Announcements for Students

Update on South 16th road construction

Paving on South 16th Street was suspended on Wednesday due to mechanical issues and is expected to resume Thursday at about 7:30 a.m. Traffic will be reduced to one lane with flaggers in place to manage traffic flow during the paving operation. When the work nears the intersection with University Boulevard, the signal will be operated manually to help prevent traffic from backing up. When paving is complete, installation of electrical infrastructure for the new street lighting on South 16th Street will begun. Shared use path construction over the box culvert, completion of the remaining removals at the intersection with University Boulevard and the tie-in to Phase 1 at the east end of the project will proceed at the end of the week. While reconstruction work is underway adjacent to University Boulevard, large/long vehicles are prohibited from making right turns from westbound South 16th Street onto University Boulevard due to the sharp turning radius.

Construction of the barrier rail between the roadway and shared use path over the culvert is anticipated to begin early next week followed by installation of the shared use path on either side of the bridge. When work on the north side is complete, traffic will be shifted to the new pavement and work will proceed on the south side. When this happens, access to Christensen Drive will be via Riverside Drive and the frontage road south of South 16th Street At this time, the shift is expected to occur in mid-June. 

ISU Dining to shift hours during Odyssey of the Mind

During Odyssey of the Mind (May 26-30), ISU Dining staff will be focused on serving the expected 6,500-plus guests on campus, so locations will be busier than usual and wait times may be longer. Check with ISU Dining as several locations will have reduced hours or closures and to see current menus.

Goldfinch Room Songwriter Showcase returns this summer

The Goldfinch Room Songwriter Showcase is returning to Reiman Gardens. The showcase brings together singers/songwriters from the Midwest in the Goldfinch Room tradition of storytelling with the beauty of Reiman Gardens. Performances will take place in the gardens near Bald Cypress Allée. Season passes and tickets to individual shows are available. Reiman Gardens members receive free admission to the each performance (6-8 p.m.). Beverages will be available for purchase and ISU Creamery ice cream will be sold. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed into the gardens, and audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets as the seating is on the lawn.

The Songwriter Showcase schedule is:

• Tuesday, June 2: BreAnne Stone
• Tuesday, June 16: Casey Joe and The Foxes
• Tuesday, July 14: The Bone People
• Tuesday, July 28: Beggars’ Bargain
• Tuesday, Aug. 18: Society of Broken Souls

Support mental health by wearing green on May 14

In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month, all are invited to wear green on Thursday, May 14 to show support for mental health and help raise awareness, support initiatives and reduce stigma associated with mental illness. Make It OK is a community campaign aimed at reducing stigma around mental health in Iowa by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness. Share your participation on social media and tag #MakeItOKIowa and #HeyIowa.  

Student food pantry needs summer shift volunteers

SHOP, the food pantry in Beyer Hall serving ISU students, seeks volunteers for open-hours shifts, deliveries and pick-ups during summer session, May 18-Aug. 21. Sign up for volunteer shifts in one- or two-hour increments using the SHOP SignUpGenius site. Service hours at SHOP during breaks will be noon-5 p.m. Tuesdays, 1-5 p.m. Wednesdays and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays, with delivery and pick-up shifts available on other days. Volunteers for open hour shifts who haven't completed the online training are asked to do so before showing up to your shift. A SHOP team member will be available to answer questions as they arise. Questions about getting started may be directed to Austin Cook, student wellness.

Series highlights a thriving entrepreneurial community

The 2026 Innovation at Work series highlighted how Iowa State’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is making an impact on campus and across the state helping launch new startups, grow small businesses and develop a future workforce with an entrepreneurial mindset. If you missed any of this year’s stories or want to check past series, visit the Innovation at Work website.

University Librarian search to continue in fall semester; Marcketti to serve in interim role

Senior vice president and provost Jason Keith announced May 8 that the search for the Colonel Gary G. Swenson University Librarian will continue during the fall semester. Sara Marcketti, Morrill Professor of apparel, events, and hospitality management, and assistant provost and executive director of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, will become interim dean of library services when current dean Hilary Seo retires July 31.

Single-day closure of Hyland Avenue for paving on May 11

Hyland Avenue will close to all through traffic on Monday, May 11, for paving operations. The closure is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. and is expected to be reopened by late afternoon when the single-lane alternating traffic configuration will be restored. Driveway access for local residents will remain accessible throughout the day, but there may be delays due to truck traffic. Alternate routes, such as South Dakota Avenue or Grand Avenue, are advised for Monday morning travel.

Access to Canvas has been restored

Access to Canvas, including the mobile app, has been restored. Most tools within the app appear to be working as expected, but if you continue to experience any issues, please contact the IT Solution Center by calling 515-294-4000 or submitting a ticket online. All instructors are encouraged to export their Canvas Gradebook as soon as possible. For help, contact celt-help@iastate.edu or request a consultation. Iowa State’s security team continues to work with Instructure, the parent company of Canvas, to understand the extent of this cybersecurity incident.

Information Technology Services

Website: it.iastate.edu

StatusHub: status.it.iastate.edu

Summer student parking permits are available

Summer student parking permits are required to park in student lots during the summer session May 18-Aug. 7. Permits are available for purchase through the ISU Parking Portal. For more information about permits, visit summer student parking permits. For additional questions, email parking services at parking@iastate.edu.
 

Highway 30 reconstruction will slow traffic in south Ames

Maintenance to close Reading Room May 13-29

Due to scheduled maintenance, the Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) Reading Room on the fourth floor of Parks Library will be closed May 13-29. Regular visiting hours of 10 a.m.-4 p.m. remain in effect until May 13. The SCUA Reading Room will reopen by appointment during the month of June. Digitized collections are available online at specialcollections.lib.iastate.edu and archivists remain available to assist with research remotely. Contact archives@iastate.edu with inquiries or to make an appointment to visit in June. Regular visiting hours are expected to resume following renovations later this summer. 

CyMath program is recruiting tutors

CyMath, which is looking for tutors for the summer and academic year, is a math tutoring and support program with the dual goals of helping school students improve their math skills and confidence, while helping math and engineering faculty and graduate students improve their teaching and communication skills. Undergraduates are welcome in paid and unpaid roles. Tutoring runs at Ames schools, on the ISU campus or via Zoom. Opportunities for Iowa Staters to participate:

• Unpaid tutors, especially 10-11 a.m. Saturdays via Zoom; other options available.
• Sign up for 1 credit of EE 5900 I.
• Paid positions for undergraduates (hourly or through Research Experience for Undergraduates) with preference for math or math education majors.

Additional information (PDF) is in these slides. Questions may be directed to faculty coordinator Namrata Vaswani, electrical and computer engineering.

Special fishing event at Lake LaVerne on May 9

As part of the renovation of Lake LaVerne, a special fishing free event will occur on Saturday, May 9 (9-11 a.m.). ISU has received permission from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for an open catch-and-take window, with no limit on how many fish you take or how many poles you use. Those 16 years and older will need to have a valid Iowa fishing license. Volunteers will be on hand to assist people who perhaps don't have a lot of experience but want to try fishing. A limited amount of fishing gear will be available to use. Also, local wildlife rehabilitators will collect any donated fish to use as feed in their animal rehab efforts. Lead-free tackle is encouraged to prevent contamination of the donated fish.

Art Mart sale is May 12-15

The Workspace in the Memorial Union will hold its spring Art Mart May 12-15 in the MU Art Gallery, ground level. Hours are 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Purchase pottery, blown glass, jewelry, decor, accessories, cards, prints and more created by artists ranging from budding to professional. The sale supports the individual artists, the Workspace and ISU's Gaffer's Guild. 

Students can receive free coffee at Reiman Gardens during prep week

For the first time, Reiman Gardens is hosting “Finals in Full Bloom” during prep week (May 3-9). All ISU students have free access to Reiman Gardens and it can be a relaxing place to study for finals. Reiman staff has teamed up with Morning Bell Coffee to provide free coffee for students (while supplies last) during the following days/times:

• May 4: 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• May 6: noon-5 p.m.
• May 7: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Ice cream sale is today in Kildee Hall

Members of the Dairy Science Club are selling ice cream today (10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.) outside the north doors to Lush Auditorium in Kildee Hall. Get a cup for $3 (two for $5, cash only). A large variety of flavors are available today; ask the student team what they're selling. The ice cream is mixed by club members at the ISU Creamery, and the sale serves as a fundraiser for club activities throughout the year. Interested in having the club's ice cream for your event? Send an email.

Reminder: United Way food drive continues through May 7

The annual United Way of Story County food drive continues through Thursday, May 7. Faculty, staff and students can participate by donating food and non-food items  or making a financial contribution. All campus donations benefit the SHOP student food pantries, including the main location at 1306 Beyer Hall and satellite location in Sloss House.

Sample ISU Brew Lab beers at M-Shop event

The ISU Brew Lab stops by the M-Shop in the Memorial Union on Thursday, April 30 (4-7 p.m.) to celebrate the launch of their canned products and expanded ventures on campus. Cyclones are invited to sample a variety of the brews (21+; IDs are required), hear from the team involved and hang out at the iconic M-Shop. Admission is free. Tap pours may be purchased of four of the lab's brews: State Schwarzbier, India Pale Ale, Bohemian Pilsner and Munich Helles Lager.

Sloss House will be closed this summer

Cyclone Voice finale is May 2

Fourteen Iowa State students will vie to become the 2026 "Cyclone Voice" during the annual competition's final round on Saturday, May 2 (7 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m., MU Great Hall). The 14 qualified for the finale during an April 21 preliminary round of 30 singers, and the groups includes first-year to graduate students. The indie-pop/rock band Saint Motel will host the competition, introducing each of the student performers and then performing its own music set during the judge's deliberations. Admission is free and the public is invited. Congratulations to the finalists:

• Emma Bertrand, first year, marketing
• Andre Dihardjo, senior, marketing
• Cecely Dominguez, senior, animal ecology
• Frank Engstrom, sophomore, environmental science
• Kyle Holtan, senior, actuarial science
• Harry Kizer, first year, illustration
• Alex Klein, graduate, sociology
• Sarah Lang, junior, aerospace engineering
• Rebecka Lynn, junior, English
• Camille Page, junior, art
• James Summers, first year, history
• Maya Tagoe, sophomore, biology and animal ecology
• Fernanda Tejada, senior, industrial engineering
• Anna Tyler, sophomore, biology

Bring your dog to a Cyclone softball game

The athletics department announces "Bark at the Park" at Cyclone Sports Complex on Friday, May 1, when the Cyclone softball team hosts the Knights from University of Central Florida in their final series of the regular season. First pitch is at 4 p.m., and dogs that are pre-registered are welcome at the stadium. Dog owners need to get their pet signed up in advance to be allowed in, and dogs must remain on a leash at all times. Admission (humans and dogs) is free.

Classrooms reserved for student study during prep week

Room scheduling has reserved 10 classrooms in eight different buildings for student general study use during prep week, May 4-8 (5:30-11 p.m. daily). The Iowa State community is invited to use these spaces during prep week to help students spread out. The 10 rooms are:

• Bessey: 2226, 2234
• Carver: 0232, 0298
• Elings: 0308
• Food Sciences: 2311
• Howe: 1220
• MacKay: 0116
• Student Innovation Center: 2221
• Town Engineering: 0270

Antique tractor show is Saturday

The Antique Tractor Club is holding its fourth annual Spring Tractor Show on Saturday, April 25 (11 a.m.-2 p.m., Lot 10 west of Town Engineering Building, south side of Pammel Drive). A John Deere 520 pedal tractor will be raffled off during the show. The event is free, and free hamburgers and chicken sandwiches will be available while they last.

Digital accessibility deadline extended by a year

A federal update announced on April 20 extended the deadline for compliance with web content accessibility guidelines by one year to April 26, 2027. Following a federal ruling by the U.S. Department of Justice under the Americans with Disabilities Act, all public entities are required to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1.

Graduate fellowship announced for digital research

The digital scholarship and initiatives department in the University Library invites graduate students to apply for the Digital Inquiry Fellowship, a unique, paid opportunity to expand their research through innovative digital methods. The fellowship supports hands-on exploration in areas such as text analysis, data visualization, GIS technologies, digital storytelling and AI-assisted research and analysis. Running from fall 2026 through March 2027, the fellowship offers a $2,500 stipend. Additional information is online. The application deadline is June 1.

Workday inbox hard to read? Update your browser

If your MyTasks inbox in Workday is not displaying properly, a browser update can fix the issue. One of the most popular browsers on campus is Google Chrome. To update, begin by launching Chrome, then click the three dots in the upper right corner. From the dropdown menu, select Settings. On the Settings page, from the options on the left choose About Chrome and proceed to update your browser. For additional support, contact the IT Solution Center.

Four finalists identified in dean of students search

Four finalists will interview on campus April 16-27 in Iowa State's search for a dean of students. Their campus visits will not include a public forum. The next dean of students is anticipated to start over the summer.

Peak tulip season returns to Reiman Gardens

Reiman Gardens invites guests to celebrate the season during its Spring Enchantment Festival on Saturday, April 18 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.). Enjoy nature-inspired work by local artists and the Mid Iowa Woodcarvers, live music, local food and beverage vendors and vibrant spring colors as more than 50,000 tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other spring bulbs begin to bloom. Standard garden admission prices apply (free for members and ISU students with valid ID.)

Earth Day observance is April 22

The Live Green initiative is hosting an Earth Day celebration on Wednesday, April 22 (10 a.m.-2 p.m., Parks Library south lawn). Participate in opportunities to "create sustainably," win prizes, receive a free bike tune-up from the ISU Adventure Program and network with campus and community organizations whose missions, goals and initiatives strive to achieve environmental, social and economic sustainability. Enjoy free refreshments and tunes from KURE 88.5 Radio.

Annual 5K scamper for humans and dogs is May 2

The 42nd annual Scamper, a 5K walk/run with pet dogs hosted by Iowa State's chapter of the Student American Veterinary Medicine Association, will be held Saturday, May 2 (10 a.m., Patterson Hall, College of Veterinary Medicine). Registration is $25; register online. Proceeds will support the Ames Animal Shelter.

Check out these National Student Employment Week events

Celebrate National Student Employment Week April 13-17. Details are online about fun events that include:

• A kickoff event with games, photo booths, prize tables and resources for students.
• Three career readiness and professional development workshops for student employees in all majors. Topics include money management, utilizing personality traits, and connecting student employment skills to professional careers.
• Daily open houses for free professional headshots.
• Free food and drinks on Tuesday and Thursday for all student employees.
• Virtual Trivia (Hollywood, ISU and miscellaneous categories) with various prizes for winners. Register.
• A therapy dog event for a perfect escape from stress.
• A Hollywood Puzzle Showdown Night with prizes.
• A roaming Trivia Train across campus Friday, April 17. Win gift cards, hotel stays, flight lessons, scholarships and other fun prizes.

Ames-area podcast features David Cook

The Ames Regional Economic Alliance's (AREA) latest podcast (No. 021) is a conversation between AREA vice president for marketing and communications Eric Smidt and President David Cook, who shares his journey back to Ames to lead his alma mater, his leadership approach and how Iowa State is building on its land-grant mission to drive innovation, workforce development and economic impact across the state. The length is about 55 minutes. It's available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, iHeartRadio and Podbean. A video version is on the alliance's YouTube channel.

Undergraduate research symposium is April 16

Faculty, staff, and students are invited to the 20th annual Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity on Thursday, April 16 (9 a.m.-3 p.m., multiple rooms in the Memorial Union: 3310, 3512, 3534, 3538, 3560, 3580 and Cardinal Room). The symposium is a showcase of undergraduate research across all of Iowa State's colleges. Students will present posters and oral presentations in moderated sessions. Light refreshments will be available. The Campanile Room will serve as a welcome center where guests can pick up a program and get directions. 

Lawn mower service days are April 10-11

The Agricultural Systems Technology Club will hold its annual lawn mower service days Friday, April 10, (1-5 p.m.) and Saturday, April 11, (8 a.m.-noon) on the west side of Sukup Hall. Online sign-up is available to schedule service. Drop off a lawnmower for service ($40) or have it picked up and dropped off ($60, Ames area) Payment can be made by check or cash.

Art graduate student invites guests to "Please Touch the Art" in exhibition

The master of fine arts thesis exhibition by Parisa Keshavarziyan, integrated visual arts, invites viewers to engage physically and emotionally with the artwork, which will be exhibited April 6-9 (8 a.m.-5 p.m., Gallery 181, College of Design). Here work spans photography, animation, 3D art and stop-motion to create immersive and engaging experiences. Each visitor contributes to the evolving nature of the work, making the exhibition a living, collective process. A public reception will be held Wednesday, April 8 (5:30-7 p.m., Gallery 181).

Registration is open to exhibit at Center of ExCYtement for new students in August

Student organizations, involvement opportunities and departmental programs are invited to exhibit at this summer's Center of ExCYtement on Thursday evening, Aug. 20, on central campus, part of Destination Iowa State for newly arriving Cyclones. Connect with incoming first‑year and transfer students, share the group's programming and impact in a high‑visibility setting, and recruit new members and build awareness among students who may not yet be connected. The deadline for organizations to register is July 31. Questions may be directed to dfineza@iastate.edu.

ISU Extension and Outreach Week is April 6-11

With county extension offices, specialists and staff located in all 99 counties, ISU Extension and Outreach connects Iowans throughout the state with education and resources. County extension staff and extension council members will be showing their appreciation for both the people who participate in local educational programs and the many volunteers, community leaders, organizations and other partners who support extension work in their local communities. Every county in Iowa has an elected extension council that decides how to support ISU Extension and Outreach educational programs at the county level.

Registration is open for two-day drone workshop in May

ISU's Digital Ag Innovation Lab, in partnership with autonomous tool maker Terraplex Ag, will host a two-day drone workshop May 27-28 (9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily, Digital Ag Innovation Lab, 3800 University Blvd.). The workshop is designed to prepare participants for the Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification exam. Early registration is $449 through May 1 and $500 after. Registration closes May 22, and the workshop is limited to 30 participants.

Outstanding student employee supervisor, student employee honored

The office of student financial aid has announced its 2026 outstanding student worker and student employee supervisor for their contributions to campus:

• Student employee supervisor of the year (in partnership with university human resources): Claudia ​Lemper-Manahl, associate teaching professor in plant pathology, entomology and microbiology.
• Student employee of the year: senior Casen Legreid, undergraduate research assistant, department of materials science and engineering, selected from more than 50 nominees.

Program explores family recipes as living history

Every recipe tells a story. Join University Museums and Distinguished Professor in Liberal Arts and Sciences (history) Pamela Riney-Kehrberg on Thursday, April 16 (5:30-6:30 p.m., via Zoom) for a free virtual program on what family recipes reveal about cultural identity, memory and tradition. Riney-Kehrberg will share highlights from a student cookbook assignment in her "America Eats" course, a collection tracing family traditions such as those from Italian, Swedish and Mexican grandmothers to childhood memories of lunch lady cinnamon rolls. All are welcome; questions may be directed to Allison Sheridan, University Museums.

Work resumes on U.S. Highway 30 in southeast Ames

For university commuters who arrive from the southeast, the Iowa DOT is resuming work on a U.S. Highway 30 project at the South Skunk River the week of March 30. This year's project will replace the eastbound bridge over the river and construct an additional eastbound lane between the Duff and Dayton avenue interchanges. While this work is being completed (through the remainder of the 2026 construction season):

• Eastbound traffic will be shifted onto the previously constructed pavement.
• Eastbound exit ramp to Dayton Avenue will be closed, beginning at 5 a.m. Thursday, April 2. For drivers who need to get to Dayton Avenue, a signed detour route at the Duff Avenue exit will direct drivers north on Duff and east on SE 16th Street to Dayton Avenue.
• Eastbound U.S. 30 on-ramp from northbound Duff Avenue will be closed beginning at 5 a.m. Thursday, April 2.

During nighttime (10 p.m.-5 a.m.) lane closures Sunday, Monday and Wednesday (March 29-April 2), crews will install road barriers and complete temporary lane painting. 

Friday is Admitted Student Day

The admissions office's fifth spring Admitted Student Day is Friday, March 27 (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). About 1,000 prospective students still in the process of selecting a college and their guests will connect with the Iowa State community, be introduced to valuable resources and learn about student organizations. All Cyclones can play a part by welcoming guests and providing assistance as needed.

Reminder: Accreditation forums are next week

As shared in Inside earlier this month, a review team from the Higher Learning Commission will hold three open forums Monday-Tuesday, March 30-31, to solicit feedback from the campus community as part of Iowa State's 10-year reaccreditation process. 

The review team also will hold two drop-in sessions:

• March 30, 2:15-3 p.m., room 3534, Memorial Union 
• March 31, 10:40-11:15 a.m., room 2630, Memorial Union 

Innovative student work sought for IGNITE showcase in May

The Student Innovation Center is looking for group or courses and individuals to showcase their innovative student work at the IGNITE Innovation Showcase May 5-8. Exhibits, presentations, activities or celebrations are welcome in this showcase of the innovative work of Iowa State students. The priority deadline for submissions for group/course work is April 6 and April 24 for individuals. Group/course and individual submission forms are online.

Greenlee majors will receive an Adobe Creative Cloud license

Beginning in fall 2026, all student majors in the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication's five primary programs will be provided a license for the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, which includes industry-standard software such as InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Firefly and After Effects, essential for modern media production. Previously, access to Adobe Creative Cloud was limited to computer labs and certain course enrollments. The change is possible with philanthropic support from alumni and friends of the Greenlee School and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

ISU is partially closed on March 16

Due to blizzard conditions across the state, Iowa State University is partially closed on Monday, March 16. Classes are recessed for spring break. Supervisors should provide maximum flexibility for employees to work remotely or take leave, and employees who can't make it to campus should contact their supervisors.

During the partial closure, all campus buildings will be locked. Contact the ISU department of public safety at 515-294-4428 for help with building access. Thielen Student Health Center and Rec Services are closed, and the Student Counseling Center will move to virtual appointments. Dining centers are closed for spring break. The Roasterie in the Hub and Clyde's are closed on Monday and will reopen Tuesday with spring break hours.

Information and updates will be posted on the ISU Alert page.   

Healthcare management program joins short list of certified programs

The undergraduate healthcare management program in the Ivy College of Business has received full undergraduate certification with the Association of University Programs in Health Administration, the only undergraduate program in Iowa and one of fewer than 50 nationwide to achieve this certification. It is the program's inaugural certification and covers a four-year term.

Benefit concert features International Blues Challenge musicians

Ames Community Radio KHOI will hold its spring fundraising concert, Celebrate the Blues, on Saturday, March 28 (7 p.m., Stephens Auditorium). The Weary Ramblers, the duo of Chad Elliott and Kathryn Severing Fox and winners at the 2026 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, will headline. Opening will be The Other Brothers, semifinalists at the same challenge. Tickets can only be purchased online: General admission tickets are $20, VIP (reserved, first 11 rows) tickets are $40, and just 25 premium VIP tickets ($100) also include a pass to Songwriting Stories Session with The Weary Ramblers and an autographed show poster.

Food pantry volunteers needed during spring break