DNA Facility installs new genetic analysis equipment
Iowa State's DNA Facility has new instrumentation that can economically measure the expression of many genes or gene variants across a large number of samples. The Fluidigm® BioMark™ HD system uses microfluidic technology to accurately combine reagents and samples into thousands of individual nanoliter-scale reactions in a single run. The instrumentation can perform real-time PCR gene expression, end-point PCR SNP, genotyping and digital PCR assays in a high-throughput, low-volume fluidic chip. For more information, contact facility manager Gary Polking, 4-1813, or assistant scientist Jonathan Mlocek, 4-0841.
Streets south of West Lincoln Way project closed July 15
On Monday, July 15, crews will begin laying the new asphalt on Lincoln Way between Hayward and Franklin avenues shortly after 7 a.m. The new surface will require time to cool before traffic can cross on it, so the side streets south of Lincoln Way (S. Wilmouth, State, Hyland and Sheldon avenues) will close temporarily. They should reopen by the end of day Monday; some openings could be sooner. Residents living on the south side of Lincoln Way are asked to move any needed vehicles out of their driveways prior to 7 a.m. Monday.
Registration is open for teaching orientation and seminar
Registration is open for all new teachers (faculty, staff and graduate teaching assistants) for the University Teaching Seminar (Aug. 20) and New Tenure-eligible Faculty Orientation (Aug. 21). Department administrators should direct recent new faculty (tenure-eligible and non-tenure eligible) and TAs to the registration page. This CELT website includes more information about both events.
Reminder: University Boulevard will close at Lincoln Way for up to 2 weeks
Concrete patching work on University Boulevard is scheduled to begin July 15 and be completed in two phases. Phase 1 will repair the road between Lincoln Way and Sixth Street. To maximize the construction quality, this section of University Boulevard will be closed for an anticipated 10-14 days beginning July 15.
Alternate routes onto campus during Phase 1 include Beach Road, N. Hazel Road to Sixth Street, or Grand Avenue to either Sixth or 13th Street.
Phase 2 (Sixth Street to Stange Road) will require lane closures in late July/early August, but a single lane of traffic will remain open in each direction.
Salary notifications will be available on AccessPlus
Salary notifications for the fiscal year that began July 1 (FY14) for employees in the university budget will be available on or around July 19. Employees will receive an email alerting them that the e-salary slips are available in AccessPlus. To access your slip, log in to AccessPlus and from the “Employee” tab, click on "e-salary slip." All employees whose salaries are included in the university budget system can use the online system to receive their FY14 salary information.
Meal hosts sought for HS teachers of English
The Intensive English and Orientation Program will host a group of seven high school English language teachers from Kosovo for a teacher training workshop July 15-Aug. 3. As one of the workshop's cultural activities, program leaders seek American families who would like to host an evening meal for one or more of the teachers to provide them an opportunity to interact with Americans. If you would be interested in hosting a meal, contact the program coordinator, Kristi Ver Mulm, for more details.
Reserve fall course items at library now
Instructors who wish to place required materials on reserve for fall semester should submit requests now. The forms are available online.
Phone training sessions scheduled for July 8, 9, 15, 16
IT Services is coordinating a free one-hour training session, "Aastra 101," on using the university's new telephones. The session will be offered four times a day on July 8, 9, 15 and 16 in 206 Durham Center; instruction will focus on the features available on the phone. Register online.
Lots of help available during Kuali switchover
Several university processes and systems make the big move to Kuali software in July. If you handle financial transactions, manage research administration data or generate reports, you've likely got a good start on the Kuali system. But questions are bound to come up. The "Support and Contacts" website is a good place to find answers. The site includes includes:
- Links to training resources
- A list of campus "super users" who are ready to help and many other local Kuali contacts
- Info on subscribing to Kuali News updates and watching the Critical Event Log for updates on info technology systems on campus
Kuali users also can call 4-4000 and when prompted, press "5" to talk to a Kuali expert
Brunnier Art Museum to close July 4-Aug. 26
The Brunnier Art Museum, 295 Scheman Building, will close July 4 through Aug. 26 for renovations. A permanent collection decorative arts gallery and new lighting system will be installed. Regular business hours will resume Aug.27.
Comments sought on guidelines for ag work in developing countries
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences seeks comments and input on a draft set of guidelines for the work of faculty, staff and students in agricultural development activities in developing countries. The goal of the guidelines is to provide a clear understanding on how and why the college works in developing nations and in partnership with others. The final document will be the college’s foundation as it works to to solve hunger and poverty challenges and will outline what is needed for responsible public-private partnerships that strengthen that work. Deadline for submitting comments is Sept. 1, 2013. All comments should be emailed to cals@iastate.edu.
East campus bike path will reopen June 29
The east campus bike path that runs along the north side of the Lied Recreation Center, which was closed in mid-March for flood protection work to Lied, is scheduled to reopen on Saturday, June 29.
Renewable energy lecture series opens July 11
Leading professionals will share their expertise in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency in a new lectures series sponsored by the Iowa Energy Center. Biofuels industry analyst Doug Williams will present the first lecture on July 11 (1-2 p.m., MU Gold Room, reception follows). Participants may attend in person or online; those attending in person are asked to RSVP to Denise Junod, 515-965-7055, by June 28.
Team PrISUm is racing in Texas June 27-29
Iowa State's student solar car race team, Team PrISUm, is competing in the Formula Sun Grand Prix this week on a 3.4 mile Formula 1 track in Austin, Texas. The team passed all seven scrutineering tests and is ready to race. Track laps will be counted on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Follow their progress on the competition site or via Facebook.
Tickets on sale for Aug. 15 "Meet the Coaches" event
Cyclone head coaches and director of athletics Jamie Pollard will headline the 2013 "Meet the Coaches Night" on Aug.15 (5 p.m., Iowa Events Center, Des Moines). All of Iowa State's head coaches plan to attend this meet-and-greet event, which also includes dinner and a program. Tickets are $40, or $300-$400 for a table of eight; online registration is open through Aug. 1.
University closed July 4
University offices will be closed and classes will not be held on Thursday, July 4, to observe the national Independence Day holiday. Iowa State will reopen on Friday, July 5. The faculty-staff newspaper, Inside Iowa State, will not publish on July 4; the next issue is July 11.
Ankeny employee vanpool starts July 15
University Transportation Services (UTS) announces the July 15 start of a vanpool for employees living in Ankeny. UTS also is looking into starting a vanpool in the Marshalltown area. The cost of the service (vehicle depreciation, gas, parking permits, insurance, etc.) is split among the employee riders -- currently $60 to $90 per month -- and automatically deducted from their paychecks. Primary drivers do not pay any amount for their contributions to the program. The size of the vehicle used varies with the number of employees using the service from a specific community.
UTS also offers employee vanpools in Boone, Story City, Des Moines and Roland. Interested in saving money, enjoying a relaxing commute and having year-round, reliable transportation to work? Employees interested in joining a vanpool or starting a new vanpool should contact UTS, 4-1657.
Register now for EH&S Safety Summit on July 19
Learn how labeling and documentation changes in the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard will affect you during Environmental Health and Safety's Safety Summit on Friday, July 19 (7:45-9 a.m., 1230 EH&S Building). Online registration is requested.
Register for professional development classes
ISU's human resource services, in conjunction with Employee and Family Resources, Des Moines, is offering a monthly series of interactive, professional development classes for employees. Register via AccessPlus (in the "Employee" tab, select "HRS Training"). Course descriptions are on the registration site. There is no cost to employees to participate. Upcoming dates and topics are:
- July 9 (9-11 a.m., MU Gallery): Time Management
- Aug. 5 (9 a.m.-noon, MU Gallery): Active Listening and Effective Communication
- Sept. 10 (9-11 a.m., MU Gallery): The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership
Chemistry Stores closed July 4-5
Chemistry Stores in Gilman Hall will be closed Thursday-Friday, July 4-5. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, July 8.
Volunteers will clean College Creek, empty sandbags Saturday
Street improvements on Lincoln Way will last six weeks
A city of Ames street improvement project on Lincoln Way (between Hayward and Franklin avenues) will begin June 24 and is expected to take about six weeks. One lane of traffic in each direction will remain open throughout the project, but drivers should expect delays and are encouraged to consider alternate routes. Hayward Avenue will be closed at Lincoln Way during the project to create a traffic crossover space for traffic to return to its normal lanes. Access to Hayward will be from Chamberlain Street.
The work will include asphalt removal and street resurfacing, repairs to curbs and gutters, and upgrades to sidewalk ramps. Phase 1 will close the two south lanes of Lincoln Way for 3-4 weeks, with head-to-head traffic in the north lanes. Phase 2 will close the north lanes for 2-3 weeks, with traffic shifted to the south lanes.
Volunteer slots still available in State Fair exhibit
Iowa State employees are invited to volunteer at the university's State Fair exhibit in the Varied Industries Building, Aug. 8-18. Shifts are either 8:45 a.m.-3 p.m. or 2:45-9 p.m. daily. Most afternoon shifts and both shifts on Sundays (Aug. 11 and 18) still are available. University Marketing is using an online signup process this summer in which volunteers can select their preferred assignment (rolling posters, applying tattoos or wherever needed) and preferred volunteer partner. A confirmation email with additional details will be sent within one to two days. Contact Jay Snyder, 4-3969, with questions or if you need help with the signup process. June 23 is the last date to use the online signup site.
Wellness talk: Shopping for summer fruits and vegetables
A dietetic intern in the Nutrition Clinic for Employee Wellness will present a free talk, "Summer Fruits and Vegetables: Add Color to Your Cart!" on Thursday, June 20 (11:30 a.m.-noon, 192 Parks Library). All are welcome; no RSVP is necessary.
CELT seeks applicants for PT associate director post
The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching is accepting applications for its 0.5 FTE associate director for scholarship in teaching and learning. The 3-year appointment begins this August. The associate director will provide leadership in developing and furthering scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) initiatives at Iowa State. Tenured ISU faculty are eligible to apply; the preferred application deadline is June 30. A full description of the position is on the ISU Jobs website.
Hosts sought for Japanese teachers in August
Host families are needed to provide a 4-week homestay for teachers of English from Japan. The teachers will live with their hosts from July 28 to Aug. 24, attending classes on campus on weekdays. A stipend is available. If you have travel or commitments during the host period but would still like to host, flexible arrangements can be made. For more information or to volunteer, contact homestay coordinator Alexandra Johnston in ISU's intensive English and orientation program.
New toolkit guides promo design process
Campus units now have a new resource to help guide them through the design process for promotional items, such as magnets, lanyards and T-shirts. The online toolkit includes examples, options and guidelines for developing giveaways that follow the university's brand standards. The step-by-step method guides users through the process -- based on what purpose the promotional items are intended to serve. The internal trademark use request has also been redesigned to be consistent with the toolkit information and categories. Users can contact the university marketing (4-9624) or trademark licensing (4-4402) offices with additional questions.
HRS adds employee leadership opportunities
In response to high demand, human resource services has expanded its leadership course offerings and extended the registration deadlines. Additional spots are available in both the 12+ Supervisory Leadership and Leadership at Any Level series on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Ruth Appleton (4-3753) or Don Broshar (4-2278) for more information.
FY14 budget is focus of Thursday forum
Dave Biedenbach, assistant vice president for financial planning and budgets, will provide an update on how the university's FY14 budget is taking shape during an open forum June 13 (noon-1 p.m., 2019 Morrill). The forum is hosted by the P&S Council, but is open to the university community.
News Service offers media spokesperson training
News Service provides media spokesperson training for faculty, staff and administrators who regularly serve as expert media sources, as well as those who would like to interact and communicate more effectively with reporters. Sessions may be scheduled for small groups or departments this summer upon request. There's no fee to attend the workshops. Plan on a time commitment of three hours. For details, email or call Annette Hacker at annette@iastate.edu or 4-3720.
CIRAS celebrates 50 years
The Center for Industrial Research and Service is celebrating 50 years of service to Iowa business and industry. On June 6, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad signed a proclamation acknowledging CIRAS' role in assisting Iowa industries with a variety of services. CIRAS, a part of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, assists companies with services in engineering, government contracting, management practices, productivity, quality and innovation.
Give College Creek some TLC June 29
Volunteers will give College Creek some TLC Saturday, June 29, during the fifth annual cleanup of the small stream that passes through Iowa State's campus. Volunteers are sought to wade through sections of the creek and along the creek bank, picking up trash. The cleanup is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but volunteers can come and go as their schedules allow. They will receive free food and water and a chance at door prizes contributed by local businesses. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes and, if desired, bring their own gloves. Cleanup supplies will be provided. Register online for the event and check in (beginning at 10:30 a.m.) at the Forker Building parking lot. The cleanup is a joint effort of Live Green!, Keep Iowa State Beautiful and ISU facilities planning and management. For more information, contact Merry Rankin, 4-5052.
Registration is open for July dance workshop
Registration is open for Kids' Co'Motion, a performance dance workshop for children ages 8-18 that runs weekdays July 8-26 (10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Forker Building and Ames City Auditorium). Participants receive training in modern dance techniques, improvisation and choreography, and the workshop culminates with two performances. Dances are tailored to the abilities of the participants, so students with and without dance experience are welcome. The fee is $200.
Annual research day for postdocs is June 10
The Iowa State Postdoctoral Association will host an annual research day for postdocs on June 10 (9 a.m.-5 p.m., Scheman Building). Postdocs have an opportunity to present their research and interact with peers from other Midwest universities. Registration is free and open to postdocs in all academic disciplines. A light breakfast and lunch will be served. Questions may be directed to Ikenna Nlebedim, 4-5264.
Reminder: Iowa State has an ethics hotline
Iowa State contracts with a third-party hotline vendor, EthicsPoint, to allow anonymous reporting of activities that may involve criminal, noncompliant or unsafe behavior impacting ISU. You may submit a report online or by calling (toll-free) 866-384-4277.
Campus visits scheduled for executive chef candidates
Two finalists for the position of executive chef in ISU Dining will interview on campus. The interviews will include an open forum with the campus community (10:45-11:45 a.m., Mezzanine Room, Union Drive Community Center). Peter Castillo, currently with Great Plains Food Service Consulting, Lenexa, Kan., will be on campus Tuesday, June 11. Gary Johnson, formerly with Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, Hershey, Pa., will be on campus Tuesday, June 18.
Online employee wellness program begins June 12
“Living Well ... It’s Up to You,” is an online group coaching program for employees interested in making healthy lifestyle changes. It is led by Sally Barclay, registered dietitian in ISU's Nutrition Clinic for Employee Wellness. Sessions meet online Wednesdays (12:10-12:55 p.m.) for eight weeks, beginning June 12. Cost is $25 but $20 is returned to those that successfully complete at least 80 percent the program. Email Barclay for additional information or to register.
Chemistry Stores closed June 11-12 for inventory
Chemistry Stores in Gilman Hall will be closed for inventory Tuesday-Wednesday, June 11-12. Dry ice and liquid nitrogen will be available both days from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and 12:30 to 1 p.m. Only gas cylinders will be delivered Tuesday and Wednesday, with other regular deliveries resuming on Thursday, June 13.
June 2
State fair volunteer signup goes online
University Marketing has launched an online signup process for state fair volunteers. Shifts at the university's state fair exhibit (8:45 a.m.-3 p.m. or 2:45-9 p.m. daily, Aug. 8-18) are available on a first-come, first-served basis through June 23. Volunteers can sign up for their preferred works shifts using their Net-ID login, and can request assignments (poster rolling/distribution, tattoo application or wherever needed) and shift partners (if coordinated in advance). A confirmation email with additional details will be sent within one to two days. Contact Jay Snyder (4-3969, marketing@iastate.edu) with questions or if you need help with the signup process.
Reminder: Mixed paper collection is June 5
FP&M crews will collect mixed paper for recycling on Wednesday, June 5. Eligible items include journals, magazines, catalogs, paperbacks, colored paper and phonebooks. This collection does not include white paper and newspaper (which have ongoing recycling programs) and hardbound textbooks. Nor does it include confidential materials, which must be disposed of through the university's confidential document destruction process.
Requests for pickup of mixed paper were due May 28; one request per building is preferred. The form is on the ISU recycling website (under "request form," select "mixed paper pickup"). Mixed paper must be removed from metal-ringed or plastic binders and covers and placed in boxes of a weight that one person could lift. Mark the boxes "mixed paper" and place on building loading docks by end of day June 4.
Questions about mixed paper collection may be sent to recycling@iastate.edu or call ISU recycling coordinator Sue Mallas, 4-0692.
Register for summer professional development classes
ISU's human resource services, in conjunction with Employee and Family Resources, Des Moines, will offer three interactive, professional development classes for employees this summer. Register via AccessPlus (in the "Employee" tab, select "HRS Training"). Course descriptions are on the registration site. This summer's dates and topics are:
- June 4 (9-11 a.m., MU Pioneer Room): The Building Blocks of Teamwork
- July 9 (9-11 a.m., MU Gallery): Time Management
- Aug. 5 (9 a.m.-noon, MU Gallery): Active Listening and Effective Communication
Share your thoughts on health care reform
ISU Extension and Outreach program specialists in family finance are working with the state Department of Public Health on the federal Affordable Care Act's public education and outreach. Iowans are invited to participate in a survey (hosted by the University of Iowa's Public Policy Center) about your health insurance coverage and insurance buying preferences. It takes 15-20 minutes. Survey results will influence the state's development of an online "marketplace" to help Iowans purchase health insurance. For more information, contact Suzanne Bartholomae, ISU human development and family studies, 4-9528.
Training on youth-related policies and forms is May 30
The offices of risk management, university counsel and 4-H youth development will hold a training session on May 30 (10 a.m.-noon, Extension 4-H Youth Building) that targets departmental/unit youth program leaders 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 youth-related policies, procedures and forms that need to be completed to successfully conduct youth programs at Iowa State. Those planning to attend are asked to send an email to the office of risk management.
University closed May 27 for holiday
University offices will be closed and summer session classes will not meet on Monday, May 27, in observance of the national Memorial Day holiday.
Summer design workshops offered for middle, high school students
The College of Design will offer several youth design workshops for middle and high school students this summer, varying in length from a day to a week. Most will meet on campus; other locations are Sioux City and Storm Lake. Registration remains open.
South end of Morrill Road closed May 20-28
Morrill Road between Lincoln Way and Union Drive (west side of the Memorial Union) is scheduled to close Monday, May 20, for concrete pavement replacement. The work should be completed prior to May 29, when new student orientation begins. The parking meters along Morrill Road at the Memorial Union will not be available, but pedestrians will be allowed through the area. Vehicle access to the MU parking ramp will be at the south driveway (for westbound Lincoln Way traffic) and the north driveway (for eastbound Lincoln Way traffic via Union Drive).
Summer session opens Monday
Classes begin Monday, May 20, in Iowa State's first summer session and conclude Friday, July 12. Classes in Session II begin Monday, June 17, and conclude Friday, Aug. 9.
Tickets available May 17 for Stephen King musical at Stephens
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. May 17 for a Nov. 2 performance at Stephens Auditorium of Ghost Brothers of Darkland County, a southern gothic supernatural musical written by Stephen King with music by John Mellencamp and T Bone Burnett. Tickets are $39.50 to $67.50 and available from the Stephens ticket office or through Ticketmaster (surcharges apply).
Sneak preview: New leadership workshop
A new training series, "Leadership at Any Level," will be offered to university employees in five sessions from January through March 2014 (specific dates will be finalized soon). "An individual does not need to be in a position of leadership to exhibit the ability to influence others," said Don Broshar, human resource services consultant and series developer. "This series will explore proven attitudes, skills and practices that result in exemplary leadership." The registration fee is $250. To sign up for the series, send an email to Ruth Appleton, rlapplet@iastate.edu. For more information, contact Broshar, dbroshar@iastate.edu, 4-2278.
Memorial Day ceremony is May 27; submit names for inclusion by May 17
Iowa State's annual Memorial Day ceremony will be held Monday, May 27 (9 a.m., Reiman Ballroom, ISU Alumni Center). It commemorates all ISU employees, retirees and their spouses who have passed away since Memorial Day 2012. May 17 is the deadline to submit a name or information to be included in this year’s ceremony. Questions may be directed to Jerilyn Logue, ISU Alumni Association, 4-3192.