Announcements for Students

Registration is open for 'business of art' March conference

Registration is open for the 7th annual Business of Art conference March 7-8, 2025, at Reiman Gardens, hosted by the Ames Community Arts Council and the Octagon Center for the Arts. Designed to strengthen business skills and provide resources for both formally trained and self-taught creatives, the conference is open to professionals and students in all types of creative work, part time or full time, in all stages of their career. Through Jan. 1, registration is $90 for professional artists and $45 for student artists (after Jan. 1, it increases to $100 for professionals, $50 for students). The fee includes lunch and snacks on both days; single day registration is not offered.

Gaffers' glass ornament sale is Dec. 3

Save the date: Winterfest celebration is Dec. 6

Cookie decorating, campanile tours, the president's winter open house and multiple options to gift shop while supporting campus artists and entrepreneurs are on the schedule for the 2024 Winterfest celebration Friday, Dec. 6 (mid-afternoon through the evening). The Dec. 5 edition of Inside will include an event preview.

Forestry club will sell holiday trees, wreaths in December

The forestry club will sell Christmas trees ($65-$110 depending on height and variety) and wreaths ($25-$35) in the Reiman Gardens parking lot on weekends in early December. Cash, check and card are accepted payment. Tree varieties are Korean fir, balsam fir, Canaan fir and white pine. Questions may be directed to club member Delaney Graef. Sale hours are: 

• Friday, Dec. 6 and 13, 3-6 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 1, Saturday, Dec. 7 and 14, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 8 and 15, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Nominate your university job supervisor for award

Student employees of the university are invited to nominate their supervisor for the Student Employee Supervisor of the Year award, given jointly by the office of student financial aid and university human resources. The award recognizes mentorship and professionalism in employees who supervise hourly student employees. Nominations are due Jan. 31, 2025. More information, including the award criteria and nomination form, is online.

Dog wash is Nov. 23 at Vet Med campus

Iowa State's chapter of Omega Tau Sigma veterinary professional fraternity will hold its fall dog wash on Saturday, Nov. 23 (8 a.m.-2 p.m., Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine). The service includes a basic wash, towel dry and combing. Nail trims are available for $5 with a wash ($7 without). Prices are (add $5 for matted hair):

• Dogs under 30 lbs., $12
• Dogs 30-60 lbs., $14
• Dogs 60-90 lbs., $16
• Dogs over 90 lbs., $18

Schedule your appointment by calling 515-294-4900, or stopping by the front desk at the small animal hospital.

Chef Freddie Bitsoie to lecture, cook on campus

ISU Dining will co-sponsor a campus visit by renowned chef Freddie Bitsoie Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 18-19. During his Monday public lecture, Native American Cuisine, Foods and the Way of Life (6 p.m., MU Great Hall, free), Bitsoie will discuss a cultural progression of Native American foods. On Tuesday, in collaboration with Chef Bitsoie, ISU Dining will showcase a special menu of Native American-inspired dishes at Friley Windows dining center (3-7 p.m.). The cost of the meal is $15 (dining locations are cashless). Bitsoie's menu features:

• New Mexican green chile corn chowder
• Three Sisters Salad
• Wild rice salad
• Navajo sumac seared steak with juniper sauce
• Chocolate pumpkin bread pudding

"ISU Dining is excited to welcome Chef Freddie Bitsoie into our kitchen as we learn the cultural history behind these inspired dishes," said Paige Ermer, associate director of residential dining. "All are welcome to learn and enjoy."

Postcard prints exhibition and silent auction return to College of Design

The University Print Society's 24th Postcard Print Exchange Exhibition will be on view Nov. 18-Dec. 6 in Gallery 181 on the first floor of the College of Design. The show features 170 postcards touching on this year's theme of "Insects and Their Environment." It showcases postcards from Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, New York, Ohio and Texas, as well as international postcards from Belgium, Canada, England, South Korea and the Netherlands. Postcards on display are for sale through a bidding process described in the gallery. Bidding ends at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6; proceeds help fund the student club's activities for the coming year. A public reception with light refreshments will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 19 (5-6:30 p.m., Gallery 181).

November concert date set for Goldfinch Room series

The November performance in Stephens Auditorium's Goldfinch Room concert series is the Nashville duo, Goldpine. Married couple Benjamin and Kassie Wilson return to the Goldfinch stage on Sunday, Nov. 17 (5 p.m.). Limited numbers of tables (seating up to four, $40) and general admission seats ($15) are available. C'est la Crêpe, owned by ISU student Mia Nichols, is the food vendor for this performance, offering six different crepes selections.

Council hosts November drive for student food pantry

To support Iowa State students during the university winter break, the Professional and Scientific Council is holding a donation drive for the SHOP food pantry through Friday, Nov. 29. The final pick-up will be Monday, Dec. 2. SHOP's list of needed food items is online, as is the council's list of drop-off locations for this drive.

Bookstore's appreciation event is Nov. 14

Thursday, Nov. 14 (4-7 p.m.) is the semi-annual Cyclone Appreciation Day at the ISU Book Store. Enjoy free popcorn and one-day deals on clothing, gifts and technology. Local businesses will have booths throughout the store with free samples and drawings for prizes.

CyThx campaign begins Nov. 1

In its seventh 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 if you chose, but your CyThx honoree will be acknowledged through email and 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.

Save the date: Gold Star Hall Ceremony is Nov. 13

Three former Iowans and Iowa State students who gave their lives serving our country will be honored during the university's annual Gold Star Hall Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov, 13 (4:15 p.m., Memorial Union Great Hall). After the program, there will be a reception with food and drink, along with displays of personal items from each honoree (Sidney Peterson, Ringsted, World War II; Max Harvey Collins, Nevada, Korean War; and James Herrick Jr., Panora, Vietnam War). More about Gold Star Hall.

Dog costume contest is Oct. 31 at Reiman Gardens

Reiman Gardens' second annual Howl-O-Ween dog costume contest will be held Thursday, Oct. 31 (4:30-6 p.m.). Dogs of all sizes are invited to come dressed as their favorite ghoul, superhero, pumpkin, etc. for a walk around the gardens and the chance to win prizes. Photos of all contestants will be taken during the event and posted on social media Friday. Voting for best costumes will occur on Reiman Gardens' Facebook page, and winners will be announced on Monday, Nov. 4. Preregistration is encouraged, but not required. Dog owners pay regular gardens admission and $5 per dog.

Central campus Design parade is Nov. 1

Block and Bridle's meat and cheese orders close Nov. 1

The Block and Bridle student organization is accepting orders through Nov. 1 for its annual fundraising sale. Featured products are summer sausage from ISU's Meat Laboratory and cheese curds and cheese blocks from Homestead Dairy, Waukon, Iowa. In-person pickups can be made from the ISU Meat Lab sales counter in the Kildee Hall atrium from 3-6 p.m. on Nov. 19, Nov. 21, Dec. 3 or Dec. 5. Orders will be shipped the same weeks. Payment can be made in cash, check or card during pickup.

It's a great day for ice cream

Members of the Dairy Science club are selling ice cream today (noon-2 p.m.) outside the north doors to Lush Auditorium in Kildee Hall. Get a cup for $2 (cash only); flavors this week are triple chocolate, brownie caramel, Snickers, Twix and Reese's. The ice cream is mixed by club members at the ISU Creamery, and the sale serves as a fundraiser for club activities throughout the year. Interested in having the club's ice cream for your event? Send an email.

Memorial Union town hall is Oct. 24

Iowa State students are invited to share their ideas and opinions with Memorial Union director Chad Garland at an open forum on Thursday, Oct. 24 (6-7:30 p.m., 3580 MU). Come ready to discuss concerns, challenges and future plans affecting the Memorial Union. Pizza, dessert bars and beverages will be served on a first come, first served basis.

Satellite voting offered at Scheman Oct. 24-25

Satellite voting, an in-person form of absentee voting at a location other than the county auditor's office, will be offered two days on campus, Oct. 24-25 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., Scheman Building, look for the "vote here" signs). It also will be offered on consecutive Saturdays, Oct. 19, Oct. 26 and Nov. 2, at the Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave. Any Story County voter may vote at these satellite locations; absentee voting rules apply.

MU gallery features student art through November

The Memorial Union Art Gallery is hosting an exhibit by Iowa State students,"Studies in Creativity," through Nov. 20 (weekdays 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m.). Art included in the exhibit was selected by juror Julia Franklin, executive director of Mainframe Studios in Des Moines. Franklin reviewed 94 pieces submitted by 44 artists and whittled entries to 34 artworks by 25 artists. She also chose the award winners, who will be announced at a reception in the gallery on Tuesday, Oct. 22 (6-7:30 p.m., Franklin's comments begin at 6:15 p.m.).

Indoor Halloween celebration is Oct. 27

Iowa State's Sorority and Fraternity Community will host its annual indoor Trick or Treat on Sunday, Oct. 27 (1-3 p.m., Great Hall, Memorial Union). Enjoy a free, safe, climate-controlled and inclusive trick-or-treating experience, complete with interactive activities and plenty of candy. This ISU tradition is open to all youth and their families/guardians from the Iowa State and greater Ames communities.

Dancing With the Stars tickets go on sale Oct. 11

Dancers from the hit television series "Dancing With the Stars" will perform at Stephens Auditorium Thursday, Feb. 13 (7:30 p.m.) as part of a winter tour. Tickets ($59.50-$125) go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at ticketmaster.com and the Stephens Auditorium ticket office. VIP packages include premium tickets, meet-and-greet photo opportunity, interactive experience with members of the touring cast, exclusive merchandise and more; details are on the tour website.

Celebrate Earth Science Week with the GIS facility

Iowa State's GIS Support and Research Facility and its IowaView program will host an Earth Observation Day come-and-go celebration on Tuesday, Oct. 15 (10-11:30 a.m., 206 Durham) as part of the global Earth Science Week. The campus community is invited to enjoy cupcakes, swag (posters, booklets, trading cards) and three presentations:

• 10-10:30 a.m., "Google Earth Engine and Open Evapotranspiration," with Antonio Arenas, civil construction and environmental engineering
• 10:30-11 a.m., "LiDAR Processing via ArcGIS and Point Data Abstraction Library," with Brian Gelder, agricultural and biosystems engineering, GIS Facility research lead
• 11-11:30 a.m., "Google Earth Engine and Agriculture Residue Cover," with graduate student Bryce Pape, community and regional planning

Organic conference to highlight climate-smart systems

The country's largest university-sponsored organic conference will be held Nov. 25 at the University of Iowa Memorial Union and focus on economic opportunities and climate-smart systems. A joint effort of ISU Extension and Outreach and the University of Iowa, the conference will feature producers and experts sharing tips for transitioning into organic production and methods to enhance organic operations. Registration is $100 through Nov. 10, $150 after that date.

Big 12 Conference student government leaders meet on campus

About 100 student government leaders from Big 12 Conference universities will be on campus Oct. 10-12 for the group's annual conference. Their opening event is Thursday evening in the Student Innovation Center, with Friday and Saturday programming at the Memorial Union. ISU student senators Holly Schmitt and Monet Butler are co-chairs of the event; MU director Chad Garland and associate directors Kristine Heflin and Brad Hill serve as advisors to Student Government. 

Central campus' Sloss House reopens Oct. 14

After a nearly four-month closure for much-needed renovations, central campus' Sloss House will reopen on Monday, Oct. 14. Updates to the house include an upgraded porch and accessible front door and refinished floors. Also reopening is the Sloss resource room, an extension of The SHOP food pantry. Hours for the resource room are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday. While no official ribbon cutting will take place, ISU community members are encouraged to visit the home to see the updates.

The historic house was constructed in 1883 and originally called the Pines House. Later it was named for Thomas Sloss, the longest resident of the Pines and the college's superintendent of buildings. Margaret Sloss was Thomas' daughter and the first woman to graduate with a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Iowa State. In 1985, the full use of the Sloss House was granted to the Margaret Sloss Center for Women and Gender Equity.

Museums' art and objects sale is Oct. 30

University Museums will hold an Art & Objects Sale, including many signed and artist-known pieces, on Wednesday, Oct. 30 (9 a.m.-6 p.m., ISU Surplus, 925 Airport Rd.), with proceeds supporting the museums' collection. This is a first come, first served sale; no holds or early sales. Prices (non-negotiable) range from several dollars to hundreds of dollars. Accepted payment forms are: cash, credit/debit (Discover, Visa, Mastercard), Apple Pay and Google Pay. Objects offered at the sale include:

• Southwestern works of art, including baskets, jewelry, loose beads, pottery, sculpture, gourd art and textiles.
• Central American pottery, baskets and beaded sculpture.
• A selection of artwork, jewelry, ceramics and other items.

Nominations for Advancing One Community awards due Nov. 1

Nominations will be accepted until noon Nov. 1 for the university's Advancing One Community awards, which recognize a demonstrated commitment to the principles and goals of Martin Luther King Jr. over a sustained period. The award may be presented in multiple categories: student, employee and campus group/organization. Nomination letters should demonstrate the nominee's commitment to bringing about positive change to Iowa State University through their volunteerism, engagement, scholarship, research, teaching or program development. Recipients are honored at Iowa State's annual MLK campus celebration in January. More information, including eligibility criteria, past recipients and the nomination form, is online.

Education intern sought for spring semester at University Museums

University Museums has a spring 2025 internship opening for an education/early childhood education major, either for credit or stipend. Apply by Nov. 3 in CyHire or on the museums' internships website. Responsibilities include:

• Help develop and implement early childhood and elementary educational activities and other programs for the Brunnier Art Museum spring exhibitions.
• Learn about the important role of education and research in the museum field for all ages.
• Gain knowledge of audience development through educational techniques.
• Aquire insight into exhibition installations that utilize educational experiences.

What's new in the tearoom?

The student-operated Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom in 23A MacKay is serving lunch Tuesday through Friday (11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m., with 11:45 a.m. and noon seatings). The lunch special, which changes weekly, is $10 and available for dine-in or carry out at the front of the tearoom. Walk-ins are welcome for dining in the tearoom, though online reservations are recommended. The tearoom is a cashless operation; payment is with a debit/credit card.

Feedback sought on S. 16th Street trail closure

ESPN host to give Friday keynote

As part of the Greenlee School's inaugural Sports Media and Communication Week (Sept. 30-Oct. 4) to promote its new major, ESPN's Clinton Yates will participate in a Q&A on Friday, Oct. 4 (11 a.m.-noon, 2630 Memorial Union). Yates' conversation with assistant teaching professor Tony Moton will focus on how success in today's sports media market depends on versatility and multiple skill sets. All are welcome. Yates joined ESPN in 2016 following nine years in several assignments with the Washington Post. Iowa State's sports media and communications major officially launches next fall.

Tickets available online for Spirits in the Gardens

Tickets for Spirits in the Gardens remain available for the Oct. 11-13 (5-9 p.m. nightly, Reiman Gardens) event. Visitors can explore the gardens at night, illuminated by twinkling lights and 1,000 jack-o'-lanterns carved by community volunteers and staff. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and cost $16 ($14 for members and ISU students, $7 for youth ages 2-12 years). As of Wednesday, Saturday night tickets were already limited, with some entry times sold out.

Registration is open for Homecoming events

Ice cream sale on central campus today

Members of the Dairy Science club are selling ice cream today (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) on central campus. Get a cup for $2 (cash only); flavors this week are strawberry, triple chocolate, KitKat, caramel brownie and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. The ice cream is mixed by club members at the ISU Creamery, and the sale serves as a fundraiser for club activities throughout the year. Interested in having the club's ice cream for your event? Send an email.

'Smart Start' workshop for entrepreneurs is Oct. 12

The ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is a co-host of a "Smart Start" workshop on Saturday, Oct. 12 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., ISU Research Park Core Facility) for anyone who considers starting a business. Participants will learn about topics such as insurance, intellectual property, business organization, registration and operations from local business professionals. This free workshop is open to the public, and registration is required. Half-day registration also is available.

Mental health expo is Sept. 24 at city hall

The Story County Mental Health Expo will be Tuesday, Sept. 24 (5-8 p.m., Ames City Hall auditorium). Admission is free. The expo includes a vendor fair with exhibits and opportunities for conversation with mental health providers in Story County, including campus resources for students and employees. Staff from various Iowa State departments (including student wellness, police and student assistance) helped plan the event. The evening will include food trucks, opportunities for mindfulness, self-care, artistic expression and a QPR suicide prevention training.

Free haircuts available to students

Student health and wellness, in collaboration with ClipDart, is offering free haircuts for students this semester at Cyclone Support Central (Room 140, Parks Library). Students can schedule an appointment for Sept. 24, Oct. 8, Oct. 22 or Nov. 8 (10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily). All students are welcome. ClipDart stylists specialize in providing haircuts for textured hair, such as curly or coily hair, but are skilled at working with all hair types. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-ins may be accommodated in the event of no-shows or cancellations. Volunteers are needed to help with registration, setup and clean up. Each shift lasts an hour, including additional shifts for setup and cleanup.

Your sign-on dashboard changed to Microsoft today

Kids in child care? This survey is for you

United Way of Story County is conducting a community survey to collect data about parents' child care experiences. ISU employee parents of child care-aged children are asked to complete the six-question survey.

Voorhees Supply Chain Conference is Oct. 10

Registration is open through Oct. 2 for the annual Voorhees Supply Chain Conference on Thursday, Oct. 10 (10 a.m.-5 p.m., Gateway Conference Center), hosted by the department of supply chain management. Learn from industry leaders about managing teams in supply chains. Featured speakers include Kevin Dresser, head wrestling coach; Jeannie Frana, global process owner for Cargill Transportation and Logistics; and Coralie Voss, vice president of creative solutions at Grain Processing Corp., a subsidiary of KENT Corp. Four credits of continuing education are available.

EHS to host fire safety event Sept. 18

Environmental health and safety will host a fire safety event on Wednesday, Sept. 18 (9-11 a.m., south of Parks Library) as part of its campus fire safety month. Attendees can put out a simulated fire, learn additional fire safety tips and receive a free T-shirt (while supplies last). 

Pumpkin-carving volunteers needed in early October

Reiman Gardens is recruiting volunteers to carve more than 1,000 pumpkins for its annual Spirits in the Gardens celebration which will be held Oct. 11-13 this year. On Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11, volunteers will clean, trace, carve and place pumpkins at Reiman Gardens. Volunteers receive a free ticket to Spirits in the Gardens for each shift they complete. Registration is required to volunteer; walk-ins can't be accommodated. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old.

'Spirits in the Gardens' tickets are on sale

Reiman Gardens has begun selling timed-entry tickets for its three-day "Spirits in the Gardens" pre-Halloween celebration, being held Oct. 11-13 this year. Tickets are $16 ($14 for members and ISU students, $7 for all youth 2-12 years, free for infants) and can be purchased online. Each night features more than a thousand carved, lit jack-o-lanterns, and guests in costume are encouraged. Additionally:

• Friday (6-9 p.m.) includes a cash bar instead of candy
• Saturday/Sunday (5-9 p.m.) includes trick-or-treating, activities and chemistry experiments 

Ivy Women in Business Awards ceremony is Oct. 2

The Ivy College of Business will present its seventh annual Ivy Women in Business Awards at a ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the Alumni Center. The awards celebrate women in business and their champions. The event begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the awards presentation at 6 p.m. RSVPs are requested by Sept. 25.

Campanile anniversary celebration is Sept. 15

Iowa State's campanile and carillon turn 125 this year, and the milestone will be celebrated with an outdoor concert Sunday, Sept. 15 (2 p.m., campanile northeast lawn, reception follows in the Memorial Union Campanile Room). The event will include performances on the carillon and by the Iowa State Singers and ISU Brass Ensemble, and remarks from President Wendy Wintersteen. To help with planning, RSVPs are requested by Friday, Sept. 13.

Beat Iowa by donating more to the campus pantry

The student alumni councils at Iowa State and the University of Iowa are sponsoring "Rival Against Hunger" Sept. 3-13, a friendly competition to see which campus community can collect the most canned food and hygiene items to donate to its respective on-campus food pantry. Iowa State donations will go to the SHOP in Beyer Hall. List of SHOP items needed (PDF). The winning university will be announced on social media after Sept. 13. Drop-off boxes are located at:

• Alumni Center: reception desk on second floor (during business hours)
• Parks Library: main level, along the railing between the central staircase pillar and the main desk
• Memorial Union: south atrium table near the bookstore; Sept. 3-6 only

Healthcare panel to discuss consumer needs

Five healthcare executives working in Iowa will participate in a panel discussion, "Meeting the Needs of Today's Healthcare Consumer," on Wednesday, Sept. 18 (5:30-7 p.m., Cardinal Room, Memorial Union). The event is open to the public, but attendees should register to attend because seating is limited to 75 people. The event is hosted by the healthcare programs in the Ivy College of Business and the Iowa chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Suicide awareness flag exhibit returns to library lawn Sept. 13

Sept. 2 is a university holiday

Classes will not meet and university offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 2, in observance of the national Labor Day holiday.