Announcements
Lunch info session on internal funded research programs is Oct. 6
Researchers considering submitting proposals to Iowa State's Presidential Interdisciplinary Research Initiative, the Presidential Interdisciplinary Research Seed Grant Program, the Presidential Cost-Sharing Program for Research Tools, Bridging the Divide, Bailey or Margaret B. Barry programs are encouraged to attend an information session Oct. 6 (noon-1 p.m., virtual and in-person options) hosted by the office of the vice president for research. Associate vice presidents for research Jim Reecy, Surya Mallapragada and Jerry Zamzow will answer questions about the programs. Register online.
Faculty, staff invited to Hispanic heritage celebration Oct. 4
Colegas ("coh-LAY-gahs"), meaning colleagues, Iowa State's Hispanic and Latino/a/x faculty staff association, is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month on Tuesday, Oct. 4 (4-6 p.m., Linden Shelter at Brookside Park). Food and refreshments will be provided, and all employees are welcome -- you do not need to be a member of Colegas. RSVP online. Learn more about faculty-staff associations on the office of diversity, equity and inclusion website.
Resource alert for international students impacted by disasters
The dean of students office sent direct outreach emails Sept. 26 to students who are residents of Puerto Rico, Taiwan and Pakistan related to the recent natural disasters in those areas. Anticipating they may be experiencing challenges either here in Ames or back at home, the note provides students with a list of on-campus support resources available to them. If you know of a student who is in need of assistance related to these natural disasters, please direct them to the dean of students office. Students can call 515-294-1020 or email dso@iastate.edu.
Football game times announced
The athletics department has shared start times for the Cyclone football team's next two games:
- Oct. 1, at Kansas, 2:30 p.m., ESPN2 broadcast
- Oct. 8, Kansas State (home), 6:30 p.m., ESPNU broadcast
Wintersteen establishes Institutional Council on Diversity
A new university committee will help lead the charge in Iowa State's mission to cultivate a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where students and employees can learn, work and grow. Established by President Wendy Wintersteen, the Institutional Council on Diversity brings together leadership from academic colleges and student affairs to advise the overall institutional strategy for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). It's chaired by Sharon Perry Fantini, vice president for DEI, and will begin meeting this semester.
"This group will play a critical role in crafting our diversity, equity and inclusion action plan in response to the results of the upcoming campus climate survey," said Perry Fantini. "I'm excited to collaborate with colleagues across campus to share ideas and guide the university’s efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion at Iowa State."
Postal station at the MU closes
The U.S. Postal Service closed its counter in the Memorial Union, effective Sept. 20. Staffing difficulties were part of its decision. MU leaders are considering other uses for the space in a future renovation. The post office closest to campus is the Cyclone Station at 119 Stanton Ave., which is staffed on weekdays noon-4 p.m. Ames' main post office is downtown at 525 Kellogg Ave. The counter service is open weekdays 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-noon; self-service options are 24/7.
'Spirits in the Gardens' time-stamped tickets on sale
Reiman Gardens is selling tickets (day- and entry time-specific) for its annual "Spirits in the Gardens" Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 22-23 (5-9 p.m.). Tickets must be purchased in advance. Special events from 5 to 7 p.m. include Simon Says, magic show and presentations by the ISU SCUM (chemistry), juggling and unicycling, and cosplay student clubs. From 5 to 9 p.m., enjoy more than 1,000 carved jack-o-lanterns, holograms and candy stations. Tickets are $15 ($13 members and ISU students), $7 for youth (2-12 years) and free for children under two years. A jack-o-lantern only preview (no entertainment or treats) will be held Friday, Oct. 21 (7-9 p.m.). Register and purchase tickets online.
Virtual conversation with young adult author is Oct. 5
ISU Writing and Media Services, part of the Academic Success Center, will host a virtual conversation with young adult author and filmmaker Camryn Garrett on Oct. 5 (5:30-7 p.m., via Webex). The conversation will include Garrett's advocacy work as a novelist and filmmaker, her path to publication and what it means to listen to and amplify the stories of young, Black women. Her novels are "Full Disclosure" and "Off the Record;" her third novel, "Friday I'm in Love," will be released in January. Read more about her work. More information, including registration to receive the event link, is online.
Baby Shark live show tickets on sale Sept. 23
Tickets ($29-$59) for a Nov. 12 matinee performance at Stephens Auditorium of "Baby Shark Live!: The Christmas Show" go on sale at noon Friday, Sept. 23, via Ticketmaster. The performance begins at 2 p.m. The tour is based on the Pinkfong Company's hit song and dance video about a family of sharks, which later morphed into a preschool television series on the Nickelodeon channel.
Ames fall housing fair is Sept. 28 in the MU
The Memorial Union's fall housing fair will take place Wednesday Sept. 28 (11 a.m.-2 p.m., MU Great Hall). This free event is designed to help college students and community members find their next Ames rental. Check out the options available from local property managers and others, learn about tenants' rights and discover other Ames-area housing resources. Questions may be emailed to housingfair@iastate.edu; interested vendors are invited to register online.
'Girls Discovering Engineering' day is Oct. 1
Iowa State's chapter of the Society of Women Engineers is hosting a "Girls Discovering Engineering" Day on Saturday, Oct. 1 (10 a.m.-3 p.m., 2200 Marston) for girls in grades 5-8. (Watch for details about GLEE Day this fall for girls in grades 1-4.) It's a day of fun STEM activities and demonstrations, and it's free for those who pack their own lunch; purchase a box lunch for $5. Register online. Questions can be sent to isusweoutreach@gmail.com.
Session proposals sought for February P&S conference
The subcommittee planning the Professional and Scientific Council's annual professional development conference on Feb. 22, 2023, seeks proposals for breakout sessions. Presentations should tie into one of four tracks and engage P&S employees in personal or professional development:
- Human interactions (networking, communication, conflict resolution, diversity and inclusion)
- Leadership (leading from different levels, working with people and groups)
- Health and wellness (stress management, financial planning, personal health and safety, mental health)
- Professional resources (technical tips and tricks, tools, project management, benefits)
Presenters who want to share their expertise should complete the online form by 5 p.m. Nov. 4. All submitters will be notified of their status by Nov. 18. Those who would like assistance from the conference subcommittee to tailor a proposal to P&S employees should email pands-conf@iastate.edu. Each selected presenter receives complementary registration for the conference. Additional information is online; questions can be directed to pands-conf@iastate.edu.
Six-part series assists caregivers for veterans and military personnel
ISU Extension and Outreach is offering a six-part telehealth course, “Powerful Tools for Caregivers of Military Members and Veterans,” on Wednesdays, Oct. 5-Nov. 9 (6:30-8:30 p.m., via Zoom). It will provide information, support strategies, communication techniques, stress reduction ideas and resources to assist family members and friends who are caregivers for veterans and military personnel. The course will be led by certified class leaders, most with military experience. Questions about the course may be sent to ptcmastertrainers@iastate.edu.
Volunteers sought for Three Minute Thesis prelims
Iowa Space Grant Consortium will hire half-time faculty director
Faculty candidates are sought to serve as director of the Iowa Space Grant Consortium. The director also serves as principal investigator for Iowa NASA's EPSCoR (Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research). The 50% administrative appointment is for three years and renewable. The preferred application deadline is Sept. 30; more information is available in job requisition # R9375 on ISU's jobs website. Questions may be directed to Surya Mallapragada, 515-294-7407.
Volunteers sought for pumpkin stenciling, carving next month
Learn more about Hispanic heritage in the next month
Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, is an annual celebration in the United States to recognize the independence days of several Latin American countries that fall within this timeframe and commemorate the history, culture and achievements of the Hispanic and Latin American communities. Vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion Sharon Perry Fantini and Yamille Perez and Loerna Dorado-Robles, co-chairs of ISU's Hispanic and Latino Faculty and Staff Association, Colegas, invite the campus community to learn more and get involved.
Arts and events
Cyclone marching band members performed on ABC TV's "The View" as part of a birthday surprise.
