Insect art

Dec. 9

A little bug fun

An annual friendly competition among campus entomologists this year asked participants to create a humorous scene with dead insects and get it photographed. The results? Quite entertaining.

Dec. 9

If you're off campus for winter break ...

For the second year in a row, university officials are encouraging (but not mandating) that departments and units shut down during winter break. Find out how to prepare offices and buildings for your extended absence.

Engineering displays

Mechanical engineering design expo

Dec. 9

How does it work?

Fifty-six teams from four design courses in mechanical engineering this fall demonstrated their prototypes and answered questions from visitors during the mechanical engineering department's first Design Expo Dec. 7 in Howe Hall. The expo gives students a place to show off their work and practice talking about their designs -- an important skill for the workplace -- say the faculty members who organized the event, assistant professors of mechanical engineering W. Ross Morrow and Erin MacDonald.

Dec. 9

Senate debates NTE teaching limits, faculty misconduct policy

A set of recommendations for targeting and tracking non-tenure eligible teaching loads, and new handbook language for the faculty misconduct policy were topics of discussion at the Dec. 8 Faculty Senate meeting.

Dec. 9

Council considering performance pay, effort reporting

Professional and scientific council members will vote next month on motions endorsing a new effort reporting policy and a retooled performance pay program.

Dec. 9

Get ready for the flexible spending account deadline

All 2010 flexible spending account claims must be filed by April 30, 2011 (eligible expenses must be incurred by Dec. 31). Employees who miss the deadline forfeit any unclaimed money in their flex accounts. Included are some tips to help you claim your cash.

Dec. 9

Save a seat at the campus sustainability symposium

Registration is open for Iowa State's third annual symposium on sustainability, Feb. 21-22, 2011, in the MU. Registration is free; all students, staff and faculty are invited to learn more about successful "green" campus initiatives and help decide what the next ones ought to be.