Bicyclists asked to share thoughts on biking in Campustown
In an online survey, the Ames Public Works Department is seeking opinions from bicyclists on what they like -- and don’t like -- about biking in Campustown, defined as the area south of Lincoln Way between Sheldon and Ash avenues. Public input will be used to develop potential options to take to the Ames City Council to improve safety and traffic flow in the area. The survey site will be active through Friday, May 10.
Nominations sought for 2014 Women Impacting ISU calendar
Nominations are being accepted for the 2014 Women Impacting ISU calendar. The calendar was develped as a tribute to current students, faculty and staff who have distinguished themselves through their accomplishments at ISU. More than 1,000 calendars are distributed each year. The nomination form (PDF) is online.
Phone installation is under way
Crews began installing new phones on campus April 29 and expect to complete installation in nine buildings by week's end. By July 1, all buildings should be outfitted with the versatile new phone system that makes use of cloud computing and offers a number of advanced features. Most telephones on campus (about 8,000) will be replaced. This includes telephones in residence hall lobbies and dens. On online primer "New Phone System: Everything You Need to Know" -- includes the building-by-building installation schedule, info on new phone features and training materials.
Craft swap at MU Workspace is May 4-5
The Workspace (east basement in the Memorial Union) is hosting a craft swap on Saturday, May 4 (10 a.m.- 4 p.m.) and Sunday, May 5 (1-4 p.m.). From beads and sewing notions to paper and painted boards, check out the craft leftovers. Bring items from your own stash that you aren’t going to use, but can’t bring yourself to throw away. Swap for new or new-to-you supplies. The Workspace also will have art supplies priced to sell.
Congratulations, faculty
Meeting today in Cedar Falls, the state Board of Regents gave final approval to promotions, including tenure awards, for 56 Iowa State faculty. The promotion and tenure awards take effect July 1 for A-base faculty (Aug. 16 for B-base faculty).
Enjoy a free movie at Jack Trice Stadium May 18
The Jr. Cyclone Club is sponsoring its first "Movie Night at Jack Trice Stadium" on May 18 (7 p.m., gates open at 6 p.m.). The movie is Wreck-It Ralph and the event is free and open to the public. In case of inclement weather, the event will move to Hilton Coliseum. Families may sit on the field (blankets only, no chairs) or in the bleachers on the east side of the stadium. Handicap-accessible seating also will be available. Limited concessions at reduced prices will be for sale. More information is online.
Publisher advises writers to be more daring
On Thursday, April 25 (7 p.m., 1030 Morrill), editor-in-chief Lars Pearson of sci-fi book publisher Mad Norwegian will reveal why some submissions to his Hugo-award-winning press make the cut and others don’t. Pearson's talk is sponsored by The Writers’ Guild of ISU; all are welcome.
Honors poster presentation is May 2
The University Honors Program invites the campus community to attend the spring 2013 poster presentation and reception featuring Honors projects as well as the spring and summer 2013 Honors graduates on May 2 (3-5 p.m., MU Great Hall). Honors students will be present to answer questions and speak with individuals interested in their projects.
Design student art sale is May 1-3
The annual spring sale of artwork by students in the integrated studio arts and integrated visual arts programs will take place May 1-3 (10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, foyer outside the dean's office, College of Design). Sponsored by CODAC (College of Design Art Club), most of the proceeds go directly to the student artists, while the rest help fund club activities such as workshops and guest speakers. Find unique gifts for graduation, Mother's Day, summer weddings (or yourself).
Watch for more trucks on Haber Road
Employees and students who travel on Haber Road should be mindful of increased truck traffic between the power plant and the long-term coal pile off of Haber Road in the northeast corner of campus. Due to recent rains and the threat of flooding along the Mississippi River, the university's coal supplier was forced to temporarily close its coal receiving dock in Muscatine. Coal deliveries to campus will stop for a time and university staff will haul coal to the power plant from the Haber Road pile.
Earth Day celebration is Monday, April 22
Live Green! will observe the 43rd annual Earth Day with a celebration Monday, April 22 (11 a.m.-2 p.m., Free Speech Zone south of Parks Library). Campus and community organizations and businesses whose efforts support sustainability will provide interactive displays and activities. There will be bike tune-ups, snacks and sustainability-minded prizes.
Arbor Day planting is April 25
Students in the landscape architecture progam will plant eight trees east of the College of Design to mark Arbor Day on April 25 (2:30 p.m.). The annual event, organized by Rhonda Martin, landscape architect in facilities planning and managment, includes a public proclamation and refreshments. Five burr oaks and three chinkapin oaks will be planted in recognition of this year's theme, "Drought Tolerant and Native Grown." The event is free and open to the public.
SCAVMA Scamper is for the dogs ... really
The College of Veterinary Medicine's annual SCAVMA (Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association) Scamper is April 21 (10 a.m., College of Vet Med). Runners and walkers are encouraged to bring their canine companions to the 5K and 10K event. The registration fee is $30 for non-ISU students ($25 for students) if you register by 11:59 p.m. on April 18. Cost to register is $35 day of the event. Details are available online.
Emails with Boston Marathon explosion in subject line are spam
ITS security officials are aware of a large amount of spam relating to the Boston Marathon explosion delivered to campus mailboxes overnight. The emails contain a link that will display several YouTube videos of the explosion and then attempt to install malware on your system. ITS is blocking the malware sites as it becomes aware of them, but several sites are being used. If you have received one of these emails and have clicked on a link, please contact your departmental IT coordinator or the Solution Center at 4-4000.
Panel to discuss longevity and living well
A panel of three international research scholars and experts will discuss "What We Know About Living Well and Aging Well," April 24 (7 p.m., Ames City Auditorium). The Healthiest Ames program features Michel Poulain, Universite Catholique de Louvain, Belgium; Leonard Poon, University of Georgia; and Peter Martin, Iowa State human development and family studies. Admission is free and open to the public.
Next Iowa NSF EPSCoR Energy Policy seminar is April 25
Kathy Halvorsen, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, will present "Cellulosic Ethanol: Are We Finished with Forty Years of Being Five Years Away from Commercialization?" at the next Iowa NSF EPSCoR Energy Policy seminar April 25 (3:40-5 p.m., 0013 Curtiss). All are invited to attend.
West sidewalk closure begins April 22
An electric vault and conduit system associated with the agricultural and biosystems engineering building on the west side of campus will be installed in the area between the College of Design and the BRL facility, starting April 22. This work will close a section of the main east-west sidewalk between the buildings for about four weeks, depending on weather. Staff and students traveling to central campus from Lot 9 will need to choose an alternate route.The College of Design atrium area and adjoining sidewalks will remain open to pedestrians.
Hort club's spring plant sale is April 19-20
Student members of the Horticulture Club will hold their spring plant sale Friday, April 19 (2-6 p.m.) and Saturday, April 20 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) in the Horticulture Hall greenhouses. Items for sale include annuals (vegetables and flowers), perennials and grasses. Most items are priced $3-$5; sale proceeds support club activities, trips and community service projects.
Alumni award recipient to speak on campus April 18
Iowa State alum Leola Adams (master's 1970; Ph.D. 1975) will present "Stepping Out on Faith" April 18 (4:10-5 p.m., 135 MacKay). Adams is a 2013 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award Recipient. The lecture is sponsored by the College of Human Sciences.
Distinguished Awards Celebration is April 19
Help celebrate the university’s highest awards by attending the annual Distinguished Awards Celebration on April 19 (1:30 p.m., MU Sun Room). The ceremony is open to the public and a reception in the South Ballroom will follow. Awards given to alumni and friends, through the ISU Alumni Association and ISU Foundation, include the following: Distinguished Alumni Award, Honorary Alumni Award and the Order of the Knoll Awards. Details about each award recipient can be found online.
Annual ISU Student Profile report is available online
The 2012-13 edition of the Iowa State University Student Profile (PDF), published by the Office of Institutional Research, is available online. Prior editions of the Student Profile are available online in PDF format. This report is no longer printed.
Funding opportunity for biotech events
The Office of Biotechnology provides funds for biotechnology-related conferences, symposia and workshops that are held on campus or in Ames, and are organized by faculty members or jointly by a faculty sponsor and graduate students. Applications are due April 30 for proposed events that will occur between July 1 and June 30, 2014. More information and an application form are online. Contact Glenda Webber, 4-4749, with questions.
April is sexual assault awareness month
During April, the Margaret Sloss Women's Center and other campus departments and organizations will host events to increase the public's attention on sexual assault. Each Monday (1-2 p.m., Sloss House west lawn), volunteers will distribute teal ribbons and information about sexual assault and consent. Learn more about the "Get a Yes" campaign and the importance of affirmative consent during these times: April 10 (10 a.m.-2 p.m., between Beardshear and the Hub), and April 12 (1-3 p.m., Welch Avenue fire station). More events, including an April 25 "Take Back the Night" rally and march, are detailed online.
Learning Communities program recognizes peer mentors
Iowa State's Learning Communities program recently recognized 15 exemplary student peer mentors for their efforts to be positive models for their learning community members and support the university's academic goals. Congratulations to these mentors: Amanda Fordyce, Diane Fru, Lea Hoefer, Lindsey LaMair, Alison Ludwig, Shannon McClintock, Rachel Peller, Wesley Rondinelli, Lisa Rueschhoff, Hannah Sinclair, Courtney Stakey, Marcie Stevenson, Anton Sytine, Spencer Vore and Andrea Ytzen.
International leader in global sustainable development will speak at ISU April 7
Internationally recognized scientist and World Food Prize recipient Hans Herren will talk about the "Changing Course in Global Agriculture," at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 7, in the Memorial Union Sun Room. A Swiss entomologist, Herren received the 1995 World Food Prize for leading a major biological pest development campaign in Africa, successfully fighting the cassava mealy bug and averting a catastrophic food shortage.
Iowa NSF EPSCoR Energy Policy seminar is April 11
Rob Johansson, office of the chief economist at the USDA, will present "What is Driving Renewable Identification Number (RIN) Price Volatility? Insights from a Medium-run RIN Pricing Model" at the next Iowa NSF EPSCoR Energy Policy seminar on April 11 (3:40-5 p.m., 0013 Curtiss). All are invited to attend.
Outdoor Rec Program hosts equipment sale April 11
The Outdoor Recreation Program is selling some of its recreational equipment on April 11 (6-7:30 p.m., State Gym). Some items for sale include tents, sleeping pads and bags, life jackets and kayak helmets. Go online for a complete list of items for sale.
Open house for student employees is April 10
The Office of Student Financial Aid will hold its annual open house to observe National Student Employment Week on Wednesday, April 10 (7:30-10:30 a.m., ground floor of Beardshear). All students who work on or off campus are invited to enjoy a free breakfast and register for door prizes. Iowa State's Student Employee of the Year and two Student Employees of Distinction also will be honored at this event.
Fulbright Brown Bag Lunch Series continues April 3
Roberta Vann, retired professor of English, and Joan Chamberlin, senior lecturer in the English department, will present "Stories from the People's Republic of Poland" during the next Fulbright Brown Bag Lunch Series April 3 (noon-1 p.m., 2030 Morrill). This series provides an informal setting for ISU faculty and students to learn about the Fulbright Fellowship Program from Fulbright alumni and current Fulbright-sponsored grantees. Faculty and students with an interest in learning about the Fulbright program are encouraged to attend.
Register now for Veishea Service Day/Stash the Trash 2013
Grab your gloves! The annual Veishea Service Day/Stash the Trash is April 6. Veishea Service Day runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (in two shifts); Stash the Trash is 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Volunteers may work alone or with a group to pick up debris around the Iowa State and Ames communities, or help with other service projects. Volunteer registration forms and more details about both events are available online. Contact VEISHEAserviceday@gmail.com with questions.
Statewide tornado drill at 10:15 a.m.
Iowa State will participate in a statewide tornado drill this morning at 10:15 a.m. As part of the exercise, local sirens will be activated. Faculty, staff and students needn't take any action during the drill. However, public safety officials encourage everyone to discuss actions they'd take in their offices and classrooms in the event of a tornado.
Engel Family Upstander Award nominations due April 15
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is seeking nominations of outstanding, deserving ISU undergraduate students for the Engel Family Upstander Award for Courage and Leadership (PDF). Candidates should be individuals who choose to take a positive stand on an issue of diversity and tolerance – often in difficult circumstances – and act on behalf of others.
Next Osborn Club lecture is April 8
David Wilson, professor of history and mechanical engineering, will present "Messages from the History of Science" at the next Osborn Club lecture on April 8 (7 p.m., 1420 Molecular Biology). The lecture is free and open to the public following the club dinner.
Next Harkin Institute brown bag lecture moved to April 5
The next in a series of Harkin Institute of Public Policy brown bag research lectures has been moved from March 29 to April 5 (11:30 a.m., 302 Catt). University professor Peter Orazem will present “Economic Freedom, Human Rights, and the Returns to Human Capital: An Evaluation of the Schultz Hypothesis.” Contact David Peterson for more information.
Five-week swing dancing class offered at MU Workspace
The Workspace at the Memorial Union is hosting a Swing Dancing Class beginning Monday, April 8 (7-8 p.m.) for five weeks. No partner or experience is required. Learn the basic swing moves as well as elements of the Jitterbug, Charleston and Lindy Hop. The cost is $35 for ISU students, faculty or staff and $40 for the public. Pre-registration is recommended and can be done by calling The Workspace, 294-0970.
Register now for April workshops at the library
Library faculty will lead two workshops in April that target faculty and undergraduate students. "Getting Started with EndNote Web" (a free bibliographic management program) will be offfered April 3 (3-4:30 p.m.). "Blinded by the Cites? Finding Works that Cite Great Research" will be offered April 11 (9:30-11 a.m.). Library workshops are free but registration is required as seating is limited. Questions may be directed to Jody Kalvik, 4-6117.
Call for entries for MU student art exhibition
All Iowa State students are invited to submit entries for the Focus Juried Exhibit in the Memorial Union, an annual student art exhibition. Students may submit up to three pieces in any media. The dropoff period for jurying is Monday, April 1 (10 a.m.-1 p.m., Gallery Room). Up to 40 pieces will be selected for the exhibition, which runs April 4-May 6. Four cash awards totaling $325 will be made. Treva Reimer, professor of art at Central College in Pella, is the juror. Entry and exhibit information is online; questions may be directed to MU fine arts coordinator Letitia Kenemer, 4-0971.
Keep your lab chemical inventory on new website
Environmental Health and Safety announces a new web interface (PDF) designed to make it easier for university employees to maintain a chemical inventory, keep it current and fulfill the annual update requirement. The interface meets the requirements of the ISU Right to Know and Laboratory Safety programs. Questions may be directed to EH&S, 4-5359.
Dunphy hosts Science Channel show on Friday
Brendan Dunphy, a research associate in the entomology department and familiar to many Iowans as the storyteller in Iowa State's "Choose Your Adventure" TV spots, is the host and narrator of "Planet Ant," a documentary about insects airing March 22 (9 p.m.) on the Science Channel.
Three candidates will interview for MU program coordinator
Three candidates will interview during the last week in March for a program coordinator position at the Memorial Union; their schedules include an open forum to allow faculty, staff and students to learn more about the candidates and provide input. Questions about the search may be directed to Scott Southward. The forums will be held from 11 to 11:50 a.m. on March 26 (3512 MU), March 28 (MU Pioneer Room) and March 29 (MU Gold Room).
Applications sought for Focus Grants
The Memorial Union is seeking applications for Focus Grants. Student artists, writers and performers can apply for up to $600 in funding for creative projects that can be displayed, read or performed. Additional information, including rules and application forms, is online. Students must have a faculty member familiar with their project area sign on as an adviser. A written description and detailed budget also are required. Applications are due by 4 p.m. April 1 at the Lectures Office (MU Room 2586). For more information, call 4-9934.
April 1 is application deadline for student enrichment funds
April 1 is the next application deadline for the Johnny and Terry Pickett Student Enrichment Fund and Pilar Garcia Student Achievement Fund, offered through the Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs. Both funds support experiences such as study abroad, internships and research. Guidelines and applications are online.
Storm spotter training is March 27
The environmental health and safety department will host a free Severe Storm Spotter training on March 27 (1:30-3:30 p.m., MU Sun Room). Presenters are from the National Weather Service. This training is open to all ISU faculty, staff and students, particularly those who work outdoors. Registration is encouraged. Details are online.
Apply by March 29 for 2013-14 research mentor assistantship
The March 29 application deadline is approaching for the 2013-14 undergraduate research assistantship program. The assistantships encourage outstanding juniors and seniors to pursue graduate study by offering hands-on experience in a formal research setting. The faculty mentor pays 40 percent of the student's wages; college work-study pays the remaining 60 percent. Applications (both student and faculty/staff) should be turned in to the Student Employment Center, 0640 Beardshear. Students must be U.S. citizens, complete the FAFSA, be eligible for work-study funds and maintain a GPA of 3.25 or higher. Preference is given to qualified students and faculty/staff who, on their respective applications, ask to work together. More information, including guidelines, procedures and forms, is online.
Spring ahead on Sunday morning
Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 10. Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour before heading to bed Saturday night.
East campus bike path (north of Lied) will close March 11
The east campus bike path that links University Boulevard to Beach Road (and runs along the north side of the Lied Recreation Center) will close Monday morning, March 11, for an anticipated seven weeks. Phase I of schedule flood protection work to the Lied facility will build a series of berms and flood gates around it. The target date to reopen the bike path is Tuesday, April 30. Recommended alternate routes into campus are: University Boulevard (north) to Wallace Road or (south) to Lincoln Way.
Workshop focuses on finding non-government research grants
A March 28 (3-4:30 p.m.) Parks Library workshop for faculty and graduate students will focus on non-government funding sources for research in the humanities, social sciences and sciences. Rebecca Jackson, ISU Library; and Donna Van Pelt, ISU Foundation, are the presenters. Pre-registration is required. Questions may be directed to Jody Kalvik, 4-6117.
Sleepout will cast light on veterans homelessness
Members of Iowa State's Veterans Club will camp out south of the campanile March 11-15 to increase awareness of homelessness among U.S. veterans and support the federal Department of Veterans Affairs' initiative to end veterans homelessness by 2015. Club members will accept donations, including non-perishable foods that will be delivered to local food pantries (including the SHOP on campus) and money, which will go to the Emergency Residence Project in Ames and the Veterans Community Gratitude Fund, which assists student veterans on campus. This event is in conjunction with the Story County Homeless Stand Down on March 15. For more information, contact Jathan Chicoine, veterans services coordinator.
March 5 Reiman entrepreneur speaker canceled due to illness
A scheduled March 5 lunch event with Diego Veitia, founder and chairman of International Assets Holding (now INTL FCStone Inc.), has been canceled due to the speaker's illness.The event was part of the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship's speaker series.
GSB elections are March 11-12
Elections for the Government of the Student Body are March 11-12. Students log in with their net-ID to access the online voting site. More information is available on the GSB website.