Inside Iowa State

Sept. 12, 2008

Announcements

Office of Biotechnology seeks new director

An internal search is under way to fill the position of director of the Office of Biotechnology and chair of the Biotechnology Council. ISU faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate tenured faculty members. The 12-month position will begin as one-quarter time Jan. 1, 2009, and transition to half-time beginning July 1. The position description is posted on the jobs web site. Nominations, including self nominations, and inquiries should be directed to search committee chair Charlotte Bronson, 4-1609.

Deck your halls

The annual Cyclone Family Weekend office-decorating contest is slated for Oct. 3. Interested offices must register by Sept. 19. This year's theme is "Iowa State around the world." Register online.

Call for Honors seminars

The University Honors Program committee is accepting proposals for spring 2009 Honors seminars through Sept. 15. These 1- or 2-credit seminars for Honors students allow them to examine topics of current or special interest. The Honors Program allocates $500 to the seminar instructor(s) to be used for professional development. For more information or to submit a proposal, contact Susan Yager, faculty director of the University Honors Program, 4-4372, syager@iastate.edu, or visit: www.honors.iastate.edu/current/seminars.php.

Building a stronger Ames

ISU Extension is a co-sponsor of facilitated conversations (in October and November) among diverse groups of Ames residents (8 to 12 people) who ordinarily might not have the chance to talk to each other. The intent of "Community Conversations on Diversity" is to foster a more welcoming community in Ames and to provide ideas for future activities that might help. Each group will meet for about eight hours (over two to five gatherings). Volunteers are sought by Oct. 1 to participate. To register, call Story County Extension, (515) 382-6551, AmesCommunityConversations@gmail.com.

Learn about the MBA program

An MBA informational lunch and learn is set for Tuesday, Sept. 23 (noon-1 p.m., 1360 Gerdin). Register by contacting Jenny Reitano, 4-7819, jreitano@iastate.edu. Lunch will be provided.

Comments sought on background checks

Through Sept. 30, members of the university community are invited to submit comments on the Employment Verification and Background Checks draft policy.The draft policy has been available in the Policy Library for review and comment since June. In 2007, a university task force recommended standardizing ISU's decentralized practices regarding reference checks, credentials verification and criminal background checks. A committee began work on the policy in January 2008 and has shared the policy with a variety of campus groups, including representatives of Faculty Senate, P&S Council, S&C Council and AFSCME.

'Beta Burgers and Bands'

The Beta Theta Pi fraternity invites faculty and staff to its fall philanthropy, "Beta Burgers and Bands," Sept. 19 (5:30-9 p.m., 2120 Lincoln Way). Admission is waived for faculty and staff; donations welcome. The event will benefit the 10,000 Hours Show, a student-led organization that promotes local volunteerism. Free burgers will be served; three bands will perform.

TIAA-CREF leader speaking on campus Oct. 2

Scott Evans, executive vice president of asset management for TIAA-CREF in St. Louis, will conduct an investment seminar Oct. 2 for ISU participants. In "Trends in the Global Markets and Consistent, Long-term Investing" (3-4 p.m., 250 Scheman), Evans will discuss how long-term investors should navigate through current market trends. At 4:15 p.m., a specialist from TIAA-CREF Trust Services in St. Louis will begin an hour-long second session (same location), "Estate Planning: Where to Begin," which will address the latest estate planning strategies and techniques. Register for both sessions online by Oct. 1, or call Carrie Hardisty, (866) 904-7803.

Open forums for judicial affairs candidates

Three candidates for the position of assistant dean of students and director of judicial affairs will interview on campus beginning next week. Each candidate will attend a campus open forum (1:30-2:30 p.m., locations listed below). The candidates are:

• Michelle Boettcher, interim assistant dean and director, ISU judicial affairs, Sept. 18, MU Cardinal Room
• Chris Summerlin, director, residence life and judicial affairs; and professor, student development; Shorter College, Rome, Ga., Sept. 19, MU Pioneer Room
• Justin Moses, assistant director, office of student judicial affairs, Ohio State University, Columbus, Sept. 23, 3534 MU