Everybody's favorite

Marching band plays in a star shape on football field

Photo by Christopher Gannon.

The Cyclone Football Varsity Marching Band goes into star formation to perform the national anthem for a soldout crowd at Jack Trice Stadium Saturday. Pictured in the bowled-in south end of the stadium is the new Sukup End Zone Club.


Senate opens year with statement of support

Senate statement

"The Iowa State University Faculty Senate strongly believes in the principles of shared governance and the importance of faculty input in the management of university affairs. We wholeheartedly reaffirm our commitment to openness and transparency. These fundamental principles should unite the Board of Regents of the State of Iowa and the three Regents universities. We support ongoing dialogue between the University of Iowa Faculty Senate and the Board of Regents to re-establish trust and confidence that faculty input is important and respected."

The Faculty Senate launched the 2015-16 academic year by affirming the importance of shared governance and "faculty input in the management of university affairs."

In a statement introduced by secretary Annmarie Butler, the proposed language established the senate's support of "ongoing dialogue between the University of Iowa Faculty Senate and the Board of Regents to re-establish trust and confidence that faculty input is important and respected."

Senators approved the statement on a split vote. It will be sent to Iowa's Faculty Senate, state Board of Regents president Bruce Rastetter and President Steven Leath.

IT news

Interim chief information officer Jim Kurtenbach updated senators on the latest information technology initiatives, including:

  • Communication and collaboration, such as the NewToISU series and security protection
  • New systems, such as the university's administrative network and multifactor authentication
  • New data classification policy
  • Encryption for laptops

Response to demonstration disruption

Provost Jonathan Wickert opened his report with remarks about an incident outside Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday. A video captured an individual intentionally ripping a sign held by a member of a student group protesting presidential candidate Donald Trump's immigration statements.

"We're still in the process of gathering information about exactly what happened," Wickert said. "But what we know is that these people that broke up the peaceful demonstration were flat-out wrong and very hurtful in the actions they had. What they did works against what all of us work toward every day -- to make our campus a better, more inclusive place that respects people, regardless of their backgrounds, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation,or their political views."

Wickert encouraged faculty to read President Steven Leath's statement and use the incident as a "teachable moment" to further the conversation about the issues.

Faculty responsibilities still under discussion

Discussion on proposed Faculty Handbook changes to PRS (personal responsibility statement) guidelines will continue. Revisions introduced and debated last spring prompted a motion to postpone a vote until this fall.

Veronica Dark, chair of the PRS task force, said "substantive differences" in the recommended changes address areas of responsibility (expanded from four to seven categories), percentages for proportion of effort and mediation processes for non-tenure eligible faculty.

She said most objections and concerns raised about the changes include:

  • Responsibility area categories that are limiting/less flexible
  • Proportion of effort percentages should not be required, or should not be limited to 5 percent increments
  • The separation of institutional and professional service
  • The separation of extension and engagement/outreach activities

Dark said many more issues with the proposed changes have been received and she welcomed more input.

"It's quite clear that there is still a need to communicate some of this back to your departments, to discuss this with your colleagues, bring back additional concerns," said senate president Rob Wallace.

"The hope is, in October, to come back with a revised set of recommendations that we can use to effect changes in the Faculty Handbook," he said.

Other business

  • A name change for the culinary science program was unanimously approved, to culinary food science. The change was requested by the department of food science and human nutrition to reflect the academic preparation and expertise of the major, especially for recognition among hiring administrators.
  • Changes to language in the catalog were approved, simplifying the process for students on academic probation to change their majors.
  • The biannual spring conference will be held April 26 in the Memorial Union Great Hall. This year's topic is "Research From Start to Finish: The Responsible Conduct of Research at ISU and the Open Access of Scholarly Research and Data."

Three docket items were introduced and will be voted on next month:

  • Proposed cyber security minor in the College of Engineering's electrical and computer engineering department
  • Proposed urban studies minor in the College of Design's community and regional planning department
  • Proposed name change for the art and design bachelor's program, to art and visual culture

 


Faculty, staff receive university awards on Sept. 21

Faculty and staff recipients of the university's most distinguished awards will be honored Monday, Sept. 21, in the Memorial Union Great Hall. The awards ceremony begins at 3:30 p.m., followed by a reception. Following are the individuals who will be recognized.

Distinguished Professor

The title of Distinguished Professor, first awarded in 1956, is the highest academic honor that Iowa State bestows. It recognizes faculty members whose accomplishments in research or creative activities have had a significant impact on their discipline, and who have demonstrated outstanding performance in at least one other area of faculty responsibility. Nominees must hold the rank of professor and have served for at least five years on the ISU faculty. A $6,500 increment in base salary is granted, and the awardee retains the title for the remainder of his or her career at the university.

Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences

  • Stephen Howell, professor of genetics, development and cell biology

Distinguished Professor in Liberal Arts and Sciences

  • Daniel Nettleton, Laurence Baker Chair in Biological Statistics and professor of statistics

Anson Marston Distinguished Professor in Engineering

  • Brent Shanks, Mike and Jean Steffenson Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering

University Professor

The title of University Professor is conferred on a faculty member who has acted as a change agent by having made significant contributions to improve the university, and who has demonstrated outstanding performance in at least one other area of faculty responsibility. Nominees must hold the rank of professor and have served for at least 10 years on the ISU faculty. A $6,000 increment in base salary is granted, and the awardee retains the title for the remainder of his or her career at the university.

  • Drena Dobbs, professor of genetics, development and cell biology
  • Derrick Rollins, professor of chemical and biological engineering, and statistics
  • Diane Rover, professor of electrical and computer engineering

Morrill Professor

The title of Morrill Professor is conferred on a faculty member who has exhibited excellence in undergraduate or graduate teaching or Extension and Outreach programs, and who has demonstrated outstanding performance in at least one other area of faculty responsibility. Nominees must hold the rank of professor and have served for at least five years on the ISU faculty. A $6,000 increment in base salary is granted, and the awardee retains the title for the remainder of his or her career at the university.

  • Kristen Constant, Wilkinson Professor of Interdisciplinary Engineering and chair of the department of materials science and engineering
  • James Noxon, professor of veterinary clinical sciences
  • Craig Ogilvie, professor of physics and astronomy
  • Brad Shrader, University Professor of management

Regents Award for Faculty Excellence

The award is presented by the state Board of Regents to recognize tenured faculty members who are outstanding university citizens and have rendered significant service to Iowa State or to the state of Iowa. A $1,000 award is granted.

  • Gregory Courtney, professor of entomology
  • Patricia Leigh, professor, School of Education
  • Christopher Tuggle, professor of animal science
  • R. Dennis Vigil, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering
  • Michael Yaeger, professor of veterinary pathology

Regents Award for Staff Excellence

The award is presented by the state Board of Regents to recognize members of the professional and scientific or supervisory and confidential staff who are outstanding university citizens and have rendered significant service to ISU and the state of Iowa. A $1,000 award is granted.

  • James Coyle, director of high performance computing operations, IT academic technologies
  • Garland Dahlke, assistant scientist, animal science and Iowa Beef Center
  • Desiree Gunning, program coordinator, biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology
  • Chitra Rajan, former associate vice president for research

Iowa State University Award for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching

Recognizes a faculty member for outstanding teaching performance over an extended period of time. A $1,500 award is granted.

  • Alan Constant, senior lecturer, materials science and engineering
  • Mark Hargrove, professor of biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology
  • Locke Karriker, Dr. Douglas and Ann Gustafson Professor for Teaching Excellence in Veterinary Medicine, and associate professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine

Louis Thompson Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching Award

Established by the late Louis Thompson, emeritus associate dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences, this is a special designation within the Outstanding Achievement in Teaching Award to recognize a teacher who is dedicated to helping undergraduate students. A $1,500 award is granted.

  • Alan Constant, senior lecturer, materials science and engineering

James Huntington Ellis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Introductory Teaching

Established by a 1928 Iowa State graduate, the award recognizes a faculty member for exceptional achievement in teaching introductory courses. A $1,500 award is granted.

  • Alexander Stoytchev, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering

Iowa State University Award for Early Achievement in Teaching

Recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding teaching performance unusually early in his or her career. A $1,500 award is granted.

  • Brianna Burke, assistant professor of English
  • Jodi Goble, senior lecturer, music and theatre

Margaret Ellen White Graduate Faculty Award

Established by a long-time staff member of the Graduate College, the award recognizes superior performance by a member of the graduate faculty in enriching the student-professor relationship and enabling students to finish their work in a timely and scholarly manner. A $2,500 award is granted.

  • Joel Coats, Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor of Entomology and Toxicology

Iowa State University Award for Departmental Leadership

Recognizes outstanding departmental leadership that helps faculty members meet their complex obligations to undergraduate teaching, graduate mentoring, research and service. A $1,500 award is granted.

  • Paul Lasley, professor and former chair of sociology and anthropology

Iowa State University Award for Early Achievement in Departmental Leadership

Recognizes the exceptional impact of a department chair or school director within the first three years of his or her leadership role. A $1,500 award is granted.

  • Jo Anne Powell-Coffman, professor and chair, genetics, development and cell biology

International Service Award

Recognizes a faculty member for outstanding international service in teaching, research or administration within the United States or abroad. A $1,500 award is granted.

  • Linda Hagedorn, associate dean, College of Human Sciences, and professor, School of Education

Iowa State University Award for Academic Advising Impact

Recognizes outstanding performance by an academic adviser over an extended period of time. A $1,500 award is granted.

  • Carol Cordell, academic adviser, kinesiology
  • Constance Ringlee, senior lecturer, English

Iowa State University Award for Early Achievement in Academic Advising

Recognizes outstanding performance by an academic adviser early in his or her career. A $1,500 award is granted.

  • Shannon Grundmeier, academic adviser, College of Business

Iowa State University Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research

Recognizes a tenured faculty member who has a national or international reputation for contributions in research, and who has influenced the research activities of students. A $1,500 award is granted.

  • Balaji Narasimhan, Vlasta Klima Balloun Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and associate dean, College of Engineering
  • Kejin Wang, professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering

Iowa State University Award for Mid-Career Achievement in Research

Recognizes a tenured or tenure-track faculty member who has demonstrated exemplary research performance or scholarship accomplishments as documented by peers or experts in the field. A $1,500 award is granted.

  • Lance Baumgard, Norman Jacobson Professor in Dairy Science, and professor of animal science
  • Massimo Marengo, associate professor of physics and astronomy

Iowa State University Award for Early Achievement in Research

Recognizes a tenured or tenure-track faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments unusually early in his or her professional career. A $1,500 award is granted.

  • Yehua Li, associate professor of statistics
  • Jason Ross, Lloyd L. Anderson Endowed Professor in Physiology, and associate professor of animal science

Professional and Scientific Research Award

Recognizes a professional and scientific staff member, who has been at Iowa State for at least five years, for excellence in research. A $1,500 award is granted.

  • Thomas Koschny, associate scientist, U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory, and adjunct assistant professor of physics and astronomy

Iowa State University Award for Achievement in Intellectual Property

Recognizes individuals or teams for outstanding achievements in producing intellectual property.

  • Patrick Halbur, professor and chair, veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine

Iowa State University Award for Achievement in Economic Development in Iowa

Recognizes individuals or teams for outstanding achievements in advancing the economic development of the state of Iowa. A $1,500 award is granted.

  • Judi Eyles, assistant director, Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, and interim director, CyBIZ Lab

Professional and Scientific Excellence Award

Recognizes contributions made by a professional and scientific staff member within and beyond the university, and career progress demonstrated by accomplishments at Iowa State. A $1,500 award is granted.

  • Ronald Ackerman, director of graduate admissions and student services, College of Business
  • Lesia Oesterreich, family life specialist, Human Sciences Extension and Outreach, and adjunct assistant professor of human development and family studies
  • Nancy Qvale, administrative specialist, civil, construction and environmental engineering

Carroll Ringgenberg Award

Named for a long-time purchasing and facilities staff member, the award recognizes an extraordinary professional and scientific staff member who exhibits constant and contagious dedication to and goodwill for Iowa State. A $1,500 award is granted.

  • Julie Larson, director of outreach and events, ISU Alumni Association

Professional and Scientific Outstanding New Professional Award

Recognizes a professional and scientific staff member who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments unusually early in his or her professional career. A $1,500 award is granted.

  • Kathryn Goudy-Haht, program coordinator, human development and family studies
  • Christopher Neary, communications specialist, civil, construction and environmental engineering
  • Harrison Inefuku, librarian, University Library

Iowa State University Award for Distinguished Service in Extension and Outreach

The highest award bestowed on an extension professional, it recognizes sustained distinguished performance and educational contributions to Iowa State’s clientele through extension programs. A $1,500 award is granted.

  • Timothy Borich, associate dean for extension and outreach, College of Design, and director, ISU Extension and Outreach community and economic development program

Iowa State University Award for Outstanding Achievement in Extension or Professional Practice

Recognizes a faculty or staff member who has demonstrated outstanding performance in statewide leadership in extension or professional practice and has achieved national recognition for outreach activities. A $1,500 award is granted.

  • Kathleen Delate, professor of horticulture and agronomy and organic agriculture specialist, ISU Extension and Outreach

Iowa State University Award for Early Achievement in Extension or Professional Practice

Recognizes a faculty or staff member who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in extension and professional practice unusually early in his or her career. A $1,500 award is granted.

  • Ajay Nair, assistant professor of horticulture and vegetable production specialist, ISU Extension and Outreach

Iowa State University R.K. Bliss Extension Award

Named for the director of extension from 1912 to 1946, the award recognizes outstanding achievement of an ISU Extension and Outreach staff member for developing an overall or continuing extension education program. A $500 grant is awarded.

  • Cheryl Heronemus, regional extension education director, ISU Extension and Outreach, Region 1 (Primghar)

Nolan, Wintersteen reappointed to dean posts

Lisa Nolan, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, and Wendy Wintersteen, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, each has been appointed to a new five-year term.

During her first term, Nolan increased the college's budget, enhanced diversity and completed several hospital and laboratory construction projects.

Wintersteen, in her second term, managed record enrollment growth each year while also growing sponsored funding and philanthropic support, and increasing student diversity.

Lisa Nolan

Nolan

Wendy Wintersteen

Wintersteen

"Iowa State's internationally acclaimed programs in agriculture, biosciences and veterinary medicine are making transformative contributions to our state, nation and the world," said President Steven Leath. "Lisa Nolan and Wendy Wintersteen have done outstanding jobs over the last five years, and I look forward to their continued growth in their colleges."

Senior vice president and provost Jonathan Wickert thanked the college review committees for managing the comprehensive review process. Ron Griffith, professor of veterinary microbiology and preventive medicine, chaired the Governance Council, which conducted the Veterinary Medicine review. Robert Martin, professor of agricultural education and studies, led Agriculture and Life's Sciences' Dean Review Committee.

Wickert also noted his appreciation to faculty and staff in the colleges who participated in the review process through surveys, attending open forums or contacting members of the review committee.

Nolan

Nolan, a professor of veterinary microbiology and preventive medicine, joined the Iowa State faculty in 2003. She became dean in 2011 after serving as the college's associate dean of research and graduate studies.

"It has been incredibly gratifying to witness the growth of the college, from educating students, identifying pathogens for Iowa livestock producers, and taking care of animals around the world," Nolan said. "I look forward to our students, faculty and staff having an even greater impact in the future."

Wintersteen

Wintersteen, a professor of entomology, joined the Iowa State faculty in 1979. She became dean in 2006 after serving as senior associate dean and associate director of the Agriculture Experiment Station.

"Leading the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has been an exceptional experience," Wintersteen said. "I am excited to continue working with faculty, students and staff to serve Iowa and the world."


Curtiss Hall projects score LEED Gold

student lounge in basement of Curtiss Hall

Harl Commons in Curtiss Hall received LEED Gold certification. Photo by Christopher Gannon.

Iowa State has earned its 10th and 11th LEED® certifications for two renovation projects in Curtiss Hall. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' student services mall, completed in July 2012 on the ground floor of the south wing; and Harl Commons, completed in September 2013 in what had been two basement levels beneath the auditorium, each achieved LEED Gold certification – second only to the platinum rating.

"LEED Gold certification makes the Curtiss Hall renovation even more special," said dean Wendy Wintersteen. "What's truly innovative is that these green-designed spaces are so inviting and welcoming.

international display case in office

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' global programs office, part of the LEED Gold-certified student services mall. Submitted photo.

"They enhance our college's efforts to create community. They send a message to our students that we are committed to a sustainable future in energy and the environment, not only in what they are learning but also in where they are learning," she said.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a voluntary program of the U.S. Green Building Council that measures environmentally sensitive building design, construction, operations and maintenance. LEED measures achievements in five categories and awards a credit total. Extra credits are awarded for exemplary performance in any of the five or for green priorities specific to a region.

These latest awards are the university's first in a LEED category for interior renovations in which only part(s) of a building are included in the project. Iowa State's first nine awards came in the new construction/major renovation category.

"This category is largely concerned with what we're putting back into the building since we're dealing with an established site," said Kerry Dixon, project manager with facilities planning and management and ISU's LEED-accredited professional. That includes everything from air handling systems to furnishings.

LEED projects in Iowa higher education

 

Registered*

Certified

Iowa State

25

11

Northern Iowa

5

1

U of Iowa

10

4

U of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

10

7

Total

50

23

*Registering a project with the U.S. Green Building Council shows intent to receive LEED certification, whether the application ultimately is successful or not. The figures include projects in design or construction phases.

ISU's LEED-certified projects (11)

Platinum: College of Design King Pavilion (2010), State Gym (2012)

Gold: Biorenewables Research Laboratory (2011), Hach Hall (2011), Small Animal Hospital at the Lloyd Veterinary Medicine Center (2013), Troxel Hall (2014), Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center (2015), Curtiss Student Services Mall (2015), Curtiss Harl Commons (2015)

Silver: Morrill Hall (2008), Bergstrom Football Complex (2014)

In certification process: Sukup Hall, Elings Hall, Lagomarcino renovation for the School of Education

In construction: Marston Hall renovation, Buchanan 2

In design: Bessey Hall addition, biosciences advanced teaching and research building

Shared achievements

In some cases, the Curtiss Hall projects earned identical or very similar credits. These include:

  • Both projects use materials and products manufactured within 500 miles of campus (47 percent by total value for Harl Commons and 28 percent for the student services mall). For the first time at Iowa State, all of the office furniture purchased as part of the projects met this requirement; a more difficult hurdle to scale, Dixon said.
  • Building materials and products contain recycled material (24 percent of materials, by dollar value, for the student services mall, and 13 percent for Harl Commons).
  • All office appliances -- including large monitors, multifunction printers and refrigerators -- purchased for the spaces are Energy Star rated.
  • A majority of the construction waste generated was recycled rather than delivered to a landfill -- 98 percent for Harl Commons and 78 percent for the student services mall.
  • Paints, varnishes and flooring emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could be harmful, improving the air quality for those who use those spaces.
  • The custodial team uses certified green cleaning solutions and products.

Both projects earned credits for the Curtiss Hall site's earth-friendly features, including:

  • Absence of an irrigation system, and a landscape plan that doesn't require one
  • Bus stops for three different routes are within blocks of the building
  • The site is within a half mile of community services such as restaurants, banks, shops, a post office and churches
  • Half of the building's non-roof surfaces will be shaded by landscaping within five years

Project-specific improvements

The two Curtiss spaces also excelled for project-specific design decisions. A few are highlighted.

Student services mall

  • All spaces within 15 feet of windows (and 70 percent of total installed lighting) feature daylight-responsive lighting controls; 86 percent of lighting is equipped with occupancy sensors.
  • Spaces are zoned for heating and cooling to respond to variables, for example, a temporary increase in occupancy or nearby windows' impact on air temperature.
  • The college opted to purchase wind energy to provide 50 percent of the mall's electricity for at least two years. Wind energy is part of ISU's diversified energy portfolio.

Harl Commons

  • Using LED light fixtures in the two-story ceiling and in task lighting reduced the wattage of all lighting by 62 percent. The LED bulbs also last longer, a maintenance consideration in the Harl space.
  • Low-flow sink faucets, toilets and urinals installed in the new restrooms and café reduce water use by 41 percent from state building code.

LEED scorecard: Curtiss Hall projects

Category

Harl Commons

Student Services Mall

Sustainable site

17

19

Water efficiency

11

0

Energy/atmosphere

15

22

Materials

6

6

Indoor environmental quality

7

10

Extra credit: Innovation in design

6

5

Extra credit: Regional priorities

2

2

Total credits

64

64

In 2008, Iowa State set the goal of achieving LEED certification for all of its building projects.


Flu shot clinic is Oct. 5-16

Don't let these warm, pre-autumn days fool you. Winter's coming and the flu is, too.

How to battle the flu

  • Wash hands regularly with soap and water, use hand sanitizer
  • Sneeze and cough into a sleeve or tissue
  • Stay home when sick
  • Regularly sanitize work surfaces and high-traffic areas (phones, counters, computers, etc.)
  • Strengthen immune system (eat fruits and vegetables, exercise and rest)

Occupational medicine staff will administer flu shots at no cost to employees (while supplies last) weekdays, from Oct. 5 to Oct. 16 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., 205 Technical and Administrative Services Facility). No appointment is necessary. Bring your ISU ID card to the shot clinic and wear a short-sleeve or loose-fitting shirt for better access to your arm. Because parking is limited in front of TASF, consider walking or biking to the clinic.

This year's vaccine is entirely quadrivalent, which means it protects against four viruses. Some of last year's vaccines were trivalent (protects against three viruses) as well as quadrivalent.

Flu shots will be provided at no cost for these employee groups:

  • Faculty
  • Merit
  • Professional and scientific
  • University Child Care
  • Post docs
  • Affiliate employees enrolled in ISU health plans (ISU Foundation, Iowa State Daily, Greek house directors)
  • Retirees on university health plans who are not yet 65

Students and visiting scholars are not eligible to receive flu shots at the clinic. These individuals should contact the Thielen Student Health Center, 294-5801, for flu vaccine information.

Employees are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. For more information, call the University Human Resources Service Center at 294-4800.


Iowa Staters' guide to political activities

The university should not be used to promote partisan political causes and candidates.

That's the crux of a set of guidelines on political activities on campus. Prepared by the office of university counsel, the guidelines are meant to help faculty, staff and students exercise their rights as citizens without running afoul of federal and state laws designed to keep public agencies politically neutral.

The guidelines are particularly relevant now as presidential candidates crisscross the state in the run-up to the Iowa caucuses, said university counsel Paul Tanaka.

"We recognize the university mission of education is fundamental to a democratic society," Tanaka said. "But at the same time, public trust requires that we not use our resources and equipment to support political campaigns."

In this Q&A, Tanaka applies the guidelines to typical political situations that may arise on campus.

Can university buildings be used for political campaign activities?

Generally, campaign events should be held in spaces available for public use, such as the Memorial Union (294-1437) or the Iowa State Center (294-3347). To assure fairness and to give priority for academic uses, the university discourages use of academic buildings and spaces for campaign events. As public buildings fill up or specialized space is needed, exceptions may need to be made. Faculty and staff who receive requests for academic space for a campaign event should contact Cathy Brown (294-6001). She will ensure that scheduling alternatives have been considered and monitor fairness.

If current public officials request facility tours, is it OK to comply?

As long as the purpose of the tour is to provide information for the public official and does not involve a solicitation for votes, it will not be treated as a campaign event. Generally, such events should be coordinated through government relations: Joe Murphy, state relations, jmurphy@iastate.edu, 294-7239, or Sophia Magill, federal relations, smagill@iastate.edu, 294-2320.

As ISU faculty and staff, can we speak up about our personal political views?

You can speak and act as any citizen, but you shouldn't say or imply that your views are those of the university.

Can I discuss politics in the office?

Yes, if you're not disrupting work.

Can students display political banners and signs in residence hall rooms?

Yes.

If I express a political view in a letter to the editor, is it OK to use my university title?

For purposes of identification, you can use your university title, as long as you don't imply that you speak on behalf of the university. If there's any chance of confusion, you should clarify that you're speaking only for yourself.

May I engage in activities supporting candidates or ballot measures?

Yes, if it's on your own time and with your own equipment. State law prohibits employees from working on a political campaign during work hours. University computers and email accounts are for business purposes. While university policy allows some incidental personal email use, that certainly wouldn't apply to sending email blasts to support a candidate or ballot measure.

May I invite a candidate or political advocate to speak to my class?

Federal law requires that all candidates have equal and fair access to the university. If you invite a candidate or advocate to your class, you must give opposing candidates and speakers the same opportunity. They need not take advantage of that opportunity.

Are candidate forums allowed?

Yes, if the forums or series of events are balanced and intended to educate the community on issues relevant to an upcoming election.

What about an ISU faculty or staff member presenting research on the political process or a ballot measure?

That's allowed, assuming it's not a pretext for supporting a candidate or ballot measure.

May university officials comment on how candidate actions or ballot measures might affect Iowa State?

Yes, as long as the comments reflect concern about the university and its mission. The comments cannot be simply an attempt to influence the success or failure of candidates or measures.


New training class helps managers hire the best

A new skills-based training course is available for Iowa State's hiring managers and interviewers that will help them learn how to choose the most qualified candidates when filling positions.  

More opportunities

University human resources is developing additional training opportunities for hiring managers in response to the state Board of Regents TIER study and the HR-10 business case. Look for more information in an upcoming Inside.

University human resources is offering a three-hour training program, "Behavior-based Interviewing," that will help managers structure interviews so they can appropriately assess a candidate's ability to perform on the job. Participants will learn how to:

  • Understand the theories and practices behind behavior-based interviewing
  • Be an effective interviewer
  • Select the best candidates for open positions
  • Minimize legal exposure during the interview process

"Behavior-based interviewing is a proven method for interviewing candidates," said Jill Pretzer, human resource consultant. "If done well, it helps interviewers get more job-related content from their candidates."

Kristina Johnson of EFR Workplace Solutions will lead the class. There is no cost to attend this training.

The first class is Sept. 29 (9 a.m.-noon, Memorial Union Cardinal Room). Additional classes will be offered each month through the end of the year. Registration for the September class is open via AccessPlus (Employee > UHR Training > Courses). 

Related articles:


Campus fundraisers to benefit United Way of Story County

Several colleges and units on campus are holding university-wide fundraisers during the United Way of Story County's 2015 campaign:

  • Online auction, through Oct. 1 (noon), College of Engineering
  • Online auction, through Oct. 2 (noon), College of Human Sciences
  • Dine at Perkins, contact Chris Patton for coupon, through Oct. 15 (Perkins Restaurant, 325 S. Duff Ave.), residence department
  • Chess to Impress, $5 per game vs. Distinguished Professor David Jiles, Sept. 19 (11 a.m.-1 p.m., Parks Library lobby), Parks Library and College of Engineering
  • Book sale, Sept. 22 (10 a.m.-2 p.m., Curtiss rotunda, ground floor; and Molecular Biology atrium), Sept. 23 (8 a.m.-2 p.m., Curtiss rotunda, ground floor), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Lunch, Sept. 25 (11 a.m.-1 p.m., Extension 4-H Building patio), grilled hot dogs, ISU Extension and Outreach
  • Online auction, Sept. 29-Oct. 1 (noon), office of the senior vice president for business and finance
  • Bake sale, Sept. 30 (8 a.m. until sold out, 1550 Beardshear), office of the senior vice president and provost
  • Online auction, Sept. 30-Oct. 7 (noon), College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Online auction, Oct. 1-23 (noon), office of the senior vice president and provost
  • Lunch at Panda Express, must show promotional flier, Oct. 2 (10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Memorial Union), College of Business
  • Lunch and live auction, Nov. 2 (11:30 a.m.), College of Veterinary Medicine

Music is in the air for weekend carillon festival

ISU carillonneur Tin-Shi Tam

ISU carillonneur Tin-Shi Tam will perform with two remote, live-streamed groups during a unique concert that will kick off the 2015 Midwest Regional Carillon Conference. Photo by Christopher Gannon.

As part of the 2015 Midwest Regional Carillon Conference, this year's ISU carillon festival will kick off with a unique collaborative performance. Linked by a live-streaming system, musicians in three venues will perform together in real time, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18.

"This festival-conference is exciting, especially with the technologies that we are able to incorporate," said ISU carillonneur Tin-Shi Tam. "This network performance will be the first of its kind for the carillon."

Tam will be headquartered in the campanile. She will perform two selections with the ISU brass quintet, which will be on stage in Music Hall, and an additional piece with the New World Symphony's percussion ensemble, located in Miami Beach, Florida. All performances will be broadcast to the audience in Tye Recital Hall (140 Music Hall) and online viewers. A 7:30 p.m. panel discussion will follow. Admission is free and open to the public.

The conference wraps up Saturday with a 2 p.m. carillon concert, featuring guest carillonneurs Julianne Vanden Wyngaard, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan; and George Gregory, Central Christian Church, San Antonio. Public tours of the campanile will be conducted after the performance.