Announcements for Faculty and Staff

Show your Cyclone spirit ... in the office

Faculty and staff are invited to participate in an office decorating contest to celebrate Homecoming 2014 (Oct. 6-10; Iowa State vs. Toledo on Oct. 11). Decorations may be elaborate or simple as long as they spread school spirit and celebrate Iowa State's traditions. Offices will be judged on creativity, Cyclone spirit, use of this year's theme, "Experience the ExCYtement," and incorporating Cy's 60th birthday. If your office wants to get involved, email salccampusinvolvement@gmail.com by Sept. 26. The Homecoming Central Committee will judge offices on Oct. 8. Only offices that have signed up will be judged. 

David Nail concert is Oct. 2

Grammy-nominated country singer David Nail comes to campus Oct. 2 for an 8 p.m. concert at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center. Tickets are $25 ($15 for ISU students with ID), and available online via midwestix.com (additional fees apply) or at the M-Shop box office (weekdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m.). ISU student Maria Doud and Brooke Eden, Loxahatchee, FL, also will perform. Doors open at 7 p.m. This event is hosted by the Student Union Board and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences student council, as part of CALS Week events.

Fine dining dinners announced for fall

Students in the fall Fine Dining Management class will offer themed dinners on four Wednesdays this fall in the Tearoom, 23A MacKay. The price is $30 per person ($35 with wine), payable by cash, check or CyCash after dinner. Dinners begin at 6:30 p.m.; doors open at 6:15 p.m. Following are the dates, cuisine themes and student contacts for reservations (indicate any dietary restrictions at the time you make your reservation):

• Oct. 29: Contemporary American, Jessie Weaver
• Nov. 5: European, Ashley Moyna
• Nov. 12: Southern American, Quentin Silvey
• Nov. 19: Asian, Anh Ho

Proposals for Catt research prize due Nov. 26

Research proposals for the 2014 Carrie Chapman Catt Prize for Research on Women and Politics are due Nov. 26. This annual competition is designed to encourage and reward scholars conducting significant research on any topic related to women and politics. Scholars at any level, including graduate students and junior faculty members, may apply. A $1,500 cash award is given to each project selected. Honorable mention prizes of $750 per project also may be awarded. Application information is on the Catt Center's website; questions may be directed to the center, 4-3181.

Youth "Swim & Gym" has fall openings

Swim & Gym, an after-school program offered by the kinesiology department for children ages 5-12 years, began Sept. 16 and still has fall openings. The program is held Tuesdays and Thursdays (4-5:30 p.m., Forker gyms and pool) through Nov. 20. Activities include team sports, gymnastics, fitness activities, dance, cooperative games, tag games, water safety instruction and lessons in the swimming strokes and diving. Teachers are undergraduate students pursuing physical education degrees. The cost is $85, with discounts for multiple participants from the same family. Registration information is online. Questions may be directed to Jennifer Smith, 4-1762.

MU birthday chili supper is Sept. 22

Memorial Union staff are hosting a birthday party on Monday, Sept. 22, celebrating the MU's 86th birthday (5:30-8 p.m., MU Great Hall). The university community is welcome to enjoy free chili, cake and drinks.

Childcare assistance available for ISU student parents

The Childcare Assistance Program (CAP) is a scholarship program that assists student parents with their child care expenses while they are attending Iowa State University. Applications are due Sept. 30. The application packet is online. For more information, contact Julie Graden, 4-8827.

The Price is Right stops at Stephens on Nov. 18

Tickets for a Nov. 18 interactive show, The Price is Right Live, go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19, via Ticketmaster. Tickets are $27, $37 and $46, plus fees. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. in Stephens Auditorium. Would-be contestants don't need to purchase a ticket; they must register online by Nov. 17 for the chance to play.

RSVPs requested by Sept. 19 for Homecoming luncheon and tailgate

Iowa State University will recognize 46 outstanding alumni and friends at the 83rd annual Homecoming Honors and Awards Ceremony on Friday, Oct. 10 (1:30 p.m., Benton Auditorium, Scheman, dessert reception follows). The ceremony and reception are open to the public; reservations are required to attend a pre-ceremony luncheon at noon, also in Scheman. You may make reservations for the Oct. 11 football pre-game tailgate (11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.) on the same site. Reservations for both events are requested by Friday, Sept. 19. 

Learn how to put out fires on Sept. 19

Environmental Health and Safety is holding a fire safety event on Sept. 19 (9 a.m.-noon, between Kildee and Lagomarcino halls) to observe Campus Fire Safety Month. Faculty, staff and students are invited to put out a simulated fire and learn fire safety tips. In return, you could receive a coupon to a local restaurant, get a free T-shirt and meet Ames firefighters. Learn more about campus fire safety online. 

Hosts sought for short-term home stays

Hosts are needed to provide short-term homestays this fall for members of a group of teachers from Japan. The teachers are taking graduate-level coursework on campus this semester in a professional development program offered by the Intensive English and Orientation Program. The visiting Japanese teachers are living with homestay hosts in Ames, but additional hosts are needed to provide temporary homestays (varying in length from a weekend to one week) when long-term hosts travel. A per-night stipend is provided. More information is available from Alex Johnston.

'A Christmas Carol' tickets are now on sale

Tickets are available for ISU Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol, Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13 (7:30 p.m.), Dec. 7 (1 p.m.) and Dec. 14 (2 p.m.), at Fisher Theater. Tickets, $23.90 each, are available at the Iowa State Center ticket office or through Ticketmaster. 

Third Day to perform at Stephens on Nov. 7

Tickets for a Nov. 7 concert at Stephens Auditorium by Christian rock band Third Day go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15, through Ticketmaster. Tickets (including fees) are $27.45 and $35.30. The concert begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7.

Ombuds Office has additional office hours

The Ombuds Office, located at 37 Physics Hall, is now open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Ombuds Elaine Newell is a confidential, neutral resource who can answer your questions, provide information, suggest options and help you informally resolve conflicts or difficult issues. To learn more, stop by the office or call Newell at 4-0268. 

September is National Biosafety Stewardship Month

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has designated September as National Biosafety Stewardship Month, in response to recent incidents in federal labs. The goal is to promote biosafety awareness and prevent future lapses in biosecurity. All NIH grantee institutions, including ISU, are encouraged to participate in this month of awareness and stewardship efforts by updating their biological materials inventories and ensuring that individuals who work with biological agents and toxins have received appropriate and adequate biosafety and biosecurity training. Contact Betsy Matos, Environmental Health and Safety, with questions. 

President's annual address is Sept. 12

"Taking the University to the Next Level" is the theme of President Steven Leath's annual address on Friday, Sept. 12.  The address will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Memorial Union Great Hall. Refreshments will be available, starting at 8 a.m. Particularly for the benefit of employees who work off campus, a live video stream of Leath's talk will be available from the president's website, and tweets will be available at (@IowaStateUNews)

Reminder: Iowa State has business ethics/conduct code

Federal grant regulations require Iowa State to have a business ethics and conduct policy. Several years ago, the university adopted the state Board of Regents Code of Business and Fiduciary Conduct from the board's policy manual. President Steven Leath asks Iowa State employees to re-read the policy and use its principles to guide their actions and decisions as they carry out their university work. He noted that qualities such as integrity, fairness and respect are especially important for leaders who make policy for the university.

Volunteers sought who'd like nutrition counseling

New PeopleAdmin applicant portal launches Tuesday

University Human Resources' new application system (PeopleAdmin 7) will be launched Tuesday. The applicant portal and Classification and Hiring System will be available around the start of business on the morning of Sept. 9. Both application systems will be available at iastatejobs.com. The original portal and new portal where hiring managers and posting admins review positions and applicants (ISU Classification and Hiring System) will be available from the UHR Resources page.

Darrell Trampel funeral is Sept. 5

Funeral services for Darrell Trampel, professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine and ISU poultry extension veterinarian, will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at CrossRoad Baptist Church, 57011 Highway 30, Ames. Visitation will be on Thursday, Sept. 4 (5-7 p.m.) at Adams Funeral Home, Ames. Trampel died unexpectedly at home on Aug. 31. Memorials may be directed to CrossRoad church or the Ames Emergency Residence Project.

Honors program seeks spring seminar proposals

The University Honors program seeks proposals for Spring 2015 Honors seminars. These 1- or 2-credit courses explore topics of current or special interest. Seminars are pass/fail, enrollment is usually limited to 17 students.  A grant of $500 per seminar supports the professional development of the instructor(s). More information, including a downloadable proposal form and proposal guidelines, is online. Proposals are due Friday, Sept. 19.

ITS staff changes

Angela Bradley was named associate chief information officer (CIO) as part of several leadership changes in information technology services (ITS) over the summer. Bradley formerly was director of systems, operations, networks and communications. In her new post, she leads  technology planning and deployment for ITS. In other changes announced by CIO Jim Davis:

• David Popelka, associate CIO, has taken over Kuali leadership duties formerly held by Maury Hope, who retired in May.
• Jennifer Lohrbach, former leader of the network engineer team, is now director of networks and communications. That unit develops and manages voice, data and video networks for students, faculty and staff.
• Michael Lohrbach, former team lead of the applications architecture group, is now director of infrastructure and shared services. Infrastructure services include network registration, authentication, backups, central file services, directory services, email, software systems development, server support, storage area networks and virtualization. Shared services promotes information technology partnerships, campus relations, computer repair, endpoint management and security, service administration and support for students, faculty, and staff.

Regents meet on campus Sept. 9-10

The state Board of Regents will meet in the Memorial Union Sun Room on Tuesday-Wednesday, Sept. 9-10. The meeting is open to the public and audio of all open sessions is streamed live on the board's website.

Tuesday's schedule includes the property and facilities committee meeting (approximately 2:30 p.m.) and a closed session during which board members will discuss a current or pending litigation with board lawyers. Wednesday's session begins with three more board committee meetings: audit/compliance and investment (approximately 9 a.m.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (approximately 10:15 a.m.), and Education and Student Affairs (approximately 11:15 a.m.). The full board is scheduled to convene at 1 p.m.; the meeting concludes with a 4 p.m. groundbreaking ceremony at the reseach park for Iowa State's economic development building. The full agenda is on the board's website.

Engineering study, work abroad fair is Sept. 9

The "Tour the World!" engineering work and study abroad fair is Sept. 9 (4:30-7 p.m., Howe Hall atrium). ISU faculty coordinators representing more than 30 engineering international partnerships will discuss programs. Students who have participated in these programs and international exchange students will share their experiences. Engineering students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend. Contact Shannon Miner, 4-9917, with questions.

Coach Rhoads will be at Thursday's Cyclone Club lunch

The Cyclone Club luncheons will resume on Thursday, Sept. 4, at a new location – Reiman Ballroom at the ISU Alumni Center. The public is welcome to join the voice of the Cyclones, John Walters, and ISU coaches on the first Thursday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. (doors open at 11:30 a.m.). Head football coach Paul Rhoads will be at the Sept. 4 event. Lunch, catered by the west Ames Hy-Vee, is available for $10. 

Club ice cream sale is today

The Dairy Science club will hold its weekly (Wednesday) ice cream sale today, Sept. 3 (11 a.m.-1 p.m., Kildee Hall, outside Lush Auditorium north doors). An 8-ounce cup of ice cream is $1. Today's flavors are vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate chip, Twix, Oreo, Reeses and limited quantities of Heath caramel (ground Heath bar mixed with caramel-flavored ice cream). 

Nominations due Sept. 30 for 2015 impact calendar

Nominations will be accepted through Sept. 30 for the 2015 Women Impacting ISU calendar, which highlights the accomplishments and achievements of 12 women currently on campus as faculty, staff or students. Seniors graduating in May 2015 may be nominated. The nomination form is on the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics website; the completed packet must be received at the Catt center by 5 p.m. Sept. 30. Questions may be directed to the Catt center, 4-9867, email: cattcntr@iastate.edu.

Registration open for youth reading improvement clinic

Registrations are now being accepted at ISU's Fred Duffelmeyer Reading Improvement Clinic for students in first through 12th grades who would benefit from extra help with reading, writing and spelling. Tutoring is in Lagomarcino Hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays (5:15-6:30 p.m.), Sept. 16 through Nov. 18. Apply online or email Diana Schmidt.

Second named professorship created in Design college

Architecture alumnus Stan Thurston, retired president, CEO and board chairman of Life Care Services, Des Moines, has established a professorship in the College of Design to support faculty who are leaders in the field of design-build, in which a single firm or contractor provides both design and construction services. The Stan G. Thurston Professorship in Design Build is the second named professorship in the College of Design.

First Osborn Club lecture is Sept. 8

Jean-Philippe Tessonnier, assistant professor of chemical and biological engineering and the Carol and Jack Johnson Faculty Fellow, will present the first Osborn Club lecture of the 2014-15 academic year on Monday, Sept. 8 (7 p.m., Hach Hall atrium). The title of his presentation is "Carbocatalysts: A Bottom-up Approach to Catalyst Design." The lecture portion of the monthly Osborn Club gatherings is free and open to the public.

Light pole replacement to occur Aug. 30

On Saturday, Aug. 30, crews will replace 10 street light poles along Osborn Drive and Wallace Road. Signage on the poles will be reinstalled the week of Sept. 2.

Ag Business Club wins Outstanding Chapter Award

The ISU Agricultural Business Club won two major awards at the recent Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA) conference. The club was named National Outstanding Chapter for the eighth time in the last nine years. The students also won the Creative Club Award.

Melon Mania seeks to raise funds for Uganda on Sept. 11

Several ISU student clubs and faculty members are joining forces to create Melon Mania, a fundraiser for schools in the Kamuli District of Uganda. The event, planned for Sept. 11 (4-9 p.m., central campus), will feature numerous melon activities (i.e., melon bowling, melon plinko, melon sculptures and more). Surplus melons grown by Iowa State will be for sale (one melon, $2; three melons, $5). Money raised from the sale of the melons will go to Establish and Grow, and Iowa State organization that assists the Kamuli District. Melon Mania is free and open to the public. 

Training session for youth program staff is Sept. 9

The offices of risk management, university counsel, extension and outreach and conference planning/management will hold a training session on Sept. 9 (10 a.m.-noon, 1155 Administrative Services Building) that targets departmental/unit employees who plan and supervise youth programs and administrative assistants who complete administrative tasks for youth programs. The training will provide the most current information on pre-collegiate and youth-related policies, procedures and forms that need to be completed to conduct youth programs at Iowa State. Those planning to attend are asked to send an email by Sept. 5 to the office of risk management. 

Alumna claims fashion cup in Omaha show

Whitney Rorah, a May graduate and first-year graduate student in apparel, merchandising, and design, won the Omaha Fashion Cup $10,000 prize Aug. 23. Rorah's award-winning bridal collection featured a floral wedding dress decorated with four layers of individually hand-crafted flower petals. Rorah's wedding dress collection also captured the "Best in Show" award at last April's student fashion show in Stephens Auditorium.

Leadership training opportunities from UHR

University human resources is offering the following leadership training opportunities beginning in September. Register on AccessPlus (Employee tab > UHR Training). Contact Adan Murillo or Don Broshar with questions. 

• 12+ Supervisory Leadership Series is a series of three-hour workshops conducted approximately twice a month from September to May. The workshops focus on knowledge of the university and the interpersonal skills needed to perform in a supervisory role at ISU. While the series is focused on first-time supervisors, any supervisor is welcome to apply.
• Leadership at Any Level is a series of five, two-hour professional development sessions focused on enhancing an individual’s leadership potential. Leadership is more than a function of position, and an individual at any level can demonstrate leadership and influence the behavior of others. Therefore, any ISU employee interested in enhancing his or her leadership potential can participate.

Registrar's scheduling/fees unit will relocate temporarily

From approximately Sept. 2 to Oct. 20, the scheduling and fees unit of the registrar's office will relocate to 139 Durham Center. Phone numbers and mailing addresses will not change. The unit's office space in 10 Enrollment Services Center will undergo extensive remodeling during this time.

Merle Haggard Oct. 6 concert tickets go on sale Friday

Tickets for an Oct. 6 concert at Stephens Auditorium by country music legend Merle Haggard go on sale Friday, Aug. 29 (10 a.m., Ticketmaster). Tickets cost $39 to $75, plus fees.

Wanted: Potential treehouse masters

Reiman Gardens is seeking proposals from individuals, groups or firms to design, construct and display unique, site-specific treehouses for its 2015 outdoor display. The proposed treehouse designs should be inspired by a socially relevant celebration (i.e., birthday, graduation, retirement, cultural holiday, etc.) in honor of Reiman Gardens' 20th anniversary.

A $3,000 stipend will be offered to help offset building costs, and exhibitors may promote their name at the gardens. Those interested in participating must attend a pre-design presentation and site walk on Sept. 2 (6-8 p.m., Reiman Gardens) to learn about requirements, entry information and to ask questions. RSVP for the walk-through by Aug. 27 to Sara Merrit, 4-1318. Final design proposals are due Oct. 1.

Three new members selected for biotech council

Marian Kohut, professor of kinesiology; Alison Robertson, associate professor of plant pathology and microbiology; and Ravindra Singh, John G. Salsbury Endowed Chair in Veterinary Medicine and professor of biomedical sciences, have been selected to serve three-year terms on Iowa State’s Biotechnology Council. The council makes recommendations to the Office of Biotechnology on activities supporting biotechnology research, education and outreach.

Sick kids? Consider The Comfort Zone

The Comfort Zone is a "get-well" center for mildly ill children, infants through fifth grade, who are cared for by a registered nurse and professional child care staff. Preregistration is required to send your child(ren) there. Information is available online or by emailing czone@iastate.edu. The Comfort Zone, located at 100 University Village, opens Sept. 2. 

Iowa historian Dorothy Schwieder dies

Former Iowa State  professor and renowned Iowa historian Dorothy Schwieder, 80, died Aug. 13. During her nearly 50-year academic career, she became an authority in Iowa history and, in 2012, she was inducted into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame. Funeral services were held Aug. 18. 

Faculty mentors sought for first-year Honors students

Faculty and other researchers interested in mentoring one or more first-year Honors students for the spring 2015 semester may apply now. Students may be mentored directly by faculty or by someone on a research team (i.e., post-doc or graduate student) as long as the faculty member serves as the supervisor of record. Those interested in becoming mentors should complete the mentor information form by Sept. 19. Additional information and project examples are available online. Contact Dana Schumacher, 4-0172, with questions. 

Civility conference scheduled for Sept. 4-5 postponed to spring

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the civility conference, "Ethics, Integrity and Civility in Higher Education" scheduled for Sept. 4-5 in the Memorial Union, has been postponed until spring 2015. However, the Neil Hamilton keynote lecture, "Ethics, Integrity and Civility in Higher Education: New Approaches to Foster a Culture of Trust," will be held as scheduled (8 p.m. Sept. 4, MU Pioneer Room). The public is welcome.

Learn how to write a P&S position description

University human resources is offering training on "How to Write a Professional and Scientific Position Description" in conjunction with the new PeopleAdmin 7 system training. Anyone who writes or assists with writing position descriptions is encouraged to attend. Training is offered weekly beginning Aug. 26 through Nov. 24. To register, go to AccessPlus (Employee tab > UHR Training) and choose the class you wish to attend. Please note that if not enough employees sign up for a particular session, it will be cancelled and employees may need to re-register. Contact Kyla Kaetzel with questions.

Library workshop targets grad students

A library workshop designed for graduate students, "Everything You Need to Know About the Library," will be held Thursday, Sept. 11 (3-4:30 p.m., Parks Library). Learn how to find dissertations, influential research articles and important journals in your subject area. Find out who is your subject librarian and learn about library services that can help facilitate your research and writing. Seating is limited and preregistration is required.

"Taking the Road Less Traveled" preregistration opens Aug. 27

Preregistration for the fall "Taking the Road Less Traveled" STEM career exploration conferences for girls in grades six through 12 opens Aug. 27. Conferences are scheduled for Oct. 16 (high school) and Oct. 23 and 30 (middle school). Cost is $10. As a result of the preregistration process, conferences may fill within 24-36 hours after opening. Preregister online. For more information, contact Carol Heaverlo or Erin Jackson.

Employee wellness: Online program begins Sept. 3

"Living Well ... It's Up to You!" is an online wellness program that provides the structure, accountability and support needed to accomplish healthy lifestyle goals. The program begins Sept. 3 and continues for eight weeks (Wednesdays, 12:10-12:55 p.m.). Cost is $25; $20 is returned upon completion of the program. To register and for instructions on how to use Adobe Connect, contact Sally Barclay. 

Ames tops best college towns list

Ames earned the top spot in Livability.com's 2014 Best College Towns list. The ranking is based on such things as student population, affordable housing, walkability, educational attainment and entertainment venues. It's the second such honor for Ames in a few weeks. The Best College Reviews website recently named Ames No. 5 among the 50 Best College Towns in America.

Sept. 4 hearing on campus precedes regents' Ames meeting

If you'd like to comment on any items scheduled for discussion at the state Board of Regents meeting Sept. 10 at Iowa State University, you have several options:

• Attend one of six public hearings held at the regents institutions and board office Sept. 4-5. Iowa State's hearing is Thursday, Sept. 4 (noon-1 p.m., Memorial Union Oak Room). All public hearings will be video recorded and posted to the regents' hearings website. Transparency officer Shirley Knipfel will preside at the meeting.
• Provide written comments to regents transparency officer Sheila Doyle Koppin, sdoyle@iastate.edu.

Meeting materials and an agenda for the Sept. 10 meeting will be posted to the regents homepage by Sept. 2.