Snow blower service days are Nov. 2-3
The Agriculture Systems Technology Club will hold its annual snow blower service days Nov. 2 (1-6 p.m.) and 3 (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) on the north side of the Industrial Education II building (west of horse barns). The $25 cost includes oil, spark plug, grease and a half tank of gas, but not mechanical repairs. Pickup and delivery (Ames only) is available for $15; call (515) 708-8672 or send an email request by 2 p.m. Nov. 1 to request this service.
Biotech facilities resource now updated
The Office of Biotechnology, in cooperation with the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Economic Development, is providing updated information regarding Biotechnology Service Facilities on campus. This essential resource for researchers is available online or will be provided free to those who request one or several copies by sending an email to camstock@iastate.edu.
The Grill closes for season Oct. 18
The Grill, ISU Dining's seasonal food cart located on the east side of the Union Drive Community Center, will close for the season Oct. 18.
Meteorology chapter is best in nation
For the second time in three years and third time since 2006, Iowa State’s American Meteorological Society student organization has been named national student chapter of the year.
Prizes, bike tuneups, food and more on Sustainability Day
Free bike tuneups, food and prizes will be part of the local observance of National Campus Sustainability Day on Oct. 24. Activities will take place outside Parks Library from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Among exhibitors at the event will be 88.5 KURE radio, green groups and businesses, and the solar car team. Participants will have an opportunity to recycle plastic bags and build a bench.
You're invited: Oct. 26 Homecoming celebration
Faculty and staff are invited to the Alumni Center (420 Beach Ave.) on Friday, Oct. 26 (5-9 p.m., pep rally at 7 p.m.) for the Cytennial Homecoming celebration and pep rally. A full schedule of Friday and Saturday events is online.
Proposals sought for 2013 ISCORE
Proposals for 50-minute presentations are being accepted through Nov. 26 for the annual Iowa State Conference on Race and Ethnicity (ISCORE), to be held March 1, 2013, at the Memorial Union. ISCORE is a comprehensive forum on issues of race and ethnicity at Iowa State and beyond. Students, staff and faculty will provide concurrent sessions at the conference. Proposals should be submitted online.
FAQ, forums offer more info on presidential research initiative
Teams interested in seeking funds through the new Presidential Initiative for Interdisciplinary Research will find useful details on the initiative and process in a new FAQ. Additionally, university officials will discuss the initiative and answer questions at two forums this month. Forums are scheduled for:
- Thursday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m.-noon, 207 Marston
- Friday, Oct. 26, 11 a.m.-noon, Campanile Room, Memorial Union
Reserve a seat at Oct. 17 special dinner
Students in this fall's fine dining management course will host a special dinner, "New England Street Food," on Oct. 17 (6:30 p.m., Tea Room, 23 MacKay). Details about the menu are online. Cost is $35 ($30 without alcoholic beverages). RSVP to Hailey by Oct. 13 if you'd like to attend.
Book Talk series with faculty authors returns Oct. 30
Assistant professor Julie Courtwright (history) and associate professor Radford Davis (veterinary microbiology and preventive medicine) will give informal presentations about writing and publishing their respective 2011 books during the ISU Library's "Book Talk" series Oct. 30 (3-4:30 p.m., 192 Parks Library). Courtwright's Prairie Fire: A Great Plains History details fire as a pervasive element in human life on the plains. Caring for Family Pets, which Davis edited, explains roles and responsibilities in caring for companion animals, including common surgeries and alternative care.
CYtation award nominations due Dec. 1
Know an outstanding professional and scientific employee? Nominate him or her for a CYtation award by Dec. 1. Nominees must be P&S employees (on or off campus) who have performed above the call of duty, done something extraordinarily well or made a significant difference at the university within the past year (from date of nomination submission). Any employee may submit a nomination. Nomination forms and more information are available online.
HeartReach mobile lab makes stop at ISU Oct. 17
Medical staff with the HeartReach mobile lab will be on campus Oct. 17 (7:10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Lot 29, north of the Communications Building) to conduct health screenings. A list of screenings and costs (PDF) is online. Make an appointment by calling 866-935-5432.
Alumni association seeks nominations for two awards
The ISU Alumni Association seeks nominations by Dec. 1 for the 2013 Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award and the 2013 STATEment Makers. The Barron award recognizes ISU seniors who display high character, outstanding achievements in academics and university or community activities, and promise for continuing these qualities as alumni. The STATEment Makers award recognizes ISU graduates ages 32 and younger with accomplishments in the areas of scholastic, career, entrepreneurial, service or personal achievement. More information, including nomination forms and directions, is online. Questions may be directed to Julie Larson.
Iowa Water Center seeks grant applications
The Iowa Water Center (IWC) is currently accepting applications for the Institute Research Grants 104(b) program, funded by the U.S. Geological Survey. This is an annual competitive statewide program that funds research focused on Iowa water resources problems. Proposals are due Nov. 19. Grantees will be notified in December. More information is available online. Contact Melissa Miller, 4-7467, with questions.
Apply for CIAG funding by Oct. 31
The Center for Integrated Animal Genomics (CIAG) is seeking applications by Oct. 31 for research seed grants. Grants will provide funding for preliminary data collection and research personnel working with CIAG faculty. The proposed support should have the potential to enhance newly developed or ongoing research programs and contribute to innovative and significant research. Faculty members affiliated with CIAG are eligible. Principal investigators must be from the Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences, or Veterinary Medicine. The maximum award is $20,000 per grant and requires a 50 percent match of the total requested from non-CIAG sources. Additional information, including an application, is available online.
Apply for biotech event funding by Nov. 1
The Office of Biotechnology provides funds for biotechnology-related conferences, symposia and workshops that are held on campus and are organized by faculty members or jointly by a faculty sponsor and graduate students. Applications are due Nov. 1 for proposed events that will occur before June 30, 2013. More information, including the application form, are online or contact Glenda Webber, 4-4749.
Student-athletes collect food donations before K-State game
Iowa State's Student Athlete Advisory Committee and Cyclone student-athletes are holding a "Can the Cats" food drive Saturday before the Kansas State at Iowa State football game. Student-athletes, pushing Hy-Vee donated shopping carts, will collect donations before the game (7:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.) from the paved parking lots around Jack Trice Stadium. The game between the No. 25 Cyclones and No. 5 Wildcats kicks off at 11 a.m. "Can the Cats" is being held in conjunction with the Food Bank of Iowa, recipient of the donations. Food Bank of Iowa distributes food to 425 partner organizations in 55 Iowa counties.
Library workshop series continues
The library's fall workshop series, targeting faculty and graduate students, continues with three more events this month. Preregistration is required for all workshops; location provided at registration:
- Knovel, a searchable database of datasets and reference sources in science, technology and engineering (ISU offers access to nearly 4,000 full-text eBooks through this service), Oct. 16 (3-4:30 p.m.)
- Web of Science (citation indexes for science, social sciences and arts and humanities), Oct. 18 (11 a.m.-noon or 1-2 p.m.)
- Finding grant funding from non-government sources, Oct. 23 or Oct. 25 (3-4:30 p.m.)
Lane closure on 13th Street at Ridgewood
North commuters who arrive on campus via 13th Street are asked to be alert to a lane closure on westbound 13th Street at Ridgewood Avenue, beginning Wednesday, Oct. 10, and lasting approximately two weeks. The lane closest to the curb will be closed to allow road pavement workers to complete the Ridgewood-13th Street intersection. Eastbound traffic will not be affected.
LAS hosts online auction for United Way Oct. 10-17
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is hosting an online auction for the 2012 United Way campaign. Homemade cupcakes, a feng shui consultation and a hand-crafted wooden bowl are just a few of the items up for bid. The auction will run from 8 a.m. Oct. 10 through 4 p.m. Oct. 17. Anyone with an ISU net ID can bid (verification required).
Entrepreneurship speaker series is Oct. 23; register now
Iowa State's Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship announces its Reiman Speaker Series for Tuesday, Oct. 23. Adrian Sannier, vice president of product at Pearson eCollege and a former faculty member at Iowa State, will give a luncheon address, "The Rise of the Rock Star Teacher" (noon, MU Sun Room), and moderate a faculty discussion about teaching entrepreneurship (1:30-4 p.m., MU Campanile Room). Both events are free and open to the public, but registration is required for the luncheon and the faculty roundtable.
Annual conference focuses on veterans in higher education
ISU faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in the third annual Iowa Statewide Veterans Conference on Nov. 15 (9:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m., Memorial Union). This conference will help participants learn how best to support our student veterans in ways that also strengthen our Iowa higher education institutions and communities. Registration is $30 (free for students) and can be completed online. The Office of the VP for Student Affairs will host a reception recognizing student veterans at the end of the conference (5-7 p.m., MU Great Hall, program at 5:30 p.m.).
Show your Cyclone pride ... at home
Would you like to help promote Iowa State’s Centennial Homecoming celebration? The ISU Alumni Association has colorful yard signs (18 by 24 inches) to advertise this milestone event in the Ames and university communities. Stop by the association (8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 420 Beach Ave.) and pick up a sign while the supply lasts. Signs are distributed at the second floor reception desk and the first floor window; donations for the signs will be accepted.
Show your Cyclone pride ... in the office
The Homecoming Central Committee invites faculty and staff members to show your Cyclone spirit by decorating your department office, personal office or office door. If you'd like to participate, email your registration by Oct. 5. Then, decorate your office or door by Oct. 24. Judging takes place Oct. 25-26, and only those offices and departments that registered ahead of time will be part of the judging. Prizes will be awarded for the following:
- Best overall school spirit
- Best use of the ISU logo (past or present)
- Best use of ISU colors
- Best use of homecoming theme: "Homecoming CYtennial Celebration: Taking Ames by Storm"
- Most creative decoration
- Best overall decoration
A look at last year's winners is online.
Attention merit employees: Job line is going away
Beginning Jan. 1, 2013, the merit job phone line (4-0146) will be eliminated. Employees interested in learning about the latest job postings should instead visit the ISU employment website. You may sign up for an RSS feed to receive automatic updates of new positions posted. Contact human resources services at 4-4800 with questions.
Trainor will discuss P&S salary report at open forum
David Trainor, associate vice president of human resource services, is the featured speaker at this month's Professional and Scientific Council open forum on Oct. 4 (noon-1 p.m., MU Campanile Room). He will discuss the annual P&S salary report, and provide an update on key HRS initiatives. All are welcome to attend; feel free to bring your lunch.
Annual report lists crime stats, safety tips
Iowa State's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (PDF) contains information on campus security and personal safety including topics such as: crime prevention, fire safety, university police law enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, the ISU Alert System, disciplinary procedures, and other matters of importance relating to security and safety on campus. The report also contains crime statistics and fire data for the previous three calendar years.
Reminder: Regents request input by Oct. 17 on replacement proposal for tuition set-aside
The state Board of Regents is accepting, through Wednesday, Oct. 17, public input on a recommendation to replace student financial aid set aside from tuition dollars. Comments may be submitted via email to regents@iastate.edu. The proposal before the board is to create a state-funded financial aid program that would serve resident undergraduates with financial need attending an Iowa regent university, supplemented with private aid dollars raised by each university foundation. More information about the proposal (Agenda item 12 from the board's Sept. 12 meeting) PDF is online.
David Peterson will present October Osborn Club lecture
Professor of political science David Peterson will present the next Osborn Club lecture on "The Dynamic Construction of Candidate Image" on Oct. 8 (7 p.m., Gold Room, Hilton Garden Inn, 1325 Dickenson Ave.). Peterson will demonstrate the power of the media in crafting the image of who political candidates are, and also that these images are partially responsible for who wins in November. The lecture portion of the Osborn Club's monthly meeting is free and open to the public, and follows a dinner of members.
Flu shot clinic begins Oct. 3
Occupational medicine staff will administer flu shots at no cost to employees (while supplies last) weekdays from Oct. 3 to Oct. 19 (10 a.m.-4 p.m., 205 Technical Administrative Service Facility). No appointment is necessary. Be sure to bring your ISU ID card or your university ID number to the clinic. Employees are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible during the specified October time frame. More information is available online.
Special dinner in Tearoom features Yucatan cuisine
Students in Iowa State's fine dining management class will help prepare the food for a special dinner in the Tearoom on Oct. 11 (6-7 p.m., music and cocktails at 5:30 p.m., 23 MacKay) that will feature cuisine from Mexico's Yucatan region. Chef Minelia Romero, a native of Merida, Mexico, will prepare a meal reminiscent of one she served on campus in May 2009. Cost is $40 per person, with proceeds benefitting programs of the Iowa-Yucatan Partners of the Americas. To reserve a seat, contact Rick Exner, 292-6802, by Friday, Oct. 5.
Environmental politics expert will present fall Hilton Chair lecture
Paul Wapner, the 2012-13 Helen LeBaron Hilton Endowed Chair in Human Sciences, will give a public lecture, "Environmentalism Without Nature," on Oct. 3 ( 8 p.m., MU Sun Room). In his 2010 book, Wapner calls for environmentalists to regroup and refashion the American environmental movement to be more politically relevant in the 21st century. His talk is free and open to the public.
ISU Blood Drive is Oct. 1-5
The annual student-run ISU Blood Drive is planned for Oct. 1-5 (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, MU Great Hall). Organizers are requesting that faculty support the drive in two ways: 1) Encourage students to attend and 2) donate. As an extra incentive for donating, faculty and staff may "skip the lines." To do this, find a commitee member in an ISU Blood Drive shirt during the donation times and indicate that you are faculty or staff. If you need additional information, contact the drive's organizers.
"Stuff the Bus" is Oct. 6
The 10th annual Stuff the Bus Food Drive is Oct. 6 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.). Nonperishable food items, household items and monetary donations may be dropped off at the Lincoln Way Hy-Vee, West Hy-Vee, Downtown Fareway, Fareway North, Dahl's and Sam's Club. All donations will be given to Mid-Iowa Community Action and Food at First. Volunteers also are needed. If you're interested in volunteering, you may register online.
All traffic lanes on Stange Road will open today
Pavement replacement work in the southbound lanes of Stange Road has been completed several days ahead of schedule and all four lanes of traffic are scheduled to reopen today (Tuesday) at 2 p.m. The pavement work, the last of a summer-long project affecting mostly the north and east sides of campus, reduced Stange Road traffic to one lane in each direction since Sept. 10.
State Gym closures planned
State Gym will be closed Friday, Sept. 28, for the annual Order of the Knoll fall celebration. The east and west basketball courts at State Gym also will be closed Sept. 26 and 27 for event preparations. Beyer Hall and the Lied Recreation Center will remain open, and regular hours will resume at State Gym on Saturday.
Quisenberry to hold another listening session
Vice president for research and economic development Sharron Quisenberry will hold another listening session this fall with research faculty and staff as part of her review of the services provided by her office. Quisenberry and associate vice president for business and finance Pam Cain will convene the listening session Friday, Oct. 12 (10 a.m.-noon, MU Gallery). They'd like to hear what shortfalls exist and what is needed to build an infrastructure that can manage Iowa State's growing research enterprise. Quisenberry held two such sessions last fall and said the input was helpful.
Watch for email phishing scam
Phishing emails aimed at tricking you into divulging your personal information are popping up in campus inboxes. The latest email appears to be from Information Technology Services (ITS) and looks somewhat official with ISU-style branding. ITS officials believe similar phishing emails that appear to come from other departments, colleagues or acquaintances may appear in the coming weeks. It's important to remember that ITS will rnever will ask you to click a link or provide personal information in an email. If you receive the email, delete it. Contact the ITS Solution Center (4-4000, solution@iastate.edu) with questions or concerns.
Library announces lineup for fall workshops
Parks Library faculty will lead a series of workshops this fall targeting faculty and graduate students (but open to all). The series opens Sept. 25 with two workshops on SpringerMaterials, the world's largest resource for physical and chemical data in materials science. October workshops will focus on: digital textbooks, the Elsevier Biofuel database, the Knovel eBook collection, the Web of Science index and finding non-government grants for research. Preregistration is required for all workshops. For more information, contact Jody Kalvik, 294-6117.
Register for 12th annual Iowa Organic Conference, Nov. 18-19
Registration is open for the 12th annual Iowa Organic Conference, to be held at the University of Iowa Memorial Union Nov. 18-19 and co-hosted by Iowa State and the University of Iowa. The cost is $35 for students, $95 for others before Oct. 29. Keynote talks will be presented by Fred Kirschenmann, Distinguished Fellow at ISU's Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, and Will Allen, a national force in urban agriculture and community food systems.
Creative dance class for kids runs through November
Children ages 2 and up may participate in one of two creative dance classes this fall. Both classes meet on Tuesdays in September, October and November (ending Nov. 13). A class for dancers ages 6 and up is from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. in 196 Forker (cost is $2 per class). A class for kids ages 2 to 5 runs from 6:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. in 213 Forker (cost is $1 per class). Contact Janice Baker, 4-3047, with questions.
ISU Campus Walk is Oct. 3
Join Iowa State students, faculty, staff, families and friends for the ISU Campus Walk on Oct. 3 (noon-1 p.m.), part of the Healthiest ISU Initiative and Healthiest State Initiative. Participants can choose from seven different campus routes, about one kilometer (0.62 miles) each. Participants are encouraged to sign up online in advance.
Learn how to use a fire extinguisher
ISU environmental health and safety and the Ames fire department are providing hands-on fire extinguisher training at the third annual Campus Fire Safety Event on Sept. 21 (9 a.m.-noon, street area between Kildee and Lagomarcino halls). Put out a fire and get a free T-shirt, and collect a series of "Hot Tips" cards that contain coupons to local restaurants.
Register for CyServe Day by Sept. 20
The fifth annual CyServe Day, a joint service effort between Iowa State and the Ames community, is Sept. 22. This year’s volunteer projects include work with the Campustown Action Association, Harmony Clothing Closet, Bethany Manor, Story!, City of Ames Parks and Recreation, Wesley Foundation and others. Those who wish to volunteer may register online through Sept. 20.
Catt Center calendar nominations due Sept. 28
The Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics is accepting nominations for the 2013 "Women Impacting ISU" calendar through 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28. Since 2007, the calendar has highlighted the accomplishments of 12 women -- faculty, staff and students -- currently at Iowa State. The nomination form (PDF) is online; for more information, contact the Catt Center, 4-3181.
ISC courtyard plan will be shared at Sept. 19 meeting
Landscape architects from the Sasaki Associates design team will share the preferred concept plan for the Iowa State Center courtyard area at an open meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 19 (5:30 p.m., MU Cardinal Room). The meeting is free and open to the public.
Fan-pleasing fanfare at installation
The fanfare preceding the academic procession at the Sept. 14 installation of President Steven Leath should have a pleasantly familiar ring to many in the audience. Director of bands Michael Golemo composed "A Cyclone Fanfare" for the occasion. "I used excerpts from the three school songs in a very symphonic and nontraditional way," Golemo said. "I also used a fourth unofficial school song that should be familiar to Jack Trice Stadium regulars." The installation ceremony is in Stephens Auditorium (10-11:30 a.m.). A reception follows in Stephens Celebrity Café (11:45 a.m.-1 p.m).
Students to celebrate, lunch with the Leaths Thursday
Students, joined by Cy, the pep band and cheerleaders, will welcome President Steven Leath and his wife Janet to the university on the eve of the presidential installation. The Sept. 13 student celebration will occur on central campus, near the campanile (11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.). President Leath will give brief remarks at 12:20 p.m., and a picnic lunch will be served.
Discrimination/harassment prevention training is free
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance invites all ISU employees (faculty, merit, P&S) to attend a general session on discrimination and harassment prevention. The 90-minute session will be offered several times each month this fall, and the enrollment cap has been raised to 170 people per session. Registration, including dates and times, is online via AccessPlus (once logged in, under employee tab, click on HRS training to see sessions listed alphabetically). Questions may be directed to Sara Brock, 4-7612.
University awards ceremony is Sept. 21
The Iowa State community is invited to the 2012 university awards ceremony on Friday, Sept. 21 (3:15 p.m., Memorial Union Sun Room). Recipients of the university's most distinguished awards for faculty and staff will be honored. A reception will follow in the MU South Ballroom. Coming on the heels of president Steven Leath's formal installation Sept. 14 -- at which he'll share his vision for Iowa State -- the awards ceremony will not include this piece of the university's typical fall convocation. All are welcome.