Announcements for Students

Submit online feedback form on provost candidates by May 2

University community members are asked to share their feedback on Iowa State's provost finalists by completing the online candidate feedback form by 5 p.m. Thursday, May 2. Recordings of the campus forums for the three remaining finalists have been posted to the search website for those who want to view them. A fourth finalist, Eric Barker, dean of the College of Pharmacy at Purdue University, has withdrawn from the search.

Spring Art Mart runs May 7-10

The spring Art Mart pop-up shop, organized by the Workspace and the ISU Gaffer's Guild, will be held May 7-10 at the Memorial Union Art Gallery, first floor. Hours are Tuesday (4-7 p.m.), Wednesday (10 a.m.-7 p.m.), and Thursday-Friday (10 a.m.-4 p.m.).

Bookstore hosts Star Wars-themed story time May 4

"May the 4th be with you." The ISU Book Store will host a Star Wars-themed free story time on Saturday, May 4 (10:30-11:30 a.m., bookstore in the Memorial Union). This family event will feature stories, free coloring pages, photo opportunities with light sabers, Star Wars music and a chance at a prize for those who come in costume. The bookstore also will launch exclusive new ISU Star Wars merchandise at this event.

Innovation showcase is April 30-May 3

The annual IGNITE Innovation Showcase (April 30-May 3, Student Innovation Center) will feature displays, exhibitions, panels and presentations to highlight innovative student work happening across campus. The daily schedule of challenges and workshops is online. An interactive expo will take place May 2 (2-5 p.m.) with several hands-on activities, including a glassblowing demonstration, floral creativity, laser engraving and more. President Wendy Wintersteen will speak at 4 p.m. at the stepatorium.

Aerospace student project expo is May 1

Make to Innovate (AerE 2940/AerE 4940) invites the campus community to view 11 student projects at its annual project expo on Wednesday, May 1 (4-6 p.m., Howe Hall atrium). They include teams that, over the past year, traveled to competitions in Kansas and Alabama, or traveled to Utah and Florida. Ask about their research in cold welding, rocket engines and the future of flight. Learn more about taking your research to the next level, from 5,280 feet off the ground to 100,000 feet above the earth.

Classrooms reserved for evening study during prep week

Room scheduling will offer general university classrooms for students to use as study rooms during prep week, April 29-May 3. These 10 classrooms are reserved for evening study (5:30-11 p.m. daily): 

• Carver Hall 0118, 0128, 0132
• Pearson Hall 1106, 3157
• Ross Hall 0029, 0031, 0129
• Town Engineering Building 0230, 0290

Showcase by Start Something LAS Academy students is April 30

Students completing their first year of the Start Something LAS Academy will display or demonstrate their projects during a showcase on Tuesday, April 30 (4:10-5:30 p.m., 4250 Student Innovation Center). All are invited to stop by this open house event.

Who's joining public radio's 'Science Friday' show in Ames?

Public radio's "Science Friday," hosted by Ira Flatow, has announced the program and guests for its Saturday, May 4, live event at Stephens Auditorium. Faculty experts include Arti Singh, Patrick Schnable, Balaji Narasimhan, Ikenna Nlebedim and Erin Norton. The event begins at 6 p.m.; doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets remain via Ticketmaster.

Honors program poster presentation, convocation are May 1

Volunteers sought for food pantry on-call list

The SHOP, Iowa State's on-campus student food pantry, would like to expand its on-call list for when it is short-staffed with volunteers. To be added to the list, email shop_exec@iastate.edu and say you would like to be added to the on-call list. SHOP relies heavily on volunteers, and in the past year the demand for services has grown substantially. Each month, SHOP receives about 1,000 visitors and distributes more than 14,000 pounds of food. Volunteers are needed during Tuesday delivery times (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on first, third and fifth Tuesdays, time varies on second and fourth Tuesdays) and during open hours:

• Monday, 1-6 pm.
• Wednesday, 2-7 p.m.
• Thursday, 4-7 p.m.
• Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Reiman is open late for spring blooms

Reiman Gardens will remain open until 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays April 18-20 and April 25-27 so more visitors can enjoy thousands of tulips and other spring flowers in full bloom. Regular admission prices apply. The gift shop will be open until 7:30 p.m. those evenings. 

Reminder: Provost candidate forums start today

Four finalists for Iowa State's senior vice president and provost leadership post will interview on campus this month. The first, Elizabeth Wentz, dean of the Graduate College and vice provost, Arizona State University, visits campus April 15-16. Campus forums are consistently at 3 p.m. on the candidate's first day on campus. The administrative searches website will share the finalists' names and vitae the day prior to their arrival.

Woodcarvers gather at Reiman Gardens April 20

The Mid Iowa Woodcarvers Show comes to Reiman Gardens on Saturday, April 20 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.). Visitors can view woodcarving contest entries, watch carving demonstrations and join a hands-on lesson in whittling. Attendees pay normal gardens admission.

LeBaron Hall construction is focus of April 25 meeting

Facilities planning and management (FPM) will hold a virtual meeting Thursday, April 25 (9-10 a.m., via Microsoft Teams) to share information about the LeBaron Hall replacement project with those who work in or visit buildings near the construction site on the northwest edge of the central campus lawn. The presentation will focus on construction activities and their impact on campus circulation, including nearby buildings. The meeting will include time for Q&A. Email FPM project manager Liz Clarke by April 24 to receive the meeting link.

Undergraduate research symposium is April 16

The 18th annual Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression will be held Tuesday, April 16 (8 a.m.-6 p.m., Student Innovation Center). A day-long celebration of undergraduate research, the symposium provides undergraduates from all academic disciplines an opportunity to share their research with the university community through conference-style oral and poster presentations. Attendees are encouraged to review the symposium schedule and symposium program with abstracts and come to support undergraduate researchers. Faculty or staff interested in moderating an oral session may sign up at this link. Questions may be directed to Svitlana Zbarska, undergraduate research program coordinator campuswide, 515-294-2064.

Design art club's spring sale is April 17-19, earlier than usual

The CODAC (College of Design Art Club) spring sale of work by students in integrated studio/visual arts and club members will be held Wednesday and Thursday, April 17-18 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.), and Friday, April 19 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), in the foyer inside the main entrance to the College of Design. Find unique gifts for upcoming spring and summer celebrations -- or something for yourself. A majority of proceeds go to the artists, while the rest help fund club activities such as workshops, field trips and guest speakers.

Cyclone Voice prelims are April 15; register by April 12

ISU students who want to compete in the 2024 Cyclone Voice singing competition need to register online by 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 12. A preliminary round will be held Monday, April 15 (starting at 6 p.m., MU Maintenance Shop). Finalists will compete at Cyclone Voice on Saturday, April 27 (7 p.m., MU Great Hall). The finals event will be hosed by the Chicago quartet and Grammy nominee Plain White T's. Contestant rules, including preliminary round instructions, are online. Questions may be directed to the Student Union Board, subse@iastate.edu.

Author on homelessness to give keynote at campus symposium

Gregg Colburn, associate professor in the University of Washington's Runstad department of real estate and co-author of the book, "Homelessness is a Housing Problem," will present a keynote lecture on the same topic on Thursday, April 18 (5 p.m., 0101 College of Design). It's part of Iowa State's 2024 Homelessness Symposium, hosted by the department of community and regional planning.

Register for suicide awareness walk on April 27

Student Health and Wellness is organizing an "Out of Darkness" Walk for Suicide Awareness on Saturday, April 27 (10 a.m., registration opens 9:15 a.m., south campanile lawn). The walk follows sidewalks on campus, and if it rains, will move indoors to State Gym. Registration is free; walkers who raise $100 in donations receive a walk shirt (there isn't a requirement to raise funds). Register to walk (individual or group); volunteer to assist at the event. Questions may be directed to Jeffrey Nelson, suicide prevention coordinator in student counseling services, 515-294-0153.

Ugandan baskets for sale in the Workspace April 8-20

The Workspace in the Memorial Union and the Uganda Alliance Club are hosting a pop-up basket sale April 8-20 (2-9 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, Workspace, east basement, MU). Purchase a handmade basket created by members of the Tusubila ("hope") crafts group, and directly support women artists and their families in Kamuli, Uganda. Baskets are made with dried raffia and banana leaves and sell for $10-$25.

This initiative began through ISU's Uganda Program. Students studying abroad saw that market access was limited for the basket artists and formed the Uganda Alliance Club. Students work with the Tusubila group to bring baskets to the United States, sell them and send the money back to the artists.

Plant-a-Row for the Hungry lunch and learn is April 9

Reiman Gardens will host a lunch and learn on Tuesday, April 9 (noon-2 p.m.) on the Plant-A-Row for the Hungry food donation program. Learn how gardens' staff, volunteers and local food pantries work together to address food needs in Story County. Bring a lunch to listen while representatives from Growing Together Iowa talk about their efforts and the state's food needs. Light refreshments will be available. Registration is requested.

'Cy's Finals Frenzy' promotes healthy habits during final exams prep

The division of student affairs is hosting the first Cy's Finals Frenzy April 28-30 to promote healthy study habits and personal wellness for students ahead of final exams. Held in the Memorial Union and outside spaces around the building, the frenzy will offer study sessions, tutors and Supplemental Instruction leaders on site, quiet and group study rooms, free food and stress-relief activities including a smash room, crafts from the Workspace, free bowling and more. The event will be held all day on Sunday, April 28 (including a late night breakfast) and the evenings of April 29-30.

Tickets on sale for April 20 fashion show

Tickets ($16-$31) are on sale via Ticketmaster for The Fashion Show 2024 on Saturday, April 20 (7 p.m., Stephens Auditorium). The event features dozens of student designs modeled by students and several guest judges/designers. From press releases to stage lighting, The Fashion Show is produced entirely by students from many majors working on 15 committees.

You're invited: Students who work on campus

The Student Employment Center, part of the office of student financial aid, is sponsoring several events daily to celebrate National Student Employment Week, April 8-12. Nearly one-third of Iowa State students work on campus. They are invited to participate in these events and more:

• Kickoff event on Monday (1-3 p.m., Beardshear Hall), snacks, crafts and campus networking.
• Four wellness and career readiness workshops for student employees in all majors, on topics such as budgeting and preventing burnout.
• Therapy dog session on Wednesday (noon-2 p.m., outside Beardshear Hall).
• Free food options daily for all student employees at Iowa State.
• Virtual trivia on Wednesday and Thursday (noon-1 p.m.) with prizes. Themes TBA; registration required.
• Cash Cab will roam campus April 12. Win gift cards, T-shirts and more.

Northbound I-35 entry ramp at 13th Street to close April 8-12

In connection with the city of Ames' sanitary sewer extension project on 13th Street east of Interstate 35, the northbound entry ramp onto I-35 will be closed Monday-Friday, April 8-12 (weather permitting). Drivers should follow posted signs for the preferred detour route.

A few Charlie Berens tickets remain

Limited tickets remain for the Friday, April 12, performance at Stephens Auditorium by comedian Charlie Berens. Tickets ($27.50-$49.50 plus fees) pay be purchased online via Ticketmaster or at the Stephens ticket office. Since launching the "Manitowoc Minute" weekly video series in 2017, the Wisconsin native has been featured on Comedy Central, Fox, CBS, Funny or Die, TBS, Variety, MTV News and more. He creates weekly content for his various social platforms and has amassed more than 7.5 million followers.

Rovers at Reiman returns on Tuesdays in April

The popular "Rovers at Reiman" returns every Tuesday in April (4:30-7 p.m.). Guests can bring their leashed dogs for a stroll through the gardens. Normal gardens admissions rates apply (adults $12, free for members and ISU students with ID), plus $5 per dog. 

Women's history expert to give campus lecture

Scholar and author Sally Roesch Wagner will present "A Stolen History: The REAL Story of the Suffrage Movement" on Wednesday, April 17 (5:30 p.m., Sun Room, Memorial Union). Awarded one of the first doctorates in the country for work in women's studies and a founder of one the first college-level women's studies programs in the country, Roesch Wagner is a leader in the field of women's history and author of several books on the women's suffrage movement. She is the founder and director of the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation, Fayetteville, New York, and teaches in Syracuse University's honors program. In her presentation, she will discuss how many of the issues of today, such as equal pay for equal work and women's reproductive rights, also were those of the women's suffrage movement.

Seats remain for campus digital scholarship symposium

University Library's digital scholarship and initiatives department and the Center for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities are cohosting the inaugural Digital Scholarship Symposium on Wednesday, April 10 (10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.). Faculty, staff and students interested in learning more about digital scholarship are encouraged to attend. It will be held in The Catalyst, the dedicated digital research and learning space in Parks Library, and feature experts who share creative examples of developing digital literacy skills in the classroom and using digital methods to open research to a wider audience. Registration closes Monday, April 8.

Website is the home for generative AI information on campus

Information Technology Services has launched a new website dedicated to Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Iowa State, which will serve as a central source of information related to AI activities on campus. The site includes tools and resources, information about the university's AI committee and professional development opportunities. Faculty and staff can email their AI experiences and suggestions to aifeedback@iastate.edu.

North commuters face lane closures on Grand Avenue

Beginning on Monday, April 1, weather permitting, crews will close the right lane of U.S. 69/Grand Avenue in Ames from north of Bloomington Road to 28th Street (and later, from Murray Drive to 5th Street) for sidewalk, curb and pedestrian ramp improvements. Work will occur weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. In late May, crews will work on asphalt pavement resurfacing. Work hours will be extended once Ames schools are out for the year. This project is expected to be completed by early August, weather permitting.

In mid- to late May, the same type of work will begin on U.S. 69/South Duff Avenue in Ames from South 1st Street to Jewel Drive. Work hours will be overnight Sunday through Friday (7 p.m. to 6 a.m.).

Child care scholarships still available for undergraduate student parents

The ISU office of Child Care & Family Services is accepting applications for the undergraduate Childcare Assistance Program (CAP). This scholarship is available to undergraduate parenting students at Iowa State who have out-of-pocket costs for child care services. Eligible students may receive up to $1,500 per semester. Students with the highest financial need will receive priority consideration. Eligibility guidelines and application instructions are available on the office's website. Questions or requests for more information on resources available for parenting students can be emailed to ccfamily@iastate.edu.

Outstanding student employee supervisor, student employee honored

The office of student financial aid this week honored an outstanding student worker and student employee supervisor for their contributions to campus. The student employee supervisor of the year is Ray Schmidt, senior marketing coordinator at recreation services. Schmidt was recognized for his mentoring, professionalism and leadership provided to student employees. From 39 nominations, a selection committee chose student employee of the year Natalie Young, Center for Food Security and Public Heath. Young was honored for her efforts in community service, collaboration and teamwork, leadership, use of technology and innovation and critical thinking skills. 

Undergraduates take their research projects to the Capitol Monday

The 18th annual Research in the Capitol event, scheduled for 11 a.m. on Monday, March 25, will transform the Iowa Capitol rotunda into a showcase for the academic achievements of undergraduates from Iowa's three regent universities. Nearly 60 research projects will be featured; ISU students will present research posters detailing 20 projects ranging from disease threats to apples and pears, to soybean-based polymers that improve asphalt.

Glass paperweight sale is March 27

Members of the Gaffer's Guild will sell glass paperweights created by ISU students, faculty and community members on Wednesday, March 27 (11 a.m.-2 p.m., near the atrium, Student Innovation Center). Cash, credit cards and checks are accepted.

24th Street replacement project begins March 25 north of campus

A city of Ames phased project north of campus to reconstruct the 24th Street-Stange Road intersection and adjacent approaches will resume on Monday, March 25. This year, 24th Street from Stange Road east to the railroad tracks will be replaced. Work will continue into the fall. For most of the project, a single lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained. However, a full road closure will be required when work reaches the area of the railroad tracks, anticipated for September. Last year's phase reconstructed Stange Road between 24th Street and Blankenburg Drive.

Day of Insects is Saturday at Reiman Gardens

The 16th annual Day of Insects will take place Saturday, March 23 (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Reiman Gardens). Presentations from professionals, academics, advocates and enthusiasts are for everyone with an interest in insects, from beginners to seasoned veterans. Tickets, with an optional box lunch, are available online.

Barenaked Ladies concert tickets on sale March 22

Barenaked Ladies will perform at Stephens Auditorium for the first time on Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 22 (10 a.m.) at the Stephens ticket office or online through Ticketmaster. The Canadian rock group is embarking on a U.S. tour this fall with supporting act Toad the Wet Sprocket. 

College help rooms open March 18 for course registration

The six undergraduate colleges will staff local help rooms for students and staff, primarily during the window that course registration for fall semester is occurring in Workday for the first time. Help rooms are available for walk-ins and virtual live support March 18-April 26. Service schedules will be updated for each week. Registration for fall semester begins March 26 and continues through April 24. The campus community is reminded that 2024 summer term is the final time registration will occur in AccessPlus.

Goldfinch Room show is March 24

The Iowa Songwriter Showcase at Stephens Auditorium's Goldfinch Room is Sunday, March 24 with a 5 p.m. concert by Heath Church. The Kansas City singer’s music is described as dreamy acoustic-indie. Tickets for a table of four ($40) or general admission ($15) are available online or at the door. Doors open 45 minutes before the show.

Work resumes March 11 on CYTown lots

Infrastructure and pavement work will resume during spring break on the future CYTown parking lots and development corridor at the Iowa State Center. Crews will return to the site on Monday, March 11. Commuter lots on the east side of the property won't be impacted. Originally, March 18 was the targeted spring start date for this project.

Is that a spring in your step?

Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 10. Remember to set any manual clocks ahead one hour and plan to lose an hour of sleep. But enjoy daylight into the early evening . . .

Organic farming pioneer to present Shivvers Lecture on March 18

Researcher, educator and author John Reganold will present the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture's 2024 Shivvers Lecture on Monday, March 18 (7:30 p.m., 2226 Bessey). He is the Regents Professor of Soil Science and Agroecology at the Washington State University, where he developed its long-time organic and sustainable agriculture major and its Organic Farming Certificate program.

John Kasich will present Manatt-Phelps lecture March 27

On March 27, John Kasich -- two-term former Ohio governor (2011-19), two-time presidential candidate (2000, 2016), four-time New York Times best-selling book author and contributor for MSNBC and NBC News -- will visit Iowa State to present the 2024 Manatt-Phelps Lecture in Political Science. Kasich's presentation, "Socially Responsible Innovation," will begin at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Hall.  All are welcome to attend.

YWCA honors Women of Achievement awardees on March 28

The YWCA Ames at ISU will honor the 12 recipients of its 2024 Women of Achievement Award during a ceremony Thursday, March 28 (6-8 p.m., Reiman Gardens). Tickets are $35 (two for $60) and can purchased from the YWCA office, C1102A Knapp-Storms, 808 Hayward Ave., or at the door.

Reminder: Applications due March 1 for undergrad research symposium

Researchers are asked to encourage their undergraduate research mentees to present their research project(s) at Iowa State's 18th annual Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression on Thursday, April 18, at the Student Innovation Center. Undergraduates from all academic disciplines are eligible to share their research with the university community and guests through conference-style oral and poster presentations. Abstract application forms may be submitted by individuals or small groups and are due March 1. Registration is free. Questions may be directed to Svitlana Zbarska, undergraduate research program coordinator, 515-294-2064.

Registration open for arts and humanities AI symposium

An Iowa State symposium on artificial intelligence (AI) and the arts and humanities March 21-22 at the Memorial Union is hosted by the English, world languages and cultures, and histroy departments. This event begins in partnership with the Spring Faculty Conference on Thursday, March 21 (2:45-4 p.m., South Ballroom) with a roundtable discussion on "Humanities Pedagogy After AI." On Friday, March 22, (9 a.m.-5 p.m., Campanile Room) multiple roundtables will bring together experts from Iowa State and other universities for discussions, followed by an open forum. The symposium is supported with FY 2024 funding awarded under the 2022-2031 strategic plan. Registration is free, open through March 6 and includes Friday lunch.

ISCORE registration is open through Feb. 26

Registration for the Feb. 29 Iowa State Conference on Race and Ethnicity (ISCORE) will close at the end of Monday, Feb. 26. All faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in this free event at the Memorial Union; note this event moved to Thursday this year. The half-day preconference for faculty, staff and graduate students on Wednesday, Feb. 28, is full and registration is closed.

You're invited: Black History Month celebration

The Black Faculty and Staff Association is hosting a Black History Month event on Friday, Feb. 23 (3-6 p.m., Garden Room, Reiman Gardens), "Celebrating Black Excellence at Iowa State, in Iowa and Beyond." All ISU faculty, staff and students are welcome. Meet the incoming chair of the Black Faculty and Staff Association; connect with colleagues; and enjoy light snacks, music, raffles and more. An RSVP is requested.

Abstract deadline extended for undergraduate research event at Capitol

Research in the Capitol, an annual event featuring undergraduate research at Iowa's three regent universities, will be held Monday, March 25, in Des Moines. Students display posters and describe their research to legislators, reporters and university administrators. Iowa State researchers who are mentoring undergraduate researchers are asked to encourage individuals or small groups to complete the online abstract submission form by Tuesday, Feb. 27. Twenty research projects are selected to represent the depth and variety of research at Iowa State, and applications are evaluated by topic, relevance to legislative interests and geographic representation. Students or their mentors may contact undergraduate research program coordinator Svitlana Zbarska for more information.