Announcements

Nov. 30

Reiman Gardens is open Thursday nights in December

Each Thursday in December (1, 8, 15, 22, 29), Reiman Gardens will be open late until 8 p.m., with free admission from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Donations will be accepted for Youth and Shelter Services' Holiday Giving program.

Nov. 30

Upcoming employee wellness events

The following employee wellness events are Dec. 7 in Room 92, Parks Library. No reservations are required for either event.

• Blood pressure screening, noon-1 p.m.
• "Slashing Sodium for Better Health" presentation, 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 29

Reception for the Geoffroys is Dec. 8

The university community will thank Gregory and Kathy Geoffroy for their 10-plus years of service to Iowa State during a campus reception Thursday, Dec. 8. The come-and-go event will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. in the ballrooms on the main floor of the Memorial Union. Enter the reception area via the Sun Room or South Ballroom. A program will be held from 4:30 to 5 p.m. The receiving line for the Geoffroys will be open before and after the program.

Nov. 29

University Community Childcare closed Tuesday afternoon

University Community Childcare is closed this afternoon, Tuesday, Nov. 29. A broken sprinkler in the multi-purpose room has flooded several rooms at the center. Families are asked to pick their children up immediately. Please look for updates on this site or call UCC's main phone number and listen for updates on the answering system.

Nov. 28

Espinoza to speak at P&S Council's Dec. 1 open forum

Carla Espinoza, associate vice president of human resource services and director of equal opportunity and compliance, is the guest speaker at the Professional and Scientific Council open forum Dec. 1 (noon-1 p.m., MU Gallery). She will discuss her past 15 years at ISU and the changing nature of work at the university. Espinoza will enter phased retirement beginning Jan. 1, 2012.

Nov. 28

Madrigal dinner tickets go on sale Dec. 1

Tickets for Iowa State's 47th annual Madrigal Dinner (Jan. 13-14) go on sale Dec. 1 and may be ordered by phone (4-8349), mail (East S.O.S., Memorial Union) or in person at the Memorial Union ticket office in the Maintenance Shop. Tickets are $42.50 ($38 for ISU students). The performances begin both evenings in the MU Great Hall with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. and dinner fanfare at 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 28

CESMEE announces December events

The Center for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Education will host these December events:

• Brown Bag seminar, "Bringing Science and Scientists to Life in Postsecondary Science," by Michael Clough, ISU curriculum and instruction, Dec. 8 (noon-1 p.m., N221 Lagomarcino)
• STEM Education Collaboration Coffee, Dec. 13 (9-10 a.m., N008 Lagomarcino)

RSVPs for either event are requested to Tracie Miller, 4-0423.

Nov. 23

Nominations encouraged for Business dean post

The committee searching for the next dean of the College of Business is seeking applications and nominations for the post. Send nominations, with names and contact information, to search committee co-chairs Pamela White, pjwhite@iastate.edu or Dawn Bratsch-Prince, deprince@iastate.edu. Review of applications will begin on Feb. 1 and continue until the position is filled.

The co-chairs anticipate candidates for the position will visit campus during March and April. The position description for the business dean, along with other information about the search, is posted on the Business dean search site.

Nov. 23

Quisenberry, Davis establish computing steering committee

A new committee established by vice president for research and economic development Sharron Quisenberry and chief information officer Jim Davis will be responsible for setting direction for high performance computing (HPC) on campus. HPC is essential for advanced research in virtually all disciplines of science and engineering, particularly the fields of bio-, materials- and information technologies, all of which are identified among the university's strategic priorities. The committee will report to the VPRED and work closely with the VPRED and CIO on research strategies, initiatives and facilities. Members represent a broad cross-section of technology leaders at Iowa State. They are:

• Committee chair Arun Somani, Distinguished Professor in electrical and computer engineering
• Srinivas Aluru, Mehl Professor in computer engineering
• Joe Colletti, senior associate dean in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• Rodney Fox, Distinguished Professor and Stiles Chair of chemical and biological engineering
• Mark Gordon, Distinguished Professor of chemistry and director of Applied Mathematical Sciences at Ames Laboratory
• Bruce Harmon, Distinguished Professor in physics and director of the Center for Physical and Computational Mathematics
• Wolfgang Kliemann, professor and chair of mathematics
• Glenn Luecke, professor of math and director of IT Services' High Performance Computing Partnership
• Jim Reecy, professor of animal science and director of the Office of Biotechnology

Serving as ex-officio members are Davis, associate vice president for research Chitra Rajan and Lynette Sherer, program coordinator in IT services. Questions may be directed to the committee chair.

Nov. 21

Submit spring reserve requests to library now

Instructors who wish to put required materials on reserve at Parks Library for spring semester should submit requests now. Forms are online at the library's site.

Nov. 18

Two finalists will interview for CELT director post

Two finalists have been identified in the internal search for the next faculty director of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching and co-director of ISU's learning communities program. They are: professor of geological and atmospheric sciences Cinzia Cervato and professor of horticulture Ann Marie VanDerZanden, who is the associate director of CELT and serving as interim director. Their interviews will include a 50-minute open forum (9 a.m., 2019 Morrill) on these dates:

• Cervato, Tuesday, Nov. 29
• VanDerZanden, Thursday, Dec. 1

More information on the two candidates is available on the executive vice president and provost website.

Nov. 18

Recyle your old phonebooks; Dec. 12 is collection week

With the arrival on campus of Fall 2011 phonebooks, ISU's recycling committee will coordinate recycling of previous years' editions. Place old phonebooks in collection boxes in your building. Campus services staff will pick up the boxes from loading docks the week of Dec. 12. For more information, contact Sue Mallas, 4-0692.

Nov. 16

Volunteers sought for Science Bowl competitions

About 150 volunteers, both scientific and nonscientific, are sought for the 2012 Ames Laboratory/Iowa State University science bowls. The high school science bowl is Saturday, Jan. 28, in Howe, Hoover and Black Engineering halls. The middle school science bowl is Saturday, Feb. 25, in Hach, Spedding, Gilman and TASF halls. Volunteers serve as moderators, judges, timekeepers and scorekeepers. To learn more or to volunteer, contact Breehan Gerleman Lucchesi, Ames Lab public affairs, 4-9750.

Nov. 16

Forestry club's tree sales will run for three weekends

Members of the ISU forestry club will sell Christmas trees (balsam fir, Scotch and white pine) and balsam fir wreaths in the Reiman Gardens parking area beginning Nov. 26. Tree prices are $25-45; wreaths cost $15-25. Sales times are:

• Fridays, Dec. 2 and 9: 3-8 p.m.
• Saturdays, Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and 10: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Sundays, Nov. 27, Dec. 4 and 11: Noon-6 p.m.

Nov. 16

Attorneys to review patent reform laws at Nov. 29 lunch

Iowa State University Research Foundation is hosting a presentation on the impact of new patent laws on universities Nov. 29 (noon-1 p.m., MU Gallery). Speakers are patent attorneys Mike Goldman and Tate Tischner from the law firm LeClairRyan, Rochester, N.Y. Pizza and beverages will be provided; no registration is required.

Nov. 16

Haber Road closed at overpass for part of Monday

From approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, Haber Road will be closed at the railroad overpass so Union Pacific crews can complete maintenance work on the overpass. ISU's transportation services entrance will be accessible from the north.

Nov. 15

Wellness presentations observe diabetes month

In observance of American Diabetes Month, the Nutrition Clinic for Employee Wellness is offering several events on Nov. 17. At noon in the Linden Hall dining center, a free one-hour cooking demonstration will focus on healthy holiday side dishes. At 1:30 p.m. in 92 Parks Library, there will be a presentation on diabetes prevention. Registration is not required for either event.

Nov. 14

ISU ranked among 'fittest colleges'

Iowa State ranks among Men's Fitness magazine's "25 Fittest Colleges in America." The ranking was based on intramural and fitness facilities, NCAA titles won, health and fitness majors offered, fast-food eateries on campus, nearby bars and annual percentage of sunny "going-outside" days.

Nov. 14

Reminder: Benefits open change periods end this week

If you still need to alter your benefits for next year, be sure to make your changes this week. The open change period for non-supervisory merit employees ends at 5 p.m. Nov. 17. Faculty, professional and scientific, and supervisory merit employees may make changes through 5 p.m. Nov. 18. Log on to AccessPlus to make changes. Contact human resource services, 4-4800, with additional questions.

Nov. 14

Library to close for part of winter break

University Library physical facilities will be closed from Friday, Dec. 23, through Monday, Jan 2. The closings, involving Parks Library, the Veterinary Medical library and Design reading room, will reduce costs and conserve energy. The e-Library website will continue to be available during this period.

Nov. 10

Reading improvement clinic accepting applications for spring semester

The Duffelmeyer Reading Improvement Clinic, which serves students in grades 1-12 who need reading assistance, is accepting applications for the spring semester. Tutoring takes place in Lagomarcino Hall Tuesday and Thursday evenings beginning Feb. 7. Tutors are graduate-level students in education supervised by faculty.

Nov. 10

"Give Some Warmth" drive seeks hats, mittens, scarves

ISU Student Volunteer Services is hosting its annual "Give Some Warmth" drive through Nov. 17 and seeks donations of new or gently used mittens, scarves and hats. Child and adult sizes will be shared with clients at several Ames human service organizations. Drop boxes are in Beardshear, Kildee and Curtiss halls, the library, Memorial Union and the Greek Affairs office (0355 MU).

Nov. 9

CYtation Award nominations due Dec. 1

If you know a professional and scientific employee who performs above and beyond the call of duty, consider nominating him or her for a CYtation Award. Nomination deadline is Dec. 1. More information, including a nomination form, is available online.

Nov. 9

Nov. 15 sales at downtown Ames shop benefit international program

Friendships International, a program of the International Students and Scholars office, will receive 15 percent of total sales at Worldly Goods, 223 Main St., from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 15. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

Nov. 9

Flu vaccine still available for employees

There still are some flu vaccinations available for employees who missed the October flu-shot clinic. Employees should contact Occupational Medicine, 4-2056, to schedule an appointment. Shots will continue until all the vaccine is gone.

Nov. 9

Four Giving Trees will hold local children's wishes Nov. 11-30

Four Giving Trees on campus will display the wishes of more than 100 Ames children Nov. 11-30. To partipate, select a tag, purchase the item and return it unwrapped to one of four locations: 103 Lab of Mechanics, 2101 Agronomy, Small Animal Hospital desk or 101 Hamilton. Cash donations also are welcome. The Giving Tree locations are:

• Faculty Senate office, 103 Lab of Mechanics
• Agronomy Commons (outside 2101 Agronomy)
• Large animal glass hallway, College of Veterinary Medicine
• First floor open area near the doors, Hamilton Hall

The College of Business, 1200 Gerdin, will collect food for the Giving Tree. The YWCA Ames-ISU, Faculty Senate and Ames school district are hosting the trees this year. For more information, contact Angela Merrick, 4-0043; or Sherri Angstrom, 4-9717.

Nov. 8

CAC allocates $400,000 for technology projects; proposals sought

The Computation Advisory Committee (CAC) is seeking projects that will broadly impact student computing and represent innovative uses of information technology for instruction at ISU. Students are encouraged to help develop proposals. Proposals must be reviewed within the colleges and administrative units before submission. Check with your unit for submission deadlines. A complete call for proposals (PDF) is online. Units must forward proposals to CAC by March 1, 2012.

Nov. 8

Faculty sought as guest radio DJs

KURE 88.5 FM, Iowa State's student-run radio station, is seeking faculty members to participate on air as guest DJs. "The Faculty Lounge" is a new show airing Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon. Guest faculty will talk about their jobs and areas of interest at Iowa State while playing personal music selections. Interested faculty should contact KURE director of events Nikki Ellis.

Nov. 8

Recipients of 2011-12 academic advising awards announced

The University Academic Advising Committee has announced the recipients of university and college 2011-2012 advising awards. Honorees are being recognized on an awards website and in a display Nov. 14-25 on the ground floor of the Memorial Union.

Nov. 7

Financial aid half-day conference is Dec. 9

Any interested faculty or staff member is welcome to attend a financial aid mini-conference hosted by the office of student financial aid Dec. 9 (8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Hixson-Lied Center). Financial aid staff will provide information on financial aid procedures, program changes and current hot topics, and provide time for Q&A. To register, email Craig Sanderson, assistant director in the office of student financial aid.

Nov. 7

Register now for Andy Albright Jingle Jog 5k

The campus community is invited to participate in the 5th annual Andy Albright Jingle Jog 5k on Friday, Dec. 2, beginning at 6 p.m. All participants will receive jingle bells for their shoes, and are encouraged to dress in holiday attire. The registration form, race route and other information are available online. Cost is $20 and you may pay by check, credit card or U-Bill. Cash and checks also will be accepted during the race's check-in beginning at 4 p.m. Dec. 2 in the MU Sun Room.

Nov. 7

Jiles to present Nov. 14 Osborn Club lecture

Distinguished professor and chair of electrical and computer engineering David Jiles will present the public lecture at the Osborn Research Club's gathering Nov. 14 (7 p.m., 1420 Molecular Biology). His talk, "Deep Brain Stimulation Using Magnetic Fields in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation," is open to all and will look at applications for brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease, vascular dementia or physical trauma to the brain.

Nov. 7

Phi Kappa Phi initiation ceremony is Nov. 13

The Iowa State University chapter of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society will initiate new student members during a Nov. 13 ceremony (2-3 p.m., MU Gallery). All members of the university community are invited. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the ISU chapter.

Nov. 4

Red Green tour stops at Stephens May 2

The Red Green Wit & Wisdom Tour will be in Ames May 2, 2012, for one show (7 p.m., Stephens). Tickets, $48.50, go on sale at 10 a.m. Nov. 7 through Ticketmaster.

Nov. 3

International Week opens Sunday with campus cleanup

International Week, coordinated by the International Student Council, celebrates Iowa State's cultural diversity and promotes greater humanitarian awareness on campus. Events open with a campus cleanup Nov. 6 (11 a.m.-2 p.m.; meet in the MU Cardinal Room for equipment and instructions). The week includes a bazaar, scavenger hunt in the MU, movie night, famine awareness event and more. Most events are free; all are welcome.

Nov. 2

Alumni association seeks nominations for 2012 awards

The ISU Alumni Association seeks nominations for three 2012 awards by Dec. 1:

• Faculty/Staff Inspiration Award recognizes faculty or staff who influenced a student's professional or personal life during his/her university years. Nominees don't have to be ISU alums; nominators must be alumni or former ISU students.
• Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award recognizes ISU seniors who display high character, outstanding achievements in academics and university/community activities, and promise for continuing these qualities as alumni. Nominees must have senior classification (90+ credits) at the end of fall semester.
• STATEment Makers recognizes the early personal and professional accomplishments and contributions to society of ISU alumni under the age of 32 years.

Questions about these awards may be directed to Julie Larson.

Nov. 2

ISU Printing open house is Nov. 16

ISU Printing and Copy Services will hold a fall open house Nov. 16 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) at its main plant in the Printing and Publications Building. Plant tours will feature new printing options and T-shirt printing operations. Refreshments will be available and a prize winner will be drawn from university business cards submitted by visitors. Call 4-3601 for more information.

Nov. 2

STEM teaching webinar is Nov. 7

The first in a series of three free webinars for STEM teachers is being held Monday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. Panelists will discuss "Honoring Diversity and Equity in Today's Mathematics & Science Classroom." Participants can log on to view the live program and post questions in real time. The webinar is part of the NSF-funded Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program at the University of Northern Iowa. Contact Jennifer Crumly for more information.

Nov. 2

Daylight-saving time ends Sunday morning; "fall back"

Daylight-saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 6 (the first Sunday in November), so we'll gain an hour. Set your clocks back one hour before you head to bed Saturday and enjoy the extra shut-eye this weekend.

Nov. 1

Nov. 8 forum topic is leadership for proposed School of Education

Characteristics desired in a director for the proposed School of Education is the discussion topic at an open forum Nov. 8 (4:10-5 p.m., W142 Lagomarcino). Pending state Board of Regents approval of the proposed school, a national search for a director will begin.

Nov. 1

Metro Des Moines homestay hosts sought for January

ISU's Intensive English Orientation Program is seeking Des Moines hosts for homestays for 14 English teachers from Japan Jan. 7-21, 2012. The teachers are taking courses on campus this fall and will be observing classes in Des Moines-area high schools in January. For more information, contact homestay coordinator Alexandra Johnston.

Nov. 1

Snow blower service days are Nov. 11-12

The Agriculture Systems Technology Club will hold its annual snow blower service days Nov. 11 (1-6 p.m.) and 12 (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) on the north side of Industrial Education II (west of horse barns). The $25 cost includes oil, spark plug, grease and a half tank of gas, but not mechanical repairs. Pickup and delivery (Ames only) is available for $15; call 515-208-8672 or send an email request by 2 p.m. Nov. 10 to request this service.