time upon arrival), and other wellness activities.
P&S Council election is March 10-14
The election to fill 24 vacancies on the Professional and Scientific Council will be held March 10-14. Ballots, created using Microsoft Forms, are specific to divisions. Each employee's ballot will be emailed to them, and P&S staff who didn't receive their ballot should email pands-g@iastate.edu to receive their link to vote. All four university divisions have at least one seat vacating on council this spring (academic affairs, 17; student affairs and president's division, 3 each; and operations and finance, 1).
Learn to make queso fresco cheese at ISU Creamery workshop
The ISU Creamery staff is hosting a queso fresco workshop on Friday, March 20 (12:30-3:30 p.m., Culinary Discovery Lab, 2379 Food Sciences Building). Learn how to make this soft white cheese from scratch. Each participant will season and take home approximately a half-pound portion of queso fresco. Registration is $35 and closes at 8 a.m. March 18.
Register now for March 25 Digital Scholarship Symposium
Registration is open through March 23 for the third annual Digital Scholarship Symposium on Wednesday, March 25 (9:15 a.m.-3 p.m., the Catalyst, 199 Parks Library). The event will feature a series of lightning talks by undergraduate and graduate students and two panel discussions:
- Public Digital Arts and Humanities: Community Impact through Digital Projects
- Digital Pedagogy: Expanding Digital Literacy and Creativity in the Classroom
The symposium is hosted by the library's digital scholarship and initiatives department and the Center for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities, and partners at Grinnell College and the University of Iowa.
Volunteers needed for Cy's Finals Frenzy, May 3-8
The division of student affairs seeks volunteers for Cy's Finals Frenzy during prep week: Sunday-Friday, May 3-8. This once-a-semester event is designed to promote healthy study habits and increase personal wellness as students prepare for final exams. All events are free for Iowa State students and will take place in the Memorial Union and Cyclone Support Central (140 Parks Library). Faculty and staff volunteers are encouraged to sign up for a shift (or two) to engage with students and help sessions run efficiently throughout the week. Fan-favorite offerings for students are back, including Bingo, movie night, free snacks, late night breakfast and wellness activities. Academic support programs, including exam prep and Supplemental Instruction sessions, will be available for students seeking additional assistance. More than 1,700 students participated in Cy's Finals Frenzy events in December.
Workshop for aspiring business owners is March 28
The Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, Small Business Development Center and Ames Regional Economic Alliance will co-host a free Smart Start workshop for anyone who is considering starting a business, on Saturday, March 28 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., lunch is provided, ISU Research Park Core Facility). During this "crash course" day, local business professionals will present and answer questions on topics such as insurance, patent applications, business organization, business loans/grants, registration and operations. Register online.
Daylight saving time returns Sunday morning
Reminder: Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8, when the time "springs" forward one hour.
Register for a pre-premiere screening of 4-H documentary
Join Iowa 4‑H for a free, pre‑premiere screening of the new Iowa PBS documentary, The Legacy of 4‑H, on Thursday, April 2 (4:30 p.m., doors open at 4 p.m., ISU Alumni Center ballroom). The film traces the roots of the nation's largest youth development organization, from the early 1900s to the present, and celebrates the work of Jessie Field Shambaugh, the "Mother of 4‑H." Through historical storytelling and personal reflection, the documentary highlights how 4‑H has equipped generations of young people with hands‑on skills, leadership opportunities and a commitment to community service. Light refreshments will be provided. Seating is limited, and registration is required by March 27. Questions may be directed to Emily Saveraid.
Enjoy the Anderson Sculpture Garden before art is covered
Many of the sculptures in the Anderson Sculpture Garden on central campus will be covered with protective enclosures starting Monday, March 9, in advance of tunnel utility work that's expected to begin in the area during spring break. The project will continue through summer, with a reopening of the sculpture garden anticipated in the fall. The sidewalk south of the Hub and Morrill Hall will remain open throughout the utility work.
Reminder: Register for the Faculty Senate Conference by March 13
The 2026 Faculty Senate Conference is March 25 (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., MU Sun Room) and focuses on collegiality and working well together. Faculty can attend as much of the conference as their schedule allows but are asked to register by March 13. The free conference is built around four 90-minute workshops:
- Bullying in the workplace
- Resolving conflicts
- Creating psychologically safe workspaces
- Conflict management
Ice cream pop-up sale is Friday afternoon
To celebrate Friday's warm weather, members of the Dairy Science Club are selling ice cream Feb. 27 (1-4 p.m.) outside the north doors to Lush Auditorium in Kildee Hall. Get a cup for $3 or two for $5 (cash only). Flavors are birthday cake, chocolate, mint chip, blueberry pie and mocha chip.
Reminder: Emerging leader nominations due March 2
Nominations for the 2026-27 cohort of the Emerging Leaders Academy are due to the office of the senior vice president and provost by Monday, March 2. ELA fosters the leadership development of faculty and professional and scientific staff currently serving in leadership roles or those who aspire to such positions. From August to May, the cohort participates in monthly leadership activities. More information about ELA and the nomination process is online. Questions may be directed to Katharine Hensley in the provost's office.
Volunteers needed for Science Olympiad tournament on April 11
The College of Engineering seeks volunteers for the Iowa Science Olympiad state tournament on Saturday, April 11, on campus. The competition will challenge 40 student teams, from grades 6-12 in two divisions, in events on earth science, biology, chemistry, physics and engineering. The intent is to increase interest in STEM fields and recognize outstanding achievement in team events. More than 120 volunteers are needed to serve as event volunteers, evaluators of team performances or general tournament volunteers. There also are several time slots: all day, morning, midday and afternoon. Sign up to volunteer by Sunday, March 15. Questions may be emailed to Yamille Pérez.
$20 tickets available for Stephens shows March 1-6
Discounted tickets ($20) are available for three shows at Stephens Auditorium the first week of March, if purchased online and prior to the date of the show. Use the "unlock" button on the show's Ticketmaster site and the code "MARCH" to receive the discount for these performances:
- Great American Crooners, March 1, 7 p.m.
- Peking Acrobats, March 3, 7 p.m.
- Red Hot Chilli Pipers (not Peppers), March 6, 7:30 p.m.
AI and tech ethics campus conference is March 12
The departments of philosophy and religious studies and English are hosting a free campus conference, "Advancing AI and Tech Ethics," on Thursday, March 12 (9 a.m.-5 p.m., MU Great Hall). The schedule and abstracts are posted and include presentations from ISU students, faculty, and staff and feature four invited philosopher guests from other universities, all on their work about the ethical dimensions of technology and AI. "Ethics" in this instance refers to ways that human lives are impacted, in the broadest sense. The conference is open to ISU students, faculty and staff. Lunch will be provided, and no registration is required. Questions and instructor requests for student attendance tracking may be directed to Annemarie Butler.
Tax form 1095-C is available now in Workday
For the 2025 tax year, the federal 1095-C form (Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage) will only be available in Workday. Employees can view their form in Workday and print out a copy; a knowledge base article provides instructions for these tasks. Employees who would like a paper copy mailed to them should submit their request to fbac@iastate.edu.
Artist-scientist will discuss impact of generative AI
Philippe Pasquier, professor and director of the Metacreation Lab for Creative AI at Simon Fraser University's School of Interactive Arts and Technology, Vancouver, Canada, will speak to the impact of generative algorithms with human-competitive skills in a lecture on Wednesday, March 4 (5:30 p.m., 0101 College of Design). His talk is part of the college's spring lecture series.
Register for training: Developing Psychologically Safe Workplaces
The ombuds office is offering a training, "Developing Psychologically Safe Workplaces," on Tuesday, March 10 (8:30-10 a.m., 4250 Student Innovation Center), open to all staff and faculty. Registration is required, and participation is limited to 30 participants. A psychologically-safe workplace ensures employees feel safe to ask questions without worrying about ridicule, judgment or adverse evaluations. It's about role-modeling how to learn from mistakes, and how supervisors scaffold the skill sets of their supervisees. The content of this workshop is critical for creating spaces in which students and employees feel safe to learn and be themselves.
Encourage eligible students to apply for Roy J. Carver scholarship
The office of student financial aid requests help from faculty and staff in identifying students who might qualify for the Roy J. Carver Scholarship. Twenty awards of $6,600 each (renewable for one additional year) will be awarded for the 2026-27 academic year. The application deadline is April 1, and students who meet the eligibility requirements below should apply online. Questions may be directed to Julie Arnold or Logan Stapp.
- U.S. citizen
- Graduate of accredited Iowa high school or Iowa resident for five years
- At least college junior classification by fall semester 2026
- Full-time enrollment (12 credits or more)
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.80
- Demonstrated financial need on basis of the 2026-27 FAFSA
- Evidence of unusual social or other barriers to attending college full-time
Training opportunity: Behavior-based interviewing
The interview is one of the most critical steps in the hiring process. To assist university employees who are involved in interviewing candidates, university human resources is offering a free training session. Participants will learn about a standardized method of interviewing designed to assess how a candidate will perform on the job. The session will be offered twice: March 24 and Sept. 15; each session meets 10 a.m. to noon in 1118 Student Innovation Center. Register or learn more.
During this in-person training, Louise Crall, HR and community engagement director at Employee & Family Resources, Des Moines, will explore the theory behind behavior-based interviewing and provide an opportunity to practice planning for, and applying, effective interview techniques.
Pipette calibration offered March 2-6 at Chemistry Stores
Chemistry Stores will host its annual Pipette Calibration Week March 2-6. Staff from Kiwi Calibration will be on campus calibrating and repairing pipettes on a first come, first served basis. Customers can drop off pipettes in the Chemistry Stores office, 1359 Gilman, from Wednesday, Feb. 25, through Thursday, March 5 (7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.); a valid Worktag is required at drop-off. The cost is $44 for a single-channel pipette, $110 for an 8-channel and $115 for a 12-channel model.
Help select the next campus survey platform
Procurement services invites faculty and staff to participate in the request for proposal (RFP) process for Iowa State's next campus survey platform. An internal RFP committee has assisted with creating the RFP and reviewing supplier proposals to help identify the platform that best supports the university's survey needs. The current platform is increasing in cost, and the survey platform previously was not competitively bid. Online demos will take place March 3 (10-11 a.m., Explorance), March 5 (1-2 p.m., Qualtrics) and March 6 (9-10 a.m., QuestionPro). Employee insight as campus users is essential and will help guide the selection of a platform that aligns with university expectations and long-term needs. Learn more about the process and access the online demo meetings.
Presentation opportunity in April for grad, undergrad students
Faculty and staff are asked to encourage their students to submit presentation proposals for the ISU Women's and Gender Studies (WGS) Program's annual student conference on Saturday, April 4 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., Student Innovation Center).The audience for the conference is undergraduate and graduate students across Iowa. Participants will explore student research and creative projects about women, gender, sexuality, intersectionality and feminism, and hear from professionals what WGS students do after graduation. Students may submit their presentation proposals through March 23. Questions may be directed to Katrina Smith.
Swan Lake ballet tickets go on sale Friday
Tickets for an Oct. 7 production of Swan Lake, with music performed by a live orchestra at Stephens Auditorium, go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, via Ticketmaster or the Stephens box office. Tickets are $62-$126.
Presidents present funding requests on Feb. 23
Interim president David Spalding and his peers from the universities of Iowa and Northern Iowa will meet with members of the legislative Education Appropriations Subcommittee on Monday, Feb. 23 (3 p.m., 304 State Capitol). The presidents will summarize their state funding requests for the fiscal year that begins July 1 and answer questions. Livestream Webex link.
Learn basic financial management skills in workshops
ISU Extension and Outreach, in partnership with university human resources, is offering free personal finance workshops to help participants with their financial goals. Each meets virtually noon-1 p.m. Online registration is required at least 24 hours prior to each session; click on titles below to register. Registrants will receive login information in an email. The spring schedule is:
- Time for a Financial Checkup, March 5: A practical tool for reviewing your family's financial situation.
- Money Smart: Taking Control of Your Money, March 11 and 18 (two parts): A big-picture look at making money choices on a month-to-month basis.
- Borrowing Smart, March 25: Review of basic credit principles, with a focus on reducing the cost and risk of borrowing.
- Mission Possible: Saving, April 1: Strategies to save for short-term needs or long-term goals.
Questions about the workshops may be directed to extension health and human sciences educator Barb Wollan, 515-832-9597.
Support the Cap and Gown Legacy Project for first-generation students
Faculty and staff can support the Cap and Gown Legacy Project, a new FundISU initiative led by the First Scholars Office under the Dean of Students umbrella. The project provides graduation regalia for first-generation undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, helping them fully participate in commencement and removing cost as a barrier to celebrating their academic achievement. The project also funds the Regalia Legacy Award, which honors one first-generation Ph.D. student each year by providing a complete set of graduation regalia. The award was inspired by the legacy of alumna Lyn Ann Brodersen Cochran, who earned a Ph.D. in education leadership and policy studies (2008) and whose family donated her doctoral regalia. It reflects her commitment to mentorship and recognition for first-generation scholars. The fundraising goal is $3,000 by March 13. The fundraising effort is the capstone project of one of the teams in this year's Emerging Leaders Academy cohort.
Kinesiology and health's KIN Kids' spring session is underway
The spring session (Feb. 10-April 23) of the kinesiology and health department's KIN Kids is underway, and there still are spots for children 4-15 years old in the physical activity-based program that helps PE majors practice their teaching skills. It's offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays; drop-off begins at 3:30 p.m. and pick-up concludes by 5:30 p.m. The activity spaces used are in the Forker Building and outside of Forker (weather permitting), and the cost is $50/participant. The program is closed during ISU's spring break, March 16-20. Questions may be directed to associate teaching professor Jenny Smith, kinesiology and health.
Reminder: Survey on child care needs closes Thursday
A survey this month by university human resources is collecting information from faculty and staff about their child care needs -- including current users, those seeking child care and those who anticipate needing child care in the next two years. The survey will close on Feb. 19; those within this demographic who didn't receive an email invitation may access the survey online. It takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
Ivy Sales Innovation Summit is April 7
Registration is open for the annual Ivy Sales Innovation Summit, on Tuesday, April 7 (9 a.m.-3 p.m., MU Great Hall). With the theme "Innovation and Sales: Powered by AI, Driven by People," the summit explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and human-centered sales strategy. Hosted by CIRAS and the Ivy College of Business, the event's keynote speakers are AI thought leader Susan Frew and corporate innovator Bill Schmarzo. Early bird tickets are on sale through Feb. 27; registration closes March 31.
Post undergrad research/creative positions in CyHire by March 2
The Undergraduate Research/Creative Activity job type (EUReCA) is now live in CyHire, and ISU researchers are encouraged to post their relevant positions before March 2, when outreach to students begins. The new job type streamlines the process for students and faculty by providing a central place to find and advertise faculty-led opportunities. Faculty can quickly screen candidates and collect supplemental information directly in the system. Several resources can help faculty researchers with the process:
Osher Lifelong Learning spring preview is March 4
The spring 2026 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Iowa State course preview will be held Wednesday, March 4 (1:30 p.m., via Zoom). Get the inside scoop directly from instructors on 40+ courses and field trips. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. Friday, March 6. Save the date, set your reminder, and explore details online. Questions can be directed to Heather Bristow.
Peter Pan ballet tickets go on sale Feb. 13
The School of Classical Ballet and Dance, Des Moines, will present two family-friendly performances of Peter Pan in Stephens Auditorium on Saturday, April 4 (1 and 6 p.m.). Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13, on the Ticketmaster website.
Kick-off meeting for fall Cyclone Family Weekend is March 3
Cyclone Family Weekend 2026, scheduled for Oct. 23-25, helps families strengthen their connection to Iowa State while spending valuable time with their student. University departments and units -- both academic and non-academic -- are invited to participate by hosting events that are open to all Cyclone Family Weekend attendees. Successful events from past years include:
- Receptions or open houses
- Building tours on a first-come, first-served basis
- Presentations from faculty or staff
Interested in hosting an event but aren't quite sure where to begin? Attend the Cyclone Family Weekend campus partner kick-off meeting on Tuesday, March 3 (10-10:30 a.m., via Webex, register).
Suicide prevention training offered multiple times
Faculty and staff who wish to learn more about the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond are invited to complete a free, one-hour training, "Question, Persuade, Refer" gatekeeper training, being offered multiple times this spring by student health and wellness. All faculty-staff sessions will be held 1-2 p.m. in 140 Parks Library (Cyclone Support Central): Feb. 19, March 5, March 26, April 9, April 23. Register online.
Reminder: Regents' free speech survey closes Feb. 13
Faculty, staff and students are reminded that the Iowa Board of Regents' biennial free speech survey closes Friday, Feb. 13. On or near Jan. 14, all members of the university community received an email containing a link to the anonymous survey. The regents will use the survey results to help provide a learning, living and working environment that protects the free speech rights of all university members.
Nominations are open for P&S Council seats
Nominations are open through March 6 for spots on the Professional and Scientific Council. This spring, terms will expire for 24 council seats in all of the university's four divisions: 17 in academic affairs, three each in student affairs and the president's division, and one in operations and finance. P&S staff may self-nominate or nominate a colleague; see the "elections" section on the council's governance committee website. The election will be held March 10-14, when division-specific ballots created in Microsoft Forms will be distributed.
Workshop hosts sought for Iowa 4‑H Youth conference
The Iowa 4-H Youth Development team invites faculty and staff to lead workshops at the 2026 Iowa 4‑H Youth Conference, June 23-25 on campus for nearly 400 Iowa youth in grades 8-12. Workshop hosts play a key role in helping teens explore college and career pathways, build practical life skills and discover new interests. Sessions are 90 minutes, designed for 15-20 participants, and may be offered once or repeated across the three days -- whatever fits your schedule. Hands‑on, interactive formats are especially encouraged. Presenting a workshop is an opportunity to engage with potential students, highlight your department's strengths and deepen ISU's connection with youth across the state. Proposals submitted via this form are accepted through March 20, and selected presenters will be notified in mid‑April. Details are available on the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference website; questions may be emailed to the Iowa State 4-H Youth Conference Planning Team.
Athletics leaders cancel remainder of gymnastics season
Athletics department leaders announced Sunday that they have canceled the remainder of the 2026 Cyclone gymnastics season, citing injuries and a lack of student-athletes available to safely compete. Earlier, the gymnasts' Feb. 6 conference meet with West Virginia was canceled. The athletics ticket staff will contact ticket holders about a refund process.
Apply for 2026-27 Undergrad Research Assistantship program
The office of student financial aid is accepting applications from faculty and students for the 2026-27 undergraduate research assistantship (URA) program. The program encourages outstanding juniors and seniors to pursue graduate study by offering hands-on experience in a formal research environment to help them make career decisions and learn more about graduate education and fellowships. Work study funding subsidizes the student's payroll. Submitting an application does not guarantee an assistantship. Questions may be directed to Megan Spiehs in student financial aid.
Nominate your supplier for procurement awards
Procurement services has opened nominations for its 2026 Supplier Awards and asks for the university community's help to recognize outstanding suppliers. The awards are open to all suppliers that provided goods or services to Iowa State in 2025 and meet an award's eligibility criteria. Nominations, due Feb. 28, must describe why the supplier should be recognized in the award category and provide examples to demonstrate how the supplier meets the specific criteria. Follow the links for details and nomination form for each of six Supplier Award categories:
Cyclone Support Resource Fair is Feb. 17
At the Cyclone Support Resource Fair on Tuesday, Feb. 17 (1-4 p.m., 140 Parks Library), students can explore the wide range of services available at Iowa State that help them thrive academically and personally. This drop-in event makes it easy by gathering campus resources in one space so students can explore in a relaxed space, ask questions, make connections and learn how to navigate campus life with confidence. Featured resources include:
- Academic Success Center
- Office of Financial Success
- Navigate Student
- Student Accessibility Services
- Student Assistance
- ISU Police Department
- Thielen Student Health Center
- Student Counseling Services
- Student Wellness
- The SHOP food pantry
- Recreation Services