Announcements for Faculty and Staff

Personal finance workshop series starts in February

ISU Extension and Outreach (EO) is offering free personal finance workshops to help participants with their financial goals. Online registration is required at least 24 hours prior to each virtual session, all of which are held on Thursdays (noon-1 p.m.). The schedule:

• Time for a Financial Checkup, Feb. 8: A practical tool for reviewing your family's financial situation.
• Money Smart: Taking Control of Your $, Feb. 15 and 22 (two parts): A big-picture look at making money choices on a month-to-month basis.  
• Mission Possible: Saving, March 7: Strategies to save for short-term needs or long-term goals.
• Borrowing Smart, March 14: Review of basic credit principles, with a focus on reducing the cost and risk of borrowing.

The workshops are part of an effort led by EO in partnership with university human resources. Questions about the workshops may be directed to extension financial educator Barb Wollan, 515-832-9597.

Water damage forces ASB units to relocate temporarily

Due to a burst water pipe in the Administrative Services Building discovered Sunday, Jan. 14, all units housed in the building have been relocated while repairs from extensive water damage are completed. The relocations are anticipated to last at least several months. Employees' phone numbers remain the same; call ahead for any in-person meetings. Individuals who receive printed payroll checks are directed to the temporary payroll office location, 0152 General Services Building.

Library's Catalyst hosts data visualization contest for students

To celebrate International Love Data Week, Feb. 12-16, students are invited to enter the Data Visualization Contest presented by The Catalyst in the University Library. Contestants select a dataset and get creative to present a visual interpretation of it. The competition is open to undergrad and graduate students, and submissions are due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14. Cash prizes will be awarded for first ($150), second ($75) and third ($50) places. The week connects people all over the world to learn, appreciate and have fun with data.

Iowa State receives five more years as innovation/economic prosperity designee

Iowa State University recently received a five-year extension as a designee of the Association of Public and Land-grant University's (APLU) Innovation and Economic Prosperity Program. To receive this designation and extension, institutions must demonstrate a commitment to regional economic growth and opportunity. Iowa State is one of 91 APLU institutions to earn this recognition. In November, Iowa State also received APLU's top Innovation and Economic Prosperity University Award.

Host families sought for four-week summer homestay for Japanese youth

Iowa 4-H is recruiting families to host visiting Japanese youth (ages 12-17 years) from July 22 to Aug. 15. Help students experience American culture while experiencing Japanese culture yourself. To be a host family, you must have a child in your home between the ages of 11 and 17 years; the Japanese student you host would be within 3+ years of your child. To ensure a safe environment, all adults in the home must undergo a background screening, a virtual child abuse awareness training and a home visit.

The host family application is due April 15, and home visits will be completed by June 1, when youth are assigned to host families. More information about hosting is online; questions may be directed to Madeleine Bretey-Smith, Iowa 4-H, ISU Extension and Outreach.

Purchase "Science Friday" tickets by Feb. 26

National Public Radio's "Science Friday" team, led by Ira Flatow, will be at Stephens Auditorium Saturday, May 4, for a Science Friday Live event (6-8 p.m., doors open at 5 p.m.). Flatow will interview local researchers and scientists who are changing the world, one experiment at a time. University community members have access to early-bird pricing ($10 per general admission ticket plus processing fee) until 10 p.m. Feb. 26. The event is hosted by the university and the office of the vice president for research, in partnership with Iowa Public Radio.

Employee W-2 forms are available in Workday

Community vitality is topic for March 8 research/innovation roundtable

The office of the vice president for research has announced its next Research & Innovation Roundtable for Friday, March 8 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., Memorial Union, lunch provided). Faculty across campus are invited to explore bold ideas around the topic of community vitality that could grow into large interdisciplinary research initiatives. Online registration closes Feb. 16. (To help organizers form diverse breakout discussion groups and facilitate topic and team formation, participants are asked to prioritize prompt questions at registration.) More information about the theme and expectations for participants is online.

Workshops share research related to social dimensions of AI

The Translational AI Center (TrAC), a campus hub for a diverse range of projects, is hosting a research workshop series on Thursday afternoons this semester on the social and humanistic dimensions of artificial intelligence. At each workshop, research groups affiliated with the center will present their projects, with the goal of identifying potential areas for collaboration with social scientists and humanists on campus. No registration is needed. Upcoming workshops (all meet 3:45-4:30 p.m. in 302 Catt) are:

• Food, energy and water, Jan. 25
• Autonomy, Feb. 8
• Health and quality of life, Feb. 22
• Material design and manufacturing, March 7

Student club is pre-selling fudge for Valentine's Day

The Food Science Club is making and selling 250 pounds of fudge to celebrate Valentine's Day. Pre-orders from the university community will be accepted through Wednesday, Jan. 31, or until sold out. The club is offering six flavors in half-pound containers: Chocolate, peanut butter, cookies 'n cream, chocolate mint, Cyclone (chocolate fudge with peanuts and mini marshmallows topped with M&Ms) and a new flavor, orange cream. The price is $7 for one container, and $6 each for two or more containers. The online order form is on the club's website. Orders can be picked up Feb. 12-13 (10 a.m.-3 p.m., outside of 206 MacKay). Funds raised will be used to cover regular club expenses and industry trips.

Regents board president steps down, to vacate seat in April

State Board of Regents president Mike Richards announced Jan. 16 that he was stepping down as president of the board, effective that day. President pro tem Sherry Bates will serve as interim board president until a leadership election is held at a future board meeting. Richards will remain a board member until April 30, when he will resign his seat. (His current six-year term runs through April 2027.) He was appointed to the board in 2016 by Gov. Terry Branstad and reappointed in 2021 by Gov. Kim Reynolds. He was elected board president in 2017 and has served in that capacity since, re-elected by his colleagues in 2018, 2020 and 2022.

Nominations for annual sustainability awards due Feb. 15

Nominations are due by 5 p.m. Feb. 15 for the 2024 Live Green! Awards for Excellence in Sustainability. Recognize an individual, team, organization, initiative, department or college who impacts campus sustainability through initiatives that focus on teaching, research, outreach or operations. Selection criteria are online; download and complete the nomination form and email it to mrankin@iastate.edu.

University leaders share semester-opening plan for Jan. 16-17

Senior leaders announced that Iowa State University will partially close on Tuesday, Jan. 16, due to a forecast for dangerously cold temperatures. Classes (day and evening) will meet virtually, and students should check email and Canvas for additional information from their instructors. Tuesday is the first day of the spring semester.

Thielen Student Health Center will be open, and the Student Counseling Center will be open for crisis appointments.

Supervisors should provide maximum flexibility for employees to work remotely or take leave. If remote work is not an option, consider training opportunities that employees can complete remotely. Supervisors in police, public safety, security, power plant, food service, health care, animal care and critical maintenance should make arrangements for team members to report safely to campus. Employees who can't make it to campus should contact their supervisors. 

During the partial closure, academic buildings will be locked. If you need access, contact the Department of Public Safety, 515-294-4428.

Classes will resume in-person instruction on Wednesday, Jan. 17. Students returning from winter break may encounter difficulties arriving in Ames in time for in-person classes, and instructors should provide maximum flexibility and understanding for them. Students who experience weather-related obstacles should contact their instructors before the first class meeting if they need accommodation or assistance. Faculty have discretion for instruction in their classes, and should consider posting any additional guidance for students on Canvas.

Posters, table displays invited for Feb. 27 Sustainapalooza

Students, staff and faculty are invited to exhibit sustainability-related/inspired artwork and sustainability research posters at the 14th annual Symposium on Sustainability Feb 26-27. Posters and table displays are invited in the broad areas of research, academics, student affairs, operations and community engagement; guidelines are online. Entries will be part of the  Sustainapalooza event on Tuesday, Feb. 27 (5-8 p.m., Memorial Union, set up by 4 p.m.). The application window to participate closes at 5 p.m. Feb. 9; confirmation emails will be sent by Feb. 14.

Nominations for alumni awards due Feb. 15

The ISU Alumni Association is seeking nominations by Feb. 15 for four awards presented during Homecoming 2024 that honor alumni. Award descriptions and nomination forms are online. Questions may be directed to Katie Lickteig. The awards are:

• Alumni Medal, recognizes long, loyal service to the university through alumni-related activities
• Alumni Humanitarian Award, recognizes humanitarian efforts that transcend professional accomplishments and bring honor to the university
• Outstanding Young Alumni Award, recognizes alumni age 40 years and younger who excel in their profession and provide service to their community
• James A. Hopson Alumni Service Award (merger of the former Hopson and Alumni Service awards), recognizes alumni and friends whose volunteer activities and service support the work of the ISU Alumni Association in connecting alumni, students and friends to each other and the university

Study Abroad Fair is Jan. 25

The Study Abroad Center will host its next Study Abroad Fair on Thursday, Jan. 25 (10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., MU Great Hall). Learn about interning or studying abroad in experiences ranging from one week to one year. Students can enter their names for a chance to win study abroad scholarships. All ISU community members are able to apply for a U.S. passport during the fair (schedule an appointment in advance). More information is online.

Jan. 15 is a university holiday

The university is closed and classes don't yet meet on Monday, Jan. 15, to observe the national Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Spring semester classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 16.

Initial step shared for regents' recommendation on pronoun disclosure

The President's Focus Group on the state Board of Regents' DEI Adopted Recommendations was established last month to work with senior leaders to provide feedback on the university's plan to comply with the recommendations. While the full implementation plan is not due to the regents until April, the university is taking initial steps regarding recommendation 4b.The university is directing that no employee, student, applicant or campus visitor should be compelled to disclose their pronouns.

Students, faculty and staff may choose to voluntarily disclose their own pronouns to another individual, but it is not a requirement. Additionally, employees may continue to include their pronouns on items such as name tags, business cards and email signatures, or to have their pronouns noted in Iowa State's information systems where applicable, but they are not required to do so.

Art-for-rent open house at the MU is Jan. 17-18

The Memorial Union is hosting an Art-for-Rent open house on Jan. 17 (3-6 p.m.) and Jan. 18 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) in the MU Art Gallery. The art rental collection includes about 275 framed posters, prints and paintings. Selections may be viewed during the open house and are available to rent for a half or full year. Most rentals range from $10 to $25 per year, and patrons may take selected pieces with them. Rent art for your home or office; you don't have to be affiliated with the university to participate. Proceeds from rentals support art programs at the Memorial Union.

An update on 2024 insurance ID cards

As a reminder, in 2024, ID cards from all insurance companies will be in the contract holder's name only. Wellmark should have mailed each contract holder two new ID cards for 2024. If your family needs more than two, you can order new cards or access them on your mobile device by logging in to your myWellmark account, or call Wellmark Customer Service at 1-800-494-4478. This is a change for those on the Wellmark BlueHMO, who previously received a card for each dependent. (Note: You can view your current benefit elections and your enrolled dependents in each coverage by going to the Benefits and Pay Hub from the menu in the upper left corner of Workday.)

Iowa State's prescription benefit manager, Express Scripts, does not automatically mail physical ID cards. New employees will receive either an email or a letter from Express Scripts notifying them how to access your digital prescription ID card at express-scripts.com. You can download it to your digital wallet or print a card from the Express Scripts site if you wish.

Delta Dental will not be issuing new cards for 2024.

Smile and Write sessions resume Jan. 16

Smile and Write, a free online program for faculty and staff designed to help participants accomplish their writing goals, has set its meeting times for spring semester. Those include every Tuesday (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) from Jan. 16 to April 30, and another 16 sessions spread over the other four days of the week and at varying times of the day. Register for each session you plan to attend to receive its Zoom link. Smile and Write is a way to both connect with your peers and carve out time for you and your career progression.

Save the date: Lecture by League of Women Voters national leader

Iowan Deborah Turner, who's currently serving as president of the League of Women Voters of the United States, will give a campus lecture Tuesday, Feb. 13, as the Catt Center's 2024 Mary Louise Smith Chair in Women and Politics. Her talk, "Visionary Activism: How To Get From Here to There," begins at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Hall. It's free and open to the public.

Fall Honors seminar proposals due Feb. 9

The University Honors Program invites proposals for Honors seminars in Fall 2024. These one- or two-credit courses, offered for a half or full term on a pass/fail basis, allow Honors students to examine topics of current or special interest. Enrollment is usually limited to 17 students. Honors allocates $500 per seminar for the professional development (e.g. professional subscriptions, membership fees, travel) of the instructor(s). Proposals are due Friday, Feb. 9. Details and guidelines are on the Honors website; the proposal form also is online. For more information, contact Leisha Estep or Laurie Smith Law. Listing of past Honors seminars.

Workshop proposals sought for summer 4-H youth conference

Iowa 4-H seeks workshop proposals from university professionals for the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference on campus June 25-27. The audience is an estimated 400 students in grades 8-12 from across Iowa. Workshops last approximately 90 minutes, are offered each day of the conference and focus on career opportunities, future planning, life and leadership skills, cultural enrichment and current issues and opportunities. The deadline to complete the workshop proposal form is Friday, March 1; selected proposals are notified in mid-March. Questions may be directed to Madeleine Bretey-Smith, Iowa 4-H, ISU Extension and Outreach.

Volunteers sought for LEGO League state championship Jan. 27-28

Engineering Outreach and Talent Development is recruiting faculty and staff volunteers for the FIRST LEGO League state championship Jan. 27-28. FIRST LEGO League combines the rigor of robotics and the excitement of competitive sport. This year, 100 youth robotics teams in grades 4-8 will compete around a theme of "the intersection of technology and the arts." To volunteer:

• Fill out a short form (less than a minute to complete), indicating day(s) you're available to volunteer.
• Volunteers will receive a follow-up email with a hyperlink to register for your preferred day(s) on the FIRST dashboard.
• As the event dates get closer, volunteers will receive information on youth protection and training from Iowa State. 

Questions may be emailed to firstlegoleague@iastate.edu.

Rec services offers staff, faculty a free seven-day trial

Resolved to achieve a better work-life balance in the new year? Iowa State employees are invited to try a seven-day free trial at recreation services Jan. 8-14. Meet new ISU colleagues and work on your health goals with the convenience of staying on campus. When you register for the week, you'll receive facility tours and equipment tutorials, and be able to try fitness classes, drop-in pickleball and more. Once you sign up, you'll be sent a full schedule of events with registration links. Or feel free to explore any of the facilities through self-guided tours.

Register for laboratory safety workshop in January

Environmental Health and Safety will host in-person workshops on Jan. 8, 10 and 12 for on-campus laboratory workers, including faculty, staff and graduate and undergraduate students. Participants receive hands-on experience creating hazard assessments and properly disposing laboratory waste. Before attending, learners must complete the Laboratory Safety: Core Concepts (60 minutes) and Safety Data Sheets Training (30 minutes) online courses.

Employees surpass local United Way gift goal

The Iowa State community surpassed its goal in the 2023 United Way of Story County fundraising campaign in support of education, health and financial stability initiatives in the area. Employees pledged $408,317, or 102% of the university's $400,000 goal.

Iowa State received one of six "Live United" Awards in this year's campaign for "above and beyond" employee campaigns. The award recognizes organizations that meet one or more of three criteria: consistent, significant campaign contributions; new and significant campaign effort; or special efforts to make the overall campaign successful. The overall Story County campaign raised $2.2 million this fall.

Reminder: Employee volunteers needed for SHOP during winter break

Student health and wellness seeks staff and faculty volunteers for hour-increment shifts in the SHOP food pantry over the winter break to keep the pantry open for student use. A sign-up schedule lists open shifts. Instructions are emailed to you once you sign up.

Final Inside of the semester: Dec. 14

Inside Iowa State's final edition of fall semester posts on Thursday, Dec. 14, and the first of the new year on Jan. 4, 2024. Submit announcements and retirements by noon Wednesday, Jan. 3, for inclusion in the first edition of the year.

Collegiate recovery program achieves accreditation

Iowa State's Collegiate Recovery Program, part of student wellness, participated in a pilot of the Standardized Review for Collegiate Recovery Advancement, offered by the Association of Recovery in Higher Education, and has been successfully designated a Fully Reviewed Program, which is in effect for five years. Iowa State is one of the first 10 collegiate recovery programs to complete the process and receive a designation. As part of the review, universities are assessed in four areas: program infrastructure, recovery promotion (culture and climate), recovery promotion (programmatic) and collegiate recovery community development, and receive a report with recommendations in the four areas.

The ISU program, managed by Ryan Doyle, offers supports on campus for students, faculty and staff in recovery or seeking recovery from chemical or behavioral addiction (for example, substance use, gambling or gaming). It also impacts the broader campus culture through prevention and intervention efforts.

Gymnastics single-meet tickets are on sale

Single-meet tickets for the 2024 gymnastics season are on sale for $5. Season tickets still can be purchased for $15. The Cyclones will compete at home four times this winter: Jan. 5 (Nebraska), Jan. 19 (Brigham Young), Jan. 26 (Illinois) and March 8 (Iowa). The team is led by new head coach and four-time individual NCAA champion (Alabama) Ashley Miles Greig.

Auditorium staff are collecting used musical instruments

The staff at Stephens Auditorium is holding a used instrument drive during December to collect and  distribute used musical instruments to area schools for use in their band/music programs. The intent is to help more students who would like to learn to play or be in a band or orchestra get the opportunity. Instruments that can be hand carried (no pianos) can be brought to Stephens prior to shows or anytime the box office is open through Friday, Dec. 22. Box office hours are weekdays 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Schools that could receive instruments this year are: Ames including St. Cecilia's, Ballard, Collins-Maxwell, Gilbert, Nevada and Roland-Story. Instruments requiring minor repair or parts replacement are acceptable. For more information, email perform@iastate.edu or call 515-294-2479. 

Dec. 8 ISU wine sale includes sampling

The Iowa State University Winery is accepting pre-orders on its three wines, for pick-up near the Meat Lab in the north end of Kildee Hall on Fridays (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)  Dec. 8 and 15. The Dec. 8 sale event will include wine samplings. The cost is $20/bottle -- white, red and rosé -- and payment is at pick-up with cash, check, credit card or Apple Pay. You must be at least 21 years old with a valid ID to purchase -- or sample -- ISU Winery products.

A final preorder pick-up and sale will be held Tuesday, Dec. 19 (3-5 p.m., inside the main/south entrance of the Food Sciences Building). For those who want to purchase ISU wines during the winter break, they're sold at Cyclone Liquors and Hy-Vee in Lincoln Center.

Last chance this semester for hot chocolate, coffee and donuts in Kildee

Dairy Science Club members will sell hot chocolate, coffee and donuts ($2 each) outside the Lush Auditorium north doors in Kildee Hall on Wednesdays (8:30-10:30 a.m.). There won't be a sale during finals week. Stop by to support the club and get your morning started. Individuals interested in the club's ice cream for a winter or spring event should email dairyscienceicecream@gmail.com to learn more about ice cream order options.

Recycle the fronts of greeting cards through January

The office of sustainability and ISU recycling services will collect holiday greeting cards Dec. 11-Jan. 31 for upcycling. Cards (fronts only) will be sent to St. Jude's Ranch for Children to be made into new holiday cards, with proceeds supporting St. Jude's work with children. To take part: Send card fronts to Merry Rankin, 108 General Services, or Steve Kohtz, 154 General Services, or drop them in the collection box near the key desk in General Services Building. Other occasion cards (birthday, thank you, etc.) may be included. Note that Hallmark, Disney and American Greeting cards can't be included in this collection effort.

Those three brands and any recyclable paper products can be dropped off (no charge) at the Ames Golden Kiwanis' paper recycling collection trailer at the CENEX station, 919 East Lincoln Way, or dropped off at the city of Ames' new multi-commodity dropoff recycling center, available 24/7 year-round, located on the northeast corner of the Resource Recover Center, 420 E. Second St. For more information about the city's program, email rrp@cityofames.org or call 515-239-5137.

Commute from the north on I-35? North Ames exit closing Dec. 11

A city of Ames project to extend sanitary sewer under East 13th Street east of Interstate 35 will impact that intersection this winter. On Monday, Dec. 11, the northbound entry ramp onto I-35 and the two north lanes of E. 13th Street will be closed for an estimated five days, weather-dependent. Detours will be posted for drivers.

Study-away application window opens for 2024-25

Iowa State's National Student Exchange (NSE) team in the dean of students office is accepting applications from undergraduates through Feb. 20, 2024, for placements for fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters. NSE facilitates collegiate study away among 175-plus member colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico and U.S Virgin Islands that include large research universities, private institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions and more. Iowa State undergraduates in any major who are full-time students with at least a 2.5 GPA and good standing with Iowa State (academic, social, financial) are eligible to participate. During a semester or academic year away, undergraduate students can take unique courses in their major, explore areas of the United States or Canada and begin networking for graduate school and employment.

ISU Creamery hosts butter-making workshop

Student employees of the ISU Creamery will lead a Holiday Butter workshop on Tuesday, Dec. 12 (5:30-7 p.m., 2379 Food Sciences Building). Registration is $30. Participants will make -- and take -- butter from scratch, flavored to their liking. Register online.

Tearoom offers cook-at-home foods this month

The Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom is offering takeout options in December for 3-inch cherry pies ($3), handmade rolls ($4/dozen) and ham balls ($12/6 or $24/12). All items are prebaked with instructions on how to finish the items at home. Orders will be accepted Dec. 4-7 or until items are sold out. Orders can be placed in person (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) at the back entrance to the tearoom (23 MacKay), or by emailing tearoom@iastate.edu. Pick-up instructions will be shared after the order is placed.

Catt Center shares honorees for its 2024 'Impact' calendar

Congratulations to the 12 women leaders selected for the Catt Center's 2024 "Women Impacting ISU" calendar. The group includes two students, five professional staff and five faculty. They'll be honored and the calendar will be shared during a ceremony and reception on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024 (3:30- 5 p.m., MU Sun Room). The women were selected from among 42 nominees for their impacts in service, teaching, research, administration, scholarship and involvement in campus activities, depending on each honoree's role on campus.

Cyclones host Hawkeyes three times next week

The Iowa State women (Dec. 6, 6 p.m.) and men (Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m.) host the Iowa basketball teams at Hilton Coliseum. Both games sold out in advance, but the women’s game will be televised on ESPN2 and the men's on ESPNU. The swimming and diving team closes out the week hosting the Hawkeyes (Dec. 8, 6 p.m.) at the Beyer pool. Admission is free.

Hand-blown glass ornaments offered at Dec. 1 sale

Members of the Gaffer's Guild will sell hand-blown glass ornaments created by Iowa State students and faculty and community members on Friday, Dec. 1 (10 a.m.-2 p.m., atrium near the stepatorium, Student Innovation Center). Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted. A variety of other glass items made by Gaffer's Guild members will be sold at Art Mart in the Memorial Union art gallery (11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday and Friday).

Maker Market is Dec. 7 at Innovate 1858 store

The Innovate 1858 student-operated store in the Student Innovation Center will host a Maker Market on Thursday, Dec. 7 (4:30-6:30 p.m., first floor). Shop for Cyclone-made products by students and alumni. Enjoy kids' activities, face painting, crafts and giveaways while you shop.

Newest WorkCyte awareness survey is open through Dec. 11

Ten classrooms reserved for evening study during prep week

Room scheduling will offer 10 general university classrooms for students to use as evening study rooms during prep week, Dec. 4-8 (5:30-11 p.m. daily):

• Carver 0132, 0196
• Gilman 1811, 1813
• Pearson 2158, 3131
• Physics 0058
• Ross 0028, 0127
• Town Engineering 0290

Register for Project LEA/RN workshop in January

Project LEA/RN will host an in-person workshop Jan. 9-10, 2024 (9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, 1022 Agronomy) that trains educators to help their students learn the kind of thinking required to solve complex problems. Faculty, staff and graduate students are welcome. Participants will share insights about the brain based on current research, engage in strategies that promote interaction and deep thinking, and apply them to situations in which they facilitate learning -- classes, orientation sessions, extension meetings or other learning situations. This workshop will not directly address the technology involved with remote and online learning. Enrollment is limited to 20. To register or for more information, contact Project LEA/RN director Jan Wiersema, agronomy, (712) 221-1203.

Registration is open for health, well-being symposium

Iowa State's second annual Health and Well-being Symposium will be held Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 (9 a.m.-3 p.m., Memorial Union). It's free for faculty, staff and students, and includes lunch and snacks. Three breakout sessions and keynote speaker Shawnté Elbert will focus on well-being at college campuses. Registration is open; more information about the schedule is online.

Contemporary Issues in Accounting conference is Dec. 15

Registration closes Dec. 8 for the department of accounting's annual Contemporary Issues in Accounting Conference on Friday, Dec. 15 (8 a.m.-4 p.m., Gerdin Business Building). A new format this year features four keynotes from industry leaders and breakout sessions led by accounting faculty or staff. In one of the keynote talks, Peter Orazem, University Professor emeritus of economics, will present "The New Stagflation: Will Labor Shortages Derail the Pandemic Recovery?" Participants can earn up to eight credits of continuing professional education.

Nutcracker Ballet tickets on sale

Tickets for Stephens Auditorium's Nutcracker Ballet are on sale at the Stephens ticket office or online at Ticketmaster. Performances begin at 1 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10, and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9. Youth and adult dancers from across central Iowa appear in this holiday tradition, and two dance roles are filled annually by professional dancers. Tanya Trombly, a freelance dancer based in New York City, returns as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Chilean Mauricio Vera, also now working from New York, will play her Cavalier.