Student Announcements

September 2022

Today only: $30 tickets for 'Anastasia' musical at Stephens

On Friday, Sept. 30 only, the Iowa State Center is offering $30 tickets to the Oct. 4 performance of the Broadway musical Anastasia. This offer is valid online through Ticketmaster (click "unlock" and use the passcode THIRTY). Curtain time Tuesday is 8 p.m.

Writing contest: Explore humans, technology and food in 2050

Iowa State's AI Institute for Resilient Agriculture is hosting a national writing contest for undergraduate students. We invite contestants to submit writing that imagines the world in the year 2050 and explores the relationship between humans, their food and technology: What food will look, taste and feel like; where it will come from; who will produce and transport it; and how will we access and consume it? The world you bring to light should be believable and probe the role of artificial intelligence in the future of agriculture. The submission deadline is Dec. 31; three cash prizes of $1,000-$3,000 will be awarded.

Resource alert for international students impacted by disasters

The dean of students office sent direct outreach emails Sept. 26 to students who are residents of Puerto Rico, Taiwan and Pakistan related to the recent natural disasters in those areas. Anticipating they may be experiencing challenges either here in Ames or back at home, the note provides students with a list of on-campus support resources available to them. If you know of a student who is in need of assistance related to these natural disasters, please direct them to the dean of students office. Students can call 515-294-1020 or email dso@iastate.edu.

Wintersteen establishes Institutional Council on Diversity

A new university committee will help lead the charge in Iowa State's mission to cultivate a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where students and employees can learn, work and grow. Established by President Wendy Wintersteen, the Institutional Council on Diversity brings together leadership from academic colleges and student affairs to advise the overall institutional strategy for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). It's chaired by Sharon Perry Fantini, vice president for DEI, and will begin meeting this semester.

"This group will play a critical role in crafting our diversity, equity and inclusion action plan in response to the results of the upcoming campus climate survey," said Perry Fantini. "I'm excited to collaborate with colleagues across campus to share ideas and guide the university’s efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion at Iowa State."

Postal station at the MU closes

The U.S. Postal Service closed its counter in the Memorial Union, effective Sept. 20. Staffing difficulties were part of its decision. MU leaders are considering other uses for the space in a future renovation. The post office closest to campus is the Cyclone Station at 119 Stanton Ave., which is staffed on weekdays noon-4 p.m. Ames' main post office is downtown at 525 Kellogg Ave. The counter service is open weekdays 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-noon; self-service options are 24/7.

Pancake breakfast on central campus supports Dance Marathon

Iowa State's Dance Marathon team will host a central campus breakfast, "Stacks for Stead," on Sunday, Sept. 25 (9 a.m.-noon) in support of the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, hear family stories and learn more about ISU Dance Marathon. Advance tickets can be purchased online for $8; door price Sunday morning is $10.

'Spirits in the Gardens' time-stamped tickets on sale

Reiman Gardens is selling tickets (day- and entry time-specific) for its annual "Spirits in the Gardens" Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 22-23 (5-9 p.m.). Tickets must be purchased in advance. Special events from 5 to 7 p.m. include Simon Says, magic show and presentations by the ISU SCUM (chemistry), juggling and unicycling, and cosplay student clubs. From 5 to 9 p.m., enjoy more than 1,000 carved jack-o-lanterns, holograms and candy stations. Tickets are $15 ($13 members and ISU students), $7 for youth (2-12 years) and free for children under two years. A jack-o-lantern only preview (no entertainment or treats) will be held Friday, Oct. 21 (7-9 p.m.). Register and purchase tickets online.

Virtual conversation with young adult author is Oct. 5

ISU Writing and Media Services, part of the Academic Success Center, will host a virtual conversation with young adult author and filmmaker Camryn Garrett on Oct. 5 (5:30-7 p.m., via Webex). The conversation will include Garrett's advocacy work as a novelist and filmmaker, her path to publication and what it means to listen to and amplify the stories of young, Black women. Her novels are "Full Disclosure" and "Off the Record;" her third novel, "Friday I'm in Love," will be released in January. Read more about her work. More information, including registration to receive the event link, is online.

Baby Shark live show tickets on sale Sept. 23

Tickets ($29-$59) for a Nov. 12 matinee performance at Stephens Auditorium of "Baby Shark Live!: The Christmas Show" go on sale at noon Friday, Sept. 23, via Ticketmaster. The performance begins at 2 p.m. The tour is based on the Pinkfong Company's hit song and dance video about a family of sharks, which later morphed into a preschool television series on the Nickelodeon channel.

Grand opening for MU renovated floors is Sept. 23

If you haven't been upstairs at the Memorial Union yet, the renovated floors 4-6 are hosting an open house Friday, Sept. 23 (11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.). The event starts with opening remarks in the Durham Great Hall, followed by ribbon cuttings in the various areas on the three floors. Last spring, a 15-month, $10 million renovation of the former hotel floors wrapped up, and student-serving units moved in over the summer.

Ames fall housing fair is Sept. 28 in the MU

The Memorial Union's fall housing fair will take place Wednesday Sept. 28 (11 a.m.-2 p.m., MU Great Hall). This free event is designed to help college students and community members find their next Ames rental. Check out the options available from local property managers and others, learn about tenants' rights and discover other Ames-area housing resources. Questions may be emailed to housingfair@iastate.edu; interested vendors are invited to register online.

'Girls Discovering Engineering' day is Oct. 1

Iowa State's chapter of the Society of Women Engineers is hosting a "Girls Discovering Engineering" Day on Saturday, Oct. 1 (10 a.m.-3 p.m., 2200 Marston) for girls in grades 5-8. (Watch for details about GLEE Day this fall for girls in grades 1-4.) It's a day of fun STEM activities and demonstrations, and it's free for those who pack their own lunch; purchase a box lunch for $5. Register online. Questions can be sent to isusweoutreach@gmail.com.

Six-part series assists caregivers for veterans and military personnel

ISU Extension and Outreach is offering a six-part telehealth course, “Powerful Tools for Caregivers of Military Members and Veterans,” on Wednesdays, Oct. 5-Nov. 9 (6:30-8:30 p.m., via Zoom). It will provide information, support strategies, communication techniques, stress reduction ideas and resources to assist family members and friends who are caregivers for veterans and military personnel. The course will be led by certified class leaders, most with military experience. Questions about the course may be sent to ptcmastertrainers@iastate.edu.

Volunteers sought for pumpkin stenciling, carving next month

Reiman Gardens is recruiting volunteers to help stencil and carve more than 1,000 pumpkins for its annual Spirits in the Gardens event Oct. 21-23. Stenciling will take place Oct. 14-16 and carving Oct. 19-21 outdoors at Reiman Gardens. Volunteer times are available mornings, afternoons, evenings and the weekend, and all volunteers receive admission to the preview event on Friday, Oct. 21. Register yourself or a group (no walk-ins, please).

English conversation program seeks volunteers

The International Students and Scholars Office is recruiting volunteer conversation leaders for its fall program, "English Together: Daily English Conversations," which will meet Tuesdays and Wednesdays (4-5 p.m., International Nest, 0034 Parks Library) beginning Sept. 27. U.S. students and ISU community members are invited to form connections with international students and scholars, learn about various cultures and perspectives, and help others improve their English. A meeting for those interested in being conversation leaders will be held Tuesday, Sept. 20 (4-5 p.m., 0034 Parks Library). More information and the signup form are online.

Learn more about Hispanic heritage in the next month

Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, is an annual celebration in the United States to recognize the independence days of several Latin American countries that fall within this timeframe and commemorate the history, culture and achievements of the Hispanic and Latin American communities. Vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion Sharon Perry Fantini and Yamille Perez and Loerna Dorado-Robles, co-chairs of ISU's Hispanic and Latino Faculty and Staff Association, Colegas, invite the campus community to learn more and get involved.

Thielen health center has some monkeypox vaccine

Vaccination is a valuable tool in preventing the spread of monkeypox virus (MPV), part of the virus family that includes smallpox. Thielen Student Health Center is partnering with Story County Public health to provide vaccine for eligible groups including students, staff, faculty and community members. To schedule a MPV vaccine appointment, call TSHC at 515-294-5801. Students also can schedule online at cyclonehealth.org/appt. Patients will be asked screening questions to determine eligibility and if qualified, will be scheduled for an appointment. The vaccine is administered one day a week to ensure efficient use of limited doses. The Thielen public health staff has posted more information about monkeypox online.

Practice fire safety at Sept. 21 event

As part of its Campus Fire Safety Month observance, Environmental Health and Safety will host a fire safety event Wednesday, Sept. 21 (9 a.m.-noon, south of Parks Library). Put out a simulated fire, learn additional fire safety tips and receive a free T-shirt (while supplies last).

MU wedding expo is Sept. 25

The Memorial Union's 5th annual wedding expo, United at the Union, will be held Sunday, Sept. 25 (1:30-3 p.m., MU Great Hall). Anyone planning a wedding is invited to meet wedding vendors and service professionals. There will be expo-exclusive vendor discounts, giveaways and lots of wedding planning inspiration. General admission is free; a $10 ticket provides early access (1 p.m.), beverage, swag bag and the chance at VIP prizes. Questions may be emailed to weddings@iastate.edu.

Cyclone small business fair set for Sept. 22

Student and alumni-owned small businesses are invited to participate in a small business fair Thursday, Sept. 22 (3-6 p.m., 207 Stanton) hosted by ISU's Student Alumni Leadership Council. Enjoy games, prizes and free snacks while you shop. To showcase a business, complete this Google form.

Business attire pop-up shop is this week -- and it's free

The once-a-semester, free Business Attire Pop-Up Shop, hosted by the college directors of multicultural student success with funding from student government prior to college career fairs, will be held Thursday and Friday, Sept. 8-9 (1-5 p.m. daily, also 9 a.m.-noon Friday, 1009 LeBaron). Students from all colleges are welcome -- to pick up a complete outfit or a single piece.

Reiman Gardens hosts succulents, cacti event

Reiman Gardens' first All About Succulents will be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10-11 (10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily) for lovers of succulents and cacti. Members of the Mid-Iowa Cactus & Succulent Society will display unique specimens from their collections and answer questions. Vendors Chaos on Coyote Trail Cactus & Succulents, Sand Springs, Oklahoma; and Bedwell Gardens, Norwalk; will offer for sale a large selection of succulents and cacti. Regular garden admissions policies apply for this event.

Share your message in campus 'Field of Memories' Sept. 9

September is National Suicide Awareness Month. Each year 1,100 U.S. college students die by suicide, and many more are impacted by their deaths. On Friday, Sept. 9 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), Cyclones are encouraged to experience Iowa State's first annual "Field of Memories" south of Parks Library, organized by Student Counseling Services. 1,100 yard flags will be there, one for each life lost nationally. Write a message on a flag to honor a life saved, remember a life lost or share hope with individuals who are struggling. All are welcome to participate.

Passport service available at Study Abroad Fair

Consider the Study Abroad Fair on Sept. 15 (10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., MU Great Hall) a one-stop shop to learn about adventures abroad. Students can learn about interning and studying abroad in experiences ranging from one week to one year. And anyone from the Iowa State community may apply for a U.S. passport during the fair; appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. More information about the fair and passport service is online.

Passport service is at Study Abroad Fair Sept. 15

Consider the Study Abroad Fair on Sept. 15 (10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., MU Great Hall) a one-stop shop to learn about adventures abroad. Students can learn about interning and studying abroad in experiences ranging from one week to one year. And anyone from the Iowa State community may apply for a U.S. passport during the fair; appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. More information about the fair and passport service is online.