Payday is Nov. 27
Iowa State's payday this month will be Wednesday, Nov. 27. By definition, payday is the last work day of the month. The late occurance of Thanksgiving this year and the university's two-day Thanksgiving holiday moves payday forward two days. ISU Payroll's website includes a calendar of pay-related dates and deadlines.
Madrigal Dinner tickets available Dec. 2
Tickets go on sale Dec. 2 for the music department's 49th annual Madrigal Dinners, planned for Jan. 17-18 (5:30 p.m., social hour; 6:30 p.m. dinner, MU Great Hall). Cost is $42 ($38 for students, senior and groups of 10 or more). Tickets are available online; at the MU ticket office (11 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday); by mail (PDF); or by phone, 4-8349.
Central Stores units closed afternoon of Nov. 21
All Central Stores operations (including Central and Material Stores, ISU Surplus and trucking and deliveries) will be closed from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21. All staff in those units are participating in a training session.
Associate dean of students candidates interview this week
Four finalists will interview on campus next week for the associate dean of students post. Their visits will include an open forum with the campus community, all in 136 Union Drive Community Center. Candidates resumes are online. The candidates and open forum dates are:
- Jane Birkholz, University of Wisconsin -- Marathon County, Wausau, Nov. 18 (11 a.m.-noon)
- Wendy Robinson, Des Moines Area Community College, Ankeny, Nov. 19 (10-11 a.m.)
- Keith Robinder, ISU student assistance and outreach services, Nov. 20 (2-3 p.m.)
- Debra Sanborn, ISU Hixson Opportunity Awards and National Student Exchange programs, Nov. 21 (1:30-2:30 p.m.)
Individuals can comment on regents agenda at Nov. 21 public hearing
Members of the public will have an opportunity to provide early input on agenda items for the state Board of Regents Dec. 4 telephonic meeting. Those who wish to comment are invited to attend one of the six public hearings that will be held at the regents institutions and board office. (See schedule.)
The public hearing at Iowa State is Thursday, Nov. 21, 6-7 p.m., Memorial Union Campanile Room. All public hearings will be video recorded and posted to the regents hearings website.
Meeting materials and an agenda for the December meeting will be posted to the regents homepage by Nov. 19.
Noon seminar looks at women's leadership in veterinary medicine
A women's leadership seminar, "Sharing Solutions and Closing the Gap," will be presented Monday, Nov. 18 (noon-1 p.m., 2532 Vet Med) by Julie Kumble, Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts; and Donald Smith, dean emeritus of Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Their talk, based on data and interviews with women leaders from all areas of the veterinary medicine profession, will examine topics such as critical mass, the "leaky pipeline," perfection complex and institutional factors that thwart women's leadership in the field. All are welcome.
Employee wellness: "Healthy Holiday Eating Guide," Nov. 18
All employees are welcome to attend an upcoming employee wellness event, "Healthy Holiday Eating Guide," Nov. 18 (noon, 192 Parks Library). No reservation is required; feel free to bring your lunch.
OPPTAG seeks teachers for 2014 summer classes
ISU's Office of Precollegiate Programs for Talented and Gifted (OPPTAG) seeks faculty and graduate students interested in teaching talented and gifted students in grades 3-12 during summer 2014. Individuals with a passion for their field of study and the skills to work with elementary, middle or high school gifted students are sought. The OPPGTAG staff also is looking for exciting new classes to add to its repertoire (last summer's courses are online). Interested individuals should contact the OPPTAG office at opptag@iastate.edu or 294-1772.
Tickets on sale for Dec. 5 Kacey Musgraves concert
Tickets are on sale for a campus concert by rising country music star Kacey Musgraves on Thursday, Dec. 5 (8 p.m., MU Great Hall, doors open at 7 p.m.). Tickets are $25 ($20 with an ISU student ID) at MIDWESTIX; a 3 percent fee is applied to online purchases. Tickets also may be purchased at the Maintenance Shop box office in the Memorial Union in person or by phone (515-294-8349), weekdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. A $1 per-ticket fee is applied to phone orders, and all tickets additionally are subject to a $2 MIDWESTIX fee. Musgraves was named new artist of the year at the 47th annual Country Music Association Awards on Nov. 6.
Capital Cities and Fitz and The Tantrums concert is Nov. 19
The pop/rock bands Capital Cities ("Safe and Sound") and Fitz and The Tantrums ("Out Of My League") will present a joint concert on Tuesday, Nov. 19 (7:30 p.m., Stephens Auditorium, doors open at 6:30 p.m.). The Los Angeles-based electronic/dance band Beat Club will open the show. Tickets are $35 at all Ticketmaster locations; ISU students with ID pay $25 at the Stephens ticket office only.
Submit library course reserves for spring now
Instructors who wish to place required materials on reserve for spring semester at Parks Library should submit requests now. The forms are online.
Fullfill wishes at five Giving Tree locations
The YWCA Ames-ISU, Faculty Senate and the Ames school district are hosting the 14th annual Giving Tree through Dec. 2 to support more than 100 local children. Five Giving Trees across campus are decorated with tags that contain the children's special wishes. To participate, remove a tag from a tree, purchase that item and return it (unwrapped) to: 103 Lab of Mechanics, 2101 Agronomy, Vet Med Small Animal Hospital desk, 101 Hamilton or 306 MacKay. Cash donations also are welcome in the YWCA office, 210 Lab of Mechanics. Checks should be payable to the YWCA Ames-ISU. Receipts are available when requested. The Business college also is sponsoring a food drive for families represented on the Giving Trees. The trees are in these campus locations:
- 103 Lab of Mechanics (Faculty Senate office)
- Commons outside 2101 Agronomy
- Glass hallway, Vet Med Large Animal Hospital
- First floor foyer, Hamilton Hall
- Breezeway connecting LeBaron and MacKay halls
For more information, contact Angela Merrick, 4-0043; or Sherri Angstrom, 4-9717.
YWCA's "Just Desserts" fundraiser is Nov. 13
The YWCA Ames-ISU's annual 'Just Desserts' fundraiser will be held Wednesday, Nov. 13 (7-8:30 p.m., Reiman Ballroom, ISU Alumni Center). Ten local vendors will provide a variety of desserts, vying for the "Best Dessert in Ames" vote. Tickets, $35 each or $50 for two, may be reserved through the YWCA office, 210 Lab of Mechanics, 4-0043. Proceeds support YWCA Ames-ISU programming.
Learn to be a leader
Additional spots still are available in university human resources' Leadership at Any Level professional development series. The group will meet during two-hour sessions (9-11 a.m.) on Jan. 14, Jan. 28, Feb. 11, Feb. 21 and March 11. Topics include: impact of attitudes on leadership performance; role of emotional intelligence in leadership development; process of group development; responsibilities and practices of effective leadership; and tools for addressing change effectively. Cost is $250. Contact Ruth Appleton (4-3753) or Don Broshar (4-2278) for more information.
2014 benefits are topic of next P&S Council seminar
Mike Otis, director of university human resources, will present an overview of Iowa State's 2014 benefits at the next Professional and Scientific Council's professional development seminar on Nov. 12 (2-3:30 p.m., MU Campanile Room). All are invited to attend this free seminar.
Destination Iowa State is looking for team leaders
If you know students who would make great leaders, encourage them to be team leaders during Destination Iowa State, Aug. 21-23, 2014. It's an excellent way for current students to show their Cyclone pride, be part of a team, develop leadership skills and earn up to $250 for their work. Each team leader mentors a group of approximately 15 students through the Destination Iowa State experience. More information and the application are online; applications are due Friday, Feb. 7. Questions may be directed to Kasie Von Haden, New Student Programs, 4-6660.
Register now for financial aid conference
The Office of Student Financial Aid will host its 16th annual Financial Aid Conference for Campus Partners on Dec. 11 (8 a.m.-noon, MU Sun Room and South Ballroom). The purpose of the conference is to inform Iowa State professionals about the financial aid process and other pertinent financial aid issues/situations affecting students on campus. ISU faculty and staff are encouraged to attend. Admission is free. Register online.
Bid on postcard prints through Nov. 7
The University Print Society is hosting Temptation: 13th Annual International Postcard Print Exchange exhibition and silent auction through 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, in Gallery 181, College of Design. The show features the work of 318 artists from 33 U.S. states and six other countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, South Korea and United Kingdom. All prints on display are for sale through a bidding process that's explained in the gallery. This is an opportunity to collect interesting pieces of art or purchase unusual gifts. Proceeds help print club students attend national printmaking conferences. Bidding ends at 5 p.m. Thursday; winners will be notified by email and arrangements made for them to pick up their prints the week of Nov. 11.
Tickets for Dave Chappelle's Friday show are on sale today
Comedian Dave Chappelle makes a stop at Stephens Auditorium on Friday, Nov. 8 (7:30 p.m.). Tickets ($55, no student discounts) go on sale at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4 via Ticketmaster, including the Iowa State Center ticket office. Chappelle's show will include two 15-minute openers and no admission.
Course material selections due to bookstore before Dec. 12
Faculty are reminded to turn in their course material adoptions to the University Book Store before the end-of-term textbook buyback begins on Dec. 12. Information on submitting your textbook adoption is online.
Student-athletes hope to can hunger at Homecoming football game
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Iowa State student-athletes will be collecting non-perishable food items prior to the Nov. 9 Homecoming football game (11 a.m. kickoff). All donations to CyCans will be picked up by student-athletes in the paved tailgating lots starting at 9 a.m. to benefit the Food Bank of Iowa. The Cyclones' goal is to collect 10,000 pounds of canned food to fight hunger.
Sign up soon for Nov. 15 marketing summit
The fall semester University Marketing Summit for faculty and staff is set for Friday, Nov. 15 (2:30 - 4:45 p.m., Pioneer Room, Memorial Union). The summit will include:
- A keynote speech by MK Seipke, former vice president of integrated marketing for Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions.
- Unveiling of the new creative direction for the next wave of the adventure campaign collateral materials, which can be customized for communications with prospective students. The new promotional merchandise toolkit website will be demonstrated and updates about the university's visual identity system will be provided.
E-mail reservations to umarket@mail.iastate.edu by noon, Thursday, Nov. 7.
Presenters sought for black student government conference
Iowa State will host the 37th annual Big 12 Conference on Black Student Government Feb. 27-March 1, 2014. Faculty, staff and students -- graduate and undergraduate -- are invited to submit proposals for 50-minute presentations at the conference. The submission deadline is noon on Jan. 1. More information and the proposal document are online, or contact Sylvester Gaskin or Ebony Williams, Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, 4-6338. General themes sought in presentations include:
- Business etiquette and professionalism
- Cross-cultural dialogue
- Importance of higher education
- Leadership in a changing multicultural/multiracial world
- Perseverance
Workshop: Write stronger broader impacts statements in NSF proposals
SP@ISU, in collaboration with ISU applied linguistics researcher Elena Cotos, is developing resources to assist grant writers in writing strong broader impacts statements for their NSF proposals. Cotos analyzed 105 funded and unfunded NSF proposals by ISU faculty and developed a framework that can be used as a guiding tool for presenting broader impacts plans. She'll present her research during a lunch workshop on Nov. 14 (noon-2 p.m., MU South Ballroom). Lunch will be provided. All faculty, staff, students and postdocs are invited; register online.
Updated: Osborn Club lecture is Nov. 11
V.V. Raman, Emeritus Professor of physics and humanities, Rochester Insititute of Technology, will present "The Human-centered Universe: Some Speculations in Current Cosmology" at the next Osborn Club lecture on Nov. 11 (7 p.m., 1420 Molecular Biology Building, atrium). The lecture portion of Osborn Club meetings is open to the public. Admission is free. Bruce Harmon, Distinguished Professor of physics, had been scheduled to speak, but had to postpone his presentation.
Hort farm is selling apples through Nov. 7
The ISU Horticulture Research Station north of Ames is selling fresh picked apples for $10 (5-lb. bag) or $20 (10-lb. bag). Varieties available are Golden Delicious and Chieftain, a cross between the tart Jonathan and the sweet Red Delicious, developed by ISU horticulturist Spencer Beach in 1917. Both are great for eating, baking and canning. Apple orders can be picked up in the parking lot north of Horticulture Hall on Nov. 6 and 7 (noon-1:30 p.m.). Payment, cash or check only, is due at the time of pick-up. For more information or to place an order, email Sally Medford with your request and contact information.
EAP training: Conflict Management
University human resources, in conjunction with Employee and Family Resources, is offering professional development classes to benefits-eligible employees. The next class, "Conflict Management," is available in two sessions on Nov. 5 (9-11 a.m., MU Gallery; 1-3 p.m., 2532 Vet Med). There is no cost to attend. Register via AccessPlus (Employee tab > "HRS Training").
It's time to vote in video competition
Iowa State Student Health partnered with Mary Greeley Medical Center and McFarland Clinic on an entry for this year's Pink Glove Dance video competition, which raises awareness for breast cancer. Student groups, including members of the football team, are featured in the video. Voting is open through Nov. 8 and you may vote daily. The winner receives $25K to give to a charity of choice, and the Ames video currently is in third place.
EH&S Safety Summit is Nov. 1
Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) is holding a fall safety summit, "Harvest Your Surplus - Safely," on Nov. 1 (7:45-9 a.m., 1230 EH&S Building). Attendees will learn how to save time, reduce costs and avoid generating hazards by disposing of unwanted chemicals, equipment and materials. Registration information is available online. For more information, call 4-5359.
New computer virus 'ransoms' your files
A relatively new computer virus, Cryptolocker, is attacking Windows computers on campus. The virus locks down the infected computer's files and demands a ransom, usually $300, to unlock them. Iowa State mail servers are removing infected attachments, but your personal mail account could be vulnerable. To avoid the virus, don't click on links or open attachments from unfamiliar email and keep antivirus programs updated. Make backups of your files and store offine. If your computer is infected, turn it off and call your IT support staff or the Solution Center, 4-4000.
"Vagina Monologues" auditions are Nov. 4, 6, 8
Auditions for February performances of The Vagina Monologues will be held Nov. 4 (7-9 p.m.), Nov. 6 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) and Nov. 8 (5-8 p.m.), all at the Sloss House. No acting experience is necessary, and all people who lead their lives as women may audition. Scripts are available in advance at the Sloss House. Proceeds from the Feb. 13-14 performances will be donated to the Ames shelter ACCESS and the National V-Day Spotlight Campaign.
Snow blower service days are Nov. 1-2
The Agriculture Systems Technology Club will service snow blowers Friday, Nov. 1 (1-6 p.m.) and Saturday, Nov. 2 (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) at the north end of Industrial Education II, west of the horse barns. Simply drop off your snow blower during service hours. The $25 cost includes oil, sparkplug, grease and a half tank of gas. Pick-up and delivery is available only in Ames for an additional $15; email astservicedays@gmail.com or call 515-708-8672 before 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, to request pick-up.
Tickets on sale for "The Nutcracker Ballet"
Tickets are on sale for the Iowa State Center's 33rd rendition of The Nutcracker Ballet, Dec. 14 (1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.) and Dec. 15 (1:30 p.m.) at Stephens Auditorium. Tickets are $25 ($20 for youth, seniors, ISU students and group of 10 or more) and available at the Iowa State Center ticket office (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) or through Ticketmaster.
Nominations sought for Advancing One Community Awards
The Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost is seeking nominations for the Advancing One Community Awards. The awards recognize the recipients' efforts to create an inclusive university community that embraces justice and equity. Up to three awards may be given in the categories of faculty/staff, student and/or group, each with a $500 stipend. All current ISU faculty, staff and students, including groups and organizations, are eligible to be nominated. Nominations should be sent to Jaime Watson by Nov. 15. Additional information (PDF) is online.
Trick-or-treat with the Greeks
The Iowa State Greek community will host its annual Greek Trick-or-Treat night on Oct. 29 (6-8 p.m., Howe Hall atrium). All are welcome to bring their children and families for Halloween-themed games and trick-or-treating. Costumes are encouraged. Parking is available off Sheldon Road in Lots 2, 7 or 9, and off Bissel Road in Lot 3. More information is available online or by calling 4-1023.
Symbi program seeks applicants for fellowship
Symbi, Iowa’s GK-12 program, is seeking applications from qualified Ph.D. students for nine $30,000 stipends. Each fellow works collaboratively with a middle school or high school science teacher and spends one full day each week performing the duties of a "resident scientist/engineer” in a science classroom. The major professors of the Ph.D. candidates (post-preliminary exam) must be associated with the College of Engineering, the Bioeconomy Institute, the NSF Engineering Research Center for Biorenewable Chemicals or the Plant Sciences Institute. Applications are due by Nov. 15. More information is online, or you may attend the Symbi open house on Oct. 28 (4-6 p.m., 1124 Biorenewables Lab). Please RSVP to symbi@iastate.edu if you plan to attend the open house.
Meat science club is selling holiday hams
ISU's meat science club has semi-boneless, cured and hardwood-smoked hams (whole and half sizes), and are taking orders for the holidays. The cost is $3.50/pound (whole) and $4/pound (half). Ham pick-up dates are Nov. 19 and 21 and Dec. 17 and 19 (4-6 p.m. daily) at the sales counter, 214 Meats Laboratory. To place an order, email isu.meat.science.club@gmail.com or pick up an order form at the Meats Lab sales counter or in 2371 Kildee. Pay with cash or check only at the time of pick-up.
VRAC Halloween Fun House open for ISU faculty and staff Oct. 22
The Virtual Reality Applications Center (VRAC) is hosting its annual Halloween Fun House Oct. 26-27 (1-4 p.m., 1117 Black Engineering), but ISU faculty and staff and their families are invited to a special opening on Oct. 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. Kids will learn about science and technology while they battle as a Jedi knight, save Boo (from Monster, Inc.), and rescue the minions (from Despicable Me). Admission is free.
Nonsupervisory merit open change period delayed until Oct. 21
The benefits open change period for nonsupervisory merit employees has been delayed until Monday, Oct. 21. The open period will continue through 5 p.m. on Nov. 19.
Bike tune-ups, food collection part of sustainability day Oct. 23
Student organizations, campus groups and community businesses will highlight their green activities and products during a celebration of National Campus Sustainability Day on Oct. 23 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) in front of Parks Library. Participants can bring bikes for free tune-ups, make food donations to The SHOP student food pantry, collect a free coffee mug and, perhaps, win a sustainable prize.
New off-campus voice mail number
The new number for checking your voice mail -- 515-296-6245 -- from an off-campus phone may sound familiar. It's the same voice mail number that was in use prior to the summer phone upgrades. The old number is back, replacing another that was in use for a brief time after the upgrades. Here's how to check voice mail from your cell phone or another off-campus phone:
- Dial 515-296-6245
- When prompted for your mailbox ID; provide your 5-digit extension followed by "#"
- Follow instructions to access your mail
New internal grants support academic advising
The Academic Advising Innovation Grant Program, with funding support from the office of the senior vice president and provost, will support initiatives that enrich the academic advising experiences of undergraduate students and enhance the ability of academic advisers to meet the needs of a growing, diverse undergraduate population. Up to $60,000 in grant funding is available this year (2013-14). Grants will support innovative advising-related programs or the expansion of best practices across the university. Guidelines and application materials are online; applications are due Dec. 2. Questions may be directed to Karen Zunkel in the provost's office, 4-7063.
MU Workspace hosts Little Free Library workshop
The Workspace is hosting a Little Free Library workshop on Saturday, Oct. 19 (10 a.m.-2 p.m., lower east end of the MU). Purchase a kit for $20 that you'll construct and paint during the workshop under the guidance of Dan Neubauer. No woodworking experience is necessary. For those wanting to volunteer some time, come in to help build a custom library that will be placed in the Memorial Union. The Workspace will have information on registering your library with the parent organization as well as tips on maintaining your free books. Preregistration isn’t required, but it's a good idea to call so a kit will be held for you (294-0970).
Oct. 18 public hearing on campus precedes regents' Iowa City meeting
If you'd like to comment on any items scheduled for discussion at the state Board of Regents meeting Oct. 23-24 in Iowa City, you have several options:
- Attend one of six public hearings held at the regents institutions and board office Oct. 17 or 18. Iowa State's hearing is Friday, Oct. 18 (noon-1 p.m., Memorial Union Oak Room). All public hearings will be video recorded and posted to the regents' hearings website.
- Provide written comments to regents transparency officer Sheila Doyle Koppin, sdoyle@iastate.edu.
Meeting materials and an agenda for the October meeting will be posted to the regents homepage by Oct. 15.
P&S award nominations due Dec. 1
Nominations are now being accepted for awards recognizing professional and scientific staff who performed above and beyond the call of duty; did something extraordinarily well; or made a difference in the institution. The nominated work must have happened within the last year. In addition to individual P&S CYtation Awards, a P&S Team Award has been introduced this year to acknowledge groups that have made a significant contriubtion. The nomination deadline for both awards is Dec. 1.
Be creative: Decorate your office space for homecoming
The Homecoming Central Committee invites faculty and staff members to show your Cyclone spirit by decorating your department office, personal office or office door for the 2013 homecoming celebration, "Homecoming 101: The Tradition Continues" (Nov. 3-9). If you'd like to participate, email your registration by Oct. 22. Then, decorate your office or door by Oct. 29. Judging takes place between 12:30 and 3 p.m. on Nov. 5. Only those offices and departments that registered ahead of time will be part of the judging. Categories for judging are:
- Use of ISU logo (past and present)
- Use of the homecoming theme
Library offers another EndNote Basic workshop
In response to demand, the University Library will offer a second session of the "Getting Started with EndNote Basic" workshop on Nov. 6 (2:30-4 p.m., 134 Parks Library). Participants will learn how to use this free bibliographic management program, which helps researchers collect, organize, format and use citations in their writing projects. Preregistration is required.
Nominations for alumni association awards are due Dec. 1
The ISU Alumni Association seeks nominations by Dec. 1 for these 2014 awards:
- Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award, recognizing ISU seniors who display high character, outstanding academic and university/community achievements and the promise to continue these qualities as an alum.
- Faculty/Staff Inspiration Award, recognizing a faculty or staff member who had a significant impact on a student's professional or personal life during his/her student years.
- Iowa STATEment Makers, recognizing young alumni (32 years and younger) with accomplishments in any of these areas: scholastic, career or personal achievements, entrepreneurial spirit, service.
Periodic lane closure on Haber Road Oct. 14-18
There will be moving road closures on the north-bound lane of Haber Road Oct. 14-18 (8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. ) to allow work on sidewalks and approaches to the new Haber Road parking area. Flag persons at each end of a closure will direct traffic through it.
The bike path between Brookside Park and Haber Road, closed since Sept. 9 for the parking lot project, will reopen by Oct. 31.
Funeral for former faculty member Jack Horowitz is Oct. 10
Jack Horowitz, professor emeritus of biochemistry, died Oct. 8 in Ames. Horowitz was an Iowa State faculty member from 1961 to his retirement in 2000. A funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, at the Ames Jewish Congregation, 3721 Calhoun Ave.; burial will follow in Ames Municipal Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW Washington. D.C., 20024; Israel Family Hospice House, 400 S. Dakota Ave., Ames; or a charity of your choice.