Announcements for Students

FY13 budget update is the topic of June 1 noon forum

The Professional and Scientific Council will host a noon forum on Friday, June 1 (MU Gallery) that is open to the university community. Two key members in the annual budget process, associate vice president for budgeting and planning Ellen Rasmussen and director of university budgets Dave Biedenbach, will provide an update on development of the university's FY13 budget. The FY13 budget year begins July 1. Participants are invited to bring questions and their lunch, if they like.

Summer hours at Reiman Gardens begin May 26

Reiman Gardens’ extended summer hours, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily for the outdoor gardens, the conservatory complex and gift shop, begin Saturday, May 26. The gardens are open Memorial Day. Summer hours for the butterfly wing remain 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Exhibits to enjoy include the LEGO sculptures outdoors and a tribute to Rube Goldberg in the conservatory.

Workshop will introduce Ion Torrent sequencing technology

The Plant Sciences Institute's Genomic Technologies Facility now offers Ion Torrent next-generation sequencing service. A workshop to introduce the technology will be held May 22 (10 a.m.-noon, 1352 Gilman). It will be followed by a viewing of Ion Torrent's "Ion Bus" (noon-3 p.m.), parked on the south side of the Carver Co-Laboratory. RSVPs are requested for either the workshop or bus viewing (where a pizza lunch will be served).

Limited deliveries by Chemistry Stores May 21-25

Chemistry Stores will limit its deliveries during the week of May 21 due to anticipated higher traffic on campus for the Odyssey of the Mind competition. Deliveries will be made only on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 22-23. Customers are asked to plan their orders and pickups accordingly. For emergencies that week, contact Melissa Gruhn, 4-0200.

Reminder: ISU has an ethics hotline

Iowa State contracts with a third-party hotline vendor, EthicsPoint, to allow anonymous reporting of activities that may involve criminal, unethical, noncompliant or unsafe behavior impacting ISU. You may submit a report online or by calling (toll-free) 866-384-4277.

MU food court switches to one-price dining May 22-27

The Memorial Union food court (excluding Subway and Panda Express) will temporarily switch to all-you-care-to-eat service starting with dinner on May 22 and continuing through May 27 to serve Odyssey of the Mind participants. During this time, there will be one price for a meal and no a la carte purchases. Prices will be $10 for breakfast, $12 for lunch and $14 for dinner.

Detour on 13th Street begins May 14

Due to a scheduled sanitary sewer repair at the 13th Street-Ridgewood Avenue intersection, the city of Ames will close that intersection beginning Monday, May 14, for an estimated 7 days. East- and westbound traffic on 13th Street (on the north side of campus) will be detoured north well in advance of this intersection. Westbound drivers should travel north on Northwestern Avenue to 24th Street, west on 24th to Stange Road, and south on Stange Road back to 13th Street. Eastbound drivers should use this route in reverse.

Summer school begins next week

The first session of summer school at Iowa State begins May 14 and continues through July 6. Session II begins June 11 and wraps up Aug. 3. There is no summer commencement program; students completing degrees this summer have the option of participating in the May or December ceremonies. Details of the summer academic calendar are online.

Campus food drive is May 14-24

United Way of Story County will have campus drop locations during its Live United food drive May 14-24. Nonperishable food items will be accepted at these locations: Alumni Center second floor, 138 Curtiss, 108 General Services, 117 Parks Library, Printing and Publications lobby and 1550 Beardshear. Donated items be delivered to Story County food pantries.

Get free admission to Reiman Gardens on May 11

Reiman Gardens is one of five central Iowa gardens participating in the 4th annual  National Public Gardens Day on Friday, May 11, to raise awareness of the role public gardens play in promoting conservation, education and environmental preservation. To receive free admission to Reiman Gardens that day, go to Better Homes and Gardens admission program website to download a voucher that's good for admission at any of the public gardens. Each garden will be handing out a different salad greens seed packet so visitors can start their own edible garden.

Please be kind to seeded areas along Osborn Drive

Campus Services  crews have started restoring turf areas along Osborn Drive. Their work includes replacing soil, tilling, grading and reseeding. As a result, pedestrians may experience some temporarily closed walkways, but are asked to avoid walking on newly planted grass seed.

Ames Main Street Farmers Market returns May 5

Iowa State is among several area sponsors of the Ames Main Street Farmers' Market, which reopens for the season on May 5. Iowa-grown produce, arts and crafts, music by area musicians and children's activities are part of the Saturday morning ritual on the 400 block of Main Street. The market is open Saturdays (8 a.m. to noon) through Oct. 27.

MBA informational lunch is May 10

The College of Busines will host an informational lunch about its MBA program on Thursday, May 10 (noon-1 p.m., 1360 Gerdin). Lunch will be provided. Those attending are asked to register online.

Campus community may access green building website

To encourage course development, research projects and increased knowledge at ISU on sustainability and the environment, Facilities Planning and Management is subscribing to campus-wide access to BuildingGreen Suite, an authoritative source on environmentally responsible building design and construction. From any campus computer, go to BuildingGreen Suite for green concept summaries and in-depth articles, building case studies, green product evaluations and a sample course syllabus.

Volunteers sought for Special Olympics May 17-19

Volunteers are needed to help with the Iowa Special Olympics summer games, which will be held on campus May 17-19. Volunteers will work half-day shifts. There are various duties, including staging area attendant, escort, awards presenter and music coordinator. To volunteer, sign up online via the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

Campus interviews set for university registrar finalists

Five finalists have been named in the search for Iowa State's next university registrar and they'll visit campus in the next two weeks. Their campus interviews include a one-hour open forum in the MU Gold Room. The finalists' resumes are available on the VP for Student Affairs website. A downloadable form with which to evaluate the finalists also is online; all evaluation forms should be returned by 5 p.m. Monday, May 14, to Rose Wilbanks, 2350 Beardshear. 

The finalists and their open forum dates are:

• Marla Herron, senior associate registrar, University of Kansas; May 3, 3-4 p.m.
• Tammy Aagard, university registrar, University of Wyoming; May 8, 3-4 p.m.
• Laura Doering, senior associate registrar and director of transfer relations; Iowa State; May 9, 3-4 p.m.
• Earl Hawkey, director of registration and records, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; May 10, 3-4 p.m.
• Karen Jarrell, assistant provost and university registrar, University of Texas, Dallas; May 11, 3-4 p.m.

Video of provost finalists' forums online

Video of the open forums for all three finalists for the senior vice president and provost position is now available online. Follow the links below:

• David Manderscheid, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Nebraska, April 24 forum
• Carlo Montemagno, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Cincinnati, April 27 forum
• Jonathan Wickert, dean of Iowa State's College of Engineering,  April 23 forum

For more information on the finalists and the search, go to the senior vice president and provost search site.

Regents approve faculty promotion and tenure awards

The state Board of Regents approved promotion and tenure awards for 68 Iowa State faculty members for the 2012-13 academic year at its April 26 meeting in Cedar Falls. That figure includes 39 promotions with tenure and 29 promotions to full professor for previously tenured faculty.

Evaluation forms for Dean of Students candidates are due May 3

Campus interviews are under way for four finalists for Iowa State's dean of students post. All evaluations of the finalists should be submitted to Rose Wilbanks, 2350 Beardshear, by noon on Thursday, May 3. The form is available online and at each open forum. The finalists and details about their open forums are:

Winning garments at fashion show on exhibit through the summer

An exhibition opening April 30 in Morrill Hall's Textiles and Clothing Museum will feature the winning garments from the April 14 student fashion show. The exhibition runs through Aug. 24; museum hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. An opening reception will be held April 30 (5-6 p.m., 1015 Morrill).

Outdoor Rec equipment on sale Thursday

A public sale of Outdoor Recreation program equipment will take place Thursday, April 26. Small items (such as tents, paddles and camping equipment) will be sold immediately, while large items (such as canoes, bikes and kayaks) will be sold through a sealed bid process. Sealed bids will be accepted from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in State Gym. Contact Jerry Rupert (4-4774) or the Outdoor Rec program (4-8200) for more information. A list of sale items (PDF) is available on the rec services website.

English learning opportunity this summer for international residents of Ames

A special class for learning English through culture and technology will be offered this summer for three weeks, June 25-July 12 (1-2:50 p.m., Monday through Thursday). Classes will be taught by ISU and visiting English teaching professionals who are part of the U.S. Department of State project, "Engaging Material for Global English." The cost is a small fee to cover materials. For more information, contact Joan Chamberlin, ISU English department.

Gear up for ExerCYse April 25

The second annual ISU ExerCYse is Medicine event will be held April 25 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., central campus). Activities include a campus wellness walk, a flash mob, an obstacle course challenge, disk golf, bike tune-ups, a jump rope competition and more. T-shirts also will be available for purchase. This free event is open to all faculty, staff and students. 

Campus forums for three provost finalists are April 23-27

Three finalists have been named in the search for Iowa State's senior vice president and provost. They are David Manderscheid, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Carlo Montemagno, founding dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Cincinnati; and Jonathan Wickert, dean of ISU's College of Engineering. Each will meet with members of the university community and participate in an open forum. The forum schedule is:

• Wickert, Monday, April 23, 10:30 a.m., MU Pioneer Room
• Manderscheid, Tuesday, April 24, 1:30 p.m., MU Pioneer Room
• Montemagno, Friday, April 27, 10:45 a.m., MU Gallery

Those who wish to comment on finalists should submit an online evaluation by noon on Monday, April 30. 

Veishea honors Earth Day

As you enjoy the Veishea activities this weekend, remember that Sunday, April 22, is Earth Day. Live Green! will have an entire village within Veishea Village (central campus) on Saturday, April 21. Ten groups, including Closets Collide, The Green Umbrella and the ISU Council on Sustainability, invite visitors to stop by their booths to learn about their "green" programs. You also may have an opportunity to win sustainable prizes. 

ISU BioBus Club hosts birthday, Earth Day celebration

Students from the ISU BioBus Club, who convert used vegetable oil from ISU Dining into biofuel for a CyRide bus, invite all faculty, staff and students to a birthday/Earth Day celebration April 22 (4 p.m., Commons, Gerdin). The event will celebrate the club's one year of operation and also support Earth Day. RSVP to Mariah Wright.

Honors poster event is April 25

Spring and summer University Honors program graduates, as well as other Honors students, will answer questions about their Honors projects during the annual poster presentation and reception April 25 (3-5 p.m. MU Great Hall). All are welcome.

Iowa State students among outstanding young volunteers

Iowa State's student chapter of Associated General Contractors, Dance Marathon organizers and Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority are among ISU students who will be recognized at the 6th annual Story County Youth Volunteer Awards event April 24 (7 p.m., MU Sun Room). The event celebrates great volunteers in Story County under the age of 25 years. A sundae bar reception follows the award presentations. All are welcome to attend.

Library display highlights Asian American heritage

In celebration of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in April, the University Library has created a display (Fireplace Room, first floor of Parks Library). It includes a selection of books and films by and about Asian Americans. As always, the books in the display can be checked out.  If you see a book that interests you, simply bring it to the circulation desk.

"The Princeton Review" recognizes Iowa State's green efforts

Iowa State has been selected for inclusion in "The Princeton Review's Guide to 322 Green Colleges: 2012 Edition." The free, downloadable book is published in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Schools were selected based on their "green rating," a numerical score from 60 to 99 compiled from a 50-question survey given to college and university administrators about their school's environmental and sustainability-related commitments and initiatives. A complete list of all colleges and universities in the guide is available online. Visit Iowa State's Live Green! website for more information about the university's sustainability initiatives.

Air Force ROTC event open to public for first time in 10 years

Faculty, staff and students are invited to attend the Air Force ROTC Cadet Change of Command Ceremony and Spring Pass in Review Parade on April 19 (5 p.m., central campus, north of the campanile). This is the first time this event has been open to the public in nearly 10 years. The 20-minute event is the official transfer of command from the outgoing to the incoming cadet wing commander, who is the top senior-level cadet charged with ensuring the training, mentoring and operations of the entire Air Force ROTC Detachment. The cadets also will demonstrate skills they have learned. 

Annual Staniforth lecture is April 26

Research ecologist Jon Marshall, director of Marshall Agroecology Ltd., Great Britain, will present the 23rd annual Staniforth Memorial Lecture on April 26 (4:10-5 p.m., 1131 National Swine Research and Information Center, reception follows in the Agronomy Hall commons). Marshall's talk is titled "Field Weeds, Field Margins and Biodiversity: Ecological and Geographical Perspectives."

Student awards, Hoiberg address highlight Veishea opening ceremony

The Student Activities Center and the division of Student Affairs will honor student award recipients and Cyclone men's basketball coach Fred Hoiberg will give the keynote address at the Veishea opening ceremony April 17 (4-6 p.m., MU Sun Room). Refreshments will be served beginning at 4 p.m.; the program will begin at 5:15 p.m. The event kicks off the 90th Veishea celebration; the public is invited.

Register now for April 19 MBA informational lunch

The College of Business will hold an informational lunch on its MBA program April 19 (noon-1 p.m., 1360 Gerdin). Lunch is provided and registration is requested. Questions may be directed to Jenny Reitano.

BIGMAP Symposium is April 18

"Agricultural Biotechnology Regulations, Trade and Co-existence" is the theme for Iowa State's ninth annual Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified Agricultural Products (BIGMAP) Symposium on April 18 (8:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m., Gateway Hotel and Conference Center, Ames). Catherine Woteki, USDA chief scientist and under secretary for research, education and economics, will deliver the keynote address. Mukta Tomar, consul general of India, will be the luncheon speaker. Registration is free for ISU faculty and students. Contact Jody Larson to register. 

School of Education open forum is April 17

Pamela White, dean of the College of Human Sciences; and Carl Smith and Dan Robinson, School of Education implementation committee co-chairs, will host an open forum to provide an update on progress toward the July 1 opening of the School of Education. The forum will be held April 17 (3:30-4:30 p.m., 0102 Science Hall). All are welcome.

Volunteers sought for IT Olympics April 27-28

Faculty, staff and students are sought to assist at the IT Olympics April 27-28, a competition for high school teams in the areas of robotics, game design and cyber defense, held in Hilton Coliseum.  Volunteers help students with their projects, judge a venue, assist a venue director or help in areas of general support such as registration or serving pizza and pancakes. You may volunteer online. The university's Information Assurance Center is one of the partners behind IT Adventures for high school students. Questions may be directed to Doug Jacobson, director of IT Adventures, 4-8307.

Donate unneeded stuff during move-out

Don't want to take home those T-shirts you never wore, the keyboard you replaced or the case of applesauce from Mom? Donate it during move-out to the SAVE program. By putting your unneeded stuff in one of the convenient drop-off locations, you'll get it into the hands of those who can use it (Goodwill and local food pantries) and keep it out of landfills.

Donations will be accepted during the peak moving time, Monday, April 23, through Wednesday, May 9. Items you can donate include: clean, gently used clothing and shoes (no undies, please); small household items, furniture, appliances and electronics in good condition; and non-perishable, unopened food items.

Drop-off locations are in these residence halls and areas:

• Maple-Willow-Larch, C2115A & C2115 Commons (Tree House)
• Birch-Welch-Roberts Hall Cornerstone (Roberts, first floor)
• Linden, room A153A (left of hall desk)
• Oak-Elm parlor, room 2122 Elm
• Helser, room A293 (in front of hall director’s office)
• SUV laundromat or community center
• Wallace/Wilson, C1201A/B
• Buchanan, room 2012
• Friley, room 2414 (north of hall desk)
• Martin, room 2109
• Eaton, room 1132
• BLF Freeman, room 154 (pool table room, first floor)
• Frederiksen Court fitness room

The end-of year-donation program is organized by the Department of Residence with assistance from Central Stores and Facilities Planning & Management.

Review of budget model is progressing

The committee reviewing the university's Resource Management Model (RMM) this year has completed a draft report for executive vice president and provost Elizabeth Hoffman. Hoffman is reviewing the draft and also forwarded a copy to the senior leadership team (deans and vice presidents), and leaders of the Faculty Senate and Professional and Scientific Council. Review committee members will meet with each of these groups during April to discuss the draft report. The goal is to incorporate the groups' input into a final report that would be ready for Hoffman by early May.

Iowa State units first used the RMM budget model for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2009. The committee that adapted and led its implementation recommended a review of the model after three to five years of use. The review began last summer. Resource Planning and Management Associates, Nashville, has assisted the committee with components of the review process.

Register online or text to help Ames become a Blue Zones community

Ames remains in contention to become a Blue Zones community, one of several Iowa cities that will be awarded extra resources and programs to become a model of health and well-being.  But the contest is drawing to a close and competition among 11 cities is tight. You can help Ames by registering online or texting. 

Small campus prairie to be burned April 7

The small reconstructed prairie between Science I and II halls will be the site of a planned burn this Saturday, April 7 (10-11 a.m.), coordinated by faculty in the department of natural resource ecology and management. The team has a burn permit from the city and has coordinated with campus facilities staff to turn off air intakes in nearby buildings during the burn period. Questions may be directed to Rolf Koford, 4-3057.

ISU's Wells on NBC News' "Rock Center with Brian Williams" April 4

Distinguished Professor of psychology Gary Wells will appear tonight (April 4) on NBC News' Rock Center with Brian Williams in a story about how police photo lineups are being challenged. The show airs in central Iowa at 9 p.m. on WHO-TV 13.

Spring food drive runs through April 12

ISU Student Volunteer Services is sponsoring its annual spring food drive, "Feed the Need," through April 12. Nonperishable food items may be donated at drop boxes in Curtiss, Kildee, LeBaron, Carver and Hamilton halls, the MU, Parks Library and the College of Design. Donations will go to The SHOP (Students Helping Our Peers) in the Food Sciences Building, and to Mid-Iowa Community Action, which serves families in a five-county area. Questions may be directed to Sara K. 

Register now for Ignite Ames event on April 19

Ignite Ames, a networking event for technologists, DIYers, entrepreneurs and creative knowledge seekers, will hold its next event April 19 (7-11 p.m., Howe Hall atrium). The purpose is to connect people, create job opportunities in Iowa and have fun. Presenters and attendees are welcome and there is no cost, but you must register to attend.

Statewide tornado drill is at 10 a.m. Wednesday

A statewide tornado drill will occur at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week. The exercise will consist of a tornado watch being issued around 10 a.m., followed by a tornado warning. Environmental Health and Safety encourages ISU buildings to participate. You may choose to not evacuate your building, but consider implementing your building's notification plan when the warning alert is received.

Branstad, others to discuss beef issue on campus April 10

Gov. Terry Branstad will be among speakers addressing the lean, finely texture beef issue during an April 10 program on campus. The program, titled "The Truth: Lean Finely Textured Beef," is organized by students in the animal science department and the ISU Block and Bridle Club. It will begin at 2:30 p.m. in the Kildee Hall pavilion.  Other speakers are Jim Dickson, ISU animal science and meat science professor, and Nancy Degner of the Iowa Beef Industry Council.

Veishea recruiting for world record Knockout event

Organizers of ISU's spring celebration, Veishea, invite you to help break a Guinness World Record in a giant game of Knockout at Hilton Coliseum April 17 (beginning at 7 p.m.). Iowa State Knockout players  broke the world record last spring with 360 participants (see video), only to have another college edge past that number a month later. This year, the Veishea goal is 1,000 participants.

"The event is free and, in order to call yourself a World Record Holder, all you have to do is participate in the first round," says Curtis Berry of Veishea's tournaments committee. " But if you're in it to win it, bring your A game. With 1,000 people, we expect the first round to last about an hour and the entire game to last about three hours." World Record Holder T-shirts will be sold for $5 at the event . No registration is required. Simply show up to participate.

Elementary science teaching is focus of brown bag lunch

Associate professor of science education Joanne Olson will present "Elementary Science Teaching: A Changing Landscape with Challenges and Opportunities" during a STEM education brown bag seminar April 12 (noon-1 p.m., N047 Lagomarcino). All faculty, staff and students are welcome; RSVPs are requested. Bring your lunch if you like. The seminar series is sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering.

Earth Hour celebration on central campus March 31

The student organization GreenHouse Group will host Earth Hour activities on central campus Saturday night. Earth Hour, set for 8:30-9:30 p.m. March 31, is an international event to reduce energy consumption. Participants worldwide are urged to turn off, power down and unplug during the hour. Participants on central campus can enjoy laser tag, glow Frisbee, music and Catt Hall's official Earth Hour "switch off." The rain location is Beyer Hall.

University Book Store closed April 1

The University Book Store in the Memorial Union will be closed for inventory Sunday, April 1. The store will open at its normal time (7:45 a.m.) Monday, April 2.