Announcements

Aug. 31

Register now for Swim & Gym classes

Registrations are now being accepted for Swim & Gym, a 10-week after school program for children ages 5 to 12. The program offers an hour of gym and/or outdoor activities, plus half-hour swimming lessons. Classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays (4-5:30 p.m., Sept 14-Nov. 18). Cost is $75 for the first child; a sliding fee scale applies for each additional child.

Aug. 31

Openings in Des Moines-ISU car pool

University employees living in the Des Moines area have a couple of openings in their car pool. The employees take turns driving (using their own cars), depart the Merle Hay Mall area at 7 a.m. and leave campus at 5 p.m. For more information, contact sorrel@iastate.edu, 4-8802.

Aug. 31

2011 Extension garden calendar is available

ISU Extension's 2011 garden calendar, "Gardening is Good for You," focuses on the benefits of gardening, including nutrition, sustainability, education and exercise. It's available for $6 from the Extension online store.

Aug. 30

Register now for Sept. 8 info session on research compliance

The Office for Responsible Research will hold an informational session, "Introduction to Research Compliance at ISU," on Sept. 8 (3:10 p.m., 1106 Pearson). This "big picture" presentation is an overview of the research compliance process at ISU and will familiarize new PIs with important compliance aspects. Those interested in attending should register by sending an e-mail to Connie Regenold.

Aug. 30

Proposals sought for spring Honors seminars

The University Honors Program committee requests proposals for spring 2011 Honors seminars by Sept. 17. These one- or two-credit seminars on a wide variety of topics are offered only to Honors students and on a satisfactory/fail basis. Faculty, P&S staff and graduate students with teaching experience are invited to propose seminars. The Honors program allocates $500 per seminar to the instructor(s) for professional development. The proposal form and guidelines can be downloaded from the Honors program website. For more information, contact faculty director Susan Yager, 4-4372. Examples of this fall's seminars are online.

Aug. 30

George Jackson to be honored at Sept. 24 event

Retired assistant dean of the Graduate College George Jackson will be honored during a Friday evening event as part of ISU's third Black College Reunion Sept. 24-26. The recognition program (8-9 p.m., Reiman Ballroom, ISU Alumni Center) is part of an evening meet-and-greet. The cost for this event is $35/person (food and cash bar); register by Sept. 10 by contacting Beth Lott in the alumni association, 4-4557.

Aug. 27

Lab school has opening for 4-year-old in preschool program

The Child Development Laboratory School has one preschool-aged opening for a 4-year-old. The Lab School is a partner with Ames Community School in the state's voluntary preschool program (which would mean a monthly reduction of $120 for full-time enrollment.) The Lab School is nationally accredited, has a 5-star rating on Iowa's Quality Rating Scale and recently was recognized as one of 10 exemplary programs in the country for engaging diverse families. Learn more online or by contacting Malisa Rader, 4-3040.

Aug. 27

Biotech office offers grant proposal, subcontract assistance

ISU's Office of Biotechnology now offers resources to assist faculty or P&S staff in coordination, budget development and editing of grant proposals or subcontracts related to biotechnology or instrumentation acquisitions. Complete details are online.

Aug. 26

Search begins for next vice president for Extension and Outreach

Executive vice president and provost Elizabeth Hoffman recently identified a 22-member search committee to find the next vice president for Extension and Outreach. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences dean Wendy Wintersteen and associate provost David Holger are committee co-chairs. Nominations for the post can be submitted to vpeo2010@iastate.edu.

Aug. 25

Memorial fund established to benefit Roy Bingham's children

Roy Bingham, 35, an environmental specialist with the department of environmental health and safety, died Aug. 17 following a courageous fight with cancer. His funeral, with a full firefighter's memorial service, was held Aug. 20, and he was buried in his hometown of Chariton. Bingham managed the university's hazardous waste program and was a familiar figure in labs and research buildings across campus.

Bingham is survived by his wife, Rebecca, and daughters, Alex, 6 years; and Addison, 2 years; all of Polk City. A memorial fund has been established to assist with his daughters' college educations. Donations may be made through Midwest Heritage Bank.

Aug. 25

ISU Physical Therapy is open -- in Forker

ISU Physical Therapy, a service available to faculty, staff and students -- usually in the Lied Recreation Center -- is temporarily relocated to 111 Forker. The phone number remains the same, 4-2626. Parking is available on the west side of Forker, in lot 50A. To make an appointment or request more information, call, or visit the PT website.

Aug. 25

Alumni association will host free football tailgates

The ISU Alumni Association will host tailgates prior to each home football game this year at the Alumni Center. Admission is free, but meals must be purchased in advance. Festivities begin three hours prior to kickoff and end 30 minutes before kickoff, and include trivia, a kids' corner, spinning prize wheel and a merchandise store. For more information, contact Deanne Stuart, 4-9171.

Aug. 25

UCW seeks applicants for 2010-11

The University Committee on Women is seeking applicants from professional and scientific staff for 2010-11 membership. Interested individuals should contact Julie Graden. More information about UCW is online.

Aug. 25

New FedEx account results in temporary paperwork changes

FedEx has issued a new account number to Iowa State University and is closing the current one in order to improve account security. To accomplish this, it will be necessary to temporarily stop using handwritten FedEx airbills. Instead, offices are advised to use the green shipment instruction cards for FedEx shipments whenever possible, and to forward the shipments to ISU postal and parcel for processing. Details.

Aug 25

P&S Council open forum is Sept. 2

Jeffery Johnson, ISU Alumni Association president and CEO, will speak about his philosophy on leadership at the Professional and Scientific Council's open forum Sept. 2 (noon-1 p.m., Campanile Room, MU). All are invited to attend.

Aug. 25

Ethics hotline reminder

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 (toll-free) 866-384-4277.

Aug. 25

Nominate an ISU woman for 2011 "impact" calendar

Nominations will be accepted through Sept. 17 for the 2011 "Women Impacting ISU" calendar. Since 2007, the calendar has highlighted the accomplishments and achievements of 12 ISU women -- current students, faculty and staff. Selections are based on nominees' achievements in administration, teaching, research and service as well as their involvement in campus activities.

The nomination form is on the Catt Center web site. The Catt Associates, a student leadership organization affiliated with the center, sponsors the calendar. Funding is provided by a grant from the Women's Enrichment Fund. For more information or to request a nomination form, contact Julie Snyder-Yuly, Catt Center assistant director, 4-3181.

Aug. 24

Complete authorization form for your work-study students

Employers who hire work-study students are reminded to complete the Work-Study Authorization (formerly Employment Verification Form) on AccessPlus (under "uBusiness" tab, select "Student Employment" and then the form) for all new and returning work-study students. Instructions are online, or call the Student Employment Center, 4-JOBS.

Aug. 23

Fox Sports Net will carry football opener

Most Fox Sports Net affiliates across the country will carry the Cyclone football season opener against Northern Illinois Sept. 2 (7 p.m., Jack Trice Stadium). Only Fox Sports' Northwest and Rocky Mountain affiliates will not carry the game live.

Aug. 20

Lied closes for dehumidification

The Lied Recreation Center is closed until further notice. The facility requires total dehumidification, and that can't be accomplished while the facility is open and in use. Beyer Hall and the Forker Building will be open for recreational use 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, and 1-10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22. A limited amount of cardio workout equipment will be available at Beyer Hall, beginning mid-afternoon Monday, Aug. 23. See the recreation services' website for updates.

Aug. 20

Faculty mentors sought for first-year Honors students

The University Honors Program seeks faculty mentors to guide first-year Honors students in research projects during spring semester 2011. Faculty and other researchers with active projects interested in having one or more assistants are encouraged to participate. Students can be mentored by a post-doc or graduate student on the research team, with the faculty member serving as supervisor of record. To participate, complete the Mentor Information Form by Sept. 17.

Students and mentors are matched based on mutual research interests and basic qualifications; both parties agree to a match. Students are expected to work three or six hours per week, receiving one S/F credit per three-hour/week commitment. Questions may be directed to Honors assistant director Dana Schumacher, 4-0172; or faculty director Susan Yager, 4-4372.

Aug. 20

Brunnier Art Museum and store closed indefinitely

Due to flooding in the Scheman Building on Aug. 11, the Brunnier Art Museum and store will remain closed until further notice. Exhibitions scheduled to open Aug. 24 at the Brunnier also are delayed. A date hasn't been confirmed yet for when the Scheman Building will be open to the public. The University Museums offices temporarily are located in the Christian Petersen Art Museum, 1017 Morrill, phone 294-9500. Updates to museum closures will be posted online.

Aug. 20

Follow ISU's fine dining management progress this fall

The Fine Dining Management class in the College of Human Sciences will be hosting fine dining dinners this fall. Dates for the dinners haven't been finalized yet. However, those interested can receive updates by following the project on Facebook (join the ISU Fine Dining Management class of 2010 group) and also on Twitter at FineDine2010. Individuals also may contact faculty member Lakshman Rajagopal.

Aug. 20

New e-Library site launched Aug. 18

The ISU Library's new e-Library website was unveiled Aug. 18. Users will experience more streamlined accessibility to electronic resources, especially journals and article databases. It also has information about library collections, services and facilities. Send questions, suggestions and concerns to libweb@iastate.edu.

Aug. 19

Application deadline for administrative fellowship is Aug. 30

Tenured associate or full professors who wish to apply for the administrative fellowship working with the ISU ADVANCE program must submit an application by Monday, Aug. 30. The fellow will collaborate with executive vice president and provost Elizabeth Hoffman and associate provost for academic personnel Dawn Bratsch-Prince on ADVANCE components, especially recruitment and retention of women and underrepresented groups in faculty positions. More information is available online.

Aug. 18

Chris Cagle concert cancelled

The Chris Cagle concert on Sept. 1 in the Scheman Courtyard has been cancelled. Ticket refunds are available at the point of purchase beginning Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. For more information, contact the Iowa State Center at 4-3347.

Aug. 18

OLLI fall kick-off is Aug. 26

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) will hold its kick-off Aug. 26 (4-6 p.m., Reiman Ballroom, Alumni Center). Those who are at least 50 years old may purchase a membership fee, register for classes, and meet with instructors and community members. OLLI is open to the public.

Aug. 17

Veenker expected to open nine holes Aug. 20

The driving range and practice facilities at Veenker Memorial Golf Course are currently open for public use. A playable nine-hole course is expected to open by Friday, Aug. 20.

Aug. 17

ISU home volleyball events relocated to Ames H.S.

Due to flooding at Hilton, ISU volleyball will play all of its home matches at Ames High School (1921 Ames High Dr.). Wednesday night matches will start at 7 p.m.; weekend contests will take place as scheduled. Season tickets will be honored, leaving a limited number of seats available.

Aug. 17

English class for adults

The Intensive English and Orientation Program (IEOP) is holding an informational meeting Aug. 26 (5 p.m., 406 Ross) about its upcoming English classes for international visiting scholars, faculty, staff and graduate students. Session 1 (first half of fall semester) will focus on professional academic oral skills. Session 2 (second half of semester) will examine conversational skills, cross-cultural comparisons and current events. Course meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 2 through Dec. 7 (5-6:30 p.m.). E-mail for more information and registration details.

Aug. 16

Updated employee info on Aug. 11, Aug. 12

An updated FAQ (PDF) answers a number of questions sparked by the recent flooding on campus. The FAQ addresses options for employees who were unable to report to work on Aug. 11. It also provides information on ISU's emergency Aug. 12 closing, due to limited Ames city water service and the "boil water" order. Employees who have additional questions should contact their supervisors or HRS at hrshelp@iastate.edu.

Aug. 16

Lied Recreation Center open for limited use

Lied Recreation Center, which held 2 feet of floodwaters on Aug. 11, is open for limited use.

• Open areas include 3rd floor workout areas (the upper track is closed) and restrooms on the 1st and 2nd floors.
• Closed areas include the main floor, including the turf and track racquetball courts, climbing wall and locker rooms.
• Those who rented lockers in Lied can pick up their locker items at the Lied Center. Bring ISU card. Wet items will be thrown out after Aug. 20.
• No business transactions will be conducted in Lied. Visit the temporary administrative office in a trailer southeast of State Gym (parking lot 59F, between Helser and Martin halls). The mailing address is 2220 State Gym.
• For updates on Lied progress and other recreation facilities on campus, see the Recreation Services website.

Aug. 16

University Community Childcare closed; will reopen Aug. 23

University Community Childcare will be closed Aug.16-20 due to damages sustained during the flood. The center's programs will re-open Monday, Aug. 23, at the Collegiate United Methodist Church and Wesley Foundation, 2622 Lincoln Way. Contact center administrative staff at ppepper@iastate.edu, tyetter@iastate.edu or ckgaedke@iastate.edu.

Aug. 16

Soccer home opener moved

Flood waters, which inundated the ISU Soccer Complex last week, has forced the ISU soccer team to move its Aug. 20 home-opening match against Drake to the Prairie Ridge Sports Complex in Ankeny (1510 Northwest Ash Dr., west of Highway 69). The game time has been moved up to 5 p.m.; admission is free.

Aug. 13

New website is hub for research participant opportunities

Research teams in need of volunteer human subjects for their studies have a new recruiting tool. The Vice President for Research and Economic Development website now includes a corner for such postings. Research participant opportunities can be accessed from the office's homepage (click on "Participants needed" in the right "Quick Links" section). Full story.

Aug. 13

What to do with the water bottles?

If the Ames water restrictions are translating to empty plastic water bottles accumulating in your trash -- or elsewhere in your building -- you might consider recycling them. This would involve establishing a collection locale for your office or building and a team of volunteers to take the bottles to the Ames Area Redemption Center, 1822 E. Lincoln Way. The fee is $2 per carload/truckload. If treated as garbage, they become part of the trash that gets burned in the city power plant and converted to electricity.

Aug. 13

Campus updates; flooding news

Continuous updates on campus operations and other flood-related news is available on the ISU News Service website. The latest news from the City of Ames is available at www.cityofames.org/FloodUpdate.htm.

Aug. 13

Traffic congestion likely during student move-in Aug. 17-20

Students living in ISU's residence halls this year will be moving back Aug. 17-20. Campus will be especially busy Tuesday and Wednesday (Aug 17-18). Department of residence leaders encourage faculty and staff to avoid areas where move-in congestion may occur, including Union Drive and Beach Road. ISU parking staff will do their best to ensure general staff and reserved lots are not affected by move-in vehicles.

Aug. 12

Employee info on the Aug. 12 closing

Human Resource Services officials have prepared an FAQ (PDF) on emergency closings and personnel policies. Employees who have additional questions should contact their supervisors or HRS at hrshelp@iastate.edu. Iowa State was closed Aug. 12, due to limited Ames city water service and the boil water order on campus and in Ames.

Aug. 11

Some streets closed due to flooding; please use caution

Due to localized flooding, some major streets on or near campus are temporarily closed. Those traveling to and from the campus are encouraged to arrive from the west. For safety reasons, people are urged not to drive or walk through standing or running water or drive around barricades. Check the News Service web site for updates.

Aug. 10

Next STEM education coffee is Aug. 17

The Center for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Education will host its next STEM education collaboration coffee Aug. 17 (9-10 a.m., N127 Lagomarcino). All faculty, staff and students are welcome to expand their understanding of STEM projects at ISU and look for collaborative opportunities. Possible conversation topics include: the development of National Science Education Standards, and the state Board of Education's adoption of Common Core Standards and how these could impact ISU students and courses.

Aug. 9

Beautiful ISU calendar ready for your wall

The ISU Alumni Association's newly released 2010-2011 ISU wall calendar features the award-winning photography of Jim Heemstra. To get your copy of the calendar, call 294-6525 or drop by the ISU Alumni Center, 420 Beach Ave. Calendars are $15 each, $10 for members of the Alumni Association, or $8 if you buy 10 or more for your department or unit. The calendar is also sold at the University Book Store.

Aug. 9

Mattress recycling saves landfill space, materials

The department of residence recently recycled 900 mattresses from Frederiksen Court. The project saved some 20,000 cubic feet of landfill space as well as the mattress components (wood, steel and cotton), which are recovered and recycled.

Aug. 9

A sparkling example

A few weeks ago, ISU officials asked Fourth of July fireworks attendees to help clear summer athletics fields of sparklers after the event. Fireworks watchers did just that, picking up and making safe the fields that would soon be used for Iowa Games, sports camps and other events and festivals. Facilities maintenance manager Les Lawson said the extra boost from the community was particularly important this year, as facilities staff worked not only to prep fie deal with extensive storm damage. "We are very grateful," he said.

Aug. 9

Seats available in Aug. 17 lab safety orientation for grad students

Environmental health and safety is offering three sessions of laboratory safety orientation for incoming graduate students Aug. 17, 18 and 19 (8:30 a.m.-noon, 1230 EH&S building). There still is room in the Aug. 17 session for students; call EH&S, 4-5359, to register.

Aug. 6

Fan Fest, equipment sale is Aug. 22

The annual sports kick-off celebration, Cyclone Fan Fest (1-3 p.m., Bergstrom Athletics Training Facility) features student-athletes and coaches, inflatable attractions, temporary tattoos and hands-on activities. It coincides with the athletics department's popular equipment sale, featuring Cyclone shoes and practice gear (noon-3 p.m., west concourse, Jack Trice Stadium).

Aug. 6

Regents approve Troxel Hall concept, industrial design degree, more space for horticulture greenhouses during Aug. 5 meeting

Meeting in the Memorial Union Sun Room Aug. 5, the state Board of Regents gave Iowa State the green light to proceed 400-seat auditorium/classroom on the east side of campus. The board also approved a revised budget and building plan for the horticulture department's new greenhouses, a new bachelor's degree in industrial design in the College of Design and a new three-year deferred compensation package for president Gregory Geoffroy.

Aug. 5

Learn to live longer

"Lifestyle Habits for Longevity: Lessons from the Blue Zone" is the topic of an employee wellness lecture Aug. 25 (noon, 9 Curtiss). Contact Sally Barclay, 4-9625, to reserve a seat.

Aug. 5

Iowa Energy Center releases RFP for conferences, events

The Iowa Energy Center is seeking proposals for funds to develop and present conferences, workshops, seminars, symposiums and expos in support of the center's mission areas of energy efficiency and renewable energy. Proposals will be accepted now through April 30, 2011. Details about the RFP, including several changes from previous years, are online.

Aug. 4

13th Street pavement work switches to eastbound lanes Aug. 6

The city of Ames announced today that reconstruction of the eastbound lanes of 13th Street (from Stange Road west to the railroad underpass) will begin Aug. 6. One lane of traffic in each direction will be switched to the just-completed westbound lanes. The traffic signals at either end of the project will remain on flashing red in all directions during this second phase. Wet weather this summer slowed the project and it won't be completed prior to the launch of fall semester, as originally planned. If weather allows, the project should be completed in five to six weeks.

Aug. 4

Reminder: Brunnier, Christian Petersen museums closed Aug. 9-22

Through Aug. 8, the Christian Petersen Art Museum, Morrill Hall; and the Brunnier Art Museum, Scheman Building, will be open by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling 4-3342 at least 24 hours in advance. Both museums and the Farm House Museum on central campus will be closed Aug. 9-22.

Aug. 4

UNI hosts SEO seminars, including one webinar

One of the search engine optimization seminars that will be presented at the University of Northern Iowa next week also will be available online. The non-technical two-hour session for administrators and others involved in managing web sites, set for Aug. 12 (8:30-10:30 a.m.), will be available as a live webinar. All of the seminars, including an all-day, Aug 11. session for tech staff and content editors, are available at no cost to ISU employees. For more info and to register for a session go to UNI's website on the SEO training.

Aug. 4

Herbs in cuisine is topic of August brown bag event

Margaret Welder, a chef and instructor at Dallas County Adult Education, will demonstrate "Harvest of Herbs for Delicious Cuisine" at Reiman Gardens' next brown bag lecture Aug. 12 (noon, Reiman Gardens). Bring your lunch if you like. Admission is free for members and ISU students; the public pays garden admission.

Aug. 4

Summer undergraduate research poster session is Aug. 6

Students participating in the third annual Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) will present their research during an Aug. 6 poster presentation (1-3 p.m., Howe atrium). All are invited; beverages and snacks will be provided.

Aug. 3

ISU climbs to 48th in scholarly web presence

A research group that ranks universities based on the scientific and academic materials on their web sites puts Iowa State at No. 48 internationally, 8 spots higher than six months ago. Among U.S. and Canadian universities, Iowa State ranks No. 45. The binannual Webometrics Ranking of World Universities, comes from the Spanish public research organization Cybermetrics Lab. The group ranks universities by web presence and, particularly, the access they provide to scholarly materials. The latest July ranking lists the top 12,000 universities in the world. Rankings are based on the number of: pages on the university site, external sites that link to the university, rich files (Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Postscript, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint), and papers and citations on Google Scholar.

Aug. 2

Registration is open for teaching seminar, new faculty orientation in August

The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching is accepting registrations for the University Teaching Seminar Aug. 17 (Memorial Union) and the new faculty orientation Aug. 18 (Scheman Building). Department administrators should direct new faculty and TAs to the registration website. More information about both events is available on the CELT website or call 4-4065.