Announcements for Faculty and Staff

Public visitation for Coach Bray is Friday

A public visitation for assistant football coach Curtis Bray will be held on Friday, Jan. 17 (4-8 p.m.)  at the First Evangelical Free Church in Ames. Bray, a member of the Cyclone football coaching staff for five seasons, died Wednesday. Funeral services will be held in Pittsburgh next week with date and time pending. The Bray Memorial Fund, established through the Great Western Bank in Ames (316 S. Duff Ave.) will support youth programs in the Ames and Pittsburgh (Pa.) areas. Checks for the fund can be made out to Heather Bray.

Industry-sponsored research is topic of brown bag workshop

ISU Research Foundation executive director Lisa Lorenzen will lead a discussion on the differences between engaging in research sponsored by industry and by the federal government during a lunchtime workshop on Friday, Jan. 31 (12:10-1 p.m., 130 College of Design). She'll also review ISU's Flexible Solutions program for engaging in industry and how to request confidentiality and material transfer agreements. Participants are welcome to bring their lunch; cookies will be provided.

Resource Fair registrations are due Feb. 28

In conjunction with the P&S professional development conference on April 17, there will be a 90-minute resource fair (11:20 a.m.-12:50 p.m., Scheman Building) to highlight products, services and resources available to staff -- either on or near campus. To ensure that space and a table are available, organizations should download and complete the Registration Form and e-mail it to Kate Goudy-Haht by Feb. 28.

Still time to get your Madrigal Dinner tickets

Tickets for the music department's 49th annual Madrigal Dinner on Jan. 17 or Jan. 18 (5:30 p.m. social hour; 6:30 p.m. dinner, MU Great Hall) still are available. Tickets for Friday's dinner are available through noon on Jan. 15; tickets for Saturday's performance are available through noon on Jan. 16. Tickets are $42 ($38 for students, senior citizens and groups of 10 or more) and available through MidwesTIX or at the MU ticket office, 4-8349. 

Jan. 30 public hearing on campus precedes regents' meeting

If you'd like to comment on any items scheduled for discussion at the state Board of Regents meeting Feb. 5-6 in Cedar Falls, you have several options:

• Attend one of six public hearings held at the regents institutions and board office Jan. 30-31. Iowa State's hearing is Jan. 30 (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 February meeting will be posted to the regents homepage by Jan. 28.

MU poster sale is Jan. 20-24

The Student Activities Center is hosting the annual poster sale at the Memorial Union Jan. 20-24 (9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, Cardinal Room). Selections range from art prints and movies to music and pop culture.  Most posters cost $8-$12. Proceeds from the sale support art programs at the Memorial Union.

Mobile lunch locations are still open

Two of the four food trucks that parked at campus locations last summer and fall still are serving customers during the winter months. Finley's Curbside Bistro sits outside at the intersection of Stange Road and Osborne Drive. Smokin' G's BBQ operates from a portable site in the Kildee Hall pavilion. Both locations offer hot lunch items from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays.

Bioeconomy graduate fellowships offered for fall 2014

One-year competitive graduate fellowships are offered as part of the Leading the Bioeconomy Initiative appropriation from the Iowa Legislature, and administered through the Bioeconomy Institute (BEI). These fellowships seek to attract high-caliber graduate students to ISU in agriculture, biosciences, chemical sciences, engineering, economics and other disciplines with research interests related to the bioeconomy.

Nine fellowships will be awarded to new graduate students admitted for fall 2014. Each fellowship provides up to $33,000 for one year that may be used for tuition, stipend, benefits and a conference presentation by the fellowship recipient. The funds must be spent by June 30, 2015. Details, including application requirements and selection criteria, are available online. Submit requests to Jan Meyer, 4-3759.

ISU Plan benefits statements available

The final 2014 ISU Plan benefits statements for faculty, professional and scientific, and supervisory merit employees will be available beginning tomorrow, Jan. 15, on AccessPlus.

United Way contributions set record

United Way campaign

The Iowa State community contributed a record $348,701 to the 2013 United Way of Story County fundraising campaign. The university exceeded its goal by more than $13,500. ISU also earned a Live United award in recognition of its campaign efforts, contributions and success. In all, the UWSC campaign raised a record $1.9 million in 2013. The funds support initiatives that address the education, income and health needs of Story County residents.

Spring Study Abroad Fair is Jan. 23

The Study Abroad Center requests faculty and staff assistance in encouraging students to attend the semi-annual Study Abroad Fair on Thursday, Jan. 23 (10:30 a.m.-­-1:30 p.m., MU Great Hall). Students will have direct contact with program directors overseeing study abroad options.

Proposed expansion at Iowa State Center is topic of public meetings

The Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau will host three public meetings on Thursday, Jan. 16 (10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., all in 4 Scheman Building), to give Ames voters a chance to learn more about the March 4 bond referendum for the proposed renovation and expansion of the Scheman Building as a convention center. The estimated $38 million project would renovate Scheman and attach a new building to its north side. The cost would be split evenly between the university and the city, with -- if voters approve it -- the city's portion funded by a bond sale. 

P&S Council professional development seminar is Jan. 16

Time-management expert Randy Dean will present "How to Tame the Email Beast" during the Professional and Scientific Council's professional development seminar on Jan. 16 (10-11:30, MU Sun Room). The presentation also will be live streamed. Participants should log in as guests; no preregistration is required. 

2014 employee wellness opportunities

• "Living Well ... It's Up to You," (begins Jan. 15 for eight weeks, Wednesdays from 12:10-12:55 p.m.). This online program provides structure, accountability and support to successfully complete your health goals. Cost is $25 ($20 is returned if you complete the program). Contact Sally Barclay to register and receive instructions on how to use Adobe Connect.
• Live Healthy Iowa 10-week Wellness Challenge, (begins Jan. 27). Form a team of two to 10 people and register using the group ID "LHISTATE." Cost is $20. Participants receive a T-shirt, weekly activity, nutrition and recipe tips via email, opportunities to win prizes and incentives, a one-year subscription to a lifestyle magazine, discounted registration to the 5K challenge finale event, and free registration to Winter and Summer Iowa Games fitness walks and Zumba. 
• ISU Rec Milers Club. The Rec Milers Club is designed to encourage healthy habits and help you stay interested and involved in a regular exercise program. You choose your own activities and exercise at your convenience. Rec Miler participants track their own activities and chart their progress online. Awards are given for accomplishments. More details are online.
• Health coaching. Discuss health goals and strategies with ISU dietitian Sally Barlcay. Benefits-eligible employees may participate in three free wellness sessions per calendar year. Contact Barclay for details.

Regents schedule two forums on superintendent search

The state Board of Regents has scheduled two open forums (PDF) for the public to provide input on desired qualities in the next superintendent of the Iowa School for the Deaf, Council Bluffs; and the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, Vinton. Superintendent Patrick Clancy is retiring in June. The forums are scheduled for 5-6:30 p.m. on Jan. 13  (ISD campus) and Jan. 16 (IBSSS campus). The public also may participate in the Jan. 16 forum via the ICN, including the DMACC campus in Ankeny.

Registration is open for women's spring dance workshop

Registration is open for Women in Motion, a semester-long dance workshop for women offered by Valerie Williams' Co'Motion Dance Theater. In addition to learning dances, participants are involved in composition, creativity and the final dance performance (May 9-10, Ames City Auditorium). Sunday afternoon classes (1-2:30 p.m., Forker Building) begin Feb. 2. The $130 fee includes classes, costumes and comeraderie. Register online or by phone, 515-232-7374. Valerie Williams is the ISU dance program's artist in residence.

Next Osborn Club lecture is Jan. 13

Byron Brehm-Stecher, associate professor of food science and human nutrition, will present "Natural and Value-added Antimicrobials for Foods and Food Processing Surfaces" at the next Osborn Club lecture on Jan. 13 (6:45 p.m., Molecular Biology Building, Atrium). Lectures are free and open to the public following the club dinner. 

Alumni award nominations due Feb. 1

The ISU Alumni Association is seeking nominations for six different awards that will be presented during Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 10-11. Award descriptions and nomination forms are online. Nominations are due Feb. 1. Questions can be directed to Julie Larson. The six awards are:

• Alumni Medal
• Alumni Merit
• Alumni Service
• Impact Award
• James Hopson Award
• Outstanding Young Alumni Award

Late death notice of former Design faculty member Betty Miller

Betty Miller, Distinguished Professor emerita of art and design and an ISU faculty member from 1969 to her retirement in 1994, died Nov. 11 in Des Moines from complications of diabetes. Her cremated remains were buried at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter. Memorial donations may be made to the fine arts program at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison Ave., Des Moines, and the American Diabetes Association. Miller was the 1999 recipient of the College of Design's Christian Petersen Design Award.

Ames snow ordinance in effect 10 p.m. Dec. 21

The City of Ames snow ordinance will go into effect at 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. The ordinance is operational when 2 inches of snow has fallen on major Ames streets.  Vehicles parked along snow routes (marked by red and white signs) must be moved or they will be ticketed and towed. Drivers should move vehicles to off-street parking or to streets that are not designated snow routes. To assist in plowing efforts, all Ames residents are asked to remove parked vehicles from residential streets. However, only those on snow routes are required to move them. The snow ordinance remains in effect until streets are completely plowed from curb to curb, AND it has stopped snowing

Green your resolutions

Hard up for New Year's resolutions? Director of sustainability Merry Rankin has got you covered. The December edition of Live Green! Monthly also includes sustainable gift ideas and a guide to DIY weatherizing.

Register for Jan. 8 youth programs training

The offices of Risk Management, University Counsel and 4-H Extension and Outreach collectively are holding a training session for youth program leaders and administrators on Jan. 8 (noon-2 p.m., 3150 Beardshear, attendees welcome to bring a lunch). The training will address changes to youth-related policies, as well as procedures and forms that must be completed to conduct youth programs at Iowa State. Register in advance by emailing the Office of Risk Management. 

Presenters sought for student leadership conference

The annual Iowa State Leadership Experience, designed to help existing and would-be student leaders improve their skills and learn about leadership opportunities on campus, seeks presenters on any topic related to leadership. Participants will range from freshmen to graduate students. The conference will be held Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, at the Memorial Union; there are three time slots to choose from, each approximately 40 minutes long. Submit your proposal online by Jan. 13. Questions may be emailed to the conference planning committee.

Nominations sought for Student Employee of the Year

Nominations are being sought for the annual ISU Student Employee of the Year award. The award is based on the student employee's reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism, interpersonal skills and unique contributions to the employer. Nominees must be undergraduate students on campus and employed part-time for a minimum of six months between June 1, 2013, and May 31, 2014 (anticipated). More details and a nomination form are online. Application deadline is Feb. 7, 2014.

Stay on the safe side, with CyBox storage

CyBox, ISU's cloud-based storage system, is a convenient place to stash your work files for easy retrieval from any Internet-connected computer or mobile device. It's also a safe place to store work files. CyBox has beefed-up security features that meet federal requirements for protecting student privacy. Additionally, Iowa State retains ownership of all data in CyBox. If you keep work files on other free, cloud-based services, Information Technology Services staff recommend moving them to CyBox. 

Former journalism prof Bill Kunerth dies

William "Bill" Kunerth, 89, a longtime journalism professor at Iowa State, died Dec. 9 in Belle Fourche, S.D. Kunerth taught investigative reporting and editing courses at Iowa State for some 30 years, retiring in 1988.  His funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, at St. James Lutheran Church, Belle Fourche. Kunerth asked that memorials in his name be sent to the Kunerth-Wechsler Investigative Reporting Fund, Greenlee School of Journalism, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50010, or to St. James Episcopal Church, 8066 6^th Ave., Belle Fourche, S.D.  57717. 

Holiday closings for Chemistry Stores

Chemistry Stores in Gilman Hall will be closed Dec. 23-25  and Jan. 1 for the holidays. It will be open normal business hours (7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) on all other weekdays during the winter break. 

Ames snow ordinance in effect at 10 p.m. Sunday

Tree lighting ceremony moved indoors due to weather

Due to a cold forecast for today (Dec. 6), WinterFest organizers have moved the 6 p.m. Tree Lighting Ceremony indoors to the first floor of Beardshear Hall. Participants are asked to enter the building via the front (east) entrance steps.

Friday's Knoll open house extended to 5:30

First Lady Janet Leath has extended the hours of today's (Dec. 6) open house at The Knoll, the president's residence, to 3-5:30 p.m. to allow employees to arrive after the work day. The reception is part of WinterFest events. See the first floor rooms of the house, which are decorated for the holidays, and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, prepared from former first lady Ellen Parks' recipe. The university community is welcome.

Meteorological Society is No. 1, again

For the second consecutive year, the American Meteorological Society named Iowa State's student chapter the most outstanding in the nation. It is the student organization's fourth win in the past eight years.

Bus-to-train connection added for winter break

Amtrak is offering a winter break bus connection from the Ames Intermodal Facility to its Osceola station. The Thruway Bus Connection is available Dec. 18-20 and Jan. 11-13. Fares, which include bus and rail tickets, start at $61 (Chicago) and $98 (Denver) each way. Ticket information is available through Amtrak (online or call 800-872-7245).

Phonebook recycling date pushed back to Dec. 19

On Thursday, Dec. 19 -- a week later than originally planned -- campus services crews will collect old phonebooks from those university buildings that have requested a pickup. Requests (preferably one per building) need to be submitted by 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16. Phonebooks should be placed in boxes, and boxes placed on docks by end of day on Dec. 18. Mixed paper is not included in the phonebook collection. Questions should be directed to ISU recycling coordinator Sue Mallas, 4-0692.

Student-planned exhibit opens in Textiles and Clothing Museum Dec. 6

"Uniformity: Passions. Perceptions. Purposes," an exhibition that researches and interprets uniforms, opens in the Mary Alice Gallery, Morrill Hall, on Friday, Dec. 6, and runs through April 12, 2014. The exhibition was planned and installed by undergraduate students in this fall's AMD257 Museum Studies class.

Some flu shots still available

A limited number of flu shots still are available for ISU employees. To get the vaccine, call occupational medicine staff at 4-0874 to make an appointment. Remember to bring your ISU ID card to the appointment. 

Hort Club is selling holiday poinsettias this week

Members of the student Horticulture Club will sell poinsettia plants this week in several campus locations. More than 20 varieties are available while supplies last. Prices are $7 (minis, winter rose white only), $10 (6-inch), $20 (8-inch, pink Cadillac and glacé only) and $30 (10-inch). Sale times and locations are:

• Wednesday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Curtiss Hall
• Thursday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Beardshear Hall lower level
• Friday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., University Book Store entrance, Memorial Union
• Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Reiman Gardens

2013-14 Fact Book is online only

The 2013-14 Fact Book, the Wikipedia of Iowa State data, is now available on the institutional research office site. The Fact Book is online only this year. In addition to cost savings, there are other benefits to discontinuing the paper version, officials say. The online Fact Book will be continuously updated and includes more data, graphs and charts. Those who like paper can still print individual Fact Book pages or, once all pages are ready, the entire book. The book should be complete in early January. Fact Book pages also can be saved as Excel files.  Pages that are not yet updated in the new version don't have PDF or Excel links. 

Volunteers sought for winter Science Bowl competitions

About 150 volunteers, both scientific and nonscientific, are sought for the 2014 Ames Laboratory/Iowa State University Science Bowl events. High School Science Bowl is Saturday, Jan. 25. Middle School Science Bowl is Saturday, Feb. 22. Campus locations for both still are being finalized. Volunteers serve as moderators, judges, timekeepers and scorekeepers. To learn more or to volunteer, contact Breehan Gerleman Lucchesi, Ames Lab public affairs, 4-9750.

Tickets go on sale Dec. 6 for Red Green show

Canadian comedian and handyman Red Green is bringing his "How to do Everything" tour to Ames for a May 6, 2014, performance (7 p.m., Stephens Auditorium). Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. Tickets are $52 and available at the Iowa State Center ticket office and through Ticketmaster. 

Fall 2013 University Honors poster presentation is Dec. 11

The University Honors Program invites the campus community to attend the fall 2013 poster presentation and reception on Dec. 11 (3-5 p.m., MU Great Hall), featuring the fall 2013 Honors graduates and their presentations. The fall 2013 graduates as well as other Honors students will answer questions and speak with individuals interested in their projects.

Next Osborn Club lecture is Dec. 9

Eric Cochran, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering, will present "Thermoplastic Elastomers from Multifunctional Biomonomers: Green Materials Without Compromise?" at the Osborn Club lecture on Dec. 9 (7 p.m., 1420 Molecular Biology). Lectures are free and open to the public following the club dinner. 

Longtime thesis editor LaDena Bishop dies

Former Iowa State thesis editor LaDena Bishop, 91, Nevada,  died Nov. 25. Memorial services were held Monday, Dec. 2, at Chet Ryan Mortuary in Nevada. Bishop was the university thesis editor from 1961 to 1991. 

Legislature seeks input on improving efficiencies at state universities

The Iowa Legislature seeks input from faculty and staff at Iowa State and the other two state universities on ways to improve efficiency, modernize processes, eliminate duplication, reduce costs and increase accountability at State Board of Regents institutions.  Comments should be submitted by Dec. 18 through this feedback form.

The Knoll is on Ames holiday home tour

The Knoll, home to Iowa State University presidents, is one of five featured stops on Ames Altrusa's  annual holiday home tour. Tours are from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8. Tickets ($12 in advance, $15 at the homes) can be purchased at the Ames/ISU Information Booth and three Ames flower shops -- Everts, Coe's and Mary Kay's. Money raised will go to Mainstream Living, Emergency Residence Project and the Friday Backpack Project.

More polished phishing scams headed for your inbox

Information technology services reports an increase in phishing (spam) emails that attempt to obtain ISU passwords through well-crafted messages using university logos and, occasionally, the names of local places, people or services.  Remember that ITS and Iowa State will NEVER ask for your password or personal information. Don't click links from a sender you don't know. If you do know the sender, verify his or her address before clicking.

UHR adds employee orientation session on Dec. 17

Due to increased demand, university human resources has added another employee orientation session on Dec. 17 (8 a.m.-2 p.m., MU Gallery). New employees can register for the class on AccessPlus (Employee > HRS Training). Space is limited. 

EAP training: Managing Change in a Changing Workplace

University human resources, in conjunction with Employee and Family Resources, is offering a professional development class, "Managing Change in a Changing Workplace," on Dec. 10 (9-11 a.m., MU Gallery). Space is limited. Register via AccessPlus (Employee tab > "HRS Training"). 

No. 1 on the A-List

Iowa State grabbed the No. 1 spot nationally in a new college ranking that assesses schools on affordability, accessibility and academic quality.  CollegeAtlas, an online directory of colleges and universities, put Iowa State at the top of its A-List of schools that deliver the best academic and economic value to students, while admitting a high percentage of applicants.

"Experience Hendrix Tour" tickets go on sale Nov. 22

The latest edition of the "Experience Hendrix Tour" will make a stop in Ames on March 15, 2014 (7:30 p.m., Stephens Auditorium). Tickets for the concert, which pays tribute to the music and legacy of Jimi Hendrix, go on sale Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. Tickets prices are $55, $68 and $78, and are available at the Iowa State Center ticket office and through TIcketmaster. 

Canned food drive runs Dec. 2-6 in LeBaron foyer

The Kappa Omicron Nu and Phi Upsilon Omicron human sciences honor societies are sponsoring a Hunger's Heroes food drive Dec. 2-6 (8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, LeBeron Hall foyer). Place your nonperishable canned food items in the labeled box in the foyer; they will be delivered to Ames' Emergency Residence Project, which serves individuals and families who are homeless or in transition.