Announcements for Faculty and Staff

Children invited to propose new ice cream flavor for ISU Creamery

Children 12 years and younger are invited to propose a new ice cream flavor for the ISU Creamery . . . via a coloring sheet. The sheets can be picked up at the ISU Creamery, 2955 Food Sciences Building, or downloaded from the ISU Creamery website and printed at home. Contestants will color and name their proposed flavor -- which can't already exist in the ISU Creamery's ice cream flavors lineup. (Parents may help them describe their flavor on the separate entry form.) Entries are due in the store by 5 p.m. Saturday, July 6. The ISU Creamery team will announce the winning flavor at noon Wednesday, July 10, on the creamery's Facebook and Instagram pages. The winning ice cream will be made at the creamery and sold for a limited time in the store, starting Saturday, July 27. Summer hours at the store are: noon-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

Innovation Lunch Club's next gathering is June 28

The June installment of the Innovation Lunch Club will feature Megan Graettinger, assistant director of the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship; Peter Hong, director of the ISU Startup Factory; and Alex Andrade, program director at CyBIZ Lab, who will share ways their programs can assist faculty and staff. The lunch, hosted by the Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations, is Friday, June 28 (11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m., executive board room, ISU Economic Development Core Facility, 1805 Collaboration Pl.). RSVP for this free event to sdreyer@iastate.edu.

No open house at the dairy farm this summer

The 2024 open house at the ISU Dairy Farm south of Ames, typically held in June, was canceled due to storm damage at the farm. The event will return in 2025.

Horticulture farm is selling produce

The Horticulture Research Station community produce sale has strawberries, kale and butterhead lettuce. It also has honey and whole, frozen chickens. Orders can be placed from noon on Tuesdays through noon on Thursdays. Curbside pickup is Fridays (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) in the Meat Lab parking lot (northwest corner of lot 39) off N. University Boulevard. Payment is by cash, check or credit card at pickup.

Memorial service for retired faculty member Lisa Larson to be livestreamed

A June 8 memorial service for Lisa Larson, University Professor emeritus in psychology, will be livestreamed on the Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder's YouTube channel. It begins at noon (CST). Larson died May 31 in Boulder, Colorado, following a bicycle accident. She was an ISU faculty member fro 1998 to 2021. Obituary.

Faculty-staff training offered on mental health, substance use first aid

Student Health and Wellness is sponsoring a one-day, mental health and substance use first aid training for faculty and staff twice this summer (8 a.m.-4 p.m., 1101 Hach). The dates are Tuesday, June 18, or Wednesday, July 17. ISU Wellbeing will provide a light breakfast and lunch at each training. Register for either date. Participants will learn:

• Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges.
• Common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.
• How to interact with a person in crisis.
• How to connect a person with help.
• Additional content on trauma, substance use and self-care.

Sign up to help out at College Creek cleaning

In recognition of June as National Rivers month, you're invited to volunteer at the 15th annual College Creek cleanup on Saturday, June 22 (10 a.m.-2 p.m., check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Forker Building parking lot). Small groups will walk designated sections of the creek and pick up trash along the banks. No time commitment is required, and all help is appreciated. Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes. Supplies (bug repellent, sunscreen, gloves, bags and trash grabbers) will be provided (or bring your own if you prefer). Refreshments also will be provided. Pre-registration is requested to ensure adequate quantities of supplies. This event is hosted by the Live Green! initiative in the office of sustainability.

You're invited: End of semester social

The Black Faculty and Staff Association will hold an end-of-the-semester social on Friday, June 7 (starting at 4 p.m., Noir Ames, 405 Kellogg Ave.). The event is open to all faculty and staff. 

Summer exhibition at the MU features alumni artists

A summer exhibition in the Memorial Union Art Gallery features the encaustic art of ISU alumni Rachel Deutmeyer and Barbara Walton, both of Ames. Beeswax is the traditional encaustic medium. Deutmeyer, a photographer, uses lumen prints, digital collage and layered photographs with it, while Walton is a painter who adds pigment to the wax and brushes it onto canvas. "An Exploration of Nature Through Encaustic Painting" is viewable six days/week June 2-July 26, Monday through Friday (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) and Sunday (1-4 p.m.). An artists reception will be held Thursday, July 18 (5-7 p.m.).

Brunnier Art Museum will close for the summer on June 3

Due to the remodeling project on the east side of the Scheman Building, Brunnier Art Museum will be closed June 3-Aug. 26. The program on Sunday, June 2, will be the last of the summer (all other Sunday tours have been canceled). The University Museums office will remain open during construction.

Innovate 1858 students designed an orientation T-shirt

Students visiting campus for orientation can take home a piece of innovation with a custom T-shirt designed by students in the Innovate 1858 store at the Student Innovation Center. Orientation 2024 T-shirts are $14.99 and available online and during the orientation resource fair (10 a.m.-noon) at the retail store. Proceeds from the shirt will support the student experience at Innovate 1858 and a portion will go to the Cyclone Aide program.

Reserved parking for stadium concert sold out

Reserved parking for the May 25 George Strait concert at Jack Trice Stadium is sold out. Other options are available across campus and near the stadium. Concert-goers are reminded to follow all posted parking regulations. Improperly parked vehicles are subject to ticketing or towing. Parking lots open at noon for those with reserved spots.

Mindfulness virtual workshop is June 12

ISU WellBeing will offer the Mindfulness at Work virtual workshop June 12 (1:30-3 p.m.). Explore the basics of what mindfulness is, how it works and what research says about the benefits to individuals, teams and organizations. This faculty-staff workshop is a simple way to experience the benefits of mindfulness. Register online (limited to 50 people).

May 27 is a university holiday

University offices are closed and summer classes won't meet on Monday, May 27, in observance of the national Memorial Day holiday.

The ISU Retirees Association's annual Memorial Day ceremony begins at 9 a.m. in the Alumni Center and via Zoom. The event honors all ISU retirees, their spouses or partners, and current faculty or staff whose passing the association received notice of since May 1, 2023. The list of honorees is online.

North campus sidewalk closing for two weeks

The sidewalk along the east side of Metals Development Building (north campus on Pammel Drive) will be closed May 28-June 14 so equipment can be safely removed from the building. Employees and students who park in lots 28A, 29 or 30 north of Metals Development are asked to use the sidewalks either (to the west) between Metals Development and Molecular Biology or (to the east) between the Advanced Machines Systems Lab and the prairie plot. Pedestrian detour signs will be posted. Map.

Community radio's summer concert is June 18

Ames-based KHOI community radio will host its annual fundraising concert on Tuesday, June 18 (7 p.m., Stephens Auditorium). It will feature a new Iowa folk duo of singer/songwriter Chad Elliott and fiddler Kathryn Fox: the Weary Ramblers, who are releasing their first album this summer and first played together in Stephens' Goldfinch Room in June 2021. General admission tickets are $20. Two ticket packages that start with reserved seating in the first 11 rows also are available: $45 VIP or $100 Premium VIP. 

Presenters sought for high school STEM camp

The Program for Women in Science and Engineering seeks faculty and staff to present at its residential summer camp for 11th and 12th graders, RISE with WiSE, offered July 9-12 and July 16-19 (two sessions). Presentations and activities across the STEM spectrum and 1-2 hours in length are welcomed. The camp's purpose is to develop students' confidence in pursuing STEM careers through hands-on experiences and exploration of STEM majors at Iowa State. Proposal forms are due Friday, May 24. Questions may be directed to Sydni, americorps_wise@iastate.edu.

Football travel packages announced for August 2025

The athletics department has announced several travel packages in association with the football team's game with Big 12 Conference opponent Kansas State in Dublin, Ireland, on Aug. 23, 2025. The options include multi-day travel packages and gameday stadium packages. For Cyclone fans only needing game tickets, all remaining game tickets will go on sale in early 2025 through the athletics ticket office.

Summer office hours window is May 13-Aug. 16

Iowa State offices may implement summer office hours (7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. with a shorter lunch break) beginning Monday, May 13, and concluding at least one week before the start of fall semester classes. Units wishing to participate in summer hours should develop their own schedules with approval from the appropriate dean, vice president, senior vice president or president. Office hours policy.

Summer schedules begin May 13 in dining locations

ISU Dining reminds the campus community that it will begin its summer hours schedule on Monday, May 13. Please check the weekly hours website for location hours and menus. Members of the campus community are especially encouraged to plan ahead for lunch during Odyssey of the Mind World Finals week (May 19-25). Dining staff will be focused on serving the anticipated 6,000 guests to campus for this event, and locations will busier than usual and wait times may be long.

Proposal would increase P&S pay grade structure by 3%

The senior leadership team has approved university human resources' recommendation for a 3% overall adjustment to the pay grade structure for professional and scientific (P&S) staff. The decision is pending approval by the state Board of Regents, which will review the request at its June meeting. If approved, the revised P&S pay grade structure would become effective July 1. P&S employees who fall below the minimum salary in their revised grade would have their salaries increased to at least the new minimum. Those increases would occur on or before Oct. 1.

Graduating students can recycle their regalia

STORIES (Students on the Rise in Educational Success) and The Closet in the Memorial Union are partnering to collect graduation caps and gowns following commencement ceremonies this spring. Items will be shared with graduating Cyclones at future events. Collection box locations and dates are:

• Memorial Union west entrance (facing the lake), May 9-16
• Ames Public Library, May 28-June 2
• Gilbert High School, May 28-31

Graduation sets also can be mailed to: 2302 Osborn Dr., 131 MacKay Hall, Ames, Iowa 50010.

Phasing in: All-inclusive CyHire student job board

The Student Employment Center, part of the office of student financial aid, is collaborating with ISU Career Services to house all student employment opportunities in one system for the first time. This includes post-graduate, internship and part-time student jobs. Students will use it to find employment opportunities that fit their specific job criteria, and faculty, staff and off-campus employers can post positions for part-time employment on or off campus, internships and post-grad employment opportunities.

In addition, the CyHire system will move to a new platform (12Twenty) to offer a refreshed look, user-friendly interface and enhanced features. Over several months, CyHire will relaunch in phases. Phase 1: Effective May 15, the Part-time Student Job Board will function in CyHire. All active positions in AccessPlus will need to be reposted in CyHire on or after May 15. Directions for posting  part-time positions  in the new system will be posted soon on the Part Time Student Job Board website.

Students will begin to be loaded into the new CyHire platform in the coming weeks, though the current Student Job Board in AccessPlus and CyHire will remain accessible to students and employers during the early stages of this transition.

Employee volunteers needed for SHOP during the summer

Student health and wellness seeks staff and faculty volunteers for hour-increment shifts in the SHOP food pantry during the summer to keep the pantry open for student use. SHOP summer hours generally are Mondays (1-5 p.m.), Wednesdays (2-5 p.m.) and Fridays (11 a.m.-4 p.m.). A sign-up schedule lists open shifts. Instructions are emailed to you once you sign up.

Iowa State to partner with Knack on undergraduate tutoring

Beginning fall semester, the Academic Success Center will partner with Knack to continue providing tutoring to Iowa State undergraduates. On Knack's platform, students will book one-on-one or group sessions with peer tutors. Students enrolled in selected courses will receive free, unlimited tutoring with no hourly fees. Similar to Iowa State's current tutoring model, sessions are facilitated by high-achieving Iowa State students who have taken the course and achieved a B grade or higher.

Save the date: Monday, July 22. The Academic Success Center and Knack will host open forums throughout the day in 3204 Student Innovation Center to share more information about the tutoring partnership. Details will be shared later this summer.

Employee sand volleyball league is back for summer

Humorist David Sedaris to do Stephens show in October

Humor writer and Grammy Award nominee David Sedaris will perform in Ames on Thursday, Oct. 24 (7:30 p.m., Stephens Auditorium). Tickets ($39.50-$69.50) go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Friday, May 10, via Ticketmaster. They're also available as part of a subscription package for Stephens' 2024-25 Performing Arts Season.

Athletics' 'tailgate tour' runs May 13-22

The annual Cyclone Tailgate Tour, featuring athletics director Jamie Pollard, Cyclone play-by-play announcer John Walters, Cy, spirit squad members and head coaches Matt Campbell, Kevin Dresser, Bill Fennelly, Christy Johnson-Lynch and T.J. Otzelberger, will complete an eastern Iowa loop May 13-15 and a western/northern Iowa loop May 20-22, with two stops daily. The tour kicks off Thursday, May 9 (6-8 p.m.) at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex, 6500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines. All events are free; food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Regents will review tuition proposal at May 10 meeting

Reiman Gardens hosts plant sale May 11-12

Reiman Gardens' annual plant sale Extravaganza will be held Saturday, May 11 (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday, May 12 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) in the gardens' parking lot, rain or shine. No gardens admission fee is needed. Plants for sale include perennials for sun and shade, herbs and vegetables, Iowa natives, woody plants including trees, Buck roses, container and bedding annuals, houseplants, hanging baskets and All-American Selection winners. Credit card, check and cash will be accepted as payment. The sale supports several student organizations, the gardens and Story County Master Gardener Association. A sale for Reiman Gardens members precedes the public sale dates.

Alumni association's 2025 travel preview is May 23

The ISU Alumni Association will hold its 2025 Travel Preview on Thursday, May 23 (4-6:30 p.m., Alumni Center). Be among the first to receive the 2025 Traveling Cyclones tour schedule, ask questions and even book a trip. U.S. Postal Service representatives will be on site to accept passport applications or renewals (for more information or to set up an appointment, contact Johanna Hill, USPS, 515-776-4092). All are welcome; travel with the Traveling Cyclones program is not limited to Iowa State alumni. If you can't make it in person, RSVP by May 15 to receive event recordings following the day's sessions. Questions may be directed to manager of travel Lainey Heck, 515-294-5775.

Improve your online or hybrid course this summer

Faculty planning to revamp their online or hybrid courses this summer are invited to join the free online workshop, "Improving Your Online Course," facilitated by Olga Mesropova, world languages and cultures and Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching faculty affiliate. It will be offered twice: June 17-July 5 and July 29-Aug. 18 (register online). This asynchronous, work-at-your-own pace Quality Matters workshop will guide you to make improvements to various elements of your course including general alignment. Receive practical tips for infusing your course with active learning opportunities and evaluating the effectiveness of your assessments. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a formal Quality Matters certificate.

Design Reading Room collections moving to Parks Library

Collections held in the Design Reading Room (101 College of Design) will be transferred to Parks Library. The decision follows multi-year conversations among University Library and College of Design leaders about evolving usage of the space and collections -- and the most effective use of those resources. Transitioning the collections to Parks Library expands student access, where extended library hours include weekends and university breaks.

The last day of operation for the Design Reading Room will be Wednesday, May 15. Materials have remained available to students without interruption this spring. Library staff have relocated to Parks Library; student employees have been able to complete their spring term of service in the Design Reading Room and will have the option of moving to Parks. Furniture and fixtures are expected to be removed before July 4. The College of Design will explore the most effective and flexible ways to utilize the reading room space to support students and faculty.

Submit online feedback form on provost candidates by May 2

University community members are asked to share their feedback on Iowa State's provost finalists by completing the online candidate feedback form by 5 p.m. Thursday, May 2. Recordings of the campus forums for the three remaining finalists have been posted to the search website for those who want to view them. A fourth finalist, Eric Barker, dean of the College of Pharmacy at Purdue University, has withdrawn from the search.

Spring Art Mart runs May 7-10

The spring Art Mart pop-up shop, organized by the Workspace and the ISU Gaffer's Guild, will be held May 7-10 at the Memorial Union Art Gallery, first floor. Hours are Tuesday (4-7 p.m.), Wednesday (10 a.m.-7 p.m.), and Thursday-Friday (10 a.m.-4 p.m.).

Exterior projects at the Farm House museum scheduled for May

The Farm House Museum, a university museums affiliate on central campus dating to 1860, will be closed for three weeks, May 13-31, for several exterior improvement projects, including roof replacement, painting and repairs. If all work stays on schedule, the campus icon will reopen on Monday, June 3. Summer hours will be noon-4 p.m. weekdays, through Friday, July 26. Admission is free; donations are welcome.

You're invited: Central Stores appreciation lunch

Central Stores invites all faculty and staff to an appreciation open house on Thursday, May 9 (11 a.m.-2 p.m., lot 47 between General Services Building and the power plant). While supplies last, enjoy burgers, brats, chips, desserts and refreshments.

Bookstore hosts Star Wars-themed story time May 4

"May the 4th be with you." The ISU Book Store will host a Star Wars-themed free story time on Saturday, May 4 (10:30-11:30 a.m., bookstore in the Memorial Union). This family event will feature stories, free coloring pages, photo opportunities with light sabers, Star Wars music and a chance at a prize for those who come in costume. The bookstore also will launch exclusive new ISU Star Wars merchandise at this event.

Pre-order ISU wall calendars for your unit

Department pre-orders are being accepted for the ISU Alumni Association's 50th edition (2024-25) ISU wall calendar. Pre-order calendars with a P-card or Worktag/DD # and choose your preferred method of delivery, either pick-up at the ISU Alumni Center or delivery via campus mail. The price is $15 each for up to 19 calendars, $13 each for 20-29 units and $11 each for 30 or more calendars. To receive the price break, only one Worktag or p-card may be used.

Faculty, staff 'Inspiration Award' reception is May 17

Call for nominations for 2024 Ivy Women in Business Awards

The Ivy College of Business invites nominations for its three annual Ivy Women in Business Awards. Honor someone who has been a champion for women in business or recognize an impressive young professional. One of the three awards is limited to an Ivy alumna, and the Champion Award is open to organizations and individuals, regardless of gender. Online nominations must be received by May 24.

Reception for Jonathan Wickert is May 6

The university community is invited to a reception honoring Jonathan Wickert for his 12 years of outstanding service as senior vice president and provost. The event will be held Monday, May 6 (3:30-5:30 p.m., program at 4 p.m., first floor atrium of Beardshear Hall). Online RSVPs are requested. Wickert returns to the mechanical engineering faculty this summer. 

Innovation showcase is April 30-May 3

The annual IGNITE Innovation Showcase (April 30-May 3, Student Innovation Center) will feature displays, exhibitions, panels and presentations to highlight innovative student work happening across campus. The daily schedule of challenges and workshops is online. An interactive expo will take place May 2 (2-5 p.m.) with several hands-on activities, including a glassblowing demonstration, floral creativity, laser engraving and more. President Wendy Wintersteen will speak at 4 p.m. at the stepatorium.

Volunteers invited to help Sunday-Monday at Cy's Finals Frenzy

The first Cy's Finals Frenzy (Sunday-Tuesday, April 28-30, Memorial Union and lawns) will promote healthy study habits and personal wellness for students during prep week. It features study options, opportunities to play and lots of snacks. Faculty and staff volunteers still are needed to assist at some of the activities; sign up online.

Aerospace student project expo is May 1

Make to Innovate (AerE 2940/AerE 4940) invites the campus community to view 11 student projects at its annual project expo on Wednesday, May 1 (4-6 p.m., Howe Hall atrium). They include teams that, over the past year, traveled to competitions in Kansas and Alabama, or traveled to Utah and Florida. Ask about their research in cold welding, rocket engines and the future of flight. Learn more about taking your research to the next level, from 5,280 feet off the ground to 100,000 feet above the earth.

'Inside' summer schedule is set

Inside Iowa State and its companion email, Inside Update, will post weekly through May 9. The publication cycle will shift to every other week for the summer. Posting dates are: May 23, June 6, June 20, (Wednesday) July 3, July 18, Aug. 1 and Aug. 15. The weekly schedule resumes Aug. 29, the first week of fall semester. The submission deadline for announcements, retirements, campus forums and awards remains noon the day before Inside posts.

Classrooms reserved for evening study during prep week

Room scheduling will offer general university classrooms for students to use as study rooms during prep week, April 29-May 3. These 10 classrooms are reserved for evening study (5:30-11 p.m. daily): 

• Carver Hall 0118, 0128, 0132
• Pearson Hall 1106, 3157
• Ross Hall 0029, 0031, 0129
• Town Engineering Building 0230, 0290

Showcase by Start Something LAS Academy students is April 30

Students completing their first year of the Start Something LAS Academy will display or demonstrate their projects during a showcase on Tuesday, April 30 (4:10-5:30 p.m., 4250 Student Innovation Center). All are invited to stop by this open house event.

Sales innovation conference is May 14

The annual Ivy Sales Innovation Summit, hosted by CIRAS and the Ivy College of Business, will be held Tuesday, May 14, at the Memorial Union. Registration closes May 6. The conference is designed for leaders and teams who are seeking best practices in sales. This year's summit features three engaging speakers who will discuss motivation and performance psychology, plus an exploration of how understanding your strengths can unlock potential and maximize performance. The registration fee ($199; discount of $20/ticket for three or more) includes a code to take the CliftonStrengths assessment in preparation for the summit.

Who's joining public radio's 'Science Friday' show in Ames?

Public radio's "Science Friday," hosted by Ira Flatow, has announced the program and guests for its Saturday, May 4, live event at Stephens Auditorium. Faculty experts include Arti Singh, Patrick Schnable, Balaji Narasimhan, Ikenna Nlebedim and Erin Norton. The event begins at 6 p.m.; doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets remain via Ticketmaster.