Announcements for Faculty and Staff

Global Accessibility Awareness Day is May 21

Thursday, May 21, is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), an annual opportunity to recognize the importance of digital accessibility for people with disabilities and spark conversations around the importance of digital access. At Iowa State, accessibility improves how students learn, how employees do their jobs and how visitors access information and services. Whether it’s a learning app that supports keyboard-only navigation for quizzes or an infographic with high-contrast colors, these actions help build the ISU environment where everyone can participate fully.

Reiman Gardens releases book focused on Elwood the Gnome

Reiman Gardens has released the Adventures with Elwood the Gnome: "Small Things" -- a new children's picture book inspired by the gardens’ oversized gnome and its 2026 seasonal theme, Big and Small. The book ($20) is available for online ordering and will be officially released June 11 at Reiman Gardens with a reading and author/illustrator signing at 10:15 a.m. Preorders of the book -- for children ages 3-10 -- include a signed copy and a package of character stickers. The book was written by Reiman Gardens marketing and communications director Andrew Gogerty and illustrated by Ames artist Tim Read.

P&S ice cream social is Thursday

All professional and scientific (P&S) employees are invited to the P&S Council’s Ice Cream Social on Thursday, May 21 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Student Innovation Center first floor). Meet P&S councilors and enjoy ice cream from the ISU Creamery.

Faculty, staff summer intramurals return

All faculty, staff and post-grad employees are invited to take park in recreation services' free summer intramural leagues. Compete with coworkers or with your friend who works in a department across campus to earn a coveted intramural champion t-shirt. Don’t have a team? Sign up as a free agent and a team or pair will be formed. Sports available this summer are: sand volleyball, pickleball doubles, pick-up basketball, 3v3 soccer and badminton. Registration dates and additional information can be found online.

Student Employee Supervisor Summit is May 21

The office of student financial aid student employment center is hosting the 2026 Student Employee Supervisor Summit on May 21 (8:30 a.m.-noon, Carver Hall). Those who supervise student employees can learn through interactive breakout sessions, roundtable discussions and a keynote presentation by Thom McDonald, Iowa Community College Athletic Conference commissioner. Registration closes May 15 and questions can be emailed to studentjobs@iastate.edu.

Reminder: Inside Update changes schedule for the summer

Inside Update, the companion email to Inside Iowa State, will be sent every other Thursday during summer term. Announcements, appointments and receptions/retirements should be submitted online by noon on the Wednesday preceding an email date to be included in that edition. Emails are scheduled for:

• May 14, 28
• June 11, 25
• July 9, 23
• Aug. 6, 20, 27

Also this summer, a team of campus marketing and communications leaders will develop strategies for universitywide internal communications, following a recommendation from a working group last year to optimize organizational structure for a coordinated approach to marketing and communications.

Update on South 16th road construction

Construction of the barrier rail between the roadway and shared use path over the culvert is anticipated to begin early this week followed by installation of the shared use path on either side of the bridge. When work on the north side is complete, traffic will be shifted to the new pavement and work will proceed on the south side. When this happens, access to Christensen Drive will be via Riverside Drive and the frontage road south of South 16th Street. At this time, the shift is expected to occur in mid-June. 

Starting Monday, May 18, Con-Struct will begin pavement removal and replacement at the northeast corner of the intersection of South 16th Street and University Boulevard. Two-way traffic will be maintained on South 16th Street throughout this stage of construction, but right turns from South 16th Street onto University Boulevard will be prohibited for CyRide buses and semi trucks. Use Grand Avenue as the designated detour route.

ISU Dining to shift hours during Odyssey of the Mind

During Odyssey of the Mind (May 26-30), ISU Dining staff will be focused on serving the expected 6,500-plus guests on campus, so locations will be busier than usual and wait times may be longer. Check with ISU Dining as several locations will have reduced hours or closures and to see current menus.

Goldfinch Room Songwriter Showcase returns this summer

The Goldfinch Room Songwriter Showcase is returning to Reiman Gardens. The showcase brings together singers/songwriters from the Midwest in the Goldfinch Room tradition of storytelling with the beauty of Reiman Gardens. Performances will take place in the gardens near Bald Cypress Allée. Season passes and tickets to individual shows are available. Reiman Gardens members receive free admission to the each performance (6-8 p.m.). Beverages will be available for purchase and ISU Creamery ice cream will be sold. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed into the gardens, and audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets as the seating is on the lawn.

The Songwriter Showcase schedule is:

• Tuesday, June 2: BreAnne Stone
• Tuesday, June 16: Casey Joe and The Foxes
• Tuesday, July 14: The Bone People
• Tuesday, July 28: Beggars’ Bargain
• Tuesday, Aug. 18: Society of Broken Souls

Series highlights a thriving entrepreneurial community

The 2026 Innovation at Work series highlighted how Iowa State’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is making an impact on campus and across the state helping launch new startups, grow small businesses and develop a future workforce with an entrepreneurial mindset. If you missed any of this year’s stories or want to check past series, visit the Innovation at Work website.

Submit requests now for fall library course reserves

Instructors wanting to place required materials on reserve through the library for fall courses, whether interested in articles and chapters, books, DVDs or streaming video can use course reserves. Request materials now via Canvas by following guides to enable course reserves, request items and use the module. For questions about reserve items, their copyright, or how to use them in Canvas, please contact course reserves.

Support mental health by wearing green on May 14

In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month, all are invited to wear green on Thursday, May 14 to show support for mental health and help raise awareness, support initiatives and reduce stigma associated with mental illness. Make It OK is a community campaign aimed at reducing stigma around mental health in Iowa by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness. Share your participation on social media and tag #MakeItOKIowa and #HeyIowa.  

Student food pantry needs summer shift volunteers

SHOP, the food pantry in Beyer Hall serving ISU students, seeks volunteers for open-hours shifts, deliveries and pick-ups during summer session, May 18-Aug. 21. Sign up for volunteer shifts in one- or two-hour increments using the SHOP SignUpGenius site. Service hours at SHOP during breaks will be noon-5 p.m. Tuesdays, 1-5 p.m. Wednesdays and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays, with delivery and pick-up shifts available on other days. Volunteers for open hour shifts who haven't completed the online training are asked to do so before showing up to your shift. A SHOP team member will be available to answer questions as they arise. Questions about getting started may be directed to Austin Cook, student wellness.

Cook  joins board of directors of America’s Cultivation Corridor

Iowa State President David Cook was elected to the America’s Cultivation Corridor board of directors, effective April 13. Cook also will serve as secretary of the board, joining the slate of board officers for the 2026-27 leadership term. America’s Cultivation Corridor is the premier region for agricultural bioscience research, development and entrepreneurship thanks to world class innovation and global leadership of Iowa’s individuals, organizations and companies. Investors and partners in the Corridor are working to accelerate the development of new technologies, strengthen Iowa’s agriculture bioscience workforce, attract economic development, and connect the state’s leadership and resources with the world. 

Single-day closure of Hyland Avenue for paving on May 11

Hyland Avenue will close to all through traffic on Monday, May 11, for paving operations. The closure is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. and is expected to be reopened by late afternoon when the single-lane alternating traffic configuration will be restored. Driveway access for local residents will remain accessible throughout the day, but there may be delays due to truck traffic. Alternate routes, such as South Dakota Avenue or Grand Avenue, are advised for Monday morning travel.

Access to Canvas has been restored

Access to Canvas, including the mobile app, has been restored. Most tools within the app appear to be working as expected, but if you continue to experience any issues, please contact the IT Solution Center by calling 515-294-4000 or submitting a ticket online. All instructors are encouraged to export their Canvas Gradebook as soon as possible. For help, contact celt-help@iastate.edu or request a consultation. Iowa State’s security team continues to work with Instructure, the parent company of Canvas, to understand the extent of this cybersecurity incident.

Information Technology Services

Website: it.iastate.edu

StatusHub: status.it.iastate.edu

University Librarian search to continue in fall semester; Marcketti to serve in interim role

Senior vice president and provost Jason Keith announced May 8 that the search for the Colonel Gary G. Swenson University Librarian will continue during the fall semester. Sara Marcketti, Morrill Professor of apparel, events, and hospitality management, and assistant provost and executive director of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, will become interim dean of library services when current dean Hilary Seo retires July 31.

Highway 30 reconstruction will slow traffic in south Ames

Cyclones Travel Preview is May 28

The 2027 Cyclones Travel Preview is May 28 (3:30-6:30 p.m., Alumni Center) where attendees can go to four breakout sessions to learn why traveling with Iowa State is the way to go for a bucket list tour. Breakout sessions will include representatives from Odysseys Unlimited, Go Next, AHI Travel, Orbridge, Premier World Discovery and Gohagan & Co. Pre-register to be entered into drawings for travel gift certificates. A full list of 2027 tour offerings can be previewed prior to the event. U.S. Postal Service representatives will be on site accepting passport applications or renewals. For more information or to set up an appointment, contact Johanna Hill at 515-776-4092 or Johanna.M.Hill@usps.gov.

Maintenance to close Reading Room May 13-29

Due to scheduled maintenance, the Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) Reading Room on the fourth floor of Parks Library will be closed May 13-29. Regular visiting hours of 10 a.m.-4 p.m. remain in effect until May 13. The SCUA Reading Room will reopen by appointment during the month of June. Digitized collections are available online at specialcollections.lib.iastate.edu and archivists remain available to assist with research remotely. Contact archives@iastate.edu with inquiries or to make an appointment to visit in June. Regular visiting hours are expected to resume following renovations later this summer. 

CyMath program is recruiting tutors

CyMath, which is looking for tutors for the summer and academic year, is a math tutoring and support program with the dual goals of helping school students improve their math skills and confidence, while helping math and engineering faculty and graduate students improve their teaching and communication skills. Undergraduates are welcome in paid and unpaid roles. Tutoring runs at Ames schools, on the ISU campus or via Zoom. Opportunities for Iowa Staters to participate:

• Unpaid tutors, especially 10-11 a.m. Saturdays via Zoom; other options available.
• Sign up for 1 credit of EE 5900 I.
• Paid positions for undergraduates (hourly or through Research Experience for Undergraduates) with preference for math or math education majors.

Additional information (PDF) is in these slides. Questions may be directed to faculty coordinator Namrata Vaswani, electrical and computer engineering.

Special fishing event at Lake LaVerne on May 9

As part of the renovation of Lake LaVerne, a special fishing free event will occur on Saturday, May 9 (9-11 a.m.). ISU has received permission from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for an open catch-and-take window, with no limit on how many fish you take or how many poles you use. Those 16 years and older will need to have a valid Iowa fishing license. Volunteers will be on hand to assist people who perhaps don't have a lot of experience but want to try fishing. A limited amount of fishing gear will be available to use. Also, local wildlife rehabilitators will collect any donated fish to use as feed in their animal rehab efforts. Lead-free tackle is encouraged to prevent contamination of the donated fish.

Art Mart sale is May 12-15

The Workspace in the Memorial Union will hold its spring Art Mart May 12-15 in the MU Art Gallery, ground level. Hours are 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Purchase pottery, blown glass, jewelry, decor, accessories, cards, prints and more created by artists ranging from budding to professional. The sale supports the individual artists, the Workspace and ISU's Gaffer's Guild. 

Ice cream sale is today in Kildee Hall

Members of the Dairy Science Club are selling ice cream today (10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.) outside the north doors to Lush Auditorium in Kildee Hall. Get a cup for $3 (two for $5, cash only). A large variety of flavors are available today; ask the student team what they're selling. 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.

Reminder: United Way food drive continues through May 7

The annual United Way of Story County food drive continues through Thursday, May 7. Faculty, staff and students can participate by donating food and non-food items  or making a financial contribution. All campus donations benefit the SHOP student food pantries, including the main location at 1306 Beyer Hall and satellite location in Sloss House.

Sample ISU Brew Lab beers at M-Shop event

The ISU Brew Lab stops by the M-Shop in the Memorial Union on Thursday, April 30 (4-7 p.m.) to celebrate the launch of their canned products and expanded ventures on campus. Cyclones are invited to sample a variety of the brews (21+; IDs are required), hear from the team involved and hang out at the iconic M-Shop. Admission is free. Tap pours may be purchased of four of the lab's brews: State Schwarzbier, India Pale Ale, Bohemian Pilsner and Munich Helles Lager.

Sloss House will be closed this summer

Inside shares summer schedule

Inside Update, the companion email to Inside Iowa State, will be sent every other Thursday during summer term. Announcements, appointments and receptions/retirements should be submitted online by noon on the Wednesday preceding an email date to be included in that edition. Emails are scheduled for:

• May 14, 28
• June 11, 25
• July 9, 23
• Aug. 6, 20, 27

Logistics and support services' appreciation lunch is May 7

Logistics and support services will host its annual customer appreciation lunch on Thursday, May 7 (11 a.m.-1 p.m., lot 47 between General Services Building and the power plant). Enjoy burgers, hot dogs, chips, desserts and refreshments while supplies last.

You're invited: Museums field trip for instructors is May 6

University museums staff will host a free Faculty Night on Wednesday, May 6 (4-5:30 p.m., Brunnier Art Museum, Scheman Building) for educators interested in learning about museums collections and how to integrate them into their courses as a classroom resource. From art and artifacts to science and history, instructors are invited to learn how collections are being used by their colleagues across campus to spark creativity and deepen learning. 

Cyclone Voice finale is May 2

Fourteen Iowa State students will vie to become the 2026 "Cyclone Voice" during the annual competition's final round on Saturday, May 2 (7 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m., MU Great Hall). The 14 qualified for the finale during an April 21 preliminary round of 30 singers, and the groups includes first-year to graduate students. The indie-pop/rock band Saint Motel will host the competition, introducing each of the student performers and then performing its own music set during the judge's deliberations. Admission is free and the public is invited. Congratulations to the finalists:

• Emma Bertrand, first year, marketing
• Andre Dihardjo, senior, marketing
• Cecely Dominguez, senior, animal ecology
• Frank Engstrom, sophomore, environmental science
• Kyle Holtan, senior, actuarial science
• Harry Kizer, first year, illustration
• Alex Klein, graduate, sociology
• Sarah Lang, junior, aerospace engineering
• Rebecka Lynn, junior, English
• Camille Page, junior, art
• James Summers, first year, history
• Maya Tagoe, sophomore, biology and animal ecology
• Fernanda Tejada, senior, industrial engineering
• Anna Tyler, sophomore, biology

Bring your dog to a Cyclone softball game

The athletics department announces "Bark at the Park" at Cyclone Sports Complex on Friday, May 1, when the Cyclone softball team hosts the Knights from University of Central Florida in their final series of the regular season. First pitch is at 4 p.m., and dogs that are pre-registered are welcome at the stadium. Dog owners need to get their pet signed up in advance to be allowed in, and dogs must remain on a leash at all times. Admission (humans and dogs) is free.

Faculty storytelling roundtable moved to May 5

The ISU faculty- and University Museums-hosted "Tell Me a Story" roundtable has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 5 (5-6 p.m., Brunnier Art Museum, Scheman Building). The discussion will center on the role storytelling plays in teaching and research, with panelists sharing personal connections to the art in Tell Me a Story, a current Brunnier exhibition supported by multiple academic units. Michèle Schaal, professor of French and co-curator of the exhibition, will moderate. Panelists include:

• Michael Bailey, Distinguished Professor in Liberal Arts and Sciences (history)
• Kenny Cook, professor of English and Dean's Faculty Fellow in the Arts
• Rachel Meyers, associate professor of classical studies 
• Amy Popillion, teaching professor in human development and family studies
• Elisa Rizo, associate professor of Spanish
• Eulanda Sanders, Donna R. Danielson Professor in Textiles and Clothing

Classrooms reserved for student study during prep week

Room scheduling has reserved 10 classrooms in eight different buildings for student general study use during prep week, May 4-8 (5:30-11 p.m. daily). The Iowa State community is invited to use these spaces during prep week to help students spread out. The 10 rooms are:

• Bessey: 2226, 2234
• Carver: 0232, 0298
• Elings: 0308
• Food Sciences: 2311
• Howe: 1220
• MacKay: 0116
• Student Innovation Center: 2221
• Town Engineering: 0270

Sunday volunteers still sought for Cy's Finals Frenzy

Volunteers have grabbed many of the weekday slots for Cy's Finals Frenzy during prep week: Sunday-Friday, May 3-8. Volunteers still are needed for Sunday (May 3) afternoon and evening events at the Memorial Union. 

This once-a-semester event promotes healthy study habits and increases personal wellness as students prepare for final exams. More than 1,700 students participated in Cy's Finals Frenzy events in December. Faculty and staff volunteers are encouraged to sign up for a shift (or two) to engage with students and help sessions run efficiently. Options include Bingo, movie night, free snacks, late night breakfast and wellness activities, as well as academic support -- exam prep and Supplemental Instruction sessions -- for students seeking additional assistance. 

Marketing director Custer to retire in May

Carole Custer, director of marketing in university marketing and communications, will retire on May 15 after 38-plus years of service to Iowa State. A 1971 alumna of Iowa State's journalism program, Custer returned to campus in 1987 as assistant for marketing to President Gordon Eaton, placing Iowa State among the first public research universities to embrace the discipline of marketing and branding as a strategy to surpass enrollment goals, increase donations and recruit high-quality faculty and staff. In 1990, she was named the first director of the office of university marketing, and she served in the administrations of six presidents and four interim presidents. Her efforts have been cited in higher education publications, and she has been invited to make presentations and serve on planning committees at regional and national higher ed symposia.

Antique tractor show is Saturday

The Antique Tractor Club is holding its fourth annual Spring Tractor Show on Saturday, April 25 (11 a.m.-2 p.m., Lot 10 west of Town Engineering Building, south side of Pammel Drive). A John Deere 520 pedal tractor will be raffled off during the show. The event is free, and free hamburgers and chicken sandwiches will be available while they last.

Digital accessibility deadline extended by a year

A federal update announced on April 20 extended the deadline for compliance with web content accessibility guidelines by one year to April 26, 2027. Following a federal ruling by the U.S. Department of Justice under the Americans with Disabilities Act, all public entities are required to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1.

Former ISU first lady Kathy Geoffroy has died

Kathleen "Kathy" Geoffroy, a former Iowa State first lady, died April 9 in State College, Pennsylvania, of cancer. A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, May 30 (9 a.m., Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, State College), with burial in the nearby Boalsburg (Penn.) Cemetery. Geoffroy served as the Cyclones' first lady from 2001 to 2012. A math major, she established through the ISU Foundation the Kathleen Carothers Geoffroy Scholarship, supporting first-year female students majoring in STEM fields. Obituary.

Graduate fellowship announced for digital research

The digital scholarship and initiatives department in the University Library invites graduate students to apply for the Digital Inquiry Fellowship, a unique, paid opportunity to expand their research through innovative digital methods. The fellowship supports hands-on exploration in areas such as text analysis, data visualization, GIS technologies, digital storytelling and AI-assisted research and analysis. Running from fall 2026 through March 2027, the fellowship offers a $2,500 stipend. Additional information is online. The application deadline is June 1.

Workday inbox hard to read? Update your browser

If your MyTasks inbox in Workday is not displaying properly, a browser update can fix the issue. One of the most popular browsers on campus is Google Chrome. To update, begin by launching Chrome, then click the three dots in the upper right corner. From the dropdown menu, select Settings. On the Settings page, from the options on the left choose About Chrome and proceed to update your browser. For additional support, contact the IT Solution Center.

Four finalists identified in dean of students search

Four finalists will interview on campus April 16-27 in Iowa State's search for a dean of students. Their campus visits will not include a public forum. The next dean of students is anticipated to start over the summer.

Nominations sought for youth program awards

Nominations are open through May 4 for Risk Management's Youth Programs Awards. The awards recognize exceptional contributions by those who have made a lasting impact on youth programming during the 2025 calendar year:

• Youth Program Leader of the Year: Recognizes an individual who has created impactful and memorable experiences for youth participants and volunteers, inspiring growth, fostering a positive environment and contributing to the overall success of the program. 
• Outstanding Youth Program of the Year: Celebrates a program that has delivered exceptional youth programming and stands out for its creativity, effectiveness, culture of safety and overall positive contribution to youth development.
• Youth Program Staff Member of the Year: Honors an employee or volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and effort within a youth program. The individual consistently exceeds their responsibilities, ensuring events run smoothly and supporting the program's success in every way.

Peak tulip season returns to Reiman Gardens

Reiman Gardens invites guests to celebrate the season during its Spring Enchantment Festival on Saturday, April 18 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.). Enjoy nature-inspired work by local artists and the Mid Iowa Woodcarvers, live music, local food and beverage vendors and vibrant spring colors as more than 50,000 tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other spring bulbs begin to bloom. Standard garden admission prices apply (free for members and ISU students with valid ID.)

Documentary shares legacy of 4-H

A new Iowa PBS documentary, "The Legacy of 4-H," shares the story of the premier youth development program of ISU Extension and Outreach. Providing research-based education to K-12 youth, Iowa 4-H builds upon more than a century of experience in positive youth development. The 55-minute documentary traces 4-H's roots back to the early 1900s and highlights the work of Iowan Iowan Jessie Field Shambaugh, the "mother of 4-H," and her influence on youth education. The Iowa PBS documentary now can be viewed on YouTube.

Earth Day observance is April 22

The Live Green initiative is hosting an Earth Day celebration on Wednesday, April 22 (10 a.m.-2 p.m., Parks Library south lawn). Participate in opportunities to "create sustainably," win prizes, receive a free bike tune-up from the ISU Adventure Program and network with campus and community organizations whose missions, goals and initiatives strive to achieve environmental, social and economic sustainability. Enjoy free refreshments and tunes from KURE 88.5 Radio.

April 27 workshop provides information about Fulbright Scholar Program

Faculty and administrators are invited to register for a free, virtual workshop on the Fulbright Scholar program, hosted by the Institute of International Education (IIE), on Monday, April 27 (12:30-1:30 p.m., via Zoom). Topics to be covered include:

• Opportunities for teaching, research and flexible initiatives in more than 140 countries.
• Tips for crafting a competitive application, making contacts abroad and choosing the right country and award for you.

Faculty also can sign up for a 15-minute individual virtual session with IEE following the workshop to receive guidance specific to their application. Availability for these individual sessions is limited, and sessions are offered on a first come, first served basis.

LAS administrator Arne Hallam to retire on June 30

Arne Hallam, senior associate dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, will retire on June 30 after 43 years of service to Iowa State. He's recognized across campus for his collaborative leadership, distinctive research and his love for teaching, and will be missed by his colleagues. Over the years, he's contributed to and led the transformation of critical projects and initiatives for the university, from the budget model to the centralization of IT and online programs. He's also played a critical role in program development, like the interdisciplinary data science major and sustainability minor. But he is best known for rapid results, like the development of an exceptionally successful applied AI minor in record time. Plans for celebrating Hallum's retirement will be shared at a later date.

Procurement services users asked to complete satisfaction survey

Procurement services invites all of its campus customers to participate in the 2026 customer satisfaction survey and share their experiences. The survey closes on May 1. Each year, customer feedback plays a vital role in shaping how the procurement team serves the university community, for example in streamlining processes, strengthening partnerships and delivering even better service. The short, anonymous survey offers customers the opportunity to provide insights that directly influence service enhancements and future initiatives designed to better support day-to-day work.

Annual 5K scamper for humans and dogs is May 2

The 42nd annual Scamper, a 5K walk/run with pet dogs hosted by Iowa State's chapter of the Student American Veterinary Medicine Association, will be held Saturday, May 2 (10 a.m., Patterson Hall, College of Veterinary Medicine). Registration is $25; register online. Proceeds will support the Ames Animal Shelter.