Announcements

Jan. 31

Snow ordinance in effect at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday

The City of Ames snow ordinance goes into effect at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1. If your car is on a snow route, you'll need to move it to prevent it from being towed. Snow routes are designated with red, white and blue signs and generally are on CyRide routes. More about the snow ordinance.

Jan. 31

Spring ag career day rescheduled

The spring Ag Career Day has been rescheduled due to the expected winter storm. The event, which was scheduled for Wednesday, will instead take place Thursday, Feb. 3, at the same time and place: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Memorial Union.

Jan. 31

IT proposals sought for innovative instruction

The Computation Advisory Committee (CAC) is searching for projects that will have a broad impact on student computing and represent innovative uses of technology for instruction at Iowa State. CAC encourages student involvement in the development of proposals. Proposals must be reviewed within administrative units before submission to CAC; the deadline is March 8. See the call for proposals (PDF) online.

Jan. 31

Catt Hall south steps closed for repairs

The exterior south steps to Catt Hall will be closed until further notice to allow for structural repairs. Over time, water has seeped into the step structure, damaging the brick support columns and allowing the concrete steps to settle and crack. A structural engineer is evaluating the structure and will recommend necessary repairs.

Jan. 31

Funding available for 2011-12 undergraduate research assistantships

The Office of Student Financial Aid will accept applications for the 2011-12 Undergraduate Research Assistantship (URA) program through March 31. The program matches juniors and seniors with faculty members who provide hands-on experience in a formal research environment. The funding split for next year is estimated at: college work-study program 60 percent, faculty sponsor 40 percent. Funding is limited to 100 URA positions. Faculty and students interested in participating should complete the application on the student financial aid forms website. For more information, contact Julie Arnold, 4-0103.

Jan. 31

Harding named assistant vice president for enrollment

Director of admissions Marc Harding has been appointed assistant vice president for enrollment and director of admissions. ISU registrar Kathleen Jones previously held the assistant VP title. Harding will retain responsibility for admissions, new student programs, Educational Talent Search/Upward Bound and precollegiate programs; and assume some of Jones' previous duties, including oversight of the office of student financial aid.

Jan. 28

Thompson Square concert rescheduled to April 8

The Thompson Square concert scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 29, at the Maintenance Shop has been rescheduled to 10 p.m. Friday, April 8, in the M-Shop. The show is free for ISU students and $10 at the door for the public. There are no pre-sale tickets.

Jan. 28

Workshop series focuses on NSF grant proposals

Faculty and post-docs are invited to participate in a free workshop series offered by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development and "Strengthening the Professoriate at Iowa State University" (SP@ISU), a three-year initiative funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation. The first workshop is Feb. 24 (11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m., Pioneer Room, Memorial Union). Additional information, including registration details, are online.

Jan. 28

An APHIS permit -- when you need one and how to apply for it -- is the topic of Feb. 9 session

Steve Ziegenfuss, a biosafety officer in ISU's department of environmental health and safety, will discuss situations when investigators must obtain APHIS (USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) permits and how to apply for them during a Feb. 9 informational session (3:10 p.m., 1105 Pearson). Those who will attend are asked to send an e-mail to Connie Regenold, Office for Responsible Research.

Jan. 28

Upcoming deadlines for P&S award nominations

Feb. 21 is the deadline to submit nominations for the professional and scientific staff university awards. P&S staff are eligible to be nominated for five separate awards. Award descriptions, criteria and nomination instructions are online.

Nominations also are sought for the spring 2011 CYtation award. This award recognizes a P&S staff member who performs his or her position above the call of duty. Nominations are due March 31. Additional details and nominating instructions are online.

Jan. 27

MSA offers workshop for faculty and staff

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) is hosting a workshop for faculty and staff Feb. 4 (2:30 p.m., multipurpose room, Multicultural Center, MU). The workshop, "A Student Affairs Imperative: The Retention of Men of Color," will be led by Robert Page, who specializes in retention and recruitment programs for multicultural students. Contact MSA, 4-6338, with questions.

Jan. 26

Former alumni association director Jim Hopson dies

Jim Hopson, former executive director of the ISU Alumni Association, died Jan. 24 of congestive heart failure. A small service will be held in Arizona, where Hopson lived, and a memorial service will be scheduled in Ames sometime in the spring or summer. Messages to his wife Judy or daughter Cindy can be sent to: Judy Hopson, 16828 N. Orchard Hills Drive, Sun City, AZ 85351.

Jan. 25

Spring Ag Career Day Feb. 2

The spring version of Ag Career Day will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 2 at the Memorial Union. The job fair is open to Iowa State students, alumni and the general public.

Jan. 24

Award nomination, poster proposal deadline for campus "green" symposium extended one week

As part of Iowa State's third annual campus symposium on sustainability Feb. 21-22, the planning committee seeks:

• Proposals for posters on initiatives in research, administration, operations, student organizations or personal efforts that support ISU's Live Green program. The proposal deadline was extended to Jan. 28; everyone submitting a proposal will be contacted.
• Nominations for the university's Live Green Excellence Awards (PDF), which recognize efforts by faculty, staff and students, individuals or teams, for accomplishments (at a minimum) between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2010. Nominations are due Jan. 28.

Jan. 24

Career fair set for Feb. 9

A Business, Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Career Fair is planned for Feb. 9 (noon-6 p.m., Hilton Coliseum). All ISU students and other job seekers are welcome to attend. At least 100 businesses will be represented. More information is online.

Jan. 20

'Future' symposium reformatted, rescheduled to March 9

A half-day symposium on "The Future of Learning, Research and Collaboration" has been postponed from Feb. 1 and reformatted into a March 9 keynote session that organizers hope will allow more faculty, staff and students to attend.

Jan. 19

Call for fall Honors seminar proposals

The University Honors Program invites proposals for fall Honors seminars, which are open only to Honors students and give them the opportunity to examine topics of special or current interest. Class sizes are limited to 17; seminars are offered on a S/F basis. The instructor(s) of each seminar receive $500 for their own professional development. The submission deadline is Feb. 11. More information, including the proposal form, is online or from Susan Yager, faculty director, 4-4372.

Jan. 19

Tax assistance available

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, staffed by trained ISU accounting students, provides free tax preparation Feb. 15-April 14 for individuals with household incomes of less than $58,000 (walk-in service Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.; all appointments are in 2148 Gerdin). Individuals may make appointments outside of the walk-in times starting Feb. 1. Contact Bill Dilla, 4-1685, with questions.

Jan. 19

Vet Med offers seminar for horse owners

Bruce Christensen, assistant professor of veterinary clinical sciences, will present a free seminar on high-risk pregnancy Feb. 1 (7:30-8:30 p.m., Alumni Room, Vet Med). He will discuss what conditions put a mare at higher risk of losing a pregnancy, including warning signs, preventive measures and treatment options. For more information, call 4-1500.

Jan. 19

Webinar highlights minority recruiting project

Monica Bruning, a lecturer in educational leadership and policy studies, will be one of three presenters on the Jan. 27 webinar, "Spark Talented Minority Girls' Interest in Engineering: Female Recruits Explore Engineering" (noon-1 p.m.). The program included in-school and after-school programs to help high-achieving 10th grade minority girls explore possible careers in engineering. More information, including registration, is online.

Jan. 19

Registration open for 10-week "Women in Motion" dance class

Online registration is open for "Women in Motion," a 10-week dance and choreography experience (Feb. 6-May 1, 1-2:30 p.m. Sundays, Forker Building). The program teaches dance performance, creativity and expressiveness; final performances will be held May 6-7. For more information, call 232-7374.

Jan. 18

Registration is open for Feb. 4 financial aid mini-conference

Registration for Iowa State's 13th annual financial aid mini-conference Feb. 4 is open via AccessPlus (once you log in, select the "Employee" tab, "HRS Training," "Courses" and "Financial Aid Mini-conference"). The half-day format will include some new topics (the advising connection, money management practices of today's college students, student scholarship opportunities), as well as a financial aid overview and changes.

Jan. 18

CELT seeks proposals for 2011-2012 Miller Faculty Fellowships

Feb. 1 is the deadline for Miller Faculty Fellowships proposals for the 2011-2012 academic year. Details are online. Contact Steve Freeman, CELT associate director, with questions.

Jan. 18

Volunteer now for Veishea Service Day/Stash the Trash March 26

Organizers are now accepting volunteer registrations for Stash the Trash and Veishea Service Day Saturday, March 26 (8 a.m.-4 p.m.). University volunteers will team up with other community organizations to help clean up area parks and Campustown, and assist with projects at the Octagon Center for the Arts, Ballard Community Clothing Pantry, Ames Girls Softball Association and Heartland Senior Services. All volunteers receive a free lunch and free admission to Reiman Gardens. Register online.

Jan. 18

Nominations sought for Student Employee of the Year

Does your office have a great student employee? The Student Employment Center is accepting nominations through Feb. 11 for Iowa State's 2011 "Student Employee of the Year" award. The award recognizes a student's reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism, interpersonal skills and unique contributions to his or her employer. More information, including the nomination form, are online. Questions may be directed to Julie Arnold, 4-0103.

Jan. 18

New site: Diversity, equity and community

A new website, "Diversity, Equity and Community," highlights diversity-related programs, information and resources at Iowa State University. It also tells the story of ISU's diverse history and provides an anonymous form for ideas. The site is the work of the University Committee on Diversity, chaired by associate provost for academic personnel and chief diversity officer Dawn Bratsch-Prince.

Jan. 18

Study abroad fair scheduled for Jan. 27

Faculty and staff are asked to remind students of Iowa State's semi-annual study abroad fair on Jan. 27 (11 a.m.-2 p.m., MU Great Hall), where they can learn more about international opportunities. The fair is sponsored by the Study Abroad Center.

Jan. 18

Next STEM coffee is Jan. 25

The Center for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Education (CESMEE) invites those interested in STEM education to its next collaboration coffee Jan. 25 (9-10 a.m., N047 Lagomarcino). All students, faculty and staff are welcome.

Jan. 18

Help symposium planners identify projects, people with "green" success in 2010

As part of Iowa State's third annual campus symposium on sustainability Feb. 21-22, the planning committee seeks:

• Proposals for posters on initiatives in research, administration, operations, student organizations or personal efforts that support ISU's Live Green program. Proposals are requested by Jan. 21; everyone submitting a proposal will be contacted by Feb. 1.
• Nominations for the university's Live Green Excellence Awards (PDF), which recognize efforts by faculty, staff and students, individuals or teams, for accomplishments (at a minimum) between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2010. Nominations are due Jan. 21.

Jan. 14

Area residents can pick up water at Friley

Area residents on Boone's water system can pick up free bottled water from Iowa State while supplies last. A water main break prompted officials to advise Boone water customers to boil tap water for drinking or cooking until further notice. The order affects customers in four counties.

Iowa State employees will distribute the water through 4 p.m. Friday (while supplies last) from the dock on the southeast corner of Friley Hall, said vice president for business and finance Warren Madden. The water, in one-gallon jugs, is left over from the water delivered to ISU during the August floods. To get to the Friley dock from Lincoln Way, turn north onto Welch Avenue and take the first driveway on the left.

Jan. 13

Informational lunch about MBA program is Jan. 25

Inquire about Iowa State's MBA program during an informational lunch Jan. 25 (noon-1 p.m., Olde Main Brewing Co. 316 Main St.). Lunch will be provided. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to Jenny Reitano, College of Business, 4-7819.

Jan. 12

Media spokesperson training

News Service provides media spokesperson training to faculty and staff who regularly serve as expert media sources, as well as those who would like to interact and communicate more effectively with reporters. Sessions are being offered Feb. 15 (afternoon) and Feb. 21 (morning). There's no fee to attend the workshops, but space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Plan on a time commitment of 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Sessions for several members of a department or unit also can be arranged upon request. If you're interested in attending one of the February sessions, e-mail annette@iastate.edu for more details.

Jan. 12

Feb. 1 deadline for grant proposals

Feb. 1 is the proposal deadline for FY12 Diversity Grants and Women's Enrichment Fund Mini-grants (up to $5,000 each). Funds come from the offices of: the Executive Vice President and Provost and the President (Greater University Fund for Excellence). Guidelines and application forms are online at each program's website.

Jan. 12

Student researchers invited to present their work

Undergraduate students involved in mentored research are invited to present their work at the annual ISU Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression April 19 in the Memorial Union. This is a professional-style event in which students make oral presentations at sessions moderated by faculty. It is coordinated by the University Honors Program but open to all undergraduates. The submission deadline is Feb. 16.

For more information, contact Dana Schumacher, University Honors Program, 4-4371.

Jan. 12

W-2 forms are available in AccessPlus

W-2 forms for 2010 are available now in AccessPlus (after logging in, click on the "Employee" tab and "W-2"). Employees are encouraged to print their own copies to save institutional funds. Employees who have not selected an electronic copy of their W-2 by Jan. 25 will receive a paper copy in the mail postmarked Jan. 31. If you were paid in December (2010) and received a W-2 from Iowa State for 2009, your selection (paper or electronic) from a year ago carried over.

Jan. 12

University closed Jan. 17 to observe national King holiday

University offices will be closed and classes will not meet Monday, Jan. 17, to observe the national Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Campus and city-wide celebrations next week will honor the civil rights leader and minister.

Jan. 12

Student researchers invited to present their work

Undergraduate students involved in mentored research are invited to present their work at two spring events coordinated by the University Honors Program but open to all undergraduates. Faculty or staff working with qualified students are asked to encourage them to apply to participate in one or both events:

• Research in the Capitol, at the Iowa Statehouse, March 22. Projects from any discipline are welcome; there's a special interest in those related to a "healthy Iowa" (citizens, crops, communities, economies, etc). Submission deadline is Jan. 21.
• Annual ISU Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression, in the Memorial Union, April 19. This is a professional-style event in which students make oral presentations at sessions moderated by faculty. Submission deadline is Feb. 16.

For more information, contact Dana Schumacher, University Honors Program, 4-4371.

Jan. 11

Madrigal dinner tickets still available

Tickets remain for the music department's annual medieval madrigal dinner, Jan. 14 and 15 in the Memorial Union Great Hall (5:30 p.m. social hour, 6:30 p.m. dinner). In its 46th year, the evening of entertainment includes music, dancing and theater during a three-course meal. Tickets are $40 ($36 for students and seniors), and are available at the MU ticket office (4-8349).

Jan. 10

Spring volunteer fair is Jan. 19

Anyone interested in volunteer opportunities is encouraged to attend the spring volunteer fair Jan. 19 (5-9 p.m., Campanile Room, MU). Nonprofit organizations from across Story County will be on hand to answer questions. Contact Rachel Owen with questions.

Jan. 9

Snow ordinance in effect; time to move your car

The City of Ames snow ordinance went into effect at 8 a.m., Monday, Jan. 10. If your car is on a snow route, you'll need to move it to allow plows to clear the street. Snow routes are designated with red and white signs and generally are on CyRide routes. Vehicles may not be parked on snow routes until the street has been plowed curb to curb and it stops snowing. Vehicles left on the street during this time may be ticketed or towed. More about the snow ordinance.

Jan. 7

Iowa Arts Council staff coming to campus Jan. 28

Program officers from the Iowa Arts Council will be on campus Jan. 28 to assist faculty and staff in two ways. During a grant-writing workshop (11 a.m.-2 p.m., 130 College of Design), they'll talk about funding opportunities available through IAC and offer insight into writing successful IAC grant applications, including sharing samples of winning examples and holding a mock review of applications. Registration is free but required, and includes a light lunch and beverages. From 2:30-5:30 p.m., faculty and staff may schedule one-on-one sessions (in 20-minute intervals) with the IAC staff about technical assistance, project planning and other areas of interest. Call Sandra Norvell, Center for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities, 4-1594, to schedule a session.

Jan. 6

Call for posters, award nominations for sustainability symposium

As part of Iowa State's third annual campus symposium on sustainability Feb. 21-22, the planning committee seeks:

• Proposals for posters on initiatives in research, administration, operations, student organizations or personal efforts that support ISU's Live Green program. Proposals are requested by Jan. 21; everyone submitting a proposal will be contacted by Feb. 1.
• Nominations for the university's Live Green Excellence Awards (PDF), which recognize efforts by faculty, staff and students, individuals or teams, for accomplishments (at a minimum) between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2010. Nominations are due Jan. 21.

Jan. 5

Nominations for fall alumni association awards are due Feb. 1

Nominations for the ISU Alumni Association awards presented at Homecoming (Oct. 21) are due Feb. 1. Alumni or faculty and staff are eligible for these awards:

• Alumni Merit Award, recognizes alumni's outstanding contributions to human welfare that bring honor to the university
• Impact Award, recognizes individuals, organizations and units whose programs bring broad recognition to the university and increase the involvement of ISU constituents in the life of the university
• Outstanding Young Alumni Award, recognizes alumni, age 40 years and younger, who have excelled in their professions and served their communities
• Award for Superior Service to Alumni, recognizes a current faculty or staff member who demonstrates a commitment to establishing or furthering alumni relationships with the university

Questions may be directed to Julie Larson, 4-8490. Nomination forms for each award are online (see the specific award site).

Jan. 5

Encourage students to apply for Social Justice Summit

Do you know a student who would like to learn more about social justice? If so, encourage him or her to apply for the Social Justice Summit, Feb. 4-5. Participants will gain insight about themselves and what social justice means for them and the community. Applications are due Jan. 21. There is no charge to attend the summit, and all meals are included.

Jan. 5

P&S Council's next open forum is Jan. 13

Professional and scientific employees are invited to a Jan. 13 P&S Council open forum (noon-1 p.m., Pioneer Room, MU) on "Conflict of Interest and Commitment." Brenda Behling, assistant to the executive vice president and provost, and Charlotte Bronson, associate vice president for research, will lead the discussion. A draft policy on conflict of interest and commitment, being considered this semester, provides a broad framework for understanding, disclosing and managing potential conflicts. Please bring your questions and your lunch, if you wish.

Jan. 4

Team leaders sought for August's Destination Iowa State

Do you know a student who would make a great leader? Encourage him or her to be a team leader during Destination Iowa State, Aug. 18-20. This is an excellent way for current students to show their Cyclone pride, be part of a team, develop leadership skills and earn up to $250. Each team leader will lead a group of approximately 12 students through the Destination Iowa State experience. More information and the application are online. Questions may be directed to Amy Tucker in the office of New Student Programs, 294-6660.

Jan. 3

Volunteer orientation at Reiman Gardens

A general overview of Reiman Gardens, including volunteer opportunities, will be presented Jan. 20 (12:15-1 p.m., Reiman Gardens). This session is open to current volunteers and prospective volunteers. All attending are asked to either register via the Volunteer Information Center or call Pat Kunz, 4-8225.

Dec. 7

Your vote could help Reiman Gardens get grant for rain garden

Reiman Gardens has applied for a $5,000 grant for a rain garden project through the Rainbird Intelligent Use of Water awards program. The recipient will be selected by popular vote and your participation could help the gardens win the grant. Everyone can vote daily through March 1, 2011.