Announcements for Faculty and Staff

Book club convenes on June 5

MU Workspace coordinator Letitia Kenemer will lead a fun, conversational discussion of Jonah Lehrer's book, Imagine: How Creativity Works, this summer. The book club will meet June 5 (7 p.m, MU Workspace) to meet and make a general plan for the subsequent discussions on June 19 and July 10. In his book, Lehrer demonstrates that creativity is not a gift possessed by the lucky few, but rather a variety of thought processes everyone can learn to use effectively. Book club participants may purchase their own copy of the book or pre-order one by June 4 ($26) for pickup at the June 5 gathering. The fee to join the book club is $5. For more information, call 4-0970.

Lehrer is scheduled to give a public lecture on campus Sept. 12 (8 p.m., MU Great Hall).

Leath makes key changes in administration

Administrative reorganization by President Steven Leath has resulted in several key changes and moves in university administration. The changes, described more fully in this Inside story, include:

• Promoting Vice Presidents Warren Madden and Tom Hill  to senior vice president for business and finance and senior vice president for student affairs, respectively, in recognition of their critical roles in advancing Iowa State
• Changing Tahira Hira's title to senior policy adviser to the president, a position in which she will develop strategies to increase ISU’s national prominence, manage rising enrollment and recruit top faculty and undertake other special initiatives 
• Moving Dave Biedenbach from the executive vice president and provost office to the president's office, where he'll serve as assistant vice president for university financial planning and play a central role in the university's budget planning activities
• Moving policy administrator Sheryl Rippke from the office of the president to the office that is responsible for drafting policies -- university counsel

FY13 budget update is the topic of June 1 noon forum

The Professional and Scientific Council will host a noon forum on Friday, June 1 (MU Gallery) that is open to the university community. Two key members in the annual budget process, associate vice president for budgeting and planning Ellen Rasmussen and director of university budgets Dave Biedenbach, will provide an update on development of the university's FY13 budget. The FY13 budget year begins July 1. Participants are invited to bring questions and their lunch, if they like.

Summer hours at Reiman Gardens begin May 26

Reiman Gardens’ extended summer hours, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily for the outdoor gardens, the conservatory complex and gift shop, begin Saturday, May 26. The gardens are open Memorial Day. Summer hours for the butterfly wing remain 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Exhibits to enjoy include the LEGO sculptures outdoors and a tribute to Rube Goldberg in the conservatory.

Memorial Day ceremony is May 28

Iowa State employees, retirees and spouses who have died during the past year will be remembered at the university's annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 28. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. in the Reiman Ballroom at the ISU Alumni Center, 420 Beach Ave. The ceremony will start with a prelude by Collegiate Brass from Collegiate United Methodist Church and an invocation by the Rev. Larry Mitchell, retired Presbyterian pastor. Then family, friends and colleagues will be invited to share memories of loved ones. Parking is available in Lots A2-3 on the east side of the Alumni Center.

Workshop will introduce Ion Torrent sequencing technology

The Plant Sciences Institute's Genomic Technologies Facility now offers Ion Torrent next-generation sequencing service. A workshop to introduce the technology will be held May 22 (10 a.m.-noon, 1352 Gilman). It will be followed by a viewing of Ion Torrent's "Ion Bus" (noon-3 p.m.), parked on the south side of the Carver Co-Laboratory. RSVPs are requested for either the workshop or bus viewing (where a pizza lunch will be served).

Submit names for Memorial Day ceremony soon

Iowa State employees, retirees and spouses who have died during the past year will be remembered at the university's annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 28. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. in the Reiman Ballroom at the ISU Alumni Center, 420 Beach Ave. The deadline to submit names or information to be included in this year's ceremony is May 18. Submit information online, by phone $4-6515) or email (kjlgood@iastate.edu). All tributes will be posted on the ISU Retirees website by May 25.

Limited deliveries by Chemistry Stores May 21-25

Chemistry Stores will limit its deliveries during the week of May 21 due to anticipated higher traffic on campus for the Odyssey of the Mind competition. Deliveries will be made only on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 22-23. Customers are asked to plan their orders and pickups accordingly. For emergencies that week, contact Melissa Gruhn, 4-0200.

Reminder: ISU has an ethics hotline

Iowa State contracts with a third-party hotline vendor, EthicsPoint, to allow anonymous reporting of activities that may involve criminal, unethical, noncompliant or unsafe behavior impacting ISU. You may submit a report online or by calling (toll-free) 866-384-4277.

MU food court switches to one-price dining May 22-27

The Memorial Union food court (excluding Subway and Panda Express) will temporarily switch to all-you-care-to-eat service starting with dinner on May 22 and continuing through May 27 to serve Odyssey of the Mind participants. During this time, there will be one price for a meal and no a la carte purchases. Prices will be $10 for breakfast, $12 for lunch and $14 for dinner.

All things Kuali

A new website brings together the flurry of Kuali activity under way on campus. Kuali is open-source software that 50-plus universities, including Iowa State, are building for use in all kinds of business and administrative projects.  The Kuali and eData site contains news, tips and timelines about the vast project that will affect every corner of the university.  Visitors also can subscribe to a Kuali news feed  from the site.

Detour on 13th Street begins May 14

Due to a scheduled sanitary sewer repair at the 13th Street-Ridgewood Avenue intersection, the city of Ames will close that intersection beginning Monday, May 14, for an estimated 7 days. East- and westbound traffic on 13th Street (on the north side of campus) will be detoured north well in advance of this intersection. Westbound drivers should travel north on Northwestern Avenue to 24th Street, west on 24th to Stange Road, and south on Stange Road back to 13th Street. Eastbound drivers should use this route in reverse.

Summer school begins next week

The first session of summer school at Iowa State begins May 14 and continues through July 6. Session II begins June 11 and wraps up Aug. 3. There is no summer commencement program; students completing degrees this summer have the option of participating in the May or December ceremonies. Details of the summer academic calendar are online.

Sensible portion sizes is topic of May 23 wellness talk

Faculty and staff and invited to an employee wellness program, "Portion Distortion or Sensible Servings?," on May 23 (9:30 a.m., 192 Parks Library). No reservation is required. 

Bike to Work Week begins Monday

Get your bicycle tuned up for Bike to Work Week, May 14-18 (Bike to Work Day is May 18). Email Sally Barclay, director of the Nutrition Clinic for Employee Wellness, each day you park the car and ride your bike to work next week and she'll enter you in a drawing for a gift certificate to Bike World in Ames.

Iowa State is a hub in statewide STEM efforts

Iowa State will serve as the north central hub for the new Governor's STEM Advisory Council. The goal of the six regional hubs is to promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and economic development across Iowa.

ISU Memorial Day ceremony is May 28

Iowa State's annual Memorial Day Ceremony is planned for May 28 beginning at 9 a.m. in the Reiman Ballroom of the Alumni Center, 420 Beach Ave. The ceremony honors the memory of all ISU employees and retirees and their spouses who have passed away since Memorial Day 2011. Online tributes for those who have passed must be submitted online by May 18. The tributes will be posted on the ISU Retirees website by May 25.

ISU Retirees spring picnic is May 22

Are you planning to retire between now and August 31? If so, the ISU Retirees Association invites you and your spouse/friend to its annual spring picnic on May 22 (5 p.m., White Oak Winery, Cambridge). Activities include wine tasting, a meal prepared by B Fabulous BBQ and musical entertainment by Dusty Chords. Cost is $20 per person. Please register online by May 18. For additional information, contact Jerilyn Logue, 4-3192.

Campus food drive is May 14-24

United Way of Story County will have campus drop locations during its Live United food drive May 14-24. Nonperishable food items will be accepted at these locations: Alumni Center second floor, 138 Curtiss, 108 General Services, 117 Parks Library, Printing and Publications lobby and 1550 Beardshear. Donated items be delivered to Story County food pantries.

Get free admission to Reiman Gardens on May 11

Reiman Gardens is one of five central Iowa gardens participating in the 4th annual  National Public Gardens Day on Friday, May 11, to raise awareness of the role public gardens play in promoting conservation, education and environmental preservation. To receive free admission to Reiman Gardens that day, go to Better Homes and Gardens admission program website to download a voucher that's good for admission at any of the public gardens. Each garden will be handing out a different salad greens seed packet so visitors can start their own edible garden.

Please be kind to seeded areas along Osborn Drive

Campus Services  crews have started restoring turf areas along Osborn Drive. Their work includes replacing soil, tilling, grading and reseeding. As a result, pedestrians may experience some temporarily closed walkways, but are asked to avoid walking on newly planted grass seed.

May 3 open forum postponed

The Professional and Scientific Council's May 3 open forum with associate vice president for budget and planning Ellen Rasmussen has been postponed until later this month. It will be rescheduled when more information on the FY13 operating budget is available.

Ames Main Street Farmers Market returns May 5

Iowa State is among several area sponsors of the Ames Main Street Farmers' Market, which reopens for the season on May 5. Iowa-grown produce, arts and crafts, music by area musicians and children's activities are part of the Saturday morning ritual on the 400 block of Main Street. The market is open Saturdays (8 a.m. to noon) through Oct. 27.

MBA informational lunch is May 10

The College of Busines will host an informational lunch about its MBA program on Thursday, May 10 (noon-1 p.m., 1360 Gerdin). Lunch will be provided. Those attending are asked to register online.

Campus community may access green building website

To encourage course development, research projects and increased knowledge at ISU on sustainability and the environment, Facilities Planning and Management is subscribing to campus-wide access to BuildingGreen Suite, an authoritative source on environmentally responsible building design and construction. From any campus computer, go to BuildingGreen Suite for green concept summaries and in-depth articles, building case studies, green product evaluations and a sample course syllabus.

Volunteers sought for Special Olympics May 17-19

Volunteers are needed to help with the Iowa Special Olympics summer games, which will be held on campus May 17-19. Volunteers will work half-day shifts. There are various duties, including staging area attendant, escort, awards presenter and music coordinator. To volunteer, sign up online via the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

Campus interviews set for university registrar finalists

Five finalists have been named in the search for Iowa State's next university registrar and they'll visit campus in the next two weeks. Their campus interviews include a one-hour open forum in the MU Gold Room. The finalists' resumes are available on the VP for Student Affairs website. A downloadable form with which to evaluate the finalists also is online; all evaluation forms should be returned by 5 p.m. Monday, May 14, to Rose Wilbanks, 2350 Beardshear. 

The finalists and their open forum dates are:

• Marla Herron, senior associate registrar, University of Kansas; May 3, 3-4 p.m.
• Tammy Aagard, university registrar, University of Wyoming; May 8, 3-4 p.m.
• Laura Doering, senior associate registrar and director of transfer relations; Iowa State; May 9, 3-4 p.m.
• Earl Hawkey, director of registration and records, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; May 10, 3-4 p.m.
• Karen Jarrell, assistant provost and university registrar, University of Texas, Dallas; May 11, 3-4 p.m.

Video of provost finalists' forums online

Video of the open forums for all three finalists for the senior vice president and provost position is now available online. Follow the links below:

• David Manderscheid, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Nebraska, April 24 forum
• Carlo Montemagno, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Cincinnati, April 27 forum
• Jonathan Wickert, dean of Iowa State's College of Engineering,  April 23 forum

For more information on the finalists and the search, go to the senior vice president and provost search site.

Regents approve faculty promotion and tenure awards

The state Board of Regents approved promotion and tenure awards for 68 Iowa State faculty members for the 2012-13 academic year at its April 26 meeting in Cedar Falls. That figure includes 39 promotions with tenure and 29 promotions to full professor for previously tenured faculty.

Evaluation forms for Dean of Students candidates are due May 3

Campus interviews are under way for four finalists for Iowa State's dean of students post. All evaluations of the finalists should be submitted to Rose Wilbanks, 2350 Beardshear, by noon on Thursday, May 3. The form is available online and at each open forum. The finalists and details about their open forums are:

Winning garments at fashion show on exhibit through the summer

An exhibition opening April 30 in Morrill Hall's Textiles and Clothing Museum will feature the winning garments from the April 14 student fashion show. The exhibition runs through Aug. 24; museum hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. An opening reception will be held April 30 (5-6 p.m., 1015 Morrill).

Outdoor Rec equipment on sale Thursday

A public sale of Outdoor Recreation program equipment will take place Thursday, April 26. Small items (such as tents, paddles and camping equipment) will be sold immediately, while large items (such as canoes, bikes and kayaks) will be sold through a sealed bid process. Sealed bids will be accepted from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in State Gym. Contact Jerry Rupert (4-4774) or the Outdoor Rec program (4-8200) for more information. A list of sale items (PDF) is available on the rec services website.

English learning opportunity this summer for international residents of Ames

A special class for learning English through culture and technology will be offered this summer for three weeks, June 25-July 12 (1-2:50 p.m., Monday through Thursday). Classes will be taught by ISU and visiting English teaching professionals who are part of the U.S. Department of State project, "Engaging Material for Global English." The cost is a small fee to cover materials. For more information, contact Joan Chamberlin, ISU English department.

Register now for CPR, first-aid training

Environmental Health and Safety is offering adult, infant and pediatric CPR training as well as first aid and automated external defibrillator (AED) training on May 11 (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Room 1230, Environmental Health and Safety Services Building). Cost is $55 per person. Self-register through the EH&S Learning Center (select the "Learning Center" link). 

P&S Council election is under way; vote by May 2

Professional and scientific employees are encouraged to cast their votes by May 2 for 12 members of the 36-member Professional and Scientific Council. Candidate profiles and an overview of the election process is online. To vote, log in to AccessPlus, select the "Employee" tab and click on "Votes and Surveys" in the left column. You only will be able to vote for candidates from your representation area. Seven positions are open in academic and research, and one position is available in each of the following: business and finance, IPRT/Ames Lab, ISU Extension and Outreach, president's office and student affairs.

Gear up for ExerCYse April 25

The second annual ISU ExerCYse is Medicine event will be held April 25 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., central campus). Activities include a campus wellness walk, a flash mob, an obstacle course challenge, disk golf, bike tune-ups, a jump rope competition and more. T-shirts also will be available for purchase. This free event is open to all faculty, staff and students. 

Research collaboration is May 1 lecture topic

Holly Falk-Krzesinski will present a public lecture, "The Science of Team Science," on May 1 (4:45 p.m., MU South Ballroom). Falk-Krzesinski is the director of research team support and development at Northwestern University's Clinical and Translational Science Institute, and a founder of what evolved into the National Organization of Research Development Professionals. She has expertise in collaboration, cross-disciplinary research and grantsmanship for collaborative opportunities.

Recyling of personal electronics moved to April 24

Due to inclement weather April 19, local collection and recycling of personal electronics was moved to Tuesday, April 24. Ames-area state and federal employees are invited to recycle their personal electronics from 7 a.m. to noon, at the Iowa Department of Transportation, 800 Lincoln Way. Most items (such as batteries, copiers, DVD players, fax machines, handheld electronics, laptops, printers and video games) can be recycled free. Recycling fees for monitors and TVs range from $7 for 18-inch or smaller screens to $27 for 41-inch or larger screens.  The recycling event is sponsored by the DOT Green Team and Department of Natural Resources Iowa Waste Exchange Program.

Campus forums for three provost finalists are April 23-27

Three finalists have been named in the search for Iowa State's senior vice president and provost. They are David Manderscheid, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Carlo Montemagno, founding dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Cincinnati; and Jonathan Wickert, dean of ISU's College of Engineering. Each will meet with members of the university community and participate in an open forum. The forum schedule is:

• Wickert, Monday, April 23, 10:30 a.m., MU Pioneer Room
• Manderscheid, Tuesday, April 24, 1:30 p.m., MU Pioneer Room
• Montemagno, Friday, April 27, 10:45 a.m., MU Gallery

Those who wish to comment on finalists should submit an online evaluation by noon on Monday, April 30. 

Veishea honors Earth Day

As you enjoy the Veishea activities this weekend, remember that Sunday, April 22, is Earth Day. Live Green! will have an entire village within Veishea Village (central campus) on Saturday, April 21. Ten groups, including Closets Collide, The Green Umbrella and the ISU Council on Sustainability, invite visitors to stop by their booths to learn about their "green" programs. You also may have an opportunity to win sustainable prizes. 

ISU BioBus Club hosts birthday, Earth Day celebration

Students from the ISU BioBus Club, who convert used vegetable oil from ISU Dining into biofuel for a CyRide bus, invite all faculty, staff and students to a birthday/Earth Day celebration April 22 (4 p.m., Commons, Gerdin). The event will celebrate the club's one year of operation and also support Earth Day. RSVP to Mariah Wright.

Honors poster event is April 25

Spring and summer University Honors program graduates, as well as other Honors students, will answer questions about their Honors projects during the annual poster presentation and reception April 25 (3-5 p.m. MU Great Hall). All are welcome.

Iowa State students among outstanding young volunteers

Iowa State's student chapter of Associated General Contractors, Dance Marathon organizers and Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority are among ISU students who will be recognized at the 6th annual Story County Youth Volunteer Awards event April 24 (7 p.m., MU Sun Room). The event celebrates great volunteers in Story County under the age of 25 years. A sundae bar reception follows the award presentations. All are welcome to attend.

Library display highlights Asian American heritage

In celebration of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in April, the University Library has created a display (Fireplace Room, first floor of Parks Library). It includes a selection of books and films by and about Asian Americans. As always, the books in the display can be checked out.  If you see a book that interests you, simply bring it to the circulation desk.

"The Princeton Review" recognizes Iowa State's green efforts

Iowa State has been selected for inclusion in "The Princeton Review's Guide to 322 Green Colleges: 2012 Edition." The free, downloadable book is published in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Schools were selected based on their "green rating," a numerical score from 60 to 99 compiled from a 50-question survey given to college and university administrators about their school's environmental and sustainability-related commitments and initiatives. A complete list of all colleges and universities in the guide is available online. Visit Iowa State's Live Green! website for more information about the university's sustainability initiatives.

Air Force ROTC event open to public for first time in 10 years

Faculty, staff and students are invited to attend the Air Force ROTC Cadet Change of Command Ceremony and Spring Pass in Review Parade on April 19 (5 p.m., central campus, north of the campanile). This is the first time this event has been open to the public in nearly 10 years. The 20-minute event is the official transfer of command from the outgoing to the incoming cadet wing commander, who is the top senior-level cadet charged with ensuring the training, mentoring and operations of the entire Air Force ROTC Detachment. The cadets also will demonstrate skills they have learned. 

Reserve materials for summer and fall semesters now

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

Annual Staniforth lecture is April 26

Research ecologist Jon Marshall, director of Marshall Agroecology Ltd., Great Britain, will present the 23rd annual Staniforth Memorial Lecture on April 26 (4:10-5 p.m., 1131 National Swine Research and Information Center, reception follows in the Agronomy Hall commons). Marshall's talk is titled "Field Weeds, Field Margins and Biodiversity: Ecological and Geographical Perspectives."

Student awards, Hoiberg address highlight Veishea opening ceremony

The Student Activities Center and the division of Student Affairs will honor student award recipients and Cyclone men's basketball coach Fred Hoiberg will give the keynote address at the Veishea opening ceremony April 17 (4-6 p.m., MU Sun Room). Refreshments will be served beginning at 4 p.m.; the program will begin at 5:15 p.m. The event kicks off the 90th Veishea celebration; the public is invited.

Register now for April 19 MBA informational lunch

The College of Business will hold an informational lunch on its MBA program April 19 (noon-1 p.m., 1360 Gerdin). Lunch is provided and registration is requested. Questions may be directed to Jenny Reitano.