Inside Iowa State for faculty and staff
Aug. 17, 2023
Inside news
In its first 18 months, departments have trimmed about half of the targeted $15 million reduction and proposed new degree programs desired by students and the employers who will hire them.

Following the annual market data review, 44 P&S job profiles moved to higher pay grades on Aug. 14. Among the approximately 100 employees affected, 15 will need a salary increase to meet their new pay grade minimum.

Michael Harwood started as the associate vice president for campus life and director of residence last week. He brings 30+ years of experience in student affairs. 

David Spalding, who has led the Ivy College of Business since 2013, was appointed to another five-year term, effective July 1.

Faculty and staff are asked to encourage students to participate in this second annual free event Friday and Saturday to safely celebrate the start of a new academic year.

The audiovisual experience team spent the summer updating general university classrooms with new teaching technology that allows instructors to connect with confidence no matter where they are teaching.

Before fall semester begins next week, catch up on summer happenings across campus.

Council members received updates on the state Board of Regents' diversity, equity and inclusion study group, Workday Student and council goals for the year at the Aug. 3 meeting.
Announcements
The following announcements were added this week:
  • Register for free access to NY Times, Wall Street Journal
  • Updates completed to manual on allowable business expenses
  • 'Twilight Zone' inspired drag show coming to Stephens
  • Tickets on sale for single shows in Stephens' 2023-24 series
  • Reiman Gardens to host first plants and climate symposium
  • Get help on your proposal for affordable course materials
  • Commuter lots, CyRide stop, moved as part of CYTown development
Around campus
Inside compiled a list of college and university events scheduled for faculty and staff to celebrate the start of a new academic year.

At the annual CYstarters Demo Day on Aug. 1, the 19 members of cohort 8 and Cystarter alumni split nearly $14,000 in cash awards. Members of this summer's class impressed the crowd with compelling business pitches and quality prototypes.

In an essay for The Conversation, electrical and computer engineering professor Doug Jacobson explains how technology has added conveniences to vehicles but also creates security problems when thieves go high-tech to steal cars.

In an essay for The Conversation, ISU researchers are learning about human blood disorders by studying zebrafish because approximately 70% of their genes have similar analogs in humans. Using zebrafish allows scientists to test theories more quickly, which can lead to solutions to real-world problems.
Appointments
  • Kirsten Kraklio, Arizona State University and Noodle, to communications manager and "Iowa Stater" magazine editor, ISU Alumni Association, effective Aug. 7
  • Jianming Yu, professor of agronomy and Pioneer Distinguished Chair in Maize Breeding, to director of the Raymond F. Baker Center for Plant Breeding, effective Aug. 16
Retirements and open houses
Upcoming
  • Retirement, Sherri Paul, service desk, facilities planning and management, Aug. 31 (2-4 p.m., program at 2:30 p.m., 168 General Services Building)
  • Fall open house, Student Innovation Center, Aug. 31 (3-6 p.m.)
  • Retirement, Brad Dye, treasurer's office, Sept. 1, post well wishes to Brad's Kudoboard
  • Retirement, April Franksain, civil, construction and environmental engineering, Sept. 1 (1:30-3:30 p.m., 220 Town Engineering), post well wishes to April's Kudoboard
  • Last lecture, Greg Miller, agricultural education and studies, Sept. 5 (3 p.m., 0013 Curtiss), reception follows (4-5 p.m., Harl Commons, Curtiss Hall), post well wishes to Greg's Kudoboard

Employees, their colleagues or supervisors are invited to submit retirements and departures to inside@iastate.edu. Inside doesn't receive this information from a central source.
Arts and events
The university's exhibit at the Iowa State Fair shares Jack Trice's legacy with Iowans. Find the exhibit in the Varied Industries Building; the fair runs through Sunday evening.

Curious about the new welded aluminum sculpture south of Morrill Hall in the sculpture garden? Learn more about artist Tom Stancliffe's Ghost Trees during a talk by university museums curator Sydney Marshall on Tuesday, Aug. 22 (4:30 p.m., meet in Reiman Gallery, lower level of Morrill). Admission is free. The sculpture is on loan from the artist for about two years.

Iowa musicians Scott Stilwell and John Paul Burtch will perform as part of the Goldfinch Room songwriters showcase on Aug. 22 (6:30 p.m., southeast lawn, Stephens Auditorium). Tickets are $10 ($7 in advance). Doors open 30 minutes before the performance.
Learning opportunities
Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) programming
Register online for all events.
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About us
Inside Update is published Thursday mornings by Strategic Relations and Communications. Questions? Email inside@iastate.edu or call 515-294-7065.