Classrooms designated for open study during prep week evenings
Room scheduling will offer these 10 general university classrooms for students to use as study rooms during prep week, Dec. 5-9 (5:30-11 p.m. daily):
- Black Engineering 1028
- Carver 0184, 0190
- Pearson 3143, 3157
- Physics 0052
- Ross 0027, 0029
- Town Engineering 0250, 0290
Save the date: George Washington Carver Day program planned for Feb. 1
Iowa State University is making plans to observe the state of Iowa's first George Washington Carver Day in 2023. Last June, Gov. Kim Reynolds approved Senate File 2380, an act to designate Feb. 1 each year as George Washington Carver Day. Carver is only the third person to be recognized by the state with a day of recognition; the other two are Herbert Hoover and Norman Borlaug. Iowa State will hold a recognition program in the Memorial Union Great Hall during the evening of Feb. 1. Planning for the program, which also will be available virtually, is underway.
Carver was Iowa State's first Black student and faculty member before leaving for a lifelong career at Tuskegee Institute (now University) in Alabama. He introduced improved farming systems and developed hundreds of food products from plants such as peanuts, sweet potatoes and others native to the southern United States.
Chicago will play at Stephens in May
The multi Grammy Award-winning band Chicago will perform at Stephens Auditorium on Thursday, May 25, 2023. Tickets ($80-$129) and VIP packages go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18, via Ticketmaster. Chicago released its 38th studio album, "Born For This Moment," earlier this year.
City snow ordinance takes effect at noon Tuesday
The city of Ames' snow ordinance will go into effect at noon Tuesday, Nov. 15, and remain in effect until it has stopped snowing and the streets are plowed curb to curb. 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 on snow routes are required to be moved or risk being towed.
Thankful? Submit your CyThx now
In its fifth year, CyThx gives Iowa Staters a chance to thank the faculty, staff, graduate teaching assistants or anyone else who makes them feel like a valued member of the ISU community. Your gratitude will remain anonymous, but your CyThx honoree will receive an email with your message and an acknowledgment on the CyThx webpage. Submissions can be made through the end of the month. The initiative is a partnership of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, ISU learning communities, multicultural student affairs, student government, Graduate and Professional Student Senate, student engagement and student union board.
Presentation proposals for ISCORE '23 due Dec. 2
The Iowa State Conference on Race and Ethnicity (ISCORE) planning committee encourages faculty, staff and students to submit presentation proposals for the 2023 ISCORE conference. The faculty-staff preconference is March 1 and the full-day, all-ISU conference is March 3. Proposals for a 50-minute presentation about a topic in race and ethnicity should be submitted online by Dec. 2. Notification of presentation status will occur on Dec. 16.
Football game time announced
The Cyclone football game Nov. 19 with Texas Tech at Jack Trice Stadium will begin at 6 p.m., with the TV broadcast on Fox Sports 1.
Wi-Fi updates increase connectivity in high use areas
More than 5,000 new access points are being installed across campus to improve Wi-Fi performance in high-density areas such as classrooms and popular public areas. The phased installation is underway and scheduled to be completed in early February. When installed, the new access points can support Wi-Fi connections that are up to three times more efficient. The new access points will support most devices. If you're unable to find or connect to Iowa State's Wi-Fi networks, contact the IT Solution Center.
On Veterans Day, honor all who served
Observed annually on Nov. 11, Veterans Day honors military veterans in the U.S. Armed Forces. Though both holidays honor military personnel, Veterans Day differs from Memorial Day in that it acknowledges the service of all military veterans. Memorial Day honors those who died while serving. Learn more on the office of institutional diversity, equity and inclusion website.
Volunteers needed to keep food pantry open during exam and break weeks
The SHOP student food pantry invites university employees to volunteer during fall break week, prep week, finals week and over winter break to help keep the pantry open several days a week for students who remain in Ames. The food pantry, located in 1306 Beyer, will not be open on university holidays. Volunteers may select their shifts on this sign-up site, and more information is sent automatically in an email. Shifts may open as the date approaches, so volunteers are asked to check back. Questions may be directed to SHOP advisor Breanna Wetzler, 294-4875. SHOP also is in need of plastic or paper bags, which can be dropped off at the pantry location.
Science Bowl volunteers needed
Ames Laboratory Regional Science Bowl is seeking 150 volunteers, both scientific and nonscientific, for its 2023 competitions, in which high school and middle school teams from across Iowa will square off in fast-paced, game-show style rounds of questions from a range of science and math disciplines. Volunteers serve as moderators, judges, timekeepers, scorekeepers and runners; learn more about their duties on this information page. High School Science Bowl will be held Saturday, Jan. 28 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Middle School Science Bowl will be held Saturday, Feb. 18 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.), both on campus. Shifts range from four to eight hours. A buffet lunch, T-shirt and other goodies are provided. Sign up online.
Poinsettia sale preorders close on Nov. 18
The horticulture club is selling poinsettias this month as a club fundraiser to cover club activities, traveling expenses and student enrichment. Poinsettias were grown by club members in the horticulture greenhouses. Pot sizes are 4.5, 6 and 10 inches; prices vary from $10 to $40. Plants may be preordered online by Nov. 18 or purchased Nov. 30-Dec. 3 at these campus locations on a first come, first served basis:
- Nov. 30 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), ground floor rotunda, Curtiss Hall
- Dec. 1 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), ground floor counters, Beardshear Hall
- Dec. 2 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), atrium, Horticulture Hall
- Dec. 3 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), main corridor, Reiman Gardens
Questions may be directed to Hannah Kramer, student chair of the sale.
Tickets on sale for Reiman Gardens' holiday light show
Reiman Gardens is selling date- and time-stamped tickets for its Winter Wonderscape holiday light show, Thursday-Saturday evenings in December (5-8 p.m.). The price is $13 ($11 for members and ISU students, $7 for youth ages 2-12 years). Tickets must be purchased online and in advance (no phone or in-person sales).
November is Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month honors the culture and history of Native Americans and Indigenous peoples. Learn more on the office of diversity, equity and inclusion website.
Cyclone Homecoming football kicks off at 2:30 p.m.
The Cyclone Homecoming weekend football game (Nov. 5) against West Virginia will begin at 2:30 p.m., and be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. As previously announced, the football team's Oct. 29 contest with the Oklahoma Sooners will begin at 11 a.m. and televised on Fox Sports 1.
You're invited: Lunch and learn on ISU's startup programs, resources
The ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is hosting a free lunch and learn for faculty, staff and graduate students. "Start This, Start That…Start Something at Iowa State" will cover the university's startup resources and programs. The same content will be offered three times (noon-1 p.m.), each time in the Student Innovation Center. Registration is requested. Dates and locations are:
Next Goldfinch Room concert is Oct. 25
Tickets are on sale for the next Goldfinch Room concert, featuring Iowa musicians Matt Woods and Liv McNair, on Tuesday, Oct. 25 (7 p.m., Stephens Auditorium). The Goldfinch Room series is held in the Celebrity Café on the ground floor of Stephens. Reserve a table for up to four people for $40. A limited number of $15 general admission tickets provide chairs (no table) toward the back of the café.
Nutcracker Ballet tickets go on sale Oct. 21
Tickets for Stephens Auditorium's Nutcracker Ballet production go on sale to the public at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at the Stephens ticket office or online at Ticketmaster. Performances are set for 1 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11, and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Youth and adult dancers from across central Iowa appear in this holiday tradition, and two dance roles are filled annually by professional dancers. Tanya Trombly, a freelance dancer based in New York City, returns as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Chilean Mauricio Vera, also now working from New York, will play her Cavalier.
Two satellite voting dates will be on campus
Story County residents who want to vote early in this fall's general election have two on-campus satellite voting opportunities:
- Friday, Oct. 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Memorial Union Cardinal Room
- Monday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Room 004 Scheman Building, Iowa State Center
Ballots for all Story County precincts will be available. Preregistered voters must present identification prior to voting absentee in person (same requirement as preregistered voters voting on Election Day). The deadline to preregister is 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24. The Story County auditor's office recommends that unregistered voters bring proof of identification and proof of residency with them. The Catt Center has an FAQ for students who choose to vote in their student address county rather than their home address county. Students must register and vote at only one address.
Greek-hosted Trick-or-Treat for families is Oct. 30
Iowa State's sorority and fraternity community invites Cyclone families to its annual (and free) Trick-or-Treat on Sunday, Oct. 30 (1-3 p.m., Memorial Union Great Hall, costume parade at 2:30 p.m.). Chapters will have games and activities for everyone and lots of candy to take home. Activity tables will be spaced out to provide a fun and safe atmosphere, and face coverings are welcome. Children, family members and other participants are encouraged to wear their best family-friendly costume. No registration is required; questions may be directed to the office of sorority and fraternity engagement, 515-294-1023.
Learn more about LGBTQ+ history this month
Though Pride Month in June also recognizes the LGBTQ+ community, October was selected as LGBTQ+ History Month to provide an opportunity during the academic year to explore the history of the LGBTQ+ community. Find additional information on the office of diversity, equity and inclusion website.
Chamber music concert season opens Thursday
The Ames Town & Gown Chamber Music Association opens its 2022-23 season this week with a concert by the duo Bridget Kibbey (harp) and Alexi Kenney (violin) Thursday, Oct. 13 (7:30 p.m., Tye Recital Hall, Simon Estes Music Building). Tickets ($30) may be purchased in 149 Simon Estes Hall, at Rieman Music and Chocolaterie Stam in downtown Ames, online and at the door (as space allows). A season ticket (for all five concerts) is $125. Admission is free for K-12 and university students with ID. Questions may be directed to Paula Forrest, 515-292-3891.
Indigenous Peoples' Day honors Native American history and impact
Celebrated on the second Monday of October, Indigenous Peoples' Day honors Native Americans and Indigenous people in the United States and around the world. Learn more on the office of diversity, equity and inclusion website.
Extension offers two training programs in mental health first aid
ISU Extension and Outreach is offering mental health first aid training programs for people who work with youth (ages 6-18) and adults. Participants learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders, and then provide initial support to someone and help connect them to the appropriate care. The virtual training includes a two-hour self-study course, completed in advance, and a six-hour instructor-led certification training. Registration costs $55, with funding provided for people who work or study in agriculture, banking, veterinary medicine, nursing or pre-med, and for extension staff; use the code AGPRO. Preregistration is required. Upcoming training dates are:
Save the date: ISCORE 2023 is March 3
Save the date for the 2023 Thomas L. Hill Iowa State Conference on Race and Ethnicity (ISCORE): Wednesday, March 1, for the half-day faculty and staff preconference, and Friday, March 3, for the full-day conference open to all Iowa State community members. Registration opens Feb 1, 2023. The ISCORE planning committee is accepting session proposals through Dec. 2. If you are interested in presenting at ISCORE, visit https://www.iscore.iastate.edu/present-iscore.
Reminder: CyMail is done; email, calendar functions in MS Outlook
Effective Oct. 1, CyMail accounts were permanently deleted as part of Iowa State's transition to Microsoft Outlook and a single, capuswide system for email and calendar functions. Website managers are asked to remove links to Gmail and replace any remaining "CyMail" references with "student email" for a consistent message. Additionally, now is a good time to review Outlook calendar permissions, which control who can see your calendar events and details. ITS recommends "my organization" be set to "can view when I'm busy." More visibility can be granted by sharing your calendar with others, individually.
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
English conversation program seeks volunteers
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 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.