New fan plan at November competitions
Amid rising COVID-19 positivity rates, athletics director Jamie Pollard announced Nov. 17 that attendance at the Nov. 21 home football game and both November men's and women's home basketball games will be limited to just the families and guests of student-athletes and program staff. "We feel it is in the best interest of our state, community and university for the Iowa State athletics department to be a leader in limiting social gatherings during these times," Pollard wrote in an update to Cyclone fans.
Response to concerns about social media post
University leaders have responded to demands made by a group of faculty, staff and students voicing their concerns about a student organization's post-Election Day social media post. Additionally, the Nov. 16 response was posted to Iowa State's Campus Climate website. Previously, university leaders addressed the issue with the student organization and informed its leaders about conduct that would violate university policy and the Student Code of Conduct.
Wanted: More yellow buckets for glass recycling
The office of sustainability is requesting additional donations of empty 5-gallon yellow buckets from Tidy Cats cat litter -- with red or blue hinged lids intact, rinsed out and dry. Following a successful July 2012 pilot, Iowa State's glass recycling project uses the buckets for discarded laboratory glass such as pipettes, slides and petri dishes. They're also used for the residence halls' recycling program. The end goal is to keep glass out of the garbage stream to prevent mechanical damage at both the city's resource recovery plant and power plant. There are two drop-off sites during business hours:
- 108 General Services Building (director of sustainability Merry Rankin's office)
- Environmental Health and Safety Services Building, front desk
Visit the Brunnier Art Museum Thanksgiving weekend
The Brunnier Art Museum will be open over the Thanksgiving weekend on Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 28-29 (1-4 p.m. daily). Visitors can see the Contemplate Japan and A New World: 600 BCE – 600 CE exhibitions, which will be closing after that weekend. Admission is free, however there is a recommended donation of $8. The Brunnier Art Museum is located on the second floor of the Scheman Building; park for free in the lot north of the building.
ISCORE proposals due Dec. 1
The Iowa State Conference on Race and Ethnicity (ISCORE) is accepting proposals on race and ethnicity from faculty, staff and students through Dec. 1. The 2021 ISCORE event will be held virtually March 4-5, with a preconference for faculty and staff March 3. Proposals should include a title, 200-word abstract and 1-2 learning outcomes. Students are asked to include the name of a faculty or staff member familiar with their presentation plans.
Tickets on sale for ACTORS production at Stephens Auditorium
Updated Nov. 12: Tickets are on sale this month through Stephens Auditorium for:
- ACTORS, Ames Community Theater's production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," Nov. 12-14 (7:30 p.m.) and Nov. 15 (2 p.m.), $20, tickets are available online via ThunderTix or at Alpha Copies, 3615 Lincoln Way, seating is physically distanced
- Due to the COVID-19 monthlong lockdown in England, The Choir Man livestream performance from London scheduled for Nov. 20 has been postponed to a later date. Those who bought tickets will be contacted about refund options.
Map highlights indoor spaces set aside for studying
Select classrooms and many common areas are serving as study spaces during fall semester. No reservations are needed. Occupant capacities and hours will be posted on classrooms; common spaces are available during regular building hours. Physical distancing and face covering requirements must be observed. A PDF that includes maps, locations and hours is available online.
APLU recognizes Iowa State for innovation
An effort to ramp up production of face shields when the COVID-19 pandemic hit is one example of Iowa State’s innovation and discovery that the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities recognized with its 2020 Innovation and Economic Prosperity Innovation award. The award also recognized the opportunities for innovation and collaboration through the new Student Innovation Center and the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, as well as support for startups from the Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations.
Library hours unchanged for prep and finals weeks; prep week events set
The library will remain open normal semester business hours Nov. 16-25. The library partnered with Student Health and Wellness for a series of carefully considered, physically distanced activities during prep week. Experts will lead simple relaxation techniques to help students decompress each day of prep week.
SHOP has employee volunteer opportunities during prep, finals week and winter break
The student leadership team for the Students Helping Our Peers (SHOP) food pantry, 1306 Beyer, is asking ISU employees to volunteer their time to help keep the SHOP open during November, December and January. Sign up in one-hour increments using the appropriate online form below; volunteering details will be emailed to you. Two schedules are available:
- Prep and Finals weeks, Nov. 16-25: Tuesdays and Friday (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) and Wednesdays (4-7 p.m.)
- Winter break, Nov. 30-Jan. 22, 2021: Tuesdays and Fridays (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)
If you are unable to volunteer at this time but are interested in helping in the future, provide us your contact information to be put on a short list for other opportunities.
'Jagged Little Pill' concert tickets on sale Nov. 16
The Broadway cast of the Tony Award-nominated musical "Jagged Little Pill" is reuniting for a live one-hour concert, featuring selections from the show, Sunday, Dec. 13 (7 p.m. CST), to support performance venues around the country. Tickets for access to the livestream are $27 through Nov. 22 ($33 after) and go on sale to the public at 9 a.m. Nov. 16. A portion of each ticket sold on the Iowa State Center's link supports Stephens Auditorium operations. Information on options for watching the performance are shared in a FAQ on the website.
'Stars and Stripes Forever' performance is Wednesday
On Wednesday, Nov. 11 -- Veteran's Day and the 100th anniversary of a concert by the John Philip Sousa Band in State Gymnasium -- members of ISU's Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will play Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever" outside State Gym at 12:30 p.m. Before the pandemic, the music department was planning a Sousa-style concert that evening in State Gym to mark the anniversary of the Sousa Band's only concert in Ames.
Holiday art sale is Nov. 18-21
The Memorial Union's annual holiday art sale will be held Nov. 18-21 as a pop up shop in the building's new first-floor art gallery, formerly the browsing library. Hours are 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts from the MU Workspace and campus community of artists, including vases, vessels and ornaments from the ISU Gaffer's Guild, earrings and other jewelry, pottery, watercolor illustrations, paintings, upcycled bags and scarves, marbled paper and more. Mystery boxes, filled with an array of treasures from participating artists, are back by popular demand. New this year are Workspace art kits (supplies to make a hand-made gift) or the option to sign up for a monthly kit subscription. The sale will enforce a capacity limit for shoppers' safety.
Asymptomatic students may get a COVID-19 test before break
Students may get tested for COVID-19 prior to leaving for winter break -- even if they don't feel sick. Asymptomatic testing will be offered at Johnny's in Hilton Coliseum, by appointment only, Nov. 16-21. Students may schedule online; they also need to complete the pre-testing questionnaire.
December graduates asked to pick up CYlebration kits
Last week, the office of the registrar started distributing graduation CYlebration gifts to fall-semester graduates prior to virtual commencement Nov. 28. The packet includes a diploma cover or tube, streamer tube, souvenir tassel, commencement program and honors cords, if applicable. Packets may be picked up in 214 Enrollment Services Center (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday), during these assigned weeks:
- Oct. 26-30: Last names A-G
- Nov. 2-6: Last names H-O
- Nov. 9-13: Last names P-Z
Graduates unable to pick up their gift during their assigned week should e-mail graduation@iastate.edu.
Chase Rice to perform for ISU students Nov. 13
Country singer/songwriter Chase Rice will perform a free virtual concert and conversation with Iowa State students on Friday, Nov. 13 (8 p.m. via Zoom). Iowa State students must register online at www.sub.iastate.edu with their ISU email address to receive a link the night of the show.
Honors students will present archives research
The university community is invited to listen in Wednesday, Nov. 11 (3:30-5 p.m., via Webex) when 10 Honors students enrolled this fall in Hon321Q, Archives Investigations, present their final projects based on primary source research from items in the university's special collections and university archives. The students represent five colleges and all undergraduate years:
- Agriculture and Life Sciences: Audrey Jenkins
- Business: Luella Gaskell, Nathan Mathews
- Design: Rachel Brokenshire
- Engineering: Aiden Lee Petersen
- Liberal Arts and Sciences: Ada Ellingworth, Emily Gehling, Zachary Hauptmann, Delenn Palmer, Nolan Pithan
Set your clocks back Saturday night
Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. Clocks should be set back one hour for standard time.
Begin providing comments on proposed renaming policy Nov. 1
A public comment period will run Nov. 1-23 for a draft policy on considering the removal of names from university property. The draft will be available in the policy library.
Demonstration safety team rebuilding at a crucial time
After staffing about a half dozen events over the summer and fall, the demonstration safety team is looking to expand, both in size and scope. The faculty and staff team responds to protest events and conducts outreach with student groups on freely, safely and productively exercising their constitutional rights to assembly and expression.
Symptom checker serves as a reminder to self-assess
The one-question daily symptom checker survey is designed to assist with pillar four in the Cyclones Care behaviors campaign: Stay home if you are ill. Even on weekends or other days when you're not on campus, it's a reminder to keep tabs on your health.
Guidelines are reminder it's OK to gather in person
New guidance on informal gatherings doesn't replace or conflict with any university COVID-19 policies or guidelines, but it clarifies and highlights that casual interactions such as study groups or lunch with your team are possible.
Library closes fourth-floor study spaces
Student study spaces on the fourth floor of Parks Library have presented an ongoing problem due to student noncompliance with Iowa State's face covering policy. To prioritize the safety of everyone using the library, fourth-floor study spaces have been closed for the rest of the fall semester and the upcoming winter session. The library plans to reopen these study spaces in the spring. The library's special collections and university archives, located on the fourth floor, will remain open.
Reminder: Students must activate MFA by Oct. 31
The deadline for students to activate their multifactor authentication (MFA) preferences for the Okta login process is Oct. 31. MFA provides a one-time authentication code during the login process to verify the user's identity. It helps defend against cyberattacks that can compromise university systems and individual accounts. Step-by-step setup help is available on the ITS website.
Block and Bridle Club fundraiser orders due Nov. 9
The Block and Bridle Club is accepting orders for its summer sausage and cheese sales, which will not be conducted in person on campus this year. Items are available individually or as prepackaged assortments, and range in price from $9 to $25. Order forms are due Nov. 9. Funds are used for club activities, events and scholarships.
Students invited to online study session
Night Against Procrastination is planned for Sunday, Nov. 1 (5-9 p.m., online). Join the University Library, Academic Success Center and Writing and Media Center to study and work on projects. Optional presentations will be available on study strategies, helpful writing tips and healthy sleep habits. Work one-on-one or in groups with a subject librarian, writing consultants from the Writing and Media Center and subject tutors from the Academic Center. Get a head start on finals and finish the semester strong. There will be drawings for door prizes throughout the evening.
Groundbreaking for state vet lab is Oct. 30
State and university leaders and donors will break ground for the new state Veterinary Diagnostics Lab Friday afternoon, Oct. 30, on the site south of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Construction is scheduled to begin in March with completion targeted for fall 2023.
CyThx recognitions now being accepted
The recognition initiative CyThx, now in its third year, aims to honor those individuals who make you feel like a valued member of the ISU community. Faculty, graduate teaching assistants, mentors, advisers, colleagues and others are eligible to be recognized until Nov. 30. The online submission form is active, and all who are recognized will receive an email and acknowledgement on the CyThx website between Dec. 9 and Jan. 4. CyThx is a joint effort of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, learning communities, Graduate and Professional Student Senate, office of multicultural student affairs and Student Government.
Reminder: Classrooms designated for student study
Nearly 40 rooms in a dozen campus buildings are available weekdays as independent study areas with limited capacities. Ten rooms (indicated in bold) are open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday-Friday. The remaining rooms are open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days when they're not in use as a classroom.
- Agronomy Hall (2026)
- Carver Hall (0008, 0118, 0128, 0160, 0174, 0184, 0190, 0274, 0290, 0294)
- Curtiss Hall (0108, 0225)
- Food Sciences Building (2311, 2315)
- Forker Building (0291)
- Gilman Hall (1051, 1114, 1811, 2104, 2354)
- Hamilton Hall (0210)
- Howe Hall (1246)
- Pearson Hall (1105, 1106, 2125, 2131, 2158, 3125, 3131, 3137, 3149)
- Physics Hall (0038, 0043, 0056, 0058)
- Sweeney Hall (1116)
- Town Engineering Building (0206, 0230)
ISU honey added to weekly produce sale
Honey harvested from hives at the ISU horticulture farm north of Ames is being sold to members of the campus community through the horticulture department's weekly produce sale (see "pure honey.") The sale website is open from Tuesday noon until Thursday noon each week, with campus curbside pickup on Friday (11 a.m.-1. p.m., outside the Meat Lab, northwest corner of lot 39). Two jar sizes are available: 15 ounces ($10) and 2.5 ounces ($4). Payment is by cash or check at pickup. First-time shoppers will set up an account on the site.
Creamery will serve college flavors beginning Nov. 2
The ISU Creamery, 2953 Food Sciences, will start rotating in its eight college ice cream flavors, four at a time, Monday, Nov. 2. The flavors rose to the top during a spring competition in which students, employees and alumni could propose a flavor unique to one of the university's colleges. College administrators and staff selected their flavor. The cost is $3-$5 (single to triple scoop). For a limited time, an $8 sampling tray will include all eight flavors. The Creamery will sell all eight college flavors in 32-ounce containers for $12, and Sparks, the student-run cafe on the fourth floor of the Student Innovation Center, will sell eight-ounce cartons for $5.50. In addition to four college flavors, the Creamery will continue to offer two of its traditional flavors, 1858 (dark chocolate) and Two Swans (vanilla), by the scoop.
Fifth annual ISU Innovation Prize set for Nov. 6-7
The fifth annual ISU Innovation Prize Nov. 6-7 will offer students, faculty, staff and community members a chance to brainstorm solutions in one of three focus areas: ag tech, ed tech and global impact. Participants will work in small groups, either one assembled prior to the event or formed from those who enter without a set team. The contest is sponsored by the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship and the Agricultural Entrepreneurship Initiative. Winning teams in each category will receive a $1,500 prize. Prior registration online is required. The event will be held in-person throughout the Student Innovation Center and begins at 5 p.m. Nov. 6. Cyclones Care protocols, such as wearing a face covering, will be required.
Garden seeks winter light show volunteers
Reiman Gardens is recruiting volunteers with winter cheer for its first annual holiday light show, which will be offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings Dec. 3 through Jan. 2, excluding Christmas. Volunteers also are needed to assist with setting up the show weekdays during regular business hours, starting in early November (dates/times to be determined). All work will take place outdoors, and shifts are 2-3 hours. Volunteers receive two tickets to the show each time they volunteer. Volunteer online. Questions may be directed to rgvolunteer@iastate.edu or 294-8225.
Study abroad programs canceled through April
Spring study abroad programs scheduled to depart before May 1, 2021, have been canceled. The university will continue to monitor the global situation and provide updates when decisions are made on study abroad programs scheduled after May 1.
Campus conversation will reflect on the presidential election
Iowa State's next Campus Conversation will be held the day after the national election, Wednesday, Nov. 4 (noon-1 p.m., via Webex) and is titled, "The 2020 Presidential Election: Moving Forward Together." Barb Wheelock, Story County Democrats, and Judy Trumpy, Story County Republicans, will discuss their experience with Braver Angels, an organization working to depolarize America after the election. The conversation will include time for Q&A. Register online.
Student contest offers $1,000 prize for innovation-themed music
The Cyclone Marching Band and the Student Innovation Center are co-sponsoring a contest for students to compose a 60-second musical score for the Innovate at Iowa State initiative. The score will be orchestrated by the Cyclone Marching Band and used before weekly Innovator Forum sessions and other ISU events. Teams can include up to six students and have a faculty or corporate adviser, though submissions must be the original work of students. The winning team will receive $1,000. Entries are due by Nov. 1. Contest rules and a registration form are available online.
CELT offers 'Inclusive Classroom' training this fall
The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching is offering three all-university sessions, via Zoom, of its Inclusive Classroom (Year 1) annual training for faculty who missed their departmental sessions earlier this year, staff with teaching responsibilities and graduate teaching assistants. All are welcome to participate. Questions may be emailed to celt@iastate.edu. The dates (with registration links) are:
- Tuesday, Oct. 20 (2-3 p.m.)
- Monday, Nov. 9 (noon-1 p.m.)
- Tuesday, Nov. 17 (3-4 p.m.)
Product boxes are part of 'Women Who Create' week
As part of ISU's annual Women Who Create week (Oct. 19-23), the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship partnered with Innovate 1858 (retail store in the Student Innovation Center) to launch on Oct. 20 a limited number of specially-curated boxes that include products from nine women-owned Iowa businesses. The boxes were built around two themes, Comfort at Home and The Inner Artist, as a strategy to directly support women entrepreneurs. Would-be shoppers can sign up to be notified of the exact hour the boxes will be released. Initially, the boxes will be sold online.
Preregistration is open (and required) for 'Spirits in the Gardens'
Preregistration and and a timed admit ticket are required for Reiman Gardens' Spirits in the Gardens, to be held over two weekends, Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 31-Nov. 1 (5-10 p.m. nightly). On these four days, the gardens will close at 4 p.m. so staff can set up for Spirits in the Gardens. Friday evenings (7-10 p.m., Oct 23, Oct. 30) will feature a jack-o-lantern preview only, without activities or treats. Other COVID safety features include a face covering mandate for all, one-direction garden pathways and pre-packaged treat bags that will be presented to children as they leave the event. Admission is $7 ($6 for members and ISU students).
Trail connects research park to county road R-38
A 10-foot paved trail now extends 2.5 miles west from University Boulevard to bike lanes on county highway R-38/South Dakota Avenue, the final phase of Story County Conservation's Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor in the ISU Research Park. Most of the new trail runs adjacent to 260th Street, on some private property and land owned by the university and ISU Foundation. Some amenities, such as benches, signage and a bike repair station, have yet to be installed at the eastern end.
The new trail section connects the park and the rest of Ames to surrounding communities, the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail (Slater to Rhoads) and the High Trestle Trail (Ankeny to Woodward).
Extending north from the Tedesco corridor is the city's newly paved Vet Med trail (Airport Road to South 16th Street), completed this summer. The city trail from South Fourth to South 16th streets is closed until next fall as part of a city project to extend Grand Avenue to South 16th Street.
University to randomly test students for COVID-19
As part of its broad COVID-19 mitigation plan, the university will begin randomly testing students -- undergraduate, graduate and professional -- for the disease at the Hilton Colisum testing site. In an Oct. 9 memo emailed to all students, authors President Wendy Wintersteen, Graduate and Professional Student Senate president Eleanor Field and Student Government president Morgan Fritz said the intent is to identify more asymptomatic positive cases of COVID-19 and pinpoint any areas with notable case counts to identify further testing strategies.
Students selected for random testing will receive a text or email with scheduling instructions; the first notices will be sent Oct. 12. The random testing isn't mandatory, but those who complete it receive a $5 ISU Dining gift card and will be entered in a drawing for larger prizes, including scholarships, a housing contract and a dining contract.
Greek community holding no-contact trick-or-treat event Oct. 24
The sorority and fraternity community plans to hold its annual trick-or-treat event for families Saturday, Oct. 24 (4-6 p.m., stadium parking lot S2 near Reiman Gardens). The free event for childen in kindergarten through eighth grade will feature no-contact and minimal-contact treats, carnival games and crafts. A costume parade will be held at 5 p.m. Registration is not required. Face coverings are required and crowd size will be monitored to ensure sufficient space for physical distancing. For more information on safety measures planned, go to the event website. Parents also may call 515-294-1023 or email kbuttler@iastate.edu with any questions.
Early voting is underway, will expand to Scheman and city library
In-person early voting for the Nov. 3 general election began at the Story County administration building in Nevada this week, with satellite voting beginning in Ames on Saturday. Through Nov. 2, voters can cast in-person ballots at the county administration building, 900 6th St. in Nevada, on weekdays (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) and on Saturdays, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.). The poll will be open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. every Saturday until the election (Oct. 10, 17, 24 and 31) at the Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave. A poll will be open on campus for four weekdays in October -- Oct. 12, 13, 19 and 21 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) at the Scheman Building, 1805 Center Drive. All eligible Story County voters can cast ballots at any early voting location.
Parent orientation for YSS Kids Club is Oct. 8
YSS Kids Club, which will provide full-day distance learning care and support for school-age children in Ross Hall beginning next week, will hold a virtual orientation for parents on Oct. 8 (11:30 a.m., via Zoom). Parents who have, or are considering enrolling their children in the program should register online to receive the orientation link.
Comedian Ron White show postponed to next fall
The Stephens Auditorium performance by comedian Ron White, previously rescheduled for Oct. 24 (from April 24) has been rescheduled again to Oct. 21, 2021. Tickets purchased for both 2020 dates will be honored for the October 2021 show. Ticket prices range from $45 to $74 plus fees and remain on sale via Ticketmaster.
Student face covering model is on sale at bookstore
The cloth face covering designed on campus last summer for ISU students this fall is now being sold by the ISU Bookstore, either online or in its Memorial Union location. The genesis tale of the face covering, involving fast work by textiles faculty and procurement specialists, was featured last month in Inside Iowa State.
Regents will meet Oct. 5 on Iowa presidency
The state Board of Regents will hold a special meeting Monday, Oct. 5 (1 p.m., online) to discuss a presidential search at the University of Iowa. The meeting will be livestreamed on the board's website. President Bruce Harreld has announced his retirement from the university, but he will stay in his position until the regents select his successor. The board office indicated the goal is to have a new president in place by the fall 2021 semester. Harreld has served as the university's president since November 2015.
Hours adjusted Oct. 2-3 at COVID-19 testing site
Due to home Cyclone volleyball matches and football game, the university's COVID-19 testing site at Johnny's in Hilton Coliseum will have special hours on Friday, Oct. 2 (8 a.m.- 2 p.m.), and will be closed on Saturday, Oct. 3. Thielen Student Health Center will keep its normal hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday.
Quarantines no longer needed if face coverings were worn
The Iowa Public Department of Public Health no longer recommends a quarantine for people who have had close contact (within 6 feet for 15 consecutive minutes) with someone who is COVID-19-positive, if both parties were wearing face coverings correctly the entire time. Iowa State will begin following the new guidance, though it likely won’t affect quarantine frequency much, President Wendy Wintersteen and top university health leaders said in a Sept. 30 campus message. Nearly 98% of individuals Iowa State has required to quarantine were exposed outside of the classroom. Common settings where individuals have been exposed and required to quarantine include household environments and dining areas, where face coverings aren't required. Close contacts who were wearing a face covering still should be tested; however they should wait at least 48 hours after exposure before testing. They will be supported by the university if they choose to quarantine.
Reiman Gardens moves to fall hours, opens conservatory complex
Reiman Gardens will reopen it conservatory complex, including the butterfly wing, Thursday, Oct. 1, the same day it switches to fall and winter hours (10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily). Guests once again are asked to enter the gardens through the main entrance in the conservatory building. Masks are required in the building, and all indoor spaces will have reduced capacities to accommodate social distancing. Visitors should observe one-direction traffic in the Hughes Conservatory. The Garden Room will remain closed.