Announcements


Sept. 30

Candidate open forum

Hear the Ames City Council candidates address issues of concern to ISU students at a forum hosted by GSB at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, in the MU Sun Room.

Sept. 30

Engineering diversity fair Oct. 6

The College of Engineering will host Iowa State's first Diversity Fair Oct. 6 (8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Howe auditorium). The fair's focus is broadening participation of undergraduate women and underrepresented engineering students at Iowa State. Freeman Hrabowski III, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, will give a keynote presentation on mentoring.

Sept. 30

Online tutorial service available to faculty, staff, students

Lynda.com, an online tutorial service, is free for ISU faculty, staff and students for the next three years. The site offers short, on-demand training on a wide variety of software packages. The service is the result of a CAC grant. Any campus computer can access the tutorials by going to iplogin.lynda.com. Off-campus students also can access the site by using the university's VPN system. More.

Sept. 29

Blood drive under way

There's still time to donate blood to the student-run blood drive, which runs through Friday, Oct. 2. Donors should drop by the Memorial Union Great Hall between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. now through Wednesday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, or 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.

Sept. 29

Auction features handcrafted items, gourmet fare

Handcrafted clothing and a wall quilt, homemade ice cream for a year, Tearoom lunches, a textiles tour and Cyclone memorabilia are among items College of Human Sciences faculty and staff are auctioning to raise runds for United Way. Bidding is under way on the online auction, which is open to anyone with an ISU net-ID. The auction closes at 5 p.m. Oct. 5.

Sept. 29

Dance class for kids starts Oct. 6

ISU Dance is sponsoring a barefoot dance class for kids on Tuesdays beginning Oct. 6 through Nov. 17 (213 Forker). Children ages 4-6 will meet 4:30-5:15 p.m., and kids ages 7-12 will dance 5:15-6:15 p.m. Comfortable clothing and bare feet required. Cost is $3 per class; register at the first class for as many classes as you'd like. Questions? Contact Janice Baker, 4-3047.

Sept. 29

Financial planning for mid-career employees

Living a hectic life can make saving for retirement and other financial goals challenging. TIAA-CREF is holding a seminar Oct. 8 (5:30-6:30 p.m., 3512, MU) that will reveal simple steps to help you plan your financial future. Seating is limited. To register, contact Carrie Hardisty, 268-8601, or go online.

Sept. 29

Campus symposium looks at service learning

The Center for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities is sponsoring a symposium in two sessions, "Putting Vision into Action: Service Learning and Civic Engagement," Oct. 1 (10 a.m.-4 p.m., 411 Design). It is free and open to all members of the ISU and Ames communities.

Sept. 29

You're invited: Campus reception to kick off national 4-H week

All ISU faculty, staff and students are invited to an open house Oct. 5 (4:30-6:30 p.m., Extension 4-H Youth Building) to kick off National 4-H Week. Meet the 4-H program staff, 4-H Foundation staff and collegiate 4-Hers, and see what some 4-Hers accomplished at the Iowa State Fair. Light appetizers will be served.

Sept. 29

Oct. 6 open forum: What the ombuds office does

Iowa State's ombuds officer Elaine Newell will talk about the role of the ombuds office and answer questions during a campus forum Oct. 6 (noon-1 p.m., MU Pioneer Room). It's hosted by the P&S Council; all are welcome. Oct. 15 is national "Conflict Resolution Day."

Sept. 29

Mobile technology and kids topic of lecture

Allison Druin, University of Maryland, will present the Women in Human Computer Interaction lecture Oct. 9 (noon, Alliant Energy-Lee Liu Auditorium, Howe). She will discuss "Mobile Technology for Children." Read an abstract of Druin's lecture.

Sept. 28

Bookstore asks faculty to complete online survey

The University Book Store is conducting a faculty satisfaction survey to help gauge how well it supports instructional and research needs on campus. Participants are asked to evaluate various products and services offered at the bookstore as a benchmark for store progress. The survey window is Sept. 28-Oct. 16.

Sept. 28

Key/access card policy is revised

Effective Oct. 1, the revised Keys and Building Access Cards policy will be online. The revised policy provides administrators and key and card coordinators and users information about issuance, accountability and responsibility of keys and building access.

Sept. 25

Cy Walking: A Live Green video

Cy with recycling can

Cy travels around campus to see what students know about ISU's energy conservation and sustainability efforts. View video.

Sept. 23

Retirement planning session for faculty is Oct. 13

The ISU Foundation's gift planning office is hosting a panel discussion on retirement and estate planning for current and retired faculty Oct. 13 (6-7:30 p.m., Gateway Hotel and Conference Center). Spouses or guests also are welcome. A light meal and soft drinks will be served. Details are online; registration is requested by Oct. 5.

Sept. 23

MLK Award nominations sought by Nov. 13

Nominations will be accepted through Nov. 13 for the Martin Luther King Jr. "Advancing One Community" awards. Nominees should have demonstrated a commitment to King's principles and goals over a sustained time period. Up to three $500 awards are available to: faculty/staff, students or groups. Send nominations to Melanie Bond, office of the executive vice president and provost.

Sept. 23

Pasta, anyone?

A new course called "Pasta, Pasta," which explores the culinary, cultural and nutritional aspets of pasta, begins Sept. 29 and meets Tuesdays through Nov. 3 (5:30-8:30 p.m., 210 MacKay). Cost is $250. The entire campus community is invited to attend. Register online, www.cepd.iastate.edu, and select Online Registration > Alphabetical Listing > Food Preparation Workshop: Pasta Pasta. About the course.

Sept. 23

Don't delay: Seasonal flu shot clinic ends Sept. 28

Your time is almost up. Seasonal flu immunizations will be provided to eligible ISU employees at no cost to them through Sept. 28. The clinic is open weekdays (10 a.m.-4 p.m., 205 TASF).

Sept. 22

Lab Safety Summit is Sept. 25

"Promoting a Culture of Safety" is the subject of a Lab Safety Summit Sept. 25 (7:45-9 a.m., Environmental Health and Safety Services Building). Richard LeSar (department chair) and Michael Martin (safety officer), ISU materials science and engineering; and safety chair Jeanne Stewart, ISU food science and human nutrition; will lead a round-table discussion on the successes and challenges of promoting safety. The summit is open to researchers, department chairs, safety officers and those who supervise lab personnel. To register, call 4-2193 or e-mail ksgodfr@iastate.edu.

Sept. 22

New history book details 25 years of biotechnology at ISU

As part of this year's celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Office of Biotechnology, Walter Fehr has authored a book titled The First 25 Years of the Office of Biotechnology, Iowa State University, 1984-2009. Fehr is a Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences in the department of agronomy. He was the director of the office and chair of the Biotechnology Council from 1984 until June 30, 2009. About the book.

Sept. 22

Give back ... eat ice cream

Cold Stone Creamery, 1310 S. Duff Ave., is hosting "Giveback Night" for ISU's Dance Marathon Sept. 30 (6-9 p.m.) Thirty percent of all ice cream proceeds will benefit Dance Marathon.

Sept. 22

Seasonal flu shot clinic for employees through Sept. 28

Seasonal flu immunizations will be provided to eligible ISU employees at no cost to them through Sept. 28. The clinic is open weekdays (10 a.m.-4 p.m., 205 TASF).

Sept. 22

Learn about an MBA

Interested in learning more about ISU's MBA program? Attend the MBA informational lunch Oct. 7 (noon-1 p.m., 1360 Gerdin). Lunch will be provided. Contact Jenny Reitano, 4-7819, to reserve your spot.

Sept. 21

Geoffroy to present lecture at annual RISE poster day

President Gregory Geoffroy will deliver the keynote address, "The University Presidency: Guiding the Institution Through Challenging Times," Oct. 1 (2-3 p.m., Reiman Ballroom, ISU Alumni Center). It's part of the Research Institute for Studies in Education's annual poster and lecture day activities, and the university community is invited. The poster fair and refreshments start at 1:30 p.m. and resume at 3 p.m.

Sept. 21

Cheech & Chong tickets go on sale Sept. 25

Tickets for a Nov. 5 Cheech & Chong performance at Stephens go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25, through LiveNation.com, Ticketmaster locations and the Stephens ticket office. The Grammy Award-winning duo's "Light Up America" tour is its first in more than 25 years. Tickets are $35 and $45.

Sept. 21

Ames is No. 3 on "best college towns" list

Ames ranks No. 3 on the latest "best college towns" list, created by the American Institute for Economic Research. The list is part of the institute's 2009-2010 College Destinations Index, which ranks university cities based on cultural amenities, student population, job and internship prospects and other academic,social and economic factors. Ames was ranked among college towns with under 250,000 residents. Also ranking high on that list was Iowa City, which came in at No. 5. USA Today story on rankings.

Sept. 18

Flu FAQ for employees, supervisors

Human resource services officials address a variety of questions about H1N1 and the workplace in a new FAQ for Iowa State employees and supervisors. A second FAQ on the ISU H1N1 web site provides general information on protecting yourself and on university preparations for the flu.

Sept. 18

Start a learning community

Doug Gruenewald and Steve Mickelson, learning community co-directors, are holding an informational meeting Oct. 6 (4-5 p.m., 2030 Morrill) to discuss how to start a new learning community, including the funding application process. To register, contact Jen Leptien. More information is online.

Sept. 18

HeartReach Mobile Lab is coming to campus Oct. 15

The HeartReach Mobile Lab will be on campus Oct. 15 in Lot 12 (west of the Communications Building). Call 866-935-5432 to schedule an appointment. Prices range between $35 and $135. More information is online.

Sept. 17

After-school fitness for grade school children has openings

Swim & Gym, an after-school (4-5:30 p.m.) program for children ages 5-12 years held in the Forker Building, has open slots in its fall session. The program provides an hour of gym time and 30 minutes of swimming lessons Tuesdays and Thursdays through Nov. 19. It is sponsored by the kinesiology department. More information, including a registration packet, is online.

Sept. 16

Employee self-identification form still available

Employees who wish to update their race/ethnicity information may still do so via AccessPlus (go to Employee > Self ID Update in left column). More information about ISU's race/ethnicity reporting requirements are online.

Sept. 16

Faculty: How to work with VRAC

The Virtual Reality Applications Center (VRAC) and the Human Computer Interaction graduate program seek a wider range of faculty collaboration on grants and projects. An informational session is planned for Sept. 22 (4-5:30 p.m., 1620 Howe). More information, including registration, is online. Contact Stephen Gilbert, 4-6782, with questions.

Sept. 16

Employee wellness workshop is Sept. 23

"Healthy Eating 101: The basics of good nutrition" is the topic of a Sept. 23 employee wellness workshop (noon-1 p.m., 13 Curtiss). Contact Sally Barclay, 4-9625, to reserve a seat.

Sept. 16

ComETS hosts open meeting Sept. 23

Community of Educational Technology Support (ComETS) is holding a member meeting Sept. 23 (noon-1:30 p.m., 206 Durham), and invites anyone interested in educational technology to attend. An agenda is online. Feel free to bring your lunch; cookies will be provided.

Sept. 15

State Gym closes Sept. 17

State Gym is scheduled to close at 10 p.m. Sept. 17, and remain closed for two years. A $52.8 million recreation facilities expansion and renovation project includes a 92,278 gross-square-foot expansion on the west side of State Gym.

Sept. 15

Eastbound exit ramp at 30/University Blvd. closed this weekend

An Iowa DOT road resurfacing project will close the eastbound U.S. 30 exit ram University Boulevard beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18 (weather permitting). It will remain closed through the weekend and reopen Monday morning. Signage will advise drivers to exit highway 30 at the South Dakota Avenue exit and proceed north to Lincoln Way.

Sept. 15

English faculty member kicks off new reading series Sept. 24

New creative writing faculty member Dean Bakopoulos will read from his 2005 novel, "Please Don't Come Back From the Moon," Sept. 24 (7 p.m., MU Maintenance Shop) to kick off ISU's Eco-Voices series. The series will feature nationally known writers throughout the academic year.

Sept. 15

More sections added of P&S performance management training

Human Resource Services has added about a dozen more sections of its training session on the new performance management system for supervisors of P&S employees. The sessions are scheduled from late October through late April 2010. Enroll online via AccessPlus (once logged in, click on Employee > HRS Training > Courses).

Sept. 15

BioCentury Research Farm dedication is Sept. 22

A public dedication of the BioCentury Research Farm Sept. 22 will include a program (1:30 p.m.) and tours (beginning at 2:15 p.m.). The new research facility is located at 1327 U Ave., about eight miles west of Ames and just south of highway 30.

Sept. 15

Volunteers needed for nutrition counseling

Dietetics students are seeking ISU employees interested in individual nutrition counseling. Volunteers must not have health issues, such as hypertension, diabetes or high cholesterol. Interested? E-mail Sally Barclay and provide an e-mail address and phone number where a student can contact you.

Sept. 15

"Feeding the World" seminar series returns Sept. 22

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' seminar series, "Feeding the World: Are We Making Progress?" returns for its third year Sept. 22 (noon-1 p.m., 1204 Kildee). Greg BeVier from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will talk about "Agriculture Development and Livestock: What We Do at BMGF." All are welcome.

Sept. 14

Investment help

TIAA-CREF is holding two investment seminars on campus next week, both from noon to 1 p.m. in the Gold Room, Memorial Union. "Tax-smart Ways to Save and Invest" is Sept. 22 and "The Five Habits of Highly Successful Investors" is Sept. 24. Preregistration is required. Call Carrie Hardisty, 268-8601, or register online.

Sept. 14

Learn to forgive

Network, a group counseling program in ISU's psychology department, is hosting a lecture by Everett Worthington, professor of psychology, Virginia Commo University, on Sept. 21 (7:30 p.m., The Plex, 5501 George Washington Carver Ave., Ames). He will speak on the power of forgiving.

Sept. 14

ISU Dining's "Dining Days" runs Sept. 14-18

ISU Dining's version of customer appreciation week is this week, with daily specials or giveaways at dining centers or retail stores. The schedule is online.

Sept. 11

Recycle at Reiman

As part of its mission to advance sustainability, Reiman Gardens is holding "Reiman Recycles" Sept. 19 (8 a.m.-noon, Reiman Gardens). Plastic pots, flats, plant tags and inserts will be collected in the S2 parking lot adjacent to the Gardens' entrance. All items must be clean and sorted by size. Donors will receive a pass to Reiman Gardens. Call 4-2710 or go online for more information.

Sept. 10

Submissions sought for faculty forum on Christian Petersen

Faculty are encouraged to submit scholarly and artistic work relevant to Iowa State's first artist in residence, Christian Petersen, including his art, teaching and era, for a half-day faculty forum Feb. 18, 2010. Submissions are due Dec. 10. For more information, contact Sandra Norvell, Center for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities, 4-1954.

Sept. 10

Research participants needed

ISU researchers are seeking participants for two separate studies:

  • The food science and human nutrition department is seeking healthy, pregnant women between the ages of 18 and 45 to participate in The Blossom Project. The study looks at how diet and physical activity impact pregnancy. Compensation is provided. For more information, call 4-8673 or e-mail blossomproject@iastate.edu.
  • The Nutrition and Wellness Research Center seeks healthy men for a study that looks at the influence of taste perception on physiology related to the absorption and metabolism of foods. Compensation is provided. Contact Visha A., 4-1990, for more information.

Sept. 9

Your dollars will help 'stop the music'

ISU Dance Marathon will hold a fund-raiser on central campus Sept. 11. Beginning at 10 a.m., the U of Iowa fight song will play until Dance Marathon volunteers collect $800 in cash to benefit the Children's Miracle Network. When they have succeeded, the music will switch to the Iowa State fight song. Bring your spare dollars to central campus and help "stop the music."

Sept. 9

Seminar: Developing outstanding science teachers

Mark Windschitl, University of Washington, will talk about developing outstanding science teachers Sept. 14 (2:10-3 p.m., 2030 Morrill) during the first of six seminars hosted by the Center for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Education. All interested in science and math education are welcome.

Sept. 9

Volunteers sought for international friendship program

Friendships International, a program of the International Students & Scholars Office, seeks faculty and staff volunteers to meet with international students and scholars for conversation and friendship. More information is online, or contact program assistant Xiaowen Guo.

Sept. 9

Financial literacy seminar series opens Sept. 14

The College of Business is hosting a free, five-part seminar series featuring experts in the field of finance and money management. The seminars will be Mondays, Sept. 14, 21 and 28; and Oct. 5 and 12 (6:30-8:30 p.m., 101 Carver). Space is limited, so registration via e-mail is requested.

Sept. 9

Students to lead wellness walks on Wednesdays in September, October

Students from the "Worksite Wellness Class" will lead a 20-minute campus wellness walk each Wednesday during September and October, beginning Sept. 16 (11:30 a.m., meet inside the east doors of Beardshear). The route will vary each week. For more info, e-mail Sally Barclay.

Sept. 9

Nominations sought for leadership academy

Nominations are due Oct. 9 for faculty and staff who will make up the second class of Iowa State's Emerging Leaders Academy. The leadership development program is intended to enhance the leadership skills of faculty and P&S staff, particularly those in administrative roles or considering them. Details about the academy.

Sept. 8

E-Week Sept. 14-19

Picnics on central campus, athletics contests, a charity ball and a talk by Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise are some of the E-Week (Engineers' Week) events Sept. 14-19.

Sept. 8

Lois Tiffany memorial celebration Sept. 19

Lois Tiffany

Tiffany

Distinguished Professor Emeritus Lois Tiffany, 85, died Sept. 6. In her honor, a Celebration of Life Memorial, will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Iowa Arboretum. Participants are asked to gather at 4 p.m. A lasagna dinner will begin at 5 p.m. (bring salad, bread or dessert to share), and a program will follow at 6:30 p.m. A botanist, Tiffany was well-known for her expertise in fungi. She was the "mushroom lady" to the public and "Dr. T" to students, colleagues and friends. She joined the ISU botany department in 1950 and stayed more than a half century, retiring in 2002.

Sept. 8

Faculty meeting: Improving STEM numbers

FIRES (Faculty Initiatives to Recruit and Retain Excellence in STEM) is a faculty working group that seeks to lead and collaborate on externally funded initiatives to increase the number of under-represented minorities and women in all areas, but with a special focus on STEM disciplines. The group's next meeting is Sept. 17 (8 a.m., 3505 Memorial Union). Bring a cup of coffee and join the conversation. For more information, contact associate provost Susan Carlson, 4-6410.

Sept. 4

Seasonal flu shot clinic for employees opens Sept. 8

Seasonal flu immunizations will be provided to eligible ISU employees at no cost to them starting Tuesday, Sept. 8. A clinic will operate weekdays (10 a.m.-4 p.m., 205 TASF) through Sept. 28 or until the supply of vaccinations is gone.

Sept. 2

Find out about the flu

Iowa State's H1N1 web site tells how the university is preparing for the pandemic and offers information on protecting yourself and preventing the spread of the flu.

Sept. 2

Retirement help

Need help planning for retirement? TIAA-CREF is hosting "A New Way to Save for Retirement ... The Roth IRA" Sept. 9 (noon-1 p.m., Gold Room, MU). And, an IPERS representative will visit campus monthly beginning Monday, Sept. 14, to meet with employees individually who have retirement questions. Spouses are welcome to attend. Call 800-622-3849 to schedule an appointment.

Sept. 2

Vet Med announces guest lecturers for Ramsey series

Three guests will participate in the College of Veterinary Medicine's Ramsey Lecture Series this fall. Their topics include Bardet-Biedl (human) eye disorder, antimicrobials, and hepatitus E virus and food safety. Ramsey lectures begin at noon and are open to the public. More.

Sept. 2

Pigskin parking tips

Thursday's home football opener will change the rules in some (not all) campus lots. Here's a helpful list of where your vehicle can be.

Sept. 1

Registration open for "road less traveled" conference for girls

Girls in grades 6 through 12 are invited to register for the career conference, "Taking the Road Less Traveled," sponsored by ISU's Program for Women in Science and Engineering. Dates are Oct. 15 (grades 9-12) and Oct. 22 and 29 (grades 6-9). The day exposes girls to career options in science, technology, engineering and math. More.

Sept. 1

Reminder: ISU has hotline for unethical behavior

Iowa State contracts with a third-party hotline vendor, EthicsPoint, to allow anonymous reporting of activities that may involve criminal, unethical, noncompliant or unsafe behavior impacting ISU. You may submit a report online or by calling 866-384-4277.

Sept. 1

Strategic planning gets under way

Members of the university community are welcome to share their ideas for the next strategic plan or their questions about the planning process by e-mailing goodideas@iastate.edu or sending a message using the "Feedback" form on the strategic plan web site. Or, contact your representative organization (P&S Council, Faculty Senate, S&C Council, GPSS). Or, attend one of two campus forums this month:

  • Thursday, Sept. 3, 8-9 a.m., MU Gold Room
  • Thursday, Sept. 10, Noon-1 p.m., MU Cardinal Room