Announcements
Reminder: Benefits enrollment closes Nov. 22
After employees make their benefits elections in Workday for calendar year 2020 but before they submit them, a summary screen will show their coverage choices. Employees may submit changes throughout the open enrollment period (Nov. 1-22), and when enrollment closes at 5 p.m. Nov. 22, the last changes submitted will be processed and are final. Due to the transparency of this process in Workday, there is no need for employees to complete a post-enrollment review, as was done in the past. Questions? UHR benefits consultants will be at four more open computer lab sessions Nov. 14-20 or call 294-4800.
Forums scheduled for student wellness director finalists
Candidate open forums are planned for three finalists in the search for a Student Wellness director. Housed in the division of student affairs, the director will develop, coordinate and oversee a campus-wide student wellness program that includes mental health/counseling services and financial health. More information, including candidate resumes and evaluation sheets, are available on the student affairs search website. The forums will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in 0185 State Gym. Dates and finalists are:
- Nov. 14, Brian Vanderheyden, Iowa State
- Nov. 19, Nicole Kolm Valdivia, Iowa Department of Public Health
- Nov. 20, Rachel Vos Carrillo, Iowa State
Gardens gift shop open house runs Nov. 23-25
Reiman Gardens gift shop will hold its holiday open house Saturday-Monday, Nov. 23-25 (9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily). Enjoy 30% off all regularly priced merchandise. You don't have to pay gardens admission to visit the gift shop. Because the Cyclone football team plays at home Nov. 23, shoppers won't be able to use the gardens' parking lots that day.
Nutcracker ballet tickets are on sale
The state's longest-running production of the Nutcracker Ballet, at Stephens Auditorium, will be presented at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. Tickets are $30 ($25 for youth, seniors and groups of 10 or more), and available via Ticketmaster, including the Stephens ticket office. The performances feature local talent, with professional dancers in the principal roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her cavalier.
Nov. 15 is faculty-staff appreciation day at the bookstore
Faculty and staff can save 8% on select Apple computers and iPads during a one-day event in the ISU Book Store Friday, Nov. 15. Details and preorder info are online. Watch your email for a coupon for 40% off Iowa State clothing (valid 4-6 p.m. only Nov. 15). Enjoy wine tasting 4-6 p.m. and other in-store deals while supplies last.
Professional development funds available for term faculty
The office of the senior vice president and provost has funds to support professional development of term faculty, particularly faculty without access to professional development support from their departments. Awards up to $500 help faculty attend a conference, workshop or training. Guidelines are online and applications (online) are due Dec. 1 for conferences or workshops between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2020. The submission process has been updated. Recipients will be notified within three weeks. Abstracts for conference presentations need not have been accepted at the time an application is submitted.
Feedback sought on library's scholarship services
The University Library digital scholarship and initiatives unit is conducting an online survey of faculty, P&S staff, graduate students and post-docs to assess their involvement, interests and future needs relating to scholarship activities at ISU. The responses provided will assist the unit in developing services, training and outreach to the ISU community and inform library efforts to support future scholarship. An email invitation was sent Nov. 5 that includes a link to the survey, which should take 8-10 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary. All responses will be treated confidentially and results will be reported in summary form without identifying individual responses. Questions about digital scholarship or the survey may be directed to Hannah Scates Kettler, digital scholarship and initiatives head, 294-8590.
Nominations open for Ivy Women in Business Awards
The Ivy College of Business is accepting nominations for its third annual Ivy Women in Business Awards until Jan. 10, 2020. These awards celebrate women in business and their champions, and are an opportunity to inspire female students as they prepare for a future in business. Nominations must be submitted online.
Reception for term faculty is Dec. 5
The provost's office will host a reception honoring the accomplishments and contributions of Iowa State's term faculty on Thursday, Dec. 5 (5-7 p.m., Reiman Gardens). Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served. RSVPs are requested via Learn@ISU by Dec. 2. Questions may be directed to Megan Peterson, 294-6410, in the provost's office.
Open enrollment for benefits begins Nov. 1
Employees will be able to make changes to their benefit selections for 2020 during the open enrollment period beginning Nov. 1. Open enrollment will run Nov. 1-22. There will be no rate increases or plan changes to ISU Plan benefits for 2020. This is the only time of the year employees can make changes to their benefits without a documented life event. One major change for this year's open enrollment period is that health care flexible spending accounts and the dependent care assistance program will be active enrollment. That means employees must elect to participate each year. Current enrollment elections won't carry over to the next year. Watch Inside Iowa State later this month for a story with more details about open enrollment.
Arts and events
Nov. 11 ceremony to honor former students for their military service launches a week of veterans events.
