Announcements for Students

Gymnastics season tickets on sale

Cyclone gymnastics general admission season tickets are on sale for $15. Single-meet tickets ($5) will go on sale Dec. 13. The team hosts four meets this season, including the season opener Jan. 5 (6:30 p.m.).

Plan ahead: CyCash option stops at end of spring semester

Iowa State will discontinue the use of CyCash on May 10, 2024. Existing balances may be used prior to this date at any ISU Dining location. The university is ending the CyCash program because alternative payment methods for laundry, dining and bookstore charges eliminate the need for CyCash on campus. Students should visit the department of residence (laundry) and ISU Dining websites for information on payment options. To learn how to use your university ID card as a U.S. Bank ATM/debit card, visit the U.S. Bank website or any U.S. Bank branch in Ames. Questions may be directed to the ISU Card office at idcard@iastate.edu or 515-294-2727. To check your CyCash balance:

• Log in to AccessPlus
• Click on the Student Tab
• Select CyCash
• Select Get Balance

Poinsettia online orders due Nov. 20

The Horticulture Club is holding its annual poinsettia sale. Plants may be ordered online by Nov. 20, or purchased at these campus locations on a first-come, first-served basis:

• Nov. 29 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), Curtiss Hall
• Nov. 30 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), Beardshear Hall
• Dec. 1 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), Union Drive Community Center lobby
• Dec. 2 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), Reiman Gardens

Pot sizes are 4.5, 6 and 10 inches and prices vary from $10 to $40. Two-inch pots will be available for $8 during the walk-up sales. The poinsettias are grown by club members in the Horticulture Hall greenhouses.

Women of Achievement award nominations due Nov. 30

You're invited: GIS event on Nov. 15

Iowa State's GIS Support and Research Facility and university library will host GIS Day on Wednesday, Nov. 15 (10 a.m.-3 p.m., The Catalyst, 199 Parks Library). This come-and-go event is for everyone, from the geographic information systems-curious to the GIS user. Throughout the event, speakers from around campus will share their research. Learn about GIS opportunities and programs on campus and enjoy free food and GIS swag. The Mapping Masterminds competition is open to everyone, including non-ISU individuals, and has three categories with prizes for the winning entries.

Purchase a piece of Hilton Magic history

The athletics department, via ISU Surplus, is selling pieces of the basketball floor used in Hilton Coliseum from 2020 through last winter. The online sale begins at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 6. The 12-by-12-inch floor pieces cost $50-$100 each (depending on location), payable by credit card. Shipping and local pickup (ISU Surplus on Airport Road) options are available. More information.

Reminder: Daylight saving time ends this weekend

Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. The time retreats one hour -- that's an extra hour of sleep -- and we are reminded how smart our phones really are. Remember to reset any manual clocks in the office.

Single-match wrestling tickets go on sale Nov. 2

Tickets to single wrestling matches, including the Iowa match on Sunday, Nov. 26, go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 2. Ticket prices are $10 (reserved or general admission), youth $5 (reserved or general admission). For the Iowa match, only balcony general admission tickets ($25, youth $15) remain. The Cyclones wrestle at Hilton seven times during the 2023-24 season.

Goldfinch Room series announces two November concert dates

The Goldfinch Room concert series at Stephens Auditorium announces two November shows featuring Nashville duos with ties to Iowa. Goldpine, an Americana duo of married couple, Benjamin and Kassie Wilson, will perform on Sunday, Nov. 12 (5 p.m.). The acoustic duo of Danika Holmes and Jeb Hart will perform on Tuesday, Nov. 28 (7 p.m.). Tickets (table for four: $40, general admission seats: $15) are available online.

Bookstore hosts appreciation event on Nov. 9

ISU Book Store's semi-annual Cyclone Appreciation Event is Thursday, Nov. 9 (3-6 p.m., Memorial Union). Enjoy free popcorn, special in-store promotions and Apple® fall savings. Several ISU groups and local businesses, including ISU Creamery, Chocolaterie Stam, Mayhem Comics and Harvest General Store, are partnering with the bookstore and will offer free product samples and unique purchases.

CyThx can be made throughout November

In its sixth year, CyThx gives Iowa Staters a chance to thank the faculty, staff, graduate teaching assistants or anyone else who makes them feel like a valued member of the ISU community. Your gratitude will remain anonymous if you chose, but your CyThx honoree will be acknowledged through email and on the CyThx webpage. Submissions can be made through the end of the month. The initiative is a partnership of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, ISU learning communities, multicultural student affairs, student government, Graduate and Professional Student Senate, student engagement and student union board.

Limited time: Homecoming football tickets for $25

Single-game tickets for the Iowa State vs. Kansas Homecoming football game Saturday, Nov. 4 (6 p.m.) are only $25 for a limited time. The sale ends at 11:30 a.m. CST on Monday, Oct. 30.

Memorial Union's wedding expo is Oct. 29

The Memorial Union will hold its annual wedding expo on Sunday, Oct. 29 (1:30-3 p.m., Durham Great Hall). This event is free for all attendees. Meet with wedding professionals, register for prizes and receive vendor discounts. For more information, email weddings@iastate.edu.

Reminder: Federal student aid application opens later this year

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-25 academic year won't open until December (not the usual Oct. 1). The U.S. Department of Education is updating the application process. Students enrolling for the 2024-25 academic year should file the FAFSA as soon as possible once the application opens. Iowa State's priority filing dates (to be considered for university aid) are Feb. 1, 2024, for first-year students and Feb. 29 for currently enrolled and transfer students.

CyRide stop in commuter lots will relocate temporarily

Facilities planning and management is adding a sidewalk to connect the bus stops in the commuter parking lots between Hilton Coliseum and Jack Trice Stadium. To accommodate this work, the CyRide bus stop will move south to lot D4 on Monday, Oct. 23, through Wednesday, Oct. 25.

Two-day course for food entrepreneurs is about product development and safety

ISU Extension and Outreach will offer a two-day course for food entrepreneurs, "Successful Food Product Development for New Food Businesses," on Friday-Saturday, Dec. 1-2 (8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily,  Kitchen Council, Council Bluffs). Registration is $40, and the registration deadline is Nov. 24. ISU Extension acquired the curriculum, a mix of lectures and activities, from the University of Massachusetts.

Single-game basketball tickets go on sale Oct. 19

Single-game tickets for the Cyclone men's and women's basketball teams' home games this season go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 19. The men's home schedule already has five sold-out contests. Single-match wrestling tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 2. Due to demand, on Oct. 10, the athletics department expanded wrestling season-ticket sections in Hilton Coliseum to include the eight corner sections of the lower bowl.

Campus 4K run/walk supports Green Dot mission

Faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in a run/walk/stroll/roll to support the Green Dot mission of ending power-based, personal violence on Saturday, Oct. 28 (9:30 a.m.-noon, campanile south lawn). Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., with opening remarks at 9:15 a.m. and a complimentary breakfast following the walk. There also will be yard games and free Green Dot swag. Register.

Reminder: Public comment period for Catt Hall draft report closes Oct. 29

Responses to a campus committee's preliminary vote to keep Carrie Chapman Catt's name on Catt Hall are due by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, the final day of a 60-day public comment period. In its initial vote in August, the review committee voted 9-6 to keep Catt's name on the building. The campus community and the public are invited to read the committee's draft report and submit comments on the public comment submission website. After Oct. 29, the committee will reconvene to review public input and take its final vote. The committee's report will then be finalized and sent to President Wendy Wintersteen.

Nominations due Dec. 1 for alumni association awards

Nominations are due Dec. 1 for three annual awards from the ISU Alumni Association. Questions may be directed to Katie Lickteig. The awards are:

• Faculty/Staff Inspiration Award (nominators must have been ISU students), recognizes an employee who had a significant impact on a student's professional or personal life while at Iowa State. This award may be given posthumously.
• Kansas City Cyclone of the Year (started in 2021), recognizes alumni and friends whose career achievements, volunteer involvement or philanthropic efforts positively impact the greater Kansas City and Iowa State communities.
• Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award, recognizes outstanding senior students (90+ credits) who display high character, achievements in academics and university/community activities, and promise for continuing these exemplary qualities as alumni. Seniors graduating this December are eligible.

State department leader to hold campus conversation Oct. 25

Iowa native Ramin Toloui, who serves as assistant secretary for the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, will lead a campus conversation, "The Nexus of Diplomacy, Economics and Food Security," on Wednesday, Oct. 25 (5:30-6:30 p.m., 2630 Memorial Union). Toloui leads the department's efforts to expand opportunity for American workers and businesses, deepen cooperation with other countries on shared economic challenges, and leverage economic tools to advance U.S. national security objectives. He completed a bachelor's degree in economics at Harvard University and a master's degree in international relations at Balliol College at Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar.

Celebrate 50-year-old central campus prairie

The Science II Prairie, located between Science and Science II halls, is 50 years old this year. A celebration, featuring cake and brief remarks, will be held on Friday, Oct. 20 (4 p.m., Lot 37, east of the prairie). College of Agriculture and Life Sciences dean Dan Robison and Pat Schlarbaum, an Iowa State student when the prairie was established, are the scheduled speakers. Postcard from Campus video.

Trunk or Treat by student orgs is Oct. 26

The Collegiate 4-H student organization is hosting a Trunk or Treat Halloween event Thursday, Oct. 26 (6-8 p.m., parking lot 124, west of Administrative Services Building). Members of the university community are invited to attend, and campus organizations are invited to participate. At a trunk or treat, participants decorate the trunks of their vehicles and distribute candy. It's an opportunity to contribute to a service activity, connect with the community and promote your club. Awards will be presented for creativity. To secure your spot in the lot, complete the online form. Questions may be directed to 4hofficers@iastate.edu.

Block and Bridle Club's summer sausage, cheese sale closes Oct. 27

The Block and Bridle student organization is accepting orders through Oct. 27 for its annual fundraising sale. Featured products are summer sausage from ISU's Meat Laboratory, cheddar cheese from the ISU Creamery and white cheddar cheese curds from WW Homestead Dairy, Waukon, Iowa. In-person pickup is Nov. 7-9 in Kildee Hall; shipped orders will be mailed the week of Nov. 13.

At checkout, shoppers may make a donation to the club, which will be matched by the nonprofit Cactus Cares and used to purchase Meat Laboratory products for the student food pantry, SHOP.

It's Cyclone Family Weekend on campus

Oct. 13-15 is Cyclone Family Weekend, an annual event organized by student leaders and filled with opportunities for families to spend time with their students, learn about Iowa State and experience campus. Events include tours of campus facilities, college open houses and social activities including a Saturday football tailgate and game watch (the Cyclone football team kicks off at 11 a.m. at new Big 12 Conference opponent, University of Cincinnati). 

Indoor trick-or-treat party is Oct. 22

Iowa State's sorority and fraternity community will host its annual Trick-O-Treat on Oct. 22 (1-3 p.m., Memorial Union Great Hall). This event is free and open to ISU staff, faculty and students, and Ames-area families; no registration is required. Greek chapters will host games and there will be lots of candy to take home. Children, parents and all participants are encouraged to wear their best family-friendly costume. Activities you might see:

• Candy toss
• Pin the Donkey
• Bags
• Mini golf
• Candle stick ring toss
• Simon Says
• Craft: Lollipop ghosts
• Apple relay
• Wheel of misfortune
• Trick-or-Treat walk

Sign up by Oct. 22 to participate in Homecoming door or office decorating contest

Homecoming's campus involvement committee invites employees and students to participate in its office and door decorating contest during Homecoming week, Oct. 29-Nov. 4. Decorations should spread Iowa State pride, Cyclone cheer and homecoming spirit. Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, after which the committee will send instructions for uploading photos of your decorating for judging purposes. Photos are due Oct. 27. Contestants may decorate offices, dorm or apartment doors, or residence hall floors. Winners in several categories will receive cupcakes and a shoutout on @isuhomecoming Instagram.

Homecoming buttons on sale at the bookstore on Oct. 16

Homecoming 2023 buttons will go on sale at the ISU Book Store in the Memorial Union on Monday, Oct. 16. As always, the $5 button gets you five meals on central campus weekdays during homecoming, Oct. 29-Nov. 4. Campus employees interested in ordering a large quantity of buttons for their department should contact Katie Lickteig, assistant vice president of constituent engagement at the ISU Alumni Association.

You're invited: Seminar on creativity and artificial intelligence

Artist Kunal Sen, global chief information officer at Encyclopaedia Britannica and Merriam-Webster, will lead an interactive seminar, "Art, Creativity and Generative AI," on Friday, Oct. 13 (1:15-2:30 p.m., 1227 Hoover). Sen, an AI scientist turned artist, has the privileged perspective of seeing AI from both sides. He'll share his thoughts on questions such as: Are all things creative necessarily artistic? Are machines creative, and if so, can they make art? Is intentionality essential? Are machines intentional?

Competition among Big 12 university food pantries is Oct. 7-14

Iowa State's food pantry serving students, SHOP, is part of a food pantry network at Big 12 Conference universities that shares operational best practices and other ideas to address food security on their campuses. During the 2023 football season, the group is holding a competition to support its campus pantries and share information about food insecurity among college students. For the Oct. 14 gameday, Iowa State's competitor is the University of Cincinnati. The competition officially runs Oct. 7-14 and tracks three metrics: Instagram followers, funds raised and pounds of food donated. During that week, the campus community is encouraged to follow SHOP on Instagram, donate to help organizers purchase food or host a food drive to benefit SHOP. To count toward the competition, efforts have to occur between Oct. 7 and Oct. 14 -- though the need continues long after.

Two Oct. 18 events celebrate Women Entrepreneurship Week

As part of its celebration of Women Entrepreneurship Week (Oct. 16-20), the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship will host two events Oct. 18 at the ISU Research Park Core Facility. Registration is requested.

• Women Who Create Conference, for local entrepreneurs and business owners, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $50 registration includes breakfast and lunch
• She Talks networking reception, open to the public, 4:30-6:30 p.m., featuring six Pecha Kucha presentations (20 slides each shown for 20 seconds)

Nationwide emergency alert test is Oct. 4

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will conduct a national test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System on Oct. 4 (1:20 CDT). The test ensures that wireless and emergency alerts warn the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. All major U.S. wireless providers participate and will transmit the national test to their subscribers.

Reiman Gardens relies on volunteers in October

The Reiman Gardens staff seeks volunteers for several seasonal needs:

• Pumpkin stenciling and carving, mornings and afternoons Oct. 4-6, 8, 11-13, 18-20
• Spirits in the Gardens, entrance greeters and candy distributors, evenings Oct. 13-15, 20-22
• Prepping gardens for winter, mornings and afternoons Oct. 16-20
• Assembling winter wonderscape, mornings and afternoons, Oct. 30-Nov. 10

Stadium concert tickets on sale Sept. 22

Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Sept. 22 for the May 25 concert in Jack Trice Stadium by country music icon George Strait and eight-time Grammy Award winner Chris Stapleton. Joining them for their nine-stadium tour is the Grammy Award-winning band Little Big Town. Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster. Tickets will not be sold at the Stephens Auditorium ticket office.

Dance Marathon hosts pancake breakfast on Oct. 1

Dance Marathon at Iowa State will host its second annual "Stacks for Stead" pancake breakfast on Sunday, Oct. 1 (9 a.m.-noon, south campanile lawn on central campus). The public is invited. Tickets ($12; children and ISU faculty, staff and students $10) may be purchased at the door or on the student organization marketplace; proceeds benefit the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. Enjoy unlimited pancakes and live music, and hear the stories of families served at the children's hospital. Now in its 27th year, Dance Marathon at Iowa State has raised more than $5 million for the University of Iowa children's hospital, including $164,398 during the 2022-23 academic year.

Students asked to complete survey on health behaviors, perceptions

Iowa State is partnering with the University of Michigan and the American College Health Association to administer two surveys on ISU student health behaviors, attitudes and perceptions. The surveys launch on Sept. 21, with an Oct. 13 deadline to complete. The surveys will be sent to random samples of ISU students (no student will receive both surveys). The data will be used for strategic university initiatives, including a needs assessment related to Iowa State's participation in the JED Foundation's campus program to enhance student mental health. All students who complete a survey will receive a free ice cream scoop from the ISU Creamery.

CALS study abroad fair is Sept. 26

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' (CALS) 2023 Study Abroad Fair will be held Tuesday, Sept. 26 (3-5 p.m., central campus). ISU students from all colleges can talk with program coordinators, study abroad representatives and past program attendees to learn more about domestic and international travel opportunities through CALS. Not able to attend the fair? Stop by 0018 Curtiss Hall soon.

Spirits in the Gardens tickets are on sale

Purchase tickets for Reiman Gardens' annual "Spirits in the Gardens" Halloween event Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 21-22 (5-9 p.m. nightly), or for a jack-o'-lanterns only preview on Fridays, Oct. 13 or 20 (6-9 p.m.). Tickets are $15 (members and ISU students $13) and $7 for youth and free for youth under two years. Tickets are stamped with a date and time entry. Enjoy a thousand carved and stenciled jack-o'-lanterns, holograms, glowing orbs and candy stations.

Children in grades K-3 invited to learn about 4-H Kids Club

A kickoff for the 4-H Campus Clover Kids Club will be held on Sunday, Oct. 1 (3-4 p.m., Extension 4-H Youth Building, 1259 Stange Rd.). Children in kindergarten through third grade and their families are welcome to learn more about joining the campus-based 4-H Clover Kids Club. Questions? Contact Cayla Taylor, 4-H senior program manager.

Deal lecture focuses on importance of innovation in agriculture

Animal science alumnus Al Tank, ag and food entrepreneur and consultant based in Bethesda, Maryland, will present the 2023 William K. Deal Leadership Lecture on Wednesday, Sept. 27 (5:30 p.m., Dolezal Auditorium, 0127 Curtiss). "Innovating Ag Innovation" is free and open to the public. The annual lecture is organized by the department of agricultural education and studies.

Culinary club offers coffee and scones workshop

Staff will return to environmental health/safety building on Oct. 1

Environmental health and safety (EH&S) staff who temporarily relocated in late April due to an interior renovation at the Environmental Health & Safety Services Building will return to their building on Oct. 1. Until the renovation is complete, in-person EH&S training courses still may be hosted in other meeting rooms on campus, so employees and students are encouraged to pay attention to the building and room information for the courses they attend.

Abstracts due Sept. 25 for poster competition at Borlaug lecture

Poster abstracts are being accepted for the 20th annual Norman Borlaug Lectureship Poster Competition for graduate and undergraduate students on Monday, Oct. 23, in the Memorial Union. It will precede the 8 p.m. Norman Borlaug Lecture featuring 2023 World Food Prize Laureate Heidi Kühn. Poster abstracts that describe work in the general area of world issues -- which could include food, agriculture, climate, nutrition, economies, technology and more -- are due by 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25, via this Qualtrics form. All who submit a proposal will receive a response by Oct. 9. Questions about the competition can be directed to Ajay Nair, 515-294-7080, or Dorothy Masinde, 515-294-0029.

Student presenters are required to be present for the Borlaug lecture and poster competition awards ceremony immediately following it.

Three Minute Thesis applications due Sept. 20

The Graduate College invites graduate students to participate in ISU’s eighth annual Three Minute Thesis competition. Three Minute Thesis challenges researchers to describe their work to a non-specialist audience in under three minutes. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 20, and the preliminary rounds will take place Oct. 25 (2:30-3:30 p.m. and 4-5 p.m.).

The Graduate College also seeks faculty and staff willing to serve as judges, doorkeepers and timekeepers for the two sessions on Oct. 25. Volunteers are asked to complete a short application.

Child care scholarships available for parenting students

ISU's office of Child Care and Family Services is accepting applications for the Childcare Assistance Program (CAP). This scholarship program is available to parenting students (graduates and undergraduates) attending ISU who have out-of-pocket costs for child care services. Students with the highest financial need will receive priority consideration. Eligibility guidelines and application instructions are online. For more information on services available to parenting students, visit the Child Care and Family Services website. Email your questions to ccfamily@iastate.edu.

Local Foods Festival is set for Sept. 20

Iowa State's Local Foods Festival, an annual celebration of local food and healthy living, is Wednesday, Sept. 20 (9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., central campus). This event focuses on incorporating local foods into daily meals and empowering healthy lifestyles and provides sustainability-focused activities to help students and employees make connections with services and organizations in Ames and nearby communities.

Ames Town & Gown announces 2023-24 chamber music lineup

Ames Town & Gown Chamber Music Association's 2023-24 season features five concerts by renowned ensembles and soloists performing music from six centuries and numerous musical styles. It opens with The Baltimore Consort on Friday, Sept. 29 (7:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg Ave.) A season subscription is $150 and single concert tickets are $35 (students free as space allows), both available online. The association's annual Musicale fundraiser concert in February isn't included in the season subscription. Ames Town & Gown's season is presented in cooperation with the music and theatre department. Questions may be directed to artistic director Paula Forrest.

Reiman Gardens seeks volunteer pumpkin carvers

Reiman Gardens seeks individuals and groups to help turn 1,000+ pumpkins into hand-carved jack-o-lanterns before its annual Spirits in the Gardens Halloween event. Clean, trace, carve or place; there's a task for everyone. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old; shifts are available Oct. 4-6, 8, 11-13, 18-20. Shifts fill quickly and volunteer registration closes 48 hours before each date. Volunteers receive a free ticket to Spirits in the Gardens for each shift they complete. Spirits in the Gardens will be held Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 14-15 and 21-22; tickets went on sale Sept. 1.

Study Abroad Fair on Sept. 14 includes passport service

The fall Study Abroad Fair will be held Thursday, Sept. 14 (10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Great Hall, Memorial Union). Learn about interning, studying and volunteering abroad in experiences ranging from one week to one year. Students can enter their names for a chance to win study-abroad scholarships. 

The U.S. Postal Service will provide a team to handle passport application appointments. This service is open to everyone in the Iowa State community: students, faculty, staff and family members. To make an appointment, contact Johanna, 515-967-2262, at the U.S. Postal Service. The standard processing time is up to 13 weeks, so travelers are advised to plan ahead to ensure they have a passport for study abroad or international travels. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.

Flag display on Sept. 15 spotlights suicides on college campuses