Announcements

May 2013

Reminder: Mixed paper collection is June 5

FP&M crews will collect mixed paper for recycling on Wednesday, June 5. Eligible items include journals, magazines, catalogs, paperbacks, colored paper and phonebooks. This collection does not include white paper and newspaper (which have ongoing recycling programs) and hardbound textbooks. Nor does it include confidential materials, which must be disposed of through the university's confidential document destruction process.

Requests for pickup of mixed paper were due May 28; one request per building is preferred. The form is on the ISU recycling website (under "request form," select "mixed paper pickup"). Mixed paper must be removed from metal-ringed or plastic binders and covers and placed in boxes of a weight that one person could lift. Mark the boxes "mixed paper" and place on building loading docks by end of day June 4.

Questions about mixed paper collection may be sent to recycling@iastate.edu or call ISU recycling coordinator Sue Mallas, 4-0692. 

Register for summer professional development classes

ISU's human resource services, in conjunction with Employee and Family Resources, Des Moines, will offer three interactive, professional development classes for employees this summer. Register via AccessPlus (in the "Employee" tab, select "HRS Training"). Course descriptions are on the registration site. This summer's dates and topics are:

  • June 4 (9-11 a.m., MU Pioneer Room): The Building Blocks of Teamwork
  • July 9 (9-11 a.m., MU Gallery): Time Management
  • Aug. 5 (9 a.m.-noon, MU Gallery): Active Listening and Effective Communication

Share your thoughts on health care reform

ISU Extension and Outreach program specialists in family finance are working with the state Department of Public Health on the federal Affordable Care Act's public education and outreach. Iowans are invited to participate in a survey (hosted by the University of Iowa's Public Policy Center) about your health insurance coverage and insurance buying preferences. It takes 15-20 minutes. Survey results will influence the state's development of an online "marketplace" to help Iowans purchase health insurance. For more information, contact Suzanne Bartholomae, ISU human development and family studies, 4-9528.

Training on youth-related policies and forms is May 30

The offices of risk management, university counsel and 4-H youth development will hold a training session on May 30 (10 a.m.-noon, Extension 4-H Youth Building) that targets departmental/unit youth program leaders who plan and supervise youth programs and administrative assistants who complete administrative tasks for youth programs. The training will provide the most current information on youth-related policies, procedures and forms that need to be completed to successfully conduct youth programs at Iowa State. Those planning to attend are asked to send an email to the office of risk management

University closed May 27 for holiday

University offices will be closed and summer session classes will not meet on Monday, May 27, in observance of the national Memorial Day holiday.

Summer design workshops offered for middle, high school students

The College of Design will offer several youth design workshops for middle and high school students this summer, varying in length from a day to a week. Most will meet on campus; other locations are Sioux City and Storm Lake. Registration remains open.

South end of Morrill Road closed May 20-28

Morrill Road between Lincoln Way and Union Drive (west side of the Memorial Union) is scheduled to close Monday, May 20, for concrete pavement replacement. The work should be completed prior to May 29, when new student orientation begins. The parking meters along Morrill Road at the Memorial Union will not be available, but pedestrians will be allowed through the area. Vehicle access to the MU parking ramp will be at the south driveway (for westbound Lincoln Way traffic) and the north driveway (for eastbound Lincoln Way traffic via Union Drive).

Summer session opens Monday

Classes begin Monday, May 20, in Iowa State's first summer session and conclude Friday, July 12. Classes in Session II begin Monday, June 17,  and conclude Friday, Aug. 9. 

Tickets available May 17 for Stephen King musical at Stephens

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. May 17 for a Nov. 2 performance at Stephens Auditorium of Ghost Brothers of Darkland County, a southern gothic supernatural musical written by Stephen King with music by John Mellencamp and T Bone Burnett. Tickets are $39.50 to $67.50 and available from the Stephens ticket office or through Ticketmaster (surcharges apply).

Volunteer deadline for Special Olympics Iowa is May 20

Volunteers can sign up to help with the Special Olympics Iowa summer games through Monday, May 20. The games will be held on campus May 23-25. Volunteers work half-day shifts and include various duties, such as staging area attendant, escort, awards presenter and music coordinator. To volunteer, sign up online on the Special Olympics Iowa website.

Sneak preview: New leadership workshop

A new training series, "Leadership at Any Level," will be offered to university employees in five sessions from January through March 2014 (specific dates will be finalized soon). "An individual does not need to be in a position of leadership to exhibit the ability to influence others," said Don Broshar, human resource services consultant and series developer. "This series will explore proven attitudes, skills and practices that result in exemplary leadership." The registration fee is $250. To sign up for the series, send an email to Ruth Appleton, rlapplet@iastate.edu. For more information, contact Broshar, dbroshar@iastate.edu, 4-2278.

Memorial Day ceremony is May 27; submit names for inclusion by May 17

Iowa State's annual Memorial Day ceremony will be held Monday, May 27 (9 a.m., Reiman Ballroom, ISU Alumni Center). It commemorates all ISU employees, retirees and their spouses who have passed away since Memorial Day 2012. May 17 is the deadline to submit a name or information to be included in this year’s ceremony. Questions may be directed to Jerilyn Logue, ISU Alumni Association, 4-3192.

Mixed paper collection for recycling is June 5

In what has become a semi-annual task, FP&M crews will collect mixed paper for recycling on Wednesday, June 5. Eligible items include journals, magazines, catalogs, paperbacks, colored paper and phonebooks. This collection does not include white paper and newspaper (which have ongoing recycling programs) and hardbound textbooks. Nor does it include confidential materials, which must be disposed of through the university's confidential document destruction process.

Requests for pickup of mixed paper must be submitted by May 28. The form is on the ISU recycling website (under "request form," select "mixed paper pickup"). One request per building is preferred. Mixed paper must be removed from metal-ringed or plastic binders and covers and placed in boxes of a weight that one person could lift. Mark the boxes "mixed paper" and place on building loading docks by end of day June 4.

Questions about mixed paper collection may be sent to recycling@iastate.edu or call ISU recycling coordinator Sue Mallas, 4-0692. 

Submit summer, fall course reserves now

Instructors who wish to place required materials on reserve in the ISU library for summer or fall semesters should submit requests now. The reserve submission form is available on the library's website.

Class of 1963 celebrates 50 years at Alumni Days May 16-18

Alumni Days 2013, May 16-18, will celebrate Iowa State's 50-year reunion class of 1963. A hundred class members have preregistered for the reunion. Events begin with campus bus tours and an evening social on Thursday and conclude with brunch at Reiman Gardens Saturday morning. The alumni center is the home base and registration site for Alumni Days; daytime activities, such as college open houses and special interest tours, will bring alumni to central campus. Members of the classes of 1943, 1953 and 1958 also will be honored during a Friday luncheon. More than 200 alumni in total are expected to visit campus for the weekend.

Alumni association awards dinner is May 31

Alumni and friends of the ISU Alumni Association are invited to the ISUAA Inspiration Awards and Annual Recognition Dinner on May 31 at the ISU Alumni Center. It begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the annual meeting and dinner. Following dinner, ISUAA president Jeff Johnson will recognize the 2013 recipients of the Faculty-Staff Inspiration Award.  A dessert reception will conclude the evening. Registration is requested by May 10; the cost is $35 per person ($30 for ISUAA members).

EPA program lauds Iowa State for reduced greenhouse gas emissions

Because of its efficient power and electricity generation, Iowa State received a Certificate of Avoided GHG (Greenhouse Gas) Emissions for calendar year 2012 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Iowa State is a member of the EPA's Combined Heat and Power Partnership, a voluntary program of more than 450 members in industry, government and clean energy aimed at reducing the environmental impact of power generation.

The university’s use of cogeneration (combined heat and electricity) has both efficiency and environmental benefits. In 2012, cogeneration at Iowa State avoided an estimated 89,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions compared to conventional energy sources. This is roughly equal to emissions from generating electricity for one year for 11,178 homes.

The total estimated avoided carbon dioxide emissions since Iowa State's first cogeneration power plant opened in 1891 is 3.26 million metric tons.

Vet Med offers free eye exams to service dogs in May

The Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center is offering free eye exams to eligible service dogs during the month of May. Visit ACVO Eye Exam Service Animal Qualifications before making an appointment to be sure your dog qualifies for the exam. If it does, contact VMC at 4-4900 to schedule an appointment. 

ISU students take top prizes in business plan competition

Iowa State students Colin Hurd (senior, agricultural education and studies) and Shivani Garg (graduate student, biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology) each claimed a $5,000 top prize May 3 at the finals of the statewide Pappajohn New Venture Business Plan Competition in Des Moines. Hurd's Agriculture Concepts has an after-market tillage solution, Track Till, that reduces field compaction. Garg's Omega Chea Renewables has a plan to commercially produce sustainable, bio-based raw materials for detergents, lubricants and polymer manufacturing. The third award went to University of Iowa student Ryan Ries.

Bicyclists asked to share thoughts on biking in Campustown

In an online survey, the Ames Public Works Department is seeking opinions from bicyclists on what they like -- and don’t like -- about biking in Campustown, defined as the area south of Lincoln Way between Sheldon and Ash avenues. Public input will be used to develop potential options to take to the Ames City Council to improve safety and traffic flow in the area. The survey site will be active through Friday, May 10.

Learn about Keck Foundation funding priorities at May 8 forum

Learn more about the WM Keck Foundation’s funding priorities during a presentation on Wednesday, May 8 (11 a.m.-noon, MU Gold Room). Donna Van Pelt, senior director of development -- Corporate and Foundation Relations -- at the ISU Foundation, will outline the WM Keck Foundation's funding criteria and open the forum to discussion and questions. The forum will focus on the science/engineering and medical research programs of the Keck Foundation. Questions may be directed to Van Pelt, 4-1280.

P&S Council open forum is May 2

Affinity groups (PDF), recently implemented by the Professional and Scientific Council, are the topic of a May 2 P&S Council open forum (noon-1 p.m., MU Campanile Room). The groups' goals are to share information, build skills, provide support and direction, and establish professional partnerships and links among programs, staff and departments. At this open forum, learn more about affinity groups, how to join a group and establish a new one. Current affinity groups also will have time to meet.