Announcements

March 31

Leadership award nominations due April 2

The Student Activities Center and Veishea will recognize outstanding contributions by student organizations, their officers and advisers during a ceremony April 13 (7 p.m., MU Sun Room). Nominations are due Friday, April 2; nomination forms are online.

March 31

Forums on strategic plan slated for April 8, April 26

Faculty, staff and students are invited to comment on a draft of the university's next strategic plan during an April 8 open forum (noon-1 p.m., 1115 Pearson). Sometime before the forum, the draft of the plan will be available for review on the 2010-2015 Strategic Planning web site. A second forum on the plan will be held April 26 (2:10-3 p.m., 119 Gerdin).

March 31

Chemistry's Gilman Lecture set for April 8

Dennis Dougherty, California Institute of Technology, will discuss the brain's nicotine receptor and addictive properties of the brain during the chemistry department's 33rd annual Gilman Lecture April 8 (8:30 p.m.,1352 Gilman).

March 31

Registration is open for supply chain conference on April 9

Four business professionals will give advice on supply chain management in a turbulent economy during the 18th annual Voorhees Supply Chain Conference April 9 (8:15 a.m.-3 p.m., Scheman Building), co-sponsored by the College of Business. Registration is $25 for faculty, free for ISU students (but students still must register).

March 31

April 6 seminar looks at evolution, creationism in public schools

Randy Moore, University of Minnesota, will present "The Extent and Impact of Teaching Evolution and Creationism in Public Schools" April 6 (2:10-3 p.m., 2030 Morrill). This is the fourth of five spring seminars sponsored by ISU's Center for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Education. All are welcome.

March 31

Participants needed for research study

James Hollis, assistant professor in food science and human nutrition, seeks volunteers for a study investigating the effect of food fortification on food intake in people at least 65 years old. Qualified participants will visit the Nutrition and Wellness Research Center five times, and will receive up to $100. Contact Visha A, 4-1990, if interested.

March 31

Activities planned to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month

The Margaret Sloss Women's Center and several ISU departments and organizations are planning a variety of campus events (PDF) throughout April to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year's theme is "Preventing Sexual Violence on College Campuses." Contact the Margaret Sloss Women's Center, 4-4154, for more information.

March 31

TIAA-CREF seminar looks at ways to reduce taxes

"Tax-smart Ways to Save and Invest" is the topic of a TIAA-CREF employee seminar on April 6 (noon-1 p.m., Gold Room, MU). The discussion will focus on how to reduce taxes on earnings, reduce spending and make "tax-smart" choices. Contact Carrie Hardisty, 515-268-8601, or go online to register.

March 31

CEAH symposium is April 12

The Center for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities will host a symposium, "Contemporary Immigrant Experience in Iowa: Opportunities and Obstacles," on April 12 (2-4 p.m., 302 Catt). An interdisciplinary panel of faculty will examine the advantages and difficulties facing recent immigrants in Iowa. The discussion will include social, economic, educational and political conditions and influences. The event is free and all are welcome.

March 29

Veenker is open for the season

Veenker Memorial Golf Course, the university's public 18-hole course, opened for play on March 22. 2010 rates are online.

March 27

Twin wind energy conferences

Iowans interested in wind energy may participate in a pair of conferences on campus April 6-7 that will provide updates on trends in wind energy technology, workforce development and policy changes.

March 27

Tune up your mower

The Agricultural Systems Technology Club will hold its annual lawn mower service days Friday, April 9 (1-6 p.m.) and Saturday, April 10 (8 a.m.-3 p.m.). The club provides routine maintenance (not major repairs) at a cost of $35 for push mowers and $45 for riders. Mowers should be dropped off during service times at the parking lot north of Industrial Education II. Pickup and delivery in Ames is available for an extra $15 (for push mowers) and $20 (for riders). Call 515-708-5476 or e-mail astservicedays@gmail.com by 2 p.m. April 8 to arrange for pickup.

March 26

Married couples sought for research on collaboration

Married couples are being recruited to participate in a study about cognitive collaboration. The goal is to learn more about how adults work with their spouses on everyday tasks. Ninety-minute sessions are scheduled at the couple's convenience. Couples receive a $15 honoraria. For more information, contact Jennifer Margrett, assistant professor of human development and family studies, 4-4380.

March 26

Library seminar looks at authors' rights

The library is hosting a seminar, "Authors' Rights: Your Rights and Copyright Transfer Agreements," April 7 (3:15-4:30 p.m., 192 Parks Library). Steve McMinn, assistant professor, library, will facilitate the discussion. All faculty, staff and students are welcome to attend (on-site or online). Registration is required through AccessPlus. Contact Jodi Graden, 4-6117, with questions about the on-site seminar, and Rano Marupova, 4-7129, with questions about the webinar.

March 26

Vet Med hospital offers discount to ISU employees, students

Beginning April 1, the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center (LVMC) will offer a 10 percent discount on veterinary services to current ISU employees and students. The discount applies to employee- or student-owned animals only. Services eligible for the discount include, exams, inoculations, 24-hour emergency services, diagnostics, surgery, prescriptions and supplies. Animal food is excluded. To receive the discount, employees and students must present their ISU ID card at check-in. To make an appointment, call 4-4900 for small animals, and 4-1500 for equine or food animals.

March 24

Feed the Need food drive runs March 29-April 9

Gather non-perishable and canned food items and donate them to ISU's first Feed the Need food drive, March 29-April 9, organized by ISU's Student Volunteer Services. Drop boxes will be located at Beardshear, Carver, Hoover, Kildee and MacKay halls, Parks Library and the MU. Donation tables also will be set up April 3 at the HyVee East on Lincoln Way and the downtown Fareway, 619 Burnett. All donations will be given to Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA). Contact Jessie Mathre with questions.

March 24

New look, more functionality for U-Bill

The U-Bill, Iowa State's billing statement for students and employees, has a new look. All functions of the U-Bill are now fully electronic. Students and employees can view their U-Bill accounts online, make payments from the same site and see how payments affect totals and minimums due on accounts. Students also can view the updated status of their financial aid packages.
    Students and employees access their U-Bill accounts through AccessPlus. The new look takes the place of two previous Accessplus U-Bill views: "Current Month Activity" and "Most Recent Bill." Also available on Accessplus are monthly statements.

March 24

Pappajohn Center announces entrepreneur's talk

Steve King, founder and chairman of playground equipment manufacturer Landscape Structures in Delano, Minn., will be featured in the Pappajohn Center's Reiman Entrepreneurial Speaker Series April 7 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., MU Sun Room). Registration is free, but requested, and can be done online. A scheduled April 9 talk by Don Schoen, co-founder of the former MediNotes Corp., had to be canceled due to a change in Schoen's schedule.

March 24

RSVPs requested for May 6 LGBTA Lavender Graduation ceremony

The university community is invited to the 13th annual Lavender Graduation ceremony, honoring all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and ally graduates, on May 6 (7-9 p.m., MU Sun Room). Anyone planning to attend is asked to RSVP by e-mail or phone, 4-5433. Students graduating in May or December 2010 who want to participate need to submit a registration form, available online, by 5 p.m. April 9. Nominations and applications for scholarships and awards to be awarded during the ceremony are due at the same time.

March 24

Rasmussen is guest at April 1 noon forum

Associate vice president for budget and planning Ellen Rasmussen is the guest at the next open forum of the P&S Council April 1 (noon-1 p.m., MU Gallery). She will provide an update on development of the university's FY11 budget. All are welcome.

March 24

Phi Kappa Phi initiation ceremony is March 28

The Iowa State chapter of the Phi Kappa Phi all-discipline honor society will be held Sunday, March 28 (2 p.m., Benton auditorium, Scheman). It is open to the public and will include a short ceremony and reception, preceded by a talk, "These are a Few of My Favorite Bugs," by Donald Lewis, ISU entomology.

March 23

Wristbands promote awareness of missing student

Red wristbands bearing the words "Find Jon -- Live Fully" are available in the College of Design dean's office, 134 Design. The primary purpose is to raise and maintain awareness of graphic design student Jon Lacina's disappearance and the urgent need to find him. Suggested donation is $2 per wristband, with all proceeds going to the Jon Lacina Fund.

March 22

University Book Store closed March 27

The University Book Store in the MU will be closed for inventory Saturday, March 27. The store will have its normal open hours (noon-4 p.m.) on Sunday, March 28.

March 22

Planetarium shows March 26

Planetarium shows are set for Friday, March 26, at 7, 7:45 and 8:30 p.m. at the ISU Planetarium, Physics Hall. The shows are appropriate for all ages. The event is free, but tickets are available at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. due to limited seating. Call (515) 294-2298 for more information.

March 22

Reminder: Spring Lab Safety Summit is March 26

Recent laboratory accidents, required documentation and recordkeeping, and how to move a lab will be topics discussed at the Spring Lab Safety Summit March 26 (7:30-9 a.m., EHSSB, 2809 Daley Dr.). Lab safety contacts, lab managers, principal investigators and anyone involved with labs on campus may attend. Call 4-2193 or send an e-mail to register.

March 22

Reserve your spot at ISU Dining's spring brunch

ISU Dining is hosting a spring brunch April 4 (Ballrooms, Memorial Union). Seating times are 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Cost is $21 for adults ($10 children; children 4 and under are free; 65 and older receive a 10 percent discount). Call 4-4662 to make reservations. More information and a menu are online.

March 22

Register now for spring ISU Library lecture

Gerry McKiernan, associate professor, ISU Library, will present the library's first spring lecture March 31 (3:15-4:30 p.m., 192 Parks Library). McKiernan will present "The Mobile Campus: Higher Education in the iPhone Age." Seminar options include onsite or online (webinar). Preregistration is required. All are invited to attend.

March 19

'Claim Ames Day' is March 25

Turn in your completed census form at one of the designated spots in Ames on March 25 and you can enter a drawing to win one of a hundred $50 gift cards. It's all part of "Claim Ames Day," a city-university event to encourage residents to turn in their census forms. The forms generally are mailed back to the Census Bureau. But on the morning of March 25, there will be several places where Ames residents can return forms in person, grab a granola bar and sign up for the drawing. These include several popular CyRide bus stops (7:30-9:30 a.m.), the downtown post office (7:30-9:30 a.m.) and the Ames public library (9 a.m.-1 p.m.). If you miss "Claim Ames Day," you're urged to send in your form by national Census Day, April 1.

March 19

CYtation Award nominations due March 31

March 31 is the next nomination deadline for the P&S CYtation Award, which recognizes Professional and Scientific staff members who have performed above and beyond the call of duty, done something extraordinarily well, or acted in such a way as to make a very real difference at Iowa State. Six to eight awards are given twice a year. Winners receive a one-year family membership to Reiman Gardens. More about the award and the nomination form are online.

March 18

Chem Stores orders will be online only, starting April 12

Chemistry Stores is moving away from using paper sales tickets this spring. The change will reduce the store's paper waste and operating costs and give departments quicker access to their sales histories.

Beginning April 12, all stock purchases from the main storeroom in 1400 Gilman must be submitted using the Chem Stores online catalog and ordering system, accessed from the uBusiness page on AccessPlus or the CyBuy vendors page. All university customers who are not yet using one of these methods to place orders need to sign up for one of them before April 12. Customers who choose to order through Chemistry Stores' AccessPlus catalog should contact Melissa Gruhn to be added to the user list. Customers who choose to use CyBuy to access the hosted catalog need to sign up through the purchasing department. Training is available on using either method.

Customers may submit online orders from their offices and labs for pickup or delivery. Walk-in customers can use new ordering stations at the Chem Stores sales counter to create orders or search online vendor catalogs. Chem Stores staff will assist with selecting products and creating orders. Questions about this change should be directed to the Chem Stores business office, 4-0200 or 4-4413.

March 12

Next CESMEE seminar is March 23

The Center for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Education (CESMEE) invites all to attend its March 23 seminar, "Attracting Girls to STEM Careers: Present Perils and Promising Practices," presented by Barbara Guzzetti, Arizona State University. The event runs from 2:10 to 3 p.m. in 2030 Morrill. Contact the CESMEE office with questions.

March 11

Officials seek to extend RIO2 deadline

ISU officials will ask the state Board of Regents to extend the application deadline for its retirement incentive option (RIO2) to June 1, associate vice president for human resource services Carla Espinoza said recently. The current deadline for applying for the program is March 31. The proposal to extend the deadline will be presented at the regents meeting on March 24.

March 11

New, easier way to search for funding opportunities

Finding funding opportunities is easier under a new one-stop online system.

March 10

ISU ADVANCE workshop: Associate to full professor advancement

ISU ADVANCE 2009-10 faculty fellow Annette O'Connor, veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine, will present her research on pathways to advancement, especially from associate to full professor, during a workshop March 29 (noon-1:30 p.m., MU Pioneer Room). A panel of full professors at ISU also will discuss their experiences with promotion and respond to questions. All are welcome.

March 10

Register now for TIAA-CREF seminars

TIAA-CREF is holding two seminars the week following spring break. Space is limited, so register now by contacting Carrie Hardisty, 515-268-8601, or go online.

• "Guidance at Your Various Life Stages," March 24 (noon-1 p.m., Gold Room, MU)
• "A Woman's Money, A Woman's Future," March 25 (4:30-5:30 p.m., Room 3505, MU)

March 10

Judges still needed for state science/technology fair March 26-27

ISU Extension still seeks more than 200 volunteers to judge middle and high school projects at the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa and FFA Agriscience Fair, which are being held together March 26-27 at Hilton and Scheman. Individuals with a major, degree or background in science, engineering or technology are needed, both to evaluate projects and help the students become better researchers. The judges registration form is online. Questions may be directed to Vicki Speake, 4-5738.

March 10

Inside Update on hiatus for spring break

Classes will be in recess March 15-19 for Iowa State's spring break, and Inside Update will not publish on March 18. The next edition will be March 25. Staff will continue to update the faculty/staff and student announcement web sites as items are submitted.

March 10

Daylight-saving time starts Sunday

Spring ahead before you head out for spring break. Daylight-saving time starts at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 14, so you'll need to move your clocks ahead one hour.

March 9

Upcoming wellness events

• Free screenings: Each Wednesday (11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Forker). Trained students from Health Studies 380 will screen for body composition, blood pressure, strength, endurance and flexibility. Contact Wellness Works to schedule your 20-minute appointment.
• Recipe contest: March is National Nutrition Month, and a student panel from Health Studies 380 is judging your recipes for fresh, healthful ingredients and ease of preparation. Categories are appetizer/snack, main dish, side dish and dessert. E-mail entries by the end of March.
• Wednesday Walks: Meet each Wednesday (11:30 a.m., east side of Beardshear, inside by main steps). Walks will take place inside until the weather improves. No registration necessary.

March 8

Council ballot closes Friday

Fifteen to-be-vacated seats on the Professional and Scientific Council will be filled through an online election that continues through March 12 on AccessPlus. Employees vote only on the candidate pool in their area of representation.

March 8

Student Union Board hosts Hunger Banquet March 23

Student Union Board will host a Hunger Banquet March 23 (5 p.m., Campanile Room, MU) to help the public gain a better understanding of global poverty and hunger. Tickets are $5 per person. Groups of five or more receive a $1 discount. Bring two non-perishable food items and receive an additional $1 off admission. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Food items will be donated to Mid-Iowa Community Action, and monetary donations will go to Oxfam America.

March 3

Reminder: Deadline to apply for RIO2 program is March 31

Individuals who wish to participate in the university's second retirement incentive option program (RIO2), need to apply by March 31. Retirement must occur by July 30. Eligible employees must be at least 57 years old at the time of retirement with at least 10 years of service. Details about the program, including FAQs and application form, are available online.

March 3

TIAA-CREF seminar focuses on meeting mid-career financial challenges

Employees are invited to attend a TIAA-CREF seminar "Meeting Financial Challenges at Mid-Career" March 10 (noon-1 p.m., Gold Room, MU). Reserve your spot by contacting Carrie Hardisty, 515-268-8601, or registering online.

March 3

Celebrate International Women's Day March 7

What is the historical, current and future role for women in the media? That question will be explored during an International Women's Day celebration March 7 (2-4 p.m., Ames Public Library Auditorium, 515 Douglas Ave.). International Women's Day is an annual worldwide celebration of the economic, political and individual achievements of women. All are invited to attend this free event. Refreshments will be served.

March 3

New P&S compensation structure topic of March 4 open forum

Mike Otis, associate director of human resource services, will discuss implementing a new compensation structure for professional and scientific employees at a March 4 open forum (noon-1 p.m., Gallery, MU). Otis will review the findings of a 2007 Towers Perrin compensation study, compare the present and future compensation structures, and discuss what needs to happen before the new structure is implemented on July 1.

March 3

Next CESMEE seminar is March 9

Dr. Adah Leshem-Ackerman, pre-college education director, NSF Engineering Research Center for Biorenewable Chemicals (CBiRC) and ISU Plant Genomics Outreach Program, will present "Creating Teacher Scientists" March 9 (2:10-3 p.m., 2030 Morrill). The presentation is part of the Center for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Education (CESMEE) seminar series. All are welcome to attend.

March 2

Informational lunch about the MBA program is March 17

Learn more about the MBA program in the College of Business during a free informational lunch March 17 (noon-1 p.m., 1360 Gerdin). Lunch will be provided. RSVPs are requested to Jenny Reitano, 4-7819.

March 2

Lecture examines impact of financial derivatives on stock market

Roselyn Williams, associate professor of mathematics from Florida A&M, will discuss the link between financial derivatives and the Wall Street crisis during a lecture March 9 (4:10 p.m., 305 Carver). Williams will discuss the mathematical theory of simple financial derivatives and look at the relationship between the derivative market and the stock market.

March 1

ISU climbs to 56th internationally in scholarly web presence

A research group that ranks universities based on the scientific and academic materials provided on their web sites puts Iowa State at No. 56 internationally, 10 spots higher than six months ago.