Student Announcements

February 2023

Conversation continues on support for families in campus communities

ADVANCE Midwest Partnership, of which Iowa State is a member, is hosting a second virtual conversation about on-campus child care and family support Thursday, March 30 (noon-1:30 p.m. CST). This is a continuation of a Jan. 26 conversation, and the focus will be on strategies for implementing child care infrastructure that's flexible to better meet the family needs of a campus community rich in cultural, ethnic and gender diversity. Wendy Wagner Robeson, Wellesley Centers for Women, Massachusetts; and Autumn Green, 2023 Urban Institute fellow and visiting scholar-activist at the University of Michigan, will lead the session. All members of the ISU community (students and employees) are welcome. Register to receive the link.

Free workshop answers questions about starting a small business

Anyone who has ever considered starting a small business is invited to a free "crash course" workshop, Smart Start, Saturday, March 4 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., Ames Chamber of Commerce, 304 Main St.). Topics to be covered by local professionals include insurance, taxes, applying for loans and grants, intellectual property, business organization, registration and operations. Smart Start provides information as well as the opportunity to ask questions. Register online for a partial or full day. The Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, Small Business Development Center and Ames Chamber of Commerce are cohosting the workshop.

Pitch off finale rescheduled for March 2

Winners of the college-by-college Pitch Off preliminary rounds (Feb. 13-17) will compete for a top prize of $5,000 at the Pitch Off finale Thursday, March 2 (2-5 p.m., 4250 Student Innovation Center). The Feb. 22-23 ice storm postponed the event a week. In each of two categories -- new idea for a business and existing business -- student pitches also will be rewarded for second place ($2,500) and third place ($1,500). Spectators are welcome.

Feb. 23: Remote work, classes meet virtually

Due to the icy conditions Wednesday that continued overnight, classes will be held virtually, when possible, and employees should work remotely on Thursday, Feb. 23. More.

Tickets remain for March 3 concert by Ukrainian orchestra

The Ames International Orchestra Festival Association is bringing the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine to Ames for a Friday, March 3, concert (7:30 p.m., Stephens Auditorium), the final stop on its U.S. tour. Tickets, $35-$80, are available via Ticketmaster. As part of the tour, the orchestra played New York City's Carnegie Hall and Washington D.C.'s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts earlier this month. 

'Ask Me Anything' panel looks at neurodiversity

The division of student affairs' Diversity and Inclusion Committee continues its series of Ask Me Anything panels with "Neurodiversity from Neurodiverse Perspectives" on Wednesday, March 8 (10:30-11:30 a.m. via Zoom). As described in a recent Inside story, neurodiversity acknowledges that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways. There is no one "right" way of thinking, learning and behaving, and these differences should not be viewed as deficits. Voices will include students, staff and faculty from across the university. Registration is encouraged, and questions can be submitted online.

Boxers compete Saturday on campus

Iowa State's Boxing Club is hosting the "Cyclone Throwdown" Saturday, Feb. 25 (2-5 p.m., doors open at 1:30 p.m., southwest courts, State Gym). There will be a single ring with spectator seating. Admission is $10 (students $5) at the door. Other clubs competing represent the universities of Wisconsin (Madison), Illinois (Chicago and Urbana-Champaign campuses) and Iowa, and Marquette University, Milwaukee. Each bout lasts up to three rounds.

Spring child care scholarships still available for undergraduate student parents

The office of Child Care and Family Services at Iowa State is accepting applications for the undergraduate Childcare Assistance Program (CAP). This scholarship program is available to undergraduate student parents attending Iowa State to assist with out-of-pocket costs for child care services. Eligible student parents may receive up to $1,250 per semester. Funds are still available for spring semester, and students with the highest financial need will receive priority consideration. Full eligibility guidelines and application instructions are on the Child Care & Family Services website. Email questions to ccfamily@iastate.edu.

March 1 is application deadline for campus undergrad research symposium

Undergraduate students who do mentored research in a campus lab are invited to present their research project in a conference-style oral presentation at ISU's 17th Annual Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression on Thursday, April 20, at the Student Innovation Center. The application deadline is March 1. All undergraduate students from all academic disciplines involved in mentored research are eligible to participate, and applications are welcome from individuals or small groups. Information about the symposium, including the application for prospective participants, is online. Questions may be directed to Svitlana Zbarska, 515-294-2064.

Events for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

In association with National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, an annual campaign to educate the public about eating disorders and provide hope, support and visibility to those affected, these awareness events are scheduled:

  • Feb. 20, 9-9:50 a.m., Mindful movement yoga class, 2112 State Gym, walk-ins welcome
  • Feb. 22, 5-6:30 p.m., Panel discussion, "Dating Violence, Eating Disorders and Relationships," 2030 Student Services Building
  • Feb. 23, 5:30-7 p.m., Presentation, "Body Respect: How to Develop a Better Relationship with Food and Your Body," with registered dietitians and psychologist, 2030 Student Services Building
  • Feb. 24, 8 a.m.-5 p.m, conference, "Spotlight on Recovery," Eating Disorder Coalition of Iowa (morning session for caregivers, afternoon session for providers), West 48 Event Center, West Des Moines

Scholarship available to fall juniors

Twenty ISU students are selected each year for a renewable $6,000 scholarship from the Roy J. Carver Trust, Muscatine. This spring's applicants must be Iowa residents with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.80 who will be junior-level in fall 2023 and have faced significant social and economic obstacles to being a fulltime college student. Applicants must have a FAFSA on file for the 2023-24 academic year with a demonstrated need. The online application is due April 1; questions may be directed to the office of student financial aid, 0640 Beardshear, 294-0103.

Be a team leader at Destination Iowa State

New student programs staff are recruiting returning students to serve as team leaders during Destination Iowa State, Aug. 17-19. Each team leader mentors and leads a group of up to 20 students through the DIS experience. Leaders attend two leadership development workshops and complete a course in Canvas this spring. Earn up to $400. Applications are due March 5; questions may be directed to Cassidy Conway in the new student programs office (5554 Memorial Union), emailed to nsp@iastate.edu or call 515-294-0801. Learn more from past team leaders during a drop-in session Thursday, Feb. 23 (noon-2 p.m., 5554 MU).

Bookstore hosts Pete the Cat Saturday morning

The University Book Store is hosting a storytime with children's book character Pete the Cat Saturday, Feb. 11 (10:30-11:15 a.m., bookstore, Memorial Union). As part of the event, Pete the Cat books will be buy one, save 50% on the second, and themed plush toys will be $5 off.

City's snow ordinance takes effect Wednesday night

The city of Ames' snow ordinance will go into effect at 10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, and remain in effect until it has stopped snowing and the streets are plowed curb to curb. The snow ordinance likely will remain in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, but could vary throughout the community due to plowing challenges. Vehicles on city snow routes (identified by red and white signs) should be moved to off-street parking or to streets not designated as snow routes. To assist with the plowing effort, owners are asked to not park vehicles on any residential street, particularly on circles and cul de sacs; however, only vehicles parked on snow routes risk being towed.

Next Goldfinch Room concert is Feb. 28

Iowa singer/songwriters J. Jeffrey Messerole and Sara Routh will combine their talents for a Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. concert on the Goldfinch Room stage at Stephens Auditorium. Tables that seat up to four cost $40, and a limited number of general admission seats are $15; purchase tickets online. Concessions will be available, too.

English conversation leaders sought for spring semester

Staff in the international students and scholars office (ISSO) are recruiting volunteer English conversation leaders for English Together: Daily English Conversations this semester. The program is intended to help international students and scholars practice their English skills through conversation, games and topics of interest. ISSO provides all guidance and weekly resources to lead the sessions. An information meeting for faculty, staff or students interested in being a conversation leader will be held Thursday, Feb. 9 (4-5 p.m., 0034 Parks Library).

Town & Gown Musicale tickets on sale now

The Ames Town & Gown Chamber Music Association's annual Musicale will be held Saturday, Feb. 18 (7 p.m., St. John's by the Campus Episcopal Church, 2338 Lincoln Way). Tickets, $50 (students $15) may be purchased online or at the door, and include a post-performance reception with hors d'oeuvres and desserts. Numerous Iowa State faculty and students will perform.

ISCORE registration is open

Registration opened Feb. 1 for the the 23nd annual Thomas L. Hill Iowa State Conference on Race and Ethnicity (ISCORE) on Friday, March 3. ISCORE is the university's comprehensive forum on issues of race and ethnicity and provides an ongoing platform of sharing and applying knowledge through presentations and workshops. It's free and open to all faculty, staff and students. A preconference for faculty, staff and graduate students will be held Wednesday, March 1 (10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.).

Horticulture club hosts Valentine's bouquet sale

Members of the horticulture club are selling rose, carnation and a few featured flower bouquets Feb. 13-14 (9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily, east foyer of Union Drive Community Center). Pre-orders (custom or pre-designed) will be taken through 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, or walk up to purchase flowers on those days. Bouquet prices range from $15 to $65. Cash, check and credit cards are accepte payment. Proceeds support the club's travel.

Undergraduate 'research in the capitol' applications due Feb. 6

The annual Research in the Capitol, featuring undergraduate research at Iowa's three regent universities, will be held Monday, March 6. Faculty or staff mentoring undergraduate researchers should encourage them to complete the RIC abstract form by Feb. 6. Applications may be submitted by individuals or small groups. Iowa State sends 15 research projects to the event, where undergraduates display posters and describe their research to legislators, reporters and university administrators, serving as ambassadors to convey the depth and variety of research on campus. Submissions are evaluated by topic, relevance to legislative interests and geographic representation. Students or their research mentors may contact Svitlana Zbarska, undergraduate research program coordinator, for more information.