Weather-related updates
Check the "weather updates" page for information on closings, postponements and delays due to the winter storm.
University holidays: Dec. 24 and 25, Jan. 1
University offices will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1, 2013, to observe the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Information on extended partial shutdown.
Applications for senior scholarship due Jan. 18
The David J. Henry All-University Leadership and Academic Excellence Award is available to an ISU student who will be a senior during the 2013-2014 academic year. The recipient must demonstrate potential for an outstanding professional career and typify the leadership and academic qualities of alumnus David Henry, who graduated in 1971 and was an assistant to former president W. Robert Parks. The award amount is $2,000; financial need is not a criterion. Applications are due Jan. 18, 2013. More information, including the application form, is online or in 0640 Beardshear.
Ash tree removal resumes next week
Beginning Monday, Dec. 17, crews will remove Ash trees along University Boulevard, Osborn Drive, WOI Road, Center Drive (Iowa State Center) and Stange Road and adjacent to parking lots north of Pammel Drive and the General Services Building. This work represents the third year in facilities planning and management's multi-phased project to remove Ash trees prior to the arrival in central Iowa of the Emerald Ash Borer. Crews also will be removing Ash trees and dead or dying trees in campus residential communities. Replacement trees will be planted in the spring.
Former faculty member Patrick Gouran has died
Patrick Gouran, professor emeritus of theater, died Dec. 2. He was 72. No funeral service is planned, but a celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later date. Memorials may be sent to the Animal Rescue League. Obituary.
Enjoy a carillon holiday concert over lunch Dec. 7
Tune in online (or step outside) to enjoy a holiday carillon webcast tomorrow (Dec. 7) at 11:50 a.m. Carillon students will perform a holiday concert, including a special rendition of "12 Days of Christmas" performed by three players.
Pronunciation class offered for nonnative speakers of English
The English department will offer an 8-week class (Jan. 22-March 15) for nonnative speakers of English who would like to improve their English pronunciation. This is a free, non-credit class open to faculty, staff and students, particularly those with significant difficulties in pronouncing English. It is offered as part of a research study on pronunciation improvement in adult learners. Trained pronunciation teachers will use published pronunciation materials. The class will meet for 75 minutes twice a week. For more information, contact associate professor of English John Levis.
Nominations sought for MU awards
The staff of the Memorial Union is seeking nominations for three annual awards:
- M.J. Riggs Award -- recognizes individuals or organizations whose contributions have impacted a specific area, department, unit or goal of the MU
- Four Seasons Award -- recognizes students, faculty, staff or community members who have gone out of their way to help the MU achieve its goals
- Harold Pride Service Medallion Award -- recognizes a person who has given extensively of him or herself on behalf of the MU
Nomintations for these awards are being accepted through Jan. 31, 2013. Nominations forms are available online.
Microsoft techs calling -- NOT
The caller says he's from the "Windows Technical Department" and has discovered your computer is corrupted by a trojan virus. He can help "rectify the problem" if you'll provide access to your computer or, perhaps, your credit card. Best to hang up there, says information technology security expert Wayne Hauber. It's just another scammer who's found your name and office phone. This particular scam has been tried on campus several times over the past few months and showed up again this week. If you receive such a call, send a brief email to ITS Security and Polices (abuse@iastate.edu). That gives ITS Security an idea of the extent of the scam on campus.
New master's program coming soon to Vet Med
Beginning fall semester 2013, the department of biomedical sciences, College of Vet Med, will offer a one-year, non-thesis master's program geared toward pre-professional and industry-bound students. This program will make students more competitive for advanced-level positions, professional medical training and Ph.D. funding. Preferred applicants will have a strong background in biological sciences and a desire to work in a health profession. Information regarding the program can be found online.
CAC funds available for innovative info technology projects
The Computation Advisory Committee expects to commit approximately $400,000 toward information technology projects that broadly enhance student computing and instruction. Student involvement in the development of project proposals is strongly encouraged. Proposals must be:
- Submitted to administrative units (colleges, etc.) by Feb. 14
- Forwarded electronically from administrative units to CAC (admin-cac@iastate.edu) by Feb. 28
For details, download the call for proposals (PDF) from the CAC website. Direct questions to Eliot Winer, CAC chair or Lynette Sherer, administrative liaison.
Book drive for local children runs through Dec. 7
America Reads/America Counts is holding a book drive for area school-age children who cannot afford their own books. Well-loved books for all elementary ages, grades and reading levels are welcome. Drop off your donations by Dec. 7 at 0640 Beardshear Hall. Contact ARAC with questions.
Reiman Gardens open late on Thursdays through December
Reiman Gardens will be open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays through Dec. 27 for visitors to shop at the gift store and see the holiday display in the conservatory, Santa’s Workshop. Admission after 4:30 p.m. is free. The Butterfly Wing still closes at 4:30 p.m.
Destination Iowa State seeks team leaders
Do you have what it takes to be a great leader? Consider being a team leader for Destination Iowa State, Aug. 22-24, 2013. This is an excellent way for current students to show their Cyclone pride, be part of a team, develop leadership skills and earn up to $250. Each team leader will lead and mentor a group of approximately 15 new students through the Destination Iowa State experience. More information and an application are online. Applications are due Friday, Feb. 8. Contact Kasie Von Haden, 4-6660, for more information.
Dec. 6 faculty roundtable looks at performance as a public act
Faculty members Debra Marquart (English), Jane Cox (theater), Gregory Oaks (music) and Theresa Paschke (integrated studio arts) will participate in a roundtable discussion about performance as a process from conception to its entrance into the public sphere. Their talk will be Dec. 6 (4:10-5:30 p.m., MU Gold Room) and all are invited. Artistic endeavors today can make broad and important public statements, as well as be highly individualized and personal. This panel seeks to dissect this process, its resonance in public and its complexities in our visual, hyper-informational world.
Get tickets now for "Breakfast at the North Pole" event
Reiman Gardens is hosting "Breakfast at the North Pole" Dec. 8 (two seatings available at 9 and 11 a.m.). In addition to a hearty breakfast, guests can make a tasty treat and create an ornament. Kids will enjoy storytelling, face painting and singing. Tickets, $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 1 to 12 (adult members, $10; youth members, $6), must be purchased in advance by Dec. 5. Call 4-2710 or register online.
Madrigal Dinner tickets go on sale Dec. 3
Tickets for Iowa State's 48th annual Madrigal Dinner (Jan. 18-19, 2013) go on sale at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 3. The price is $42 ($38 for ISU students and groups of 10 or more) and tickets are available by phone (4-8349), in person at the Memorial Union ticket office (11 a.m.-5 p.m.), or online (3 percent convenience charge applies). This music and theater department-sponsored event includes dinner and pageantry reminiscent of 16th-century England.
UCC morning preschool has spring openings
The morning preschool program at University Community Childcare has spring semester openings for 3- to 5-year-old children. UCC's early childhood education program is accredited with the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and uses The Creative Curriculum for preschool. A sliding fee scale is available for qualified families. For more information, call 4-9838 or send an email.
Rec Services will sponsor Alaska sea kayaking trip in June
The Outdoor Recreation Program will sponsor a one-week Sea Kayaking in Alaska trip June 20-27, 2013. The price is $1,798 for those with a Rec Services pass; $1,999 for others, and includes airfare, motels, food, kayak rental and more. For more information or to register, contact Jerry Rupert, 4-4774, or the Outdoor Recreation Program office, 4-8200.
Volunteers sought for winter Science Bowl competitions
About 150 volunteers, both scientific and nonscientific, are sought for the 2013 Ames Laboratory/Iowa State University Science Bowl events. High School Science Bowl is Saturday, Jan. 26, in Howe, Hoover and Black Engineering halls. Middle School Science Bowl is Saturday, Feb. 23, in Hach, Spedding, Gilman and TASF halls. Volunteers serve as moderators, judges, timekeepers and scorekeepers. To learn more or to volunteer, contact Breehan Gerleman Lucchesi, Ames Lab public affairs, 4-9750.
Classes recessed during Thanksgiving week
Iowa State classes will not meet Nov. 19-23 for the Thanksgiving break. University offices will be closed Nov. 22-23.
Register by Nov. 20 for fan bus to Iowa City
The athletics department is sponsoring a fan bus to Iowa City on Thursday, Dec. 6, for the 7:30 p.m. women's basketball game between the Cyclones and Hawkeyes. The cost is $30 per person and includes transportation, game ticket and a box lunch. The bus will leave Ames at 4 p.m. and return following the game. Register by Nov. 20 by faxing (4-0104) the order form (PDF) or delivering it to the athletics marketing department in the Jacobson Building. For more information, call 4-3558.
STEM town hall talk is Nov. 16
A Nov. 16 town hall meeting will serve as a conversation about science, technology, engineering and math education, and economic development (1-2:30 p.m., Garden Room, Reiman Gardens). Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and University of Northern Iowa President Ben Allen will participate in the event. The Ames conversation is one of a series of statewide public events seeking feedback on priorities for the governor's STEM initiative.
Auditions are Nov. 11-15 for 'The Vagina Monologues'
In conjunction with V-Day on Feb. 14, 2013, the Margaret Sloss Women's Center will hold a benefit production of Eve Ensler's play, The Vagina Monologues. Auditions will be held Nov. 11 (6-9 p.m.), Nov. 14 (5-7 p.m.) and Nov. 15 (7:30-9:30 p.m.), all at the Sloss House. No acting experience is necessary. All proceeds will benefit the ACCESS shelter in Ames and the V-Day Spotlight Campaign. Questions may be directed to Blair Gershenson, 4-4154.
Large surplus auction is Nov. 17
All kinds of Iowa State surplus items will be sold at an auction, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17. The auction at the ISU Surplus store, 1102 Southern Hills Dr., will include small items as well as furniture, office, cafeteria and janitorial equipment. Included in the auction are:
- Computer equipment, including complete working units
- Bookcases
- 100+ chairs
- Wet-dry vacs and vacuum sweepers, carpet and floor scrubbers
- Microwave ovens and smoothie station
- Serving pans, utensils, bowls, carts and trays
- Dining chairs and tables
See PDF flyer for more information.
Reiminder: MLK Award nominations are due Nov. 15
Students, faculty/staff and campus organizations that have demonstrated commitment to the principles and goals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., are encouraged to apply for the Advancing One Community Award. Recipients have worked to create an inclusive multicultural community or systemic change to reduce injustice and inequity at Iowa State University. Nominations should include: a nomination letter (2 pages or less), up to three letters of support and a resume/CV for an individual award or a description of the organization for a group award. Eligibility details are online. Send nominations to Melinda Thach by Nov. 15.
Seminar series focuses on energy policy
The energy policy platform of the Iowa NSF EPSCoR is hosting a seminar series this year, the first two of which are this fall. Nick Paulson, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, will speak Nov. 29 (3-4:15 p.m., 0013 Curtiss) on conducting economic research to impact policy decisions. Marc Rosen, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, will speak Dec. 6 (3:40-5 p.m., 0013 Curtiss) on energy sustainability and the roles of bioenergy. Seminars are free; no registration is required.
Giving Tree expands to five locations this year
The YWCA Ames-ISU, Faculty Senate and the Ames school district are hosting the 13th annual Giving Tree Nov. 9-28 to support more than 100 local children. Five Giving Trees across campus are decorated with tags that contain the children's special wishes. To participate, remove a tag from a tree, purchase that item and return it (unwrapped) to: 103 Lab of Mechanics, 2101 Agronomy, Vet Med Small Animal Hospital desk, 101 Hamilton or 306 MacKay by Nov. 28. Cash donations also are welcome in the YWCA office, 210 Lab of Mechanics. Checks should be payable to the YWCA Ames-ISU. Receipts are available when requested. The Business college also is sponsoring a food drive for families represented on the Giving Trees. The trees are in these campus locations:
- 103 Lab of Mechanics (Faculty Senate office)
- Commons outside 2101 Agronomy
- Glass hallway, Vet Med Large Animal Hospital
- First floor foyer, Hamilton Hall
- Breezeway connecting LeBaron and MacKay halls
For more information, contact Angela Merrick, 4-0043; or Sherri Angstrom, 4-9717.
Senior scholarship recognizes leadership, academic excellence
ISU students who will be seniors during the 2013-14 academic year and who typify the leadership and academic qualities of David J. Henry are invited to apply for a $2,000 scholarship named in his memory. Financial need is not a criterion. Henry, a 1971 graduate of Iowa State, worked for four years as assistant to former president Robert Parks before joining a Des Moines law firm. He died in a traffic accident in 1983 at the age of 35 years. The application deadline is Jan. 18, 2013; the form is in 0640 Beardshear, online or by sending an email request.
Comfort Zone offers childcare for mildly ill children
The Comfort Zone, licensed child care for children (infants through fifth graders) who are mildly ill or recovering from health problems, is accepting registrations (all children must be preregistered) from faculty, staff and student parents. The Comfort Zone, located north of campus, is staffed with a registered nurse and professional child care staff member, and open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mild illnesses include things such as ear infections, colds, flu, pneumonia, strep throat and recovery from minor surgery such as a tonsillectomy. The services are offered in half-day blocks and fees are on a sliding scale according to family income. To request a registration form, email the Comfort Zone.
STEM community conversation is Nov. 16
The North Central STEM Hub at Iowa State will host a STEM community conversation Nov. 16 (1-2:30 p.m., Garden Room, Reiman Gardens). All parents, grandparents, educators, business and civic leaders, legislators and other Iowans are invited to attend this town hall-style meeting, intended to foster STEM relationships between local businesses, the regional STEM network, area schools and the university. It's also designed to seek feedback from Iowans about priorities for the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council.
Workshop offers training on assessing predatory attacks on livestock
ISU alumnus Carter Niemeyer, who is retired from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will lead a training workshop on distinguishing among predators in attacks on livestock on Nov. 15 (4-6 p.m., E164 Lagomarcino). The workshop is free but registration is requested by emailing Andrew Stephenson in the natural resource and ecology management department. Niemeyer, the author of a memoir titled Wolfer, also will present an NREM department seminar on Nov. 16 (3:10 p.m., E164 Lagomarcino) about monitoring and managing wolf populations in today's political climate. Both events are open to the campus community.
Sanchez will present next Osborn Club lecture
Assistant professor of physics and astronomy Mayly Sanchez will present the next Osborn Club Lecture on Wednesday, Nov. 14 (7 p.m., Ames Moose Lodge, North Highway 69 adjacent to the Oaks Golf Course). Her talk is titled "Measuring the elusive: All you need to know about catching neutrinos in the Midwest," and will focus on a series of experiments based at the U.S. Department of Energy's Fermilab in suburban Chicago and directed toward northern Minnesota. The lecture portion of the monthly Osborn Club gathering is free and open to the public.
Food drive for the SHOP runs Nov. 5-19
The Fellowship of Athletic Training Club is holding a canned food drive Nov. 5-19 to benefit the SHOP (Students Helping Our Peers), an on-campus student food pantry. Items may be dropped off in the atrium of the Jacobson Athletic Building and in the Lied Recreation Center lobby (near the front desk).
ISU Ambassadors' mock election through noon Friday
The Iowa State Ambassadors student group is holding a mock election (for president and 45th and 46th districts) through noon Friday. Visit the Ambassadors Facebook page for voting information and final results of the mock election. ISU Ambassadors is a group that seeks to create a bridge between the students of Iowa State’s campus and real world politics.
Reminder: Fall back this Sunday
Daylight saving time will end at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4. Remember to set your clocks back one hour at bedtime Saturday.
YWCA's dessert party is Nov. 8
The university community is invited to the YWCA Ames-ISU's annual "Just Desserts: A Taste of Chocolate and More" on Thursday, Nov. 8 (7-8:30 p.m., Johnny’s in Hilton Coliseum). Story County vendors will provide 20 desserts for all to sample. Four judges, including ISU first lady Janet Leath, will choose their favorite. Tickets ($35 or $50 for two people, $15 for students) can be purchased in advance from the YWCA office, 210 Lab of Mechanics. Proceeds support programming and scholarships at the YWCA Ames-ISU.
Student organization receives $7,500 grant
Iowa State's Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) student group recently received the $7,500 Chapter of Excellence Grant, a national award for the 10 best MCA student chapters in the United States. The first $5,000 of the award goes toward student scholarships. The remaining $2,500 will be used for chapter operations.
Writing and Media Center open house is Nov. 7
Renovations and upgrades will be showcased at a Nov. 7 open house for the undergraduate Writing and Media Center in 300 Carver Hall (1-2:30 p.m.). Technology improvements include a SMART Board and Mac Lab, which assist students working on multimedia projects and other electronic communication. A ribbon cutting will be held at 1 p.m., with Rachel Azima, the center's new director. Refreshments will be served.
VRAC's Halloween Fun House runs Oct. 30-Nov. 4
The Virtual Reality Applications Center announces its 2012 Halloween Fun House -- designed for children ages 3-12 years, but all are welcome. The fun house contains lots of VRAC technology along with some favorite movie characters. New this year are two viewings just for ISU faculty, staff and their families: Oct. 30 and Nov. 1 (4-5 p.m., 1117 Black Engineering). The other two viewings, Nov. 3 and Nov. 4 (1-4 p.m., 1117 Black Engineering), are open to the public. Admission is free.
Enrollment for biotech techniques courses is open
Enrollment is open for the molecular biology techniques courses offered in spring 2013 by the Office of Biotechnology for graduate students, faculty, staff and other interested people. Students taking the courses for credit are given preference; others may sign up beginning Jan. 7, 2013, where openings are available. Offerings include introductions to: DNA techniques, protein techniques, cell techniques and plant transformation techniques.
Finalists announced for ISU Foundation president
Two finalists have been named in the search for the Iowa State University Foundation president. Finalists are: Patricia A. Borger, vice chancellor, development and alumni relations at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; and Roger Neuhaus, senior vice president for development and university campaigns at the University of Arizona Foundation. Candidates will meet with Iowa State officials and foundation volunteers and staff and will have the opportunity to tour campus and the city of Ames during the first two weeks of November.
Holiday ham fundraiser is under way
The Meat Science Club is selling high quality semi-boneless hams for the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. Whole hams (12-15 pounds) are $3.50 per pound, and half hams (7-9 pounds) are $4 per pound; payment (cash or check) is due at pickup time. Quantities are limited. Place an order by emailing the club (provide contact info and preferred pickup time) or filling out an order form in 2371 Kildee or at the Meat Lab sales counter, 214 Meat Lab. Hams may be picked up in Kildee Hall Nov. 13 and 15, and Dec. 11 and 13 (4-6 p.m. on all days). Proceeds help cover travel and other costs when members attend professional meetings and conferences.
Brantley Gilbert plays Oct. 26 at Hilton
Country rock music star Brantley Gilbert brings his "Hell on Wheels" tour to Hilton Coliseum for an 8 p.m. show Friday, Oct. 26. Brantley is a nominee for Country Music Association's "New Artist of the Year" award. Tickets are $30 ($37 for floor seats), with a $7 discount for ISU students with ID (limit of one ticket per ID). Tickets are available at the athletics ticket office and through Ticketmaster.
Nutcracker ballet tickets on sale now
Tickets are on sale now for the 32nd production of The Nutcracker Ballet at Stephens Auditorium Dec. 8-9. The holiday classic features central Iowa dancers, with professional dancers in the principal roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Performance times are 1:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $20 and $18, with discounts for students, seniors and groups of 10 or more. Purchase tickets at the Stephens box office or all Ticketmaster centers (surcharges apply).
Snow blower service days are Nov. 2-3
The Agriculture Systems Technology Club will hold its annual snow blower service days Nov. 2 (1-6 p.m.) and 3 (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) on the north side of the Industrial Education II building (west of horse barns). The $25 cost includes oil, spark plug, grease and a half tank of gas, but not mechanical repairs. Pickup and delivery (Ames only) is available for $15; call (515) 708-8672 or send an email request by 2 p.m. Nov. 1 to request this service.
The Grill closes for season Oct. 18
The Grill, ISU Dining's seasonal food cart located on the east side of the Union Drive Community Center, will close for the season Oct. 18.
Meteorology chapter is best in nation
For the second time in three years and third time since 2006, Iowa State’s American Meteorological Society student organization has been named national student chapter of the year.
Prizes, bike tuneups, food and more on Sustainability Day
Free bike tuneups, food and prizes will be part of the local observance of National Campus Sustainability Day on Oct. 24. Activities will take place outside Parks Library from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Among exhibitors at the event will be 88.5 KURE radio, green groups and businesses, and the solar car team. Participants will have an opportunity to recycle plastic bags and build a bench.
Proposals sought for 2013 ISCORE
Proposals for 50-minute presentations are being accepted through Nov. 26 for the annual Iowa State Conference on Race and Ethnicity (ISCORE), to be held March 1, 2013, at the Memorial Union. ISCORE is a comprehensive forum on issues of race and ethnicity at Iowa State and beyond. Students, staff and faculty will provide concurrent sessions at the conference. Proposals should be submitted online.