Maker mart at Innovate 1858 is Dec. 4
Innovate 1858, a student-run store in the Student Innovation Center that carries only products created by ISU students and alumni, is hosting a Maker Market on Wednesday, Dec. 4 (4-6 p.m.). It will feature a range of products from both alumni and current students. Meet a few of the makers and enjoy activities such as pictures with Elsa and Anna, raffle prizes, winter-themed crafts and more.
Inside takes Thanksgiving hiatus
Inside Iowa State won't publish on Thursday, Nov. 28, due to the national Thanksgiving holiday. The newsletter will resume the following week, on Dec. 5.
Benefits open enrollment closes Friday
Benefits-eligible employees are reminded that the annual open enrollment window for 2025 health, dental and pharmacy plans, as well as voluntary benefits (flex spending accounts, vision benefit) closes at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22. Find lots of useful information on the benefits open enrollment website, then complete your enrollment in Workday (follow the tile in announcements).
Registration is open for 'business of art' March conference
Registration is open for the 7th annual Business of Art conference March 7-8, 2025, at Reiman Gardens, hosted by the Ames Community Arts Council and the Octagon Center for the Arts. Designed to strengthen business skills and provide resources for both formally trained and self-taught creatives, the conference is open to professionals and students in all types of creative work, part time or full time, in all stages of their career. Through Jan. 1, registration is $90 for professional artists and $45 for student artists (after Jan. 1, it increases to $100 for professionals, $50 for students). The fee includes lunch and snacks on both days; single day registration is not offered.
Nominate student employee, student employee supervisor for ISU award
The office of student financial aid seeks nominations through Jan. 31, 2025, for two 2024-25 awards. Follow each link for more information about the award criteria and nomination form.
- Student Employee of the Year. Recognize the outstanding efforts of hourly undergraduate student employees who are making a difference as leaders and innovators in their roles.
- Student Employee Supervisor of the Year (in partnership with university human resources). Recognize the exceptional supervisors of hourly student employees for their mentorship and professionalism.
Workday Student appreciation reception is Dec. 5
Academic advisors, faculty and student support staff involved in the Workday Student transition during the last year are invited to an appreciation event on Thursday, Dec. 5 (11 a.m.-noon, first floor, Beardshear Hall) hosted by the Workday implementation leadership team. Light refreshments will be served.
Gaffers' glass ornament sale is Dec. 3
Save the date: Winterfest celebration is Dec. 6
Cookie decorating, campanile tours, the president's winter open house and multiple options to gift shop while supporting campus artists and entrepreneurs are on the schedule for the 2024 Winterfest celebration Friday, Dec. 6 (mid-afternoon through the evening). The Dec. 5 edition of Inside will include an event preview.
Forestry club will sell holiday trees, wreaths in December
The forestry club will sell Christmas trees ($65-$110 depending on height and variety) and wreaths ($25-$35) in the Reiman Gardens parking lot on weekends in early December. Cash, check and card are accepted payment. Tree varieties are Korean fir, balsam fir, Canaan fir and white pine. Questions may be directed to club member Delaney Graef. Sale hours are:
- Friday, Dec. 6 and 13, 3-6 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 1, Saturday, Dec. 7 and 14, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 8 and 15, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dog wash is Nov. 23 at Vet Med campus
Iowa State's chapter of Omega Tau Sigma veterinary professional fraternity will hold its fall dog wash on Saturday, Nov. 23 (8 a.m.-2 p.m., Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine). The service includes a basic wash, towel dry and combing. Nail trims are available for $5 with a wash ($7 without). Prices are (add $5 for matted hair):
- Dogs under 30 lbs., $12
- Dogs 30-60 lbs., $14
- Dogs 60-90 lbs., $16
- Dogs over 90 lbs., $18
Schedule your appointment by calling 515-294-4900, or stopping by the front desk at the small animal hospital.
Chef Freddie Bitsoie to lecture, cook on campus
ISU Dining will co-sponsor a campus visit by renowned chef Freddie Bitsoie Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 18-19. During his Monday public lecture, Native American Cuisine, Foods and the Way of Life (6 p.m., MU Great Hall, free), Bitsoie will discuss a cultural progression of Native American foods. On Tuesday, in collaboration with Chef Bitsoie, ISU Dining will showcase a special menu of Native American-inspired dishes at Friley Windows dining center (3-7 p.m.). The cost of the meal is $15 (dining locations are cashless). Bitsoie's menu features:
- New Mexican green chile corn chowder
- Three Sisters Salad
- Wild rice salad
- Navajo sumac seared steak with juniper sauce
- Chocolate pumpkin bread pudding
"ISU Dining is excited to welcome Chef Freddie Bitsoie into our kitchen as we learn the cultural history behind these inspired dishes," said Paige Ermer, associate director of residential dining. "All are welcome to learn and enjoy."
Two ISU beers available at the M-Shop
The M-Shop venue in the Memorial Union has started serving locally crafted beer made by Iowa State students in the Brewing Lab, Food Sciences Building. The available beers on tap are Trainwreck Pilsner and ISU Lager.
Postcard prints exhibition and silent auction return to College of Design
The University Print Society's 24th Postcard Print Exchange Exhibition will be on view Nov. 18-Dec. 6 in Gallery 181 on the first floor of the College of Design. The show features 170 postcards touching on this year's theme of "Insects and Their Environment." It showcases postcards from Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, New York, Ohio and Texas, as well as international postcards from Belgium, Canada, England, South Korea and the Netherlands. Postcards on display are for sale through a bidding process described in the gallery. Bidding ends at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6; proceeds help fund the student club's activities for the coming year. A public reception with light refreshments will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 19 (5-6:30 p.m., Gallery 181).
Workshop will cover the basics of machine learning and artificial intelligence
IT Services' high performance computing (HPC) group will host a free virtual workshop, "Introduction to Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence with High Performance Computing," on Wednesday, Nov. 20 (6-7 p.m., register to receive the link). Taught in collaboration with the university's Translational AI Center, the workshop will cover the basics of machine learning and artificial intelligence and provide hands-on examples using the Iowa State HPC cluster. Attendees will gain a foundation that enables them to learn more about ML/AI and its applications on their own. Experience with Python is recommended. For more information about the HPC workshop series, email hpc-help@iastate.edu.
Academic advising fall summit is Dec. 13
The University Academic Advising Committee will host its annual fall summit on Friday, Dec. 13 (8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Memorial Union). All those who serve in an undergraduate academic advising capacity (faculty and P&S staff) are welcome. Registration is free and requested by Dec. 6 (register by Nov. 18 to receive a special T-shirt gift).
November innovation lunch speaker is Jim Oliver
The November edition of the Innovation Impact Lunch Club will feature Student Innovation Center director Jim Oliver. It will meet on Friday, Nov. 22 (11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m., training room, ISU Economic Development Core Facility, 1805 Collaboration Pl.). Learn more about how Oliver and his team engage students and external stakeholders in the state-of-the-art facility. The free series is hosted by ISU's office of economic development and industry relations especially for its faculty and staff partners but open to all. Lunch is provided; RSVPs are requested to Stacy Dreyer.
Research project management group meets Dec. 10
The Research Project Management Council, supported by the office of the vice president for research, will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10 (2 p.m. via Zoom, register to receive the link). The council is open to all P&S staff who manage sponsored research projects or programs. Even if you can't attend this event, project/program managers are asked to register so council leaders have your information for future opportunities.
The council is a collaborative forum to recognize and enhance the role of research project management at the university. It brings together project management professionals to share best practices, address common challenges and foster a supportive network that advances the success of research initiatives. The group's direction is guided by the needs and priorities of its members, ensuring that the council remains responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities. Contact Nicole Scott or Stacy Renfro with questions.
What's GIS? Learn more at this Nov. 20 event
Iowa State's GIS Support and Research Facility and University Library will host a come-and-go GIS Day 2024 on Wednesday, Nov. 20 (9 a.m.-noon, The Catalyst, 199 Parks Library). All are welcome, from the GIS curious to the GIS user. Learn more about GIS opportunities and programs on campus, and enjoy speakers sharing their research, free swag and food, and a map competition with prizes in two categories.
Help keep SHOP pantry open during fall break
The SHOP food pantry in Beyer Hall is in need of faculty and staff volunteers to maintain its regular service hours during fall break week (Monday-Tuesday, Nov. 25-26). The sign-up form is online; volunteers will receive an email with instructions.
Regents approve 2025-26 faculty development plans
In other Iowa State business at the state Board of Regents meeting Nov. 7:
- The regents approved professional development proposals from 43 ISU faculty (PDF) (see pp. 27-35) during the 2025-26 academic year. The faculty represent all six undergraduate colleges, and their proposals include 33 semester-long plans and 10 for the full academic year.
- President Wendy Wintersteen introduced a new university initiative, "Cyclone Civics," that responds to directive 9 in the board's 2023 directives related to DEI units, positions and programming at Iowa's three regent universities. Cyclone Civics will include a civics literacy program and assessment for students, professional development event for faculty and staff, and a yearlong campus commemoration, "America at 250," beginning fall 2025 and concluding in April 2026.
November concert date set for Goldfinch Room series
The November performance in Stephens Auditorium's Goldfinch Room concert series is the Nashville duo, Goldpine. Married couple Benjamin and Kassie Wilson return to the Goldfinch stage on Sunday, Nov. 17 (5 p.m.). Limited numbers of tables (seating up to four, $40) and general admission seats ($15) are available. C'est la Crêpe, owned by ISU student Mia Nichols, is the food vendor for this performance, offering six different crepes selections.
Workday officially is ISU's system of record
Iowa State's implementation of Workday student and receivables reached an important milestone last week. As of Nov. 1, Workday officially is the system of record with the most current and accurate student information and receivables data. Faculty, staff and students no longer should consult legacy systems for current data; AccessPlus and ADIN will be available for historical purposes only.
Official transcripts now will be generated from Workday. A small set of students have transcript holds in place until all related data is verified. These students still can request an official transcript in Workday; the pending information will be finalized and the transcript then made available.
Flu shots are still available
A limited number of flu vaccinations still are available. Eligible employees can call occupational medicine, Technical and Administrative Services Building, at 294-2056 to schedule an appointment.
New EH&S waste removal request system launches Nov. 18
Environmental Health & Safety is upgrading its waste removal request form to provide a more user-friendly experience for chemical and hazardous waste generators on campus. Effective Monday, Nov. 18, the new system will feature a chemical search function that allows users to search within chemical names. For example, searching "ethyl" will return multiple results like diethyl, poly ethyl, ethyl acetate, etc. Users also will be able to save favorites for waste streams they submit regularly, which is useful when a submittal has a long list of chemicals. Additionally, a user can copy a favorite they created for one laboratory to another within the same building, eliminating the need to create a new request for each laboratory or space. More information, including a video tutorial and operation procedure document, is online.
Council hosts November drive for student food pantry
To support Iowa State students during the university winter break, the Professional and Scientific Council is holding a donation drive for the SHOP food pantry through Friday, Nov. 29. The final pick-up will be Monday, Dec. 2. SHOP's list of needed food items is online, as is the council's list of drop-off locations for this drive.
Bookstore's appreciation event is Nov. 14
Thursday, Nov. 14 (4-7 p.m.) is the semi-annual Cyclone Appreciation Day at the ISU Book Store. Enjoy free popcorn and one-day deals on clothing, gifts and technology. Local businesses will have booths throughout the store with free samples and drawings for prizes.
Confirm winter, spring teaching assignments, then submit course material requests
Faculty who will teach a winter 2024 session or spring 2025 semester course are asked to submit all materials needed for class -- textbooks, courseware, e-books, course packets, subscriptions, immediate access digital course materials and supplies (Design, lab, personal protective equipment, technology, etc.) as soon as their teaching assignment is confirmed. Include courses for which there are no textbook requirements or when open educational resources (OER) will be used. These lists should be submitted to your department academic coordinator. Instructors also may submit their own materials via Verba Collect.
The bookstore team provides custom book lists to students after course registration. Textbook and course material requirements can be found online. Contact Emma Hartman, 294-0362, with questions, or visit the ISU Book Store's Course Material Adoptions website.
For undergraduate courses, most required textbooks, e-books, courseware and course packets will be part of Immediate Access ONE, a one-program, one-price, day-one access program where students receive their required books for one flat rate. For more information, contact immediateaccess@iastate.edu.
Recognize a P&S colleague with a CYtation award
Nominations for Professional and Scientific Council CYtation Awards are being accepted through Dec. 2. Four different awards recognize an employee or employees for a job well done: CYtation Award, Woodin CYtation Award, CYtation Team Award and Outstanding P&S Councilor CYtation Award. A detailed explanation of each, including who is eligible and nomination instructions, is available on the P&S Council website.
Gymnastics season ticket available for $20
The Cyclone gymnastics team will compete five times at Hilton Coliseum during January and February. A $20 general admission season ticket ($4 per event) is on sale now; single meet events will go on sale at a later date.
Snow blower service days are Nov. 8-9
The Agricultural Systems Technology club's annual snow blower service days will be held Nov. 8 (1-6 p.m.) and Nov. 9 (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) on the west side of Sukup Hall. For $30, club members will provide a routine service -- oil and spark plug change and a power wash -- but no major repairs. Drop off your snow blower during service hours. Pick-up and delivery (Ames zip codes only) is available for $25; email astservicedays@gmail.com.
Alumni honors and awards ceremony is Friday
Celebrate more than 40 Iowa State alumni and friends at the 91st annual Honors and Awards ceremony Friday, Nov. 1 (1:30 p.m., Stephens Auditorium, dessert reception follows). Recipients of awards from each college, the Memorial Union and the ISU Alumni Association will be recognized. The ceremony is open to the public; it also will be livestreamed.
Governor announces paid holidays for state employees
Iowa State employees will receive two additional paid holidays in 2024, as announced by Gov. Kim Reynolds and shared Wednesday in an email to faculty and staff from President Wendy Wintersteen and vice president for human resources Kristi Darr. The university will implement the paid holidays on Wednesday, Nov. 27, and Thursday, Dec. 26. Normal holiday procedures will be followed on these days.
The university's winter break between semesters is Monday, Dec. 23, through Friday, Jan. 17. To promote time off, units may reduce services and develop schedules that align with Staffing Guidance for University Breaks. The winter break timeline is:
- Friday, Dec. 20: Fall semester ends
- Monday, Dec. 23: Online winter session begins
- Tuesday, Dec. 24 through Thursday, Dec. 26: University holidays
- Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025: University holiday
- Friday, Jan. 17: Online winter session ends
- Monday, Jan. 20: University holiday
- Tuesday, Jan. 21: Spring semester begins
CyThx campaign begins Nov. 1
In its seventh year, CyThx gives Iowa Staters a chance to thank the faculty, staff, graduate teaching assistants or anyone else who makes them feel like a valued member of the ISU community. Your gratitude will remain anonymous if you chose, but your CyThx honoree will be acknowledged through email and on the CyThx webpage. Submissions can be made through the end of the month. The initiative is a partnership of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, ISU learning communities, multicultural student affairs, student government, Graduate and Professional Student Senate, student engagement and student union board.
Registration requested by Nov. 7 for retirees symposium
- The Changing Climate Across the U.S., Justin Glisan, state climatologist of Iowa
- Building Homes to Address Changes in Our Climate, Justin Dodge, partner with Hunziker Companies and president of the Homebuilders Association of Iowa
- Gardening in a Warmer World: Planning Now for Your Garden's Future, David McKinney, curator for the Iowa Arboretum and Gardens, Madrid
Digital accessibility update webinar recording available
The digital accessibility team hosted a webinar on Oct. 21 to help the campus community understand the new federal digital accessibility ruling and Iowa State's compliance efforts that must be completed by April 24, 2026. The PowerPoint slides also are available. Attendees were able to ask questions that were answered by the digital accessibility team.
Save the date: Gold Star Hall Ceremony is Nov. 13
Three former Iowans and Iowa State students who gave their lives serving our country will be honored during the university's annual Gold Star Hall Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov, 13 (4:15 p.m., Memorial Union Great Hall). After the program, there will be a reception with food and drink, along with displays of personal items from each honoree (Sidney Peterson, Ringsted, World War II; Max Harvey Collins, Nevada, Korean War; and James Herrick Jr., Panora, Vietnam War). More about Gold Star Hall.
Professional development funding requests from term faculty due Dec. 1
The office of the senior vice president and provost financially supports professional development for term faculty. Term faculty interested in participating in a virtual or in-person professional development activity, such as training, a workshop or conference, are encouraged to apply for up to $1,000 in faculty development funding. More information, including guidelines and the submission process, is online. Applications are due Dec. 1 for professional development activities that take place between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2025 (note: conference submissions do not have to be accepted by Dec. 1). Awards will be allocated and recipients notified by Dec. 21.
Dog costume contest is Oct. 31 at Reiman Gardens
Reiman Gardens' second annual Howl-O-Ween dog costume contest will be held Thursday, Oct. 31 (4:30-6 p.m.). Dogs of all sizes are invited to come dressed as their favorite ghoul, superhero, pumpkin, etc. for a walk around the gardens and the chance to win prizes. Photos of all contestants will be taken during the event and posted on social media Friday. Voting for best costumes will occur on Reiman Gardens' Facebook page, and winners will be announced on Monday, Nov. 4. Preregistration is encouraged, but not required. Dog owners pay regular gardens admission and $5 per dog.
Central campus Design parade is Nov. 1
Celebration of life for Nani Ghoshal is Nov. 15
A celebration of life for former faculty member Dr. Nani Ghoshal, professor emeritus of veterinary anatomy, will be held Friday, Nov. 15 (2:30 p.m., Commons Area, Patterson Hall, use entrance B to enter through the "fish tank" lobby). Ghoshal died Aug. 7 in Ames at age 89. He was a member of the Veterinary Medicine faculty from 1963 until his retirement in 2009. The event will include remembrances followed by refreshments. Individuals who would like to share a remembrance are asked to email Audra Hartwigsen, biomedical sciences department. Memorials are suggested to a scholarship fund in Ghoshal's name at the ISU Foundation. Obituary.
Earn 8 continuing professional ed credits at accounting conference
The accounting department will host the annual Contemporary Issues in Accounting conference on Nov. 25 (8 a.m.-4 p.m., Gerdin Business Building). This year's conference features industry leaders and Ivy College of Business faculty, with topics ranging from how to use artificial intelligence at work to the future of the accounting profession. Registration closes Nov. 18. Earn eight credits of continuing professional education, including two credits of ethics education.
Block and Bridle's meat and cheese orders close Nov. 1
The Block and Bridle student organization is accepting orders through Nov. 1 for its annual fundraising sale. Featured products are summer sausage from ISU's Meat Laboratory and cheese curds and cheese blocks from Homestead Dairy, Waukon, Iowa. In-person pickups can be made from the ISU Meat Lab sales counter in the Kildee Hall atrium from 3-6 p.m. on Nov. 19, Nov. 21, Dec. 3 or Dec. 5. Orders will be shipped the same weeks. Payment can be made in cash, check or card during pickup.
Trailblazers share their OER stories
A panel of faculty members who successfully implemented open educational resources (OER) in their courses will share how they learned about these free course materials, challenges they faced along the way and the unique ways they leverage OER in their teaching during a 60-minute workshop on Thursday, Oct. 24 (2 p.m., 2630 Memorial Union, register online).
It's a great day for ice cream
Members of the Dairy Science club are selling ice cream today (noon-2 p.m.) outside the north doors to Lush Auditorium in Kildee Hall. Get a cup for $2 (cash only); flavors this week are triple chocolate, brownie caramel, Snickers, Twix and Reese's. The ice cream is mixed by club members at the ISU Creamery, and the sale serves as a fundraiser for club activities throughout the year. Interested in having the club's ice cream for your event? Send an email.
Wrestling, gymnastics season tickets are for sale
The athletics department ticket office is selling season tickets for the winter wrestling and gymnastics seasons:
- Wrestling reserved season tickets: $99 (7 events beginning in November)
- Gymnastics general admission season ticket: $20 (4 events beginning in January)
The two squads announced the return of their Beauty and the Beast tradition, when the Cyclone wrestlers compete against Oklahoma and Cyclone gymnasts host Simpson College concurrently on Friday, Jan. 24 (7 p.m., Hilton Coliseum). Single-event tickets for this event will go on sale later.
Faculty reminder: Complete online survey about president's office
Members of the Faculty Senate-appointed committee leading a regular, comprehensive review this year of President Wendy Wintersteen and the office of the president ask faculty to complete the confidential online survey. Faculty received their invitation and link to the survey in an Oct. 8 email from the Faculty Senate Administrative Review Committee. The committee members want to hear from all voices across campus, and extend their thanks in advance for all contributions. Faculty are asked to complete the survey by end of month as the committee will analyze the data during November.
Research project management group to gather Nov. 5
The Research Project Management Council, supported and recognized by the office of the vice president for research, will hold its inaugural meeting Tuesday, Nov. 5 (2 p.m., 3204 Student Innovation Center). All P&S staff who manage sponsored research projects or programs are invited to connect with fellow research project management professionals and learn more about how the council can support you. Refreshments will be provided and registration is requested. Even if you can't attend this event, you're asked to register so organizers have your information for future opportunities.
During the council's collaborative forums, professionals will share best practices, address common challenges and foster a supportive network that advances the success of research initiatives. The group's direction is guided by the needs and priorities of its members. This first meeting will be used to introduce the council and assess current needs as provided by attendees. Questions may be directed to Nicole Scott or Stacy Renfro.
Vet Diagnostic Laboratory scores a LEED silver certificate
The new Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory facility (phase 1) has been recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) with LEED Silver Certification, the third-highest in the competitive program. The green building certification program is the globally recognized standard for designing, constructing and operating high-performance, sustainability-focused buildings and neighborhoods. Lab leaders and staff will hold a short ceremony Wednesday, Oct. 23 (10 a.m., first floor lobby) with Sheri Brezinka, USGBC regional director.
Procurement services' supplier show is Oct. 29
Procurement services will host its annual Supplier Show on Tuesday, Oct. 29 (10 a.m.-2 p.m., MU Great Hall). Explore options offered by internal and external suppliers who will attend in person. Meet the people behind ISU's internal stores and departments (central stores, chemistry stores, ISU Book Store, ISU catering, finance service delivery, IT services, transportation services and printing services). Bring your ISUCard; you'll need it to check in and get entered in the drawing for door prizes and games.
Satellite voting offered at Scheman Oct. 24-25
Satellite voting, an in-person form of absentee voting at a location other than the county auditor's office, will be offered two days on campus, Oct. 24-25 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., Scheman Building, look for the "vote here" signs). It also will be offered on consecutive Saturdays, Oct. 19, Oct. 26 and Nov. 2, at the Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave. Any Story County voter may vote at these satellite locations; absentee voting rules apply.