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.
Undergraduate biochemists will share their summer work
The first nine undergraduate participants in the Biochemistry Summer Research Program will present their work during a showcase Thursday, Sept. 8 (4-6 p.m., 1414 Molecular Biology Building). To apply to the program, candidates pitched a research proposal describing a plan of work with a faculty mentor. In addition to research, their summer experience included weekly workshops on building professional communication skills.
Sept. 5 is university holiday
University offices are closed and classes will not meet on Monday, Sept. 5, in observance of the national Labor Day holiday.
Department merger takes effect this week
Two departments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences -- entomology, and plant pathology and microbiology -- officially merge on Sept. 1 to become the department of plant pathology, entomology and microbiology. The intent is to strengthen both programs and open channels in research, teaching and other collaborations. Discussions for merging the departments started in 2019 and final approval from the state Board of Regents occurred in June 2021. Steven Harris has chaired both departments since April 2021. Since it opened in spring 2018, teaching and lab spaces in the Advanced Teaching and Research Building have promoted collaboration among both departments' faculty, staff and students. Faculty, staff, students and alumni of the two programs will celebrate the merger on Sept. 9.
Learn about entrepreneurship resources for students
An information session for ISU students, "Start Something While at Iowa State: Entrepreneurship Resources," will be offered twice this month: Sept. 13 and 16 (4-5 p.m., 3231 Student Innovation Center). Students with an idea for a business are invited to learn about all the resources offered for free to Iowa State students and about the opportunities to get involved at the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship. Register online.
Application window is open for summer Cyclone Aide positions
Looking for a paid leadership opportunity on campus? Become a Cyclone Aide. The position offers opportunities to:
- Develop leadership and customer service skills
- Positively impact new students and guests during orientation
- Coordinate programs for Destination Iowa State and mentor DIS team leaders
Cyclone Aides work May-August, earning $12/hour. They receive summer housing and a meal package. Learn more about the time commitment, responsibilities and benefits of the position. Apply online by 11:59 p.m. Oct. 12. Questions may be directed to Cassidy Conway, 515-294-3765.
Student organizations: Opportunities to participate in Homecoming week
The Homecoming central committee invites all student organizations to get involved in Iowa State's Homecoming celebration, Oct. 30-Nov. 5. Student organizations are invited to participate in two large public events, a kick-off in the Iowa State Center parking lot on Sunday, Oct. 30 (replacing the parade downtown), and ExCYtment in the Streets on Thursday, Nov. 3. Faculty and staff advisors are asked to encourage their student orgs to take part. Details and sign-up are on this Google form. All signups are due by Sept. 30. Questions about student organization involvement in Homecoming can be sent to hcc.kickoff@gmail.com. All clubs are welcome, so be creative and help show off the best of Iowa State to the Ames community.
Nest announces monthly gatherings for fall
The library hosts monthly informal social gatherings for graduate and undergraduate students in the International Nest (4-6 p.m., 034 Parks Library). They're an opportunity to meet people, enjoy conversation and get connected with the library.
- Sept. 8, Topic: Libraries in our home countries, ISU librarians and university library services to help students succeed
- Oct. 13, Let's talk about our cultures
- Nov. 10, Holiday traditions around the globe
- Dec. 1, A chat with librarians about the end of the semester
Base print credits increased for students
Beginning this semester, base printing credits for students doubled from 500 to 1,000. The additional credits are funded through student technology fees. When nearing a zero-credit balance, students can submit a request for more print credits for no additional cost. The request button is available in the ISU Service Portal.
Employees and students have free access to NYT, WSJ
Students, faculty and staff can enjoy free access to The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. For details on how to sign up or more information, see the guidance the university library offers for accessing both publications.
Open house set for Sept. 1 at Student Innovation Center
Students, faculty and staff have a chance to see hands-on creativity in action at the Student Innovation Center's open house Sept. 1 (4-6 p.m.), which will feature demonstrations in the newly opened maker spaces, giveaways, displays and activities to promote the opportunities colleges and student organizations offer at the center.
CyBowl & Billiards announces upgrades
CyBowl & Billiards, on the ground floor of the Memorial Union, has added the Underground Café, and guests may order their favorite restaurant foods such as pizza, chicken tenders, franks in a blanket, taquitos, mozzarella sticks and French fries while they play. Last spring, couches at each bowling lane were replaced with red loungers. Upgrades completed while the building was closed during the pandemic include resurfaced bowling lanes, a new bar top created from old lanes and installation of state-of-the-art pinsetters. The renovated spaces are available for private rentals and party reservations; individual lanes or billiards tables also may be reserved. CyBowl & Billiards is open to the public; ISU students receive special rates. Email cybowl@iastate.edu for any questions or to book an upcoming meeting or party.
City-university garage sale sets records
Driver shortage forces CyRide to reduce weekend service
Due to an acute driver shortage, CyRide has announced that, starting Sunday, Aug. 21, and until further notice, it will operate its break service schedules on Saturdays and Sundays. This means any shaded lines on a bus schedule will not run on Saturdays and Sundays. Reducing weekend trips is one strategy to preserve existing services and avoid unpredictable missed trips that potentially could strand passengers.
Goo Goo Dolls tickets on sale Aug. 19
Monthly art walks announced for fall semester
University museums staff will lead a monthly art walk on Wednesdays (noon-1 p.m.) this fall. These walking tours begin at different places on campus (including indoors beginning in December) and focus on a theme. The art walks are free; registration is requested.
Single event tickets for Stephens season now on sale
Individual tickets for all 17 shows in the 2022-23 Performing Arts Series at Stephens Auditorium are now on sale. Previously, subscription packages, which require ticket purchases for at least four events, had been on sale. Subscription options remain available, too. The 2022-23 season opens on Sept. 20 and runs through April 22, 2023. Tickets may be purchased online via Ticketmaster or at the Stephens ticket office (11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and beginning 90 minutes before any ticketed event).
MU poster sale runs Aug. 17-26
The Memorial Union will host its annual poster sale to kick off fall semester Aug. 17-26 in the Campanile Room. It's open to the public. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and noon-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Choose from among hundreds of posters, most of which are priced between $8 and $15. Sale proceeds support MU art exhibit programs.
Childcare assistance for undergraduate parents
ISU WorkLife & Family Services is accepting applications for the undergraduate Childcare Assistance Program (CAP). This scholarship program is available to undergraduate student parents attending Iowa State who have out-of-pocket costs for child care services. Eligible student parents may receive up to $1,250 per semester. Students with the highest financial need will receive priority consideration. Full eligibility guidelines and application instructions are available on the Child Care & Family Services website. Questions may be emailed to worklife@iastate.edu.
Illegal parking, nuisance party fines increase Aug.19-21
In response to concerns about large house parties, noise, excessive drinking, unsafe behavior and illegal parking during the weekend before the start of Iowa State classes, the Ames City Council approved changes to the city code. These changes apply only to the weekend of Friday, Aug. 19, through Sunday, Aug. 21.
On Saturday, Aug. 20, vehicles that are illegally parked on streets from Lincoln Way south to Mortensen Road and from Beach Avenue west to State Avenue are subject to immediate towing. The immediate towing is necessary to ensure emergency vehicles have access to neighborhoods or residents. From 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, through 4 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, the fine for being cited with a nuisance party is $650 for the first offense and $855 for the second offense.
Nominations, applications sought for student affairs board
Senior vice president for student affairs Toyia Younger is seeking undergraduate and graduate students to serve on the 2022-23 Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Student Advisory Board. Student board members provide critical feedback on events, programs and policies impacting the student experience at Iowa State. Board members meet monthly with Younger and engage in discussions online. Faculty and staff may nominate a student by Aug. 24 or encourage students to apply online by Aug. 31.
ClubFest planned for Aug. 31
The annual ClubFest, an opportunity for students to learn about many of the clubs and organizations at Iowa State, will be Aug. 31 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) at the Memorial Union. Student organizations will have display tables on the MU terraces, all of its ballrooms and west of the building along Morrill Road and the parking loop. From 6:15 a.m. to 6 p.m., Morrill Road will close from Union Drive to the ramp entrance off Morrill south of the MU. A volunteer fair featuring Ames nonprofits and agencies will be held the same day in the MU Campanile Room (11 a.m.-3 p.m.). Student organizations can begin registering for ClubFest Aug. 10.
'A Charlie Brown Christmas' tickets on sale Aug. 5
Tickets for a Nov. 29 performance of the Broadway-style production of "A Charlie Brown Christmas Live" at Stephens Auditorium go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5, online through Ticketmaster or at the Stephens Auditorium ticket office. Tickets are $31-$51. The performance begins at 6:30 p.m.
City-university rummage sale wraps up on Saturday
The annual Rummage Rampage, held at the Ames Intermodal Facility, 129 Hayward Ave. to coincide with apartment leases expiring, is in its final days. Local residents donate no-longer needed items with a still-useful life for this community sale. The remaining schedule is:
- Thursday-Friday, Aug. 4-5, noon-6 p.m., sales and drop-off
- Saturday, Aug. 6, 8 a.m.-noon, half-price sale only (no drop-offs)
Summer undergraduate research event is Aug. 4
ISU's summer Undergraduate Research Symposium will be held Thursday, Aug. 4 (1-3 p.m., MU Great Hall). During the summer, many campus labs provided opportunities for Iowa State students and participants in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program to conduct research. Learn more about 75 projects presented by 100+ students in a poster format (and summarized in this symposium program). Refreshments will be provided. Questions may be directed to Svitlana Zbarska, undergraduate research program coordinator campuswide, 515-294-2064.
City-university 'Rummage Rampage' is July 29-Aug. 6
The annual Rummage Rampage, held at the Ames Intermodal Facility, 129 Hayward Ave., is an opportunity for local residents to donate no-longer needed items with a still-useful life for this community sale. It coincides each summer with apartment leases ending on July 31. An estimated 40 area non-profit organizations that provide volunteer labor share proceeds from the sale. Key 2022 dates are:
- Friday, July 29, noon-6 p.m., drop-off only
- Saturday, July 30-Friday, Aug. 5 (various hours), sales and drop-off
- Saturday, Aug. 6, 8 a.m.-noon, half-price sale only (no drop-offs)
Tuition decision anticipated at July 27 regents meeting
- B.S. in climate science, department of geological and atmospheric sciences, that would take effect this fall.
- B.A. in computer science, department of computer science, scheduled for implementation in January 2023.
MU's Art for Rent open house is Aug. 2-4
The Memorial Union's annual Art for Rent open house will be held Tuesday-Thursday, Aug. 2-4, in the MU Art Gallery, ground level. Rent framed posters, prints and paintings for your office or home for six months or a full year (and you don't have to be affiliated with ISU to participate). There are about 275 pieces to choose from; most rent for $10-$25/year. Payment may be in cash, credit card or department charge. Open house hours are 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday.
Lab safety orientation offered on four dates in August
Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) is offering a half-day lab safety orientation in August for undergraduate and graduate students and postdocs. The session will be offered four times: Aug. 11, 15, 17 and 18 (8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., EH&S Services Building); register via Learn@ISU. The orientation will include an introduction to EH&S resources, hazard assessment, core concepts of lab safety, emergency response guide (video), fire safety and hands-on fire extinguisher training. Questions about the session or registration may be directed to Nikki Brandon.
Presenters sought for fall STEM majors/careers conference for girls
The Program for Women in Science and Engineering seeks session proposals for its Go Further STEM conferences for young women this fall (9 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 27 for 8th graders, Nov. 1 for 9th-10th graders). The online proposal form is due Sept. 5. Presentations are for 45 or 90 minutes and should include diversity in both the curriculum and among the presenters (when a team presents). A guidelines and best practices sheet provides other helpful information for preparing proposals. If you'd like to discuss a session idea or have questions, contact Mackenzie Schwartz, mjs18@iastate.edu.
New name: Ames National Laboratory
Ames Laboratory on the north side of the Iowa State campus has changed its official name to Ames National Laboratory. The change aligns the lab with naming conventions for the U.S. Department of Energy's 16 other national laboratories and identifies it more accurately as a federal research facility to stakeholders and the public.
Heads up: City-university rummage sale is July 29-Aug. 6
The annual Rummage Rampage, held at the Ames Intermodal Facility, 129 Hayward Ave., is an opportunity for local residents to donate no-longer needed items with a still-useful life for this community sale. It coincides each summer with rental leases ending on July 31. Key 2022 dates are:
- Friday, July 29, noon-6 p.m., drop-off only
- Saturday, July 30-Friday, Aug. 5 (various hours), sales and drop-off
- Saturday, Aug. 6, 8 a.m.-noon, half-price sale only (no drop-offs)
Area non-profit organizations that pledged volunteer hours share proceeds from the sale. The volunteer oriention meeting is July 13 (6-7:30 p.m., Ames Water Plant, 1800 E. 13th St.).
Volunteers take nearly a half ton of trash out of College Creek
Thirty-five volunteers provided nearly 100 hours Saturday, June 18, to clean up sections of College Creek running through campus, campustown and the university's arboretum during the 13th annual creek cleanup event, coordinated by the office of sustainability. They removed more than 900 pounds of trash from the creek and creek bank, including a bicycle, fencing, metal pipe, fast food wrappers, bottles, cans, containers and a concrete picnic table. Volunteers also removed garlic mustard from around the creek and campus wooded areas.
David Williamson will have Goldfinch Room concert on July 12
The Goldfinch Room series at Stephens Auditorium announces its July concert: David Williamson on Tuesday, July 12 (7 p.m.). Williamson is a native Iowan known best as a sculptor and poet, but he also is a 2018 Iowa Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame inductee and a founding member of The Bushmen from Jefferson (a band that played an outdoor summer gig at Friley Hall in 1966!). Two ticket options are available: A table for up to four ($40) or a limited number of general admission tickets ($15). Concessions will be available.
The Workspace is open afternoons/evenings in July
July hours at the Workspace in the Memorial Union are 2-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Drop-in crafts (pinwheel paintings oyster shell trinket dish) and Paint Your Own Pottery (themed by the week) can be done in the studio, or take an art kit to go. Ice dying -- a variation of tie-dying -- is 2-8 p.m. on Fridays only, and two paint-by-number evenings for adults are scheduled July 14 and 28 (5-8 p.m.). Fees range from $8 to $20.
Private gift boosts extension's donation garden project
ISU Extension and Outreach's Growing Together Iowa statewide donation garden project, which shares fresh produce with local food pantries, received $20,000 from Amerigroup, a managed care company. The gift expands extension's capacity to sustain existing project sites and offer funds to high-priority communities. Last year, Growing Together Iowa volunteers harvested and donated almost 91,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables to food pantries.
Des Moines businessman named to regents vacancy
Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed James "JC" Risewick to the state Board of Regents, effective June 21 and subject to confirmation by the Iowa Senate when it next meets. Risewick will complete the six-year term (through April 2025) of former regent Milt Dakovich, who died in February after a lengthy cancer battle. His appointment fills the board at nine members.
Risewick is the president and COO of Seneca Companies, Des Moines. He has served in multiple roles with the company since 2006. He was a member of the Des Moines' Business Record's 2014 "Forty Under 40" class. He earned a bachelor's degree in business from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio; and completed the Minnesota Management Institute in the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management.
Garden donations sought for local food pantries
Story County Plant a Row for the Hungry (PAR) -- gardeners sharing their produce with local food agencies -- is underway for the 2022 growing season. Home gardeners may drop off produce at the Reiman Gardens maintenance building on Mondays (7:30-9 a.m.) or at the gardens' front desk on Saturdays (10 a.m.-5 p.m.). Collection dates are June 25-Oct. 17 (no collection on holiday Mondays July 4 and Sept. 5). PAR volunteers distribute produce to MICA food pantry, Primary Health Care, Salvation Army, Food at First, the SHOP at Iowa State and Bethesda food pantry. Volunteers also are needed to harvest, collect, weigh and distribute donated produce to the agencies. For more information, contact Reiman Gardens horticulturist Kara Hetrick, 294-6797.
Reminder: University Boulevard closed overnight this week
To accommodate crews setting in place the pedestrian bridge spans across University Boulevard, the road will be closed overnight (7 p.m.-7 a.m.) Tuesday through Friday nights, June 28-July 1. The designated detour will route overnight traffic around the west side of the stadium using South Fourth Street, Beach Avenue and Mortensen Road. Motorists traveling north on University Boulevard from U.S. Highway 30 will be able to access South 16th Street/College of Veterinary Medicine during the overnight closures.
From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., University Boulevard traffic will be limited to one lane in each direction between South Fourth and 16th streets.
Spencer Award nominations due July 5
The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture has extended the request for nominations for the 2022 Spencer Award through July 5. The cash prize of up to $2,000 recognizes contributions that advance ecological and economic practices to make agriculture more sustainable and the family farm secure for the future. Recipients have included farmers, landowners, professors, extension educators, farm managers and USDA scientists. For the first time, graduate students are eligible for the award this year. It's named for Norman and Margaretha Spencer, who farmed in Woodbury County for 40 years. More information, including the nomination form, are online.
Yoga in the gardens for five Mondays starts next week
After-work yoga at Reiman Gardens, with Ames Parks and Recreation instructor Stephanie Yocca, begins Monday, June 27, and continues for four more Mondays through Aug. 1 (5:45-6:30 p.m. weekly). There is no class on Monday, July 4. Participants provide their own yoga mat. The cost is $45 for Ames residents and Reiman Gardens members ($60 for all others, $38 for ISU students); registration is due June 26.
Information to recover from a flood
ISU Extension and Outreach has gathered research-based, educational resources to help Iowans prepare for and recover from flooding. See the Dealing with Flooding page on extension's Disaster Recovery website.
Goatfeathers will perform June 21 in the Goldfinch Room
The Iowa Americana band Goatfeathers, featuring singer-songwriters Chris Patterson and IT services' Spencer Braly, will perform in Stephens Auditorium's Goldfinch Room series Tuesday, June 21 (7 p.m., Celebrity Café). A limited number of tables (seating up to four) for $40 and general admission individual tickets for $15 remain. Reservations can be made online. Concessions also will be available. Following COVID changes to the format, the Goldfinch series is returning this summer to the Celebrity Café on the ground floor of Stephens Auditorium where it began in January 2019.
Help yourself cope following mass shootings
David Brown, behavioral health state specialist with Extension and Outreach, shares tips from the American Psychological Association for coping with our reactions -- anger, shock, anxiety, grief -- to news coverage of mass shootings. Brown also shares contact information for Extension's Iowa Concern Hotline and the national Disaster Distress Helpline.
Anderson is a panelist in June 1 webinar on media violence and youth
Craig Anderson, Distinguished Professor of psychology, will take part in a webinar, "Violence of the Lambs: The Influence of Media Violence on Youth," Wednesday, June 1 (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CST, via Zoom). Audience members may submit or ask questions of the panelists. Register. The webinar is sponsored by Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development.
COVID-19: By the numbers
For the week that ended May 22, the positive rate for COVID-19 tests completed at the Thielen Student Health Center was 30% (3 of 10 tests completed), up from 23.9% a week earlier. Testing reflects both symptomatic students and student-athletes following NCAA testing protocols. The vaccination rate among Story County residents at least 5 years old rose to 66.4% as of May 25. Iowa State is providing weekly updates on these and other public health benchmarks on its COVID-19: By the numbers website.
May 30 is university holiday
University offices are closed and classes will not meet Monday, May 30, in observance of the national Memorial Day holiday.
Flags temporarily removed from central campus pole
The American and state of Iowa flags that fly over central campus have been temporarily removed until the aging flag pole can be replaced. A recent inspection discovered structural concerns in the top section of the 80-foot pole, which has withstood numerous wind storms and a derecho. Facilities planning and management staff are working on estimates, including cost and time needed to complete the project. The best estimate is that the current flag pole was installed in the mid-1970s. The university will have flags on display May 30 for the Memorial Day holiday at the Memorial Union east entrance driveway.
Creamery adds ice cream sandwiches
Partnering with Des Moines-based Iowa Cookie Co, the ISU Creamery now offers three varieties of ice cream sandwiches, called "grabbers." All of the sandwiches feature the creamery's Two Swans (vanilla) ice cream paired with chocolate chip, double chocolate or almond sugar cookies. Grabbers sell for $6.50 in limited supplies at the creamery's retail store, 2955 Food Sciences Building.
Extension, Iowa Public Radio collaborate on gardening podcast
ISU Extension and Outreach and Iowa Public Radio have launched a podcast series, "Garden Variety," that will cover topics of interest to Midwestern gardeners including horticulture, forestry, entomology and more. IPR host Charity Nebbe will host experts, including extension specialists, sharing answers to common gardening questions.