Announcements for Students

Sept. 4 is a university holiday

Classes will not meet and offices will be closed in observance of the national Labor Day holiday.

Proposals due Sept. 8 for fall STEM conferences for girls

The Program for Women in Science and Engineering seeks session proposals for its two Go Further STEM conferences for young women in grades 8-10 on Nov. 2 and Nov. 9 (primarily in the Memorial Union). Faculty, staff, graduate students and student organiations are welcome to present. The online proposal form is due Friday, Sept. 8. Presentations are for 45 or 90 minutes, and the goal is to have at least one female-identifying presenter in each session. A guidelines and best practices sheet provides other helpful information for preparing proposals. If you'd like to discuss a session idea or have questions, contact Mackenzie Schwartz, mjs18@iastate.edu.

Substance-free football tailgates are back this fall

Iowa State's Collegiate Recovery Community is hosting Cardinal and Goal'd substance-free tailgates prior to the first four Cyclone home football games (Sept. 2, 9 and 23, Oct. 7). The tailgates open two hours before the announced kickoff, feature free food and games, and are open to all. Collegiate Recovery is a peer support-based community to connect folks in recovery or seeking recovery from chemical or behavioral addiction to campus services and resources that will help them thrive.

Pop-up shop for biz attire is Sept. 6-7

Gently used business attire is available for free to all ISU students during the first pop-up shop of the academic year Sept. 6-7 in 1009 LeBaron. Hours are 9 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. Wednesday, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday. The event is hosted by the college directors of multicultural student success with funding from student government and donations from the university community. The intent is to equip students with suitable clothing prior to the fall and spring semester career fairs.

Nominations open for 2024 Women Impacting ISU calendar

The Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics, which coordinates publication of the annual "Women Impacting ISU" calendar, is accepting nominations for the 2024 edition through Sunday, Sept. 24. The calendar highlights the positive impact of 12 women on campus. To be eligible, faculty and staff must be employed by the university for the 2024 calendar year. Students graduating in May 2024 are eligible. The calendar is open to individuals who identify as "woman," inclusive of cisgender, transgender and nonbinary identities. More information, including the nomination form, list of previous calendar honorees and an FAQ, are online.

Regents disability awareness summit is Oct. 26

Bug Village happening Saturday

Bug Village ’23 will take place as scheduled on Saturday (Aug. 26) as the cooling system is working in the Advanced Teaching Research Building (2213 Pammel Dr.). Activities begin on the first floor at 11 a.m. with an open house followed by "Insect Collecting 101" (2:30-5 p.m.). Events conclude with the insect light collecting event at Carr Park (7-10 p.m.). Parking is available behind and beside the Advanced Teaching Research Building.

ISU Alert: Most classes moved online through Aug. 25

Due to a fire at the power plant, the university is experiencing disruptions to the cooling system on campus. Classes that can, will move online for the remainder of Thursday, Aug. 24 and all day Friday, Aug. 25. Students should check email and Canvas for information from their instructors. Veterinary Medicine classes are NOT canceled as it is not impacted by the cooling system. Updates are being posted online.

Library's tech lending has the gear you need

Tech Lending, located on the first floor in Parks Library, is the campus resource for borrowing technology, audiovisual and computer-related items. Tech items are free to checkout. 

Wynonna concert tickets go on sale Aug. 25

Tickets for an Oct. 27 concert by country music icon Wynonna Judd at Stephens Auditorium go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25, via Ticketmaster and the ticket office at Stephens. This 15-city tour features the songs off Judd's first two solo albums, "Wynonna" (1992), and "Tell Me Why" (1993), performed track by track. Ticket prices range from $49.50 to $159.50, or $299.50 for front row seats, plus fees.

Business clothing donations sought

Nicely done, garage sale pros

Environmental health shares tips for staying safe in the heat

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for central Iowa through Wednesday evening, with peak heat index values anticipated around 105 to 110 degrees during the day and overnight lows in the mid- to low-70s. Employees who work outdoors and their supervisors are encouraged to consult the heat stress informational sites provided by ISU environmental health and safety. The site includes a summary of the difference in symptoms between heat exhaustion and the more dangerous heat stroke.

Creek cleanup nets 500+ pounds of trash

Twenty volunteers provided nearly 60 hours of service July 15 to clean sections of College Creek in campus and campustown during the annual creek clean-up coordinated by staff in the office of sustainability. The volunteers removed more than 500 pounds of trash, including a bicycle, office chairs, picnic table, fencing, plastic bags, bottles, cans and food containers. See their photos.

Illegal parking could lead to immediate towing on Saturday

The City of Ames cautions drivers to avoid parking illegally on streets in neighborhoods adjacent to campus on Saturday, Aug. 19. Where an "IMMEDIATE TOWING" sign is posted, parking illegally could lead to your car being towed very quickly. Many of the residential streets are narrow and only allow parking on one side. Read signs carefully and don't rely on how others park to find legal parking.

Annual quilt show is Aug. 25-27 at Reiman Gardens

Reiman Gardens and the Iowa Quilters Guild will host a three-day quilting show Friday-Sunday, Aug. 25-27. The show will award prizes from central Iowa sponsors in several themed categories, and vendors demonstrating, displaying and selling fabric art will be available. The show is open during regular garden hours except for Sunday, when the show concludes at 4 p.m. Visitors pay regular gardens admission (free for members and ISU students with ID).

Register for free access to NY Times, Wall Street Journal

Faculty, staff and students with an Iowa State Net ID can get complimentary access to "The New York Times" and "The Wall Street Journal" through the university library. Register for a free account with the two publications to enjoy access to their suite of digital products, including decades of archives.

'Twilight Zone' inspired drag show coming to Stephens

Reiman Gardens to host first plants and climate symposium

More than a dozen science and climate experts will share their research during Reiman Gardens' first Plants and Climate Symposium on Sept. 15-16. The symposium will focus on best practices to address and mitigate climate change awareness and readiness, for both general and professional audiences. Attendees can choose from two tracks: current climate, weather science and research; or home gardening and sustainability. Registration ($139, students and post docs $99) is required.

Tickets on sale Aug. 14 for single shows in 2023-24 series

Individual tickets went on sale Monday, Aug. 14, for 10 performances in the 2023-24 Performing Arts Series at Stephens (four others previously went on sale):

• iLuminate, Oct. 21
• The Fab Four, Nov. 19
• Jesus Christ Superstar, Jan. 30, 2024
• Langston Hughes Project: Ask Your Mama --12 moods for Jazz, Feb. 8
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Feb. 12
• Swan Lake (World Ballet Series), March 21
• Chanticleer, April 5
• MANIA: The ABBA Tribute, April 6
• Mean Girls, April 11
• Chicago the Musical, May 14

Commuter lots, CyRide stop, moving as part of CYTown development

The CyRide Hub and commuter parking at the Iowa State Center lots will relocate in early August as part of the athletics department's CYTown development. On Monday, Aug. 7, the current CyRide bus stop on Alumni Lane will move to the northeast corner of the center lots, adjacent to lot D3. The new CyRide stop location -- on CYTown Lane -- will be permanent. Plans to construct a new facility in that spot are in the works. Lots D3-5, C3 and B3 will be available for commuters on Aug. 7, and two more lots, C4 and C5, will open on Friday, Aug. 18. Updated parking map.

Orientation for new graduate students is Aug. 15

The Graduate College will hold its annual orientation session for new graduate students on Tuesday, Aug. 15 (10 a.m.-1 p.m., Memorial Union Sun Room). The event includes a panel of returning graduate students who will share insights, campus resource fair and lunch. The event is free; RSVPs are requested.

Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium is Aug. 3

The university community is invited to the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium on Thursday, Aug. 3 (1-3 p.m., MU Great Hall). During the summer, many research labs provided opportunities for students and REU program (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) summer participants to conduct research, and 77 projects by more than 100 students will be presented in a poster format. An online Symposium Program lists the programs and presenters, abstracts and short videos about their research projects, for those who want to review it in advance. Refreshments will be provided. Come and support the undergraduate researchers, their faculty mentors and summer REU program coordinators. Questions may be directed to Svitlana Zbarska, undergraduate research program coordinator campus-wide, 515-294-2064.

Next 'Goldfinch' lawn concert is Aug. 22

The Goldfinch Room in Stephens Auditorium announces the next Goldfinch on the Lawn concert with Iowa musicians Scott Stilwell and John Paul Burtch on Tuesday, Aug. 22 (6:30 p.m., outside the southeast corner of Stephens Auditorium, bring your own lawn chairs or blankets). Tickets are $10 at the door or $7 in advance online. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, including The Sandwich Stop food truck operated by the three Savage brothers, ISU alumni. No outside alcohol is permitted in the area.

Undergraduate, graduate students sought for advisory board

Senior vice president for student affairs Toyia Younger invites you to apply to serve on the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs (SVPSA) Advisory Board. This unique opportunity allows you to share your opinions and perspectives directly with a senior leader at Iowa State on an ongoing basis to help improve the student experience. Board members consist of undergraduate and graduate students, represent all academic colleges and embody varying experiences. Students meet once per month with Younger and also provide feedback to questions online. Learn more and apply by Aug. 30. This is a paid, ongoing leadership experience for students.

Thank you, creek cleanup volunteers

Twenty volunteers provided more than 50 hours of service and removed 500 pounds of trash from campus sections of College Creek during the 14th cleanup event July 15. Among the items retrieved from the creek or creek bank were office chairs, outdoor furniture, a bicycle, picnic table, tires, metal posts and many bottles, cans, disposable cups, plates, eating utensils and plastic shopping bags. Photo gallery.

Regents meet Aug. 2 to approve budgets

Approving operating budgets for the fiscal year that began July 1 is the main item on the agenda when the state Board of Regents meets Wednesday, Aug. 2, at its Urbandale office. No other Iowa State University items are on the short agenda.

City-university rummage sale runs July 28-Aug. 5

The annual Rummage Rampage at the Ames Intermodal Facility, 129 Hayward Ave., is an opportunity for local residents to donate household items with a still-useful life for a community-benefitting sale. It coincides each summer with apartment leases ending on July 31. Nearly 50 area non-profit organizations that provide the volunteer labor share proceeds from the sale. A list of accepted items (and not accepted items) is online. New this year: Payment is accepted via Venmo or cash; no credit cards or checks. Key dates for 2023 are:

• Friday, July 28, noon-6 p.m., drop-off only
• Saturday, July 29, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., sale and drop-off
• Sunday, July 30, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., sale and drop-off
• Monday-Friday, July 31-Aug. 4, noon-6 p.m., sale and drop-off
• Saturday, Aug. 5, 8 a.m.-noon, half-price sale only (no drop-offs)

Rec services offers group swimming lessons

Recreation services will offer youth and adult group swimming lessons at State Gym this fall. Youth swimming lessons for faculty, staff and student members' dependents (ages 5-12 years) are two 30-minute classes/week for four weeks. Prices vary based on membership status. Adult swimming lessons for members feature two 40-minute classes/week for four weeks; the additional cost is $53.  Sign-up begins Aug. 1 at 10 a.m.

CYstarters Demo Day is Aug. 1

Celebrate the student entrepreneurs who participated in Iowa State's 11-week summer accelerator program, CYstarters, at CYstarters Demo Day, Tuesday, Aug. 1 (3-6:30 p.m., ISU Research Park Core Facility, 1805 Collaboration Place). Students will give presentations on the businesses they've been building, and a networking reception will conclude this free event. Register online.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas tickets on sale July 28

Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m., Friday, July 28, for a Dec. 19 Christmas show (7:30 p.m., Stephens Auditorium) by Mannheim Steamroller. The show will feature Christmas hits from the group's holiday albums and multimedia effects. Tickets, $56, $72 and $92, are available at the Stephens Auditorium ticket office and through Ticketmaster.

MU's art rental open house is Aug. 1-3

The Memorial Union is hosting an Art-for-Rent open house Aug. 1-3 in the MU Art Gallery on the ground level. Hours are Tuesday (3-6 p.m.), Wednesday (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Thursday (10 a.m.-1 p.m.). The art rental collection features about 275 framed posters, prints and paintings available to rent for a half or full year. Rentals typically range from $10 to $25 per year. Selections may be viewed at the open house and patrons may take rented pieces with them that day. An affiliation with Iowa State isn't required to participate. Proceeds from art rentals support art programs at the Memorial Union.

It's the final week to see current museum exhibitions

Beginning Monday, July 24, university museums' Brunnier, Christian Petersen and Farm House museums will close temporarily so staff can install the fall exhibitions. The museums will reopen Monday, Aug. 21. The musuems office in the Scheman Building, Art on Campus collection and Anderson Sculpture Garden, south of Morrill Hall, remain open during those four weeks. Museum hours.

Iowa State joins network focused on first-gen student success

Iowa State is a new member of the First Scholars Network, coordinated by the Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and the Suder Foundation. Members of the network (more than 350 so far) apply and must demonstrate their commitment to improving experiences and success for first-generation college students. During a four-phased process, the center provides training, data and expertise for network members and an outlet for sharing research, media conversations and online learning to scale and sustain the work of serving first-gen students. More information will be shared this fall about Iowa State's participation in the network.

Tickets on sale for Stephens show with the Long Island medium

Acclaimed medium Theresa Caputo will appear at Stephens Auditorium on Saturday, Oct. 14 (7:30 p.m.). Theresa will share personal stories about her life and provide comfort to audience members through healing messages from their deceased loved ones. Tickets, $48.75-$98.75 plus fees, go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, July 21, at Ticketmaster or the Stephens Auditorium ticket office. Purchasing a ticket does not guarantee a reading.

Ames increases cost to charge EVs

Electric vehicle (EV) charging rates at city-owned public chargers increased by 2.6 cents per kWh on July 1. The EV charger installed last summer at the Ames Intermodal Facility, 129 Hayward Ave., is a Level 2 charger capable of charging two vehicles at once. As of July 1, the charging rate is now 12.6 cents per kWh. The Intermodal charger is one of eight public EV charging locations in Ames. Transportation Services also has two chargers, capable of charging four vehicles at a time, open to the public during the day for $1.25 per hour. Those stations charge university-owned EVs in the evening and overnight.

Goldfinch Room restarts summer series

The Goldfinch Room announces its first Goldfinch on the Lawn concert of 2023 with singers/songwriters Danny Grause and Monica Austin on Tuesday, July 18 (7 p.m., outside the southeast corner of Stephens Auditorium, bring your own lawn chairs or blankets). The Ames-based Grause earned Song of the Year for "Man On A Mountain" at the Midwest Country Music Awards earlier this year. Austin is a country music artist from Muscatine and was named Entertainer of the Year at this year's Midwest Country Music Awards. Tickets are $10 at the door or $7 in advance online. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, including The Sandwich Stop food truck operated by the three Savage brothers, ISU alumni. No outside alcohol is permitted in the area.  

FundISU campaign to support Ugandans' education extended to July 8

The Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is running a FundISU campaign through July 8 to raise funds for its Uganda Program, which educates mothers and youth with skills and knowledge for self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods. The demand for assistance is greater than the program's current capacity. Questions may be directed to Tammi Martin. Funds will support these specific efforts:

• Innovations in community income generation
• Youth entrepreneurship program
• Vocational and life skills training
• School and home gardening projects

Tuesday evening carillon concert postponed to Wednesday

The Tuesday, June 27, carillon concert by guest artist Margaret Pan has been postponed to Wednesday, June 28 (7 p.m., central campus), due to a canceled flight.

The Guess Who will perform at Stephens Oct. 6

Tickets for a Friday, Oct. 6, concert at Stephens Auditorium by The Guess Who will go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Friday, June 23, via Ticketmaster. The legendary Canadian band enjoyed chart-topping hits in the late 1960s and early 70s with a catalog of songs that included "American Woman," "These Eyes," and "No Time." The ticket price range is $35-$85. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

June 22 town halls will focus on RAGBRAI event in July

The organizing committee for the Ames RAGBRAI overnight (Tuesday, July 25) has shared several opportunities for the Ames community to get involved in Cycling Fun & G"AMES":

• A volunteer portal, where residents can sign up to assist with Ames RAGBRAI events.
• A RAGBRAI housing site, where property owners can learn more about expectations and volunteer to host riders in their homes and yards.
• Vendor information and applications. A vendor permit is required for anyone who sells or gives away items (outside of their place of business) during the July 25 event.
• Sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals wishing to support the Ames RAGBRAI event; sponsorships range from $500 to $10,000.

To provide an overview of the event and give residents an opportunity to ask questions, two town halls are scheduled for Thursday, June 22 (1 p.m. and 6 p.m., Ames City Hall council chambers, 515 Clark Ave.).

Comedian Matt Rife is coming to Stephens Nov. 2

Tickets go on sale to the public Friday, June 9 (10 a.m.), for a Nov. 2 performance at Stephens Auditorium by comedian and interest star Matt Rife, as part of his ProbleMATTic World Tour. Guests must be at least 18 years old. Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster or at the Iowa State Center box office in Stephens. In 2021, Rife self-produced and distributed through YouTube his first one-hour comedy special, "Only Fans." In April, he released his second standup special, "Matthew Steven Rife," on YouTube, and he will tape his third standup special this fall iat DAR Constitution Hall, Washington, D.C. 

Work begins June 5 to improve network infrastructure

On Monday, June 5, information technology services will break ground on central campus for a project to improve the network infrastructure and boost future outdoor wireless coverage. The two-month effort involves installing 3,000 feet of underground conduit for network fiber, and sidewalks in the area will close periodically due to the installation. When completed, the added IT infrastructure will enhance the university's capacity for network connectivity and communication worldwide. Future plans are to add 13 more outdoor wireless locations to central campus, increasing Wi-Fi connectivity.

May 29 is a university holiday

University offices are closed and classes will not meet Monday, May 29, in observance of the national Memorial Day holiday.

Volunteers sought for College Creek cleanup on June 24

Iowa State and Ames community members are invited to participate in National Rivers Month in June by volunteering at the 14th annual College Creek Cleanup on Saturday, June 24 (10 a.m.-2 p.m., check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. in Forker Building parking lot 50A). Small groups of volunteers will walk through designated sections of the creek and pick up trash along the banks. No time commitment is required of volunteers; online pre-registration is requested to ensure adequate supplies (bug repellent, sunscreen, gloves, bags and trash grabbers are provided). Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes. Refreshments are provided for all volunteers. The office of sustainability's Live Green! initiative is hosting this event.

Reiman extends 'Rovers' evenings

Following an April pilot program, Reiman Gardens will offer its "Rovers at Reiman" every other Tuesday evening (4:30-7:30 p.m.) this summer, beginning next week. Well mannered, leashed dogs are welcome in the gardens on these dates:

• May 30
• June 13, 27
• July 11, 25 (RAGBRAI extended hours to 9 p.m.)
• Aug. 8, 22

You're invited: CSAFE reception, poster session on June 5

The university community is invited to the Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence's (CSAFE) reception and research poster session on Monday, June 5 (5-6 p.m., Garden Room, Reiman Gardens). Learn more about the team's accomplishments during the past year, meet research team members from its partner institutions and check out the research posters by CSAFE's undergraduate and graduate students.

Last ice cream sale of the semester is today

For the last time this spring, members of the Dairy Science club are selling ice cream today (noon-2 p.m.) outside the north doors to Lush Auditorium in Kildee Hall. Get a cup for $2; flavors are cinnamon crunch, blueberry, rocky road, smores and Reeses. The ice cream is mixed by club members at the ISU creamery, and the sale serves as a fundraiser for club activities throughout the year. Interested in having the club's ice cream for your event? Send an email.

Listening sessions: LAS dean candidate qualities

The LAS Dean Search Committee will hold two listening sessions before the semester ends to solicit feedback from the community on the qualities and qualifications desired in the next dean. Those unable to attend may send their ideas to any member of the search committee. The listening sessions will be held:

• Thursday, May 4 (3-4 p.m., 127 Curtiss)
• Monday, May 8 (2-3 p.m. via Webex)

Donate your cap and gown following graduation day

Graduation caps and gowns will be collected following the undergraduate commencement ceremonies May 13 to help graduates in need dress for the occasion in the future. STORIES, an ISU program that supports students who've experienced homelessness or aged out of foster care, will have collection boxes on the outer concourse at Hilton Coliseum Saturday, May 13, and at five other locations during the following week where graduates may donate their academic regalia. Items will be used again at future graduation ceremonies by students in the STORIES program and Pell grant-eligible students. Questions may be directed to program coordinator Laura Kilbride. Other donation locations are:

Location updates 

• Main desk, Memorial Union, May 14-21
• Student services office, College of Human Sciences, 131 MacKay, May 13-21
• Student Services Building, May 12-21
• Community clubhouses at The Grove (1407 S. Grand Ave.) and BlockOne (2320 Lincoln Way), May 13-19