Inside Update

Feb. 11, 2010
Announcements and news for ISU faculty and staff

News

Thomson to retire as Vet Med dean next year, remain on faculty
Dr. John Thomson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, announced Feb. 9 that he is retiring as dean effective Jan. 1, 2011. He intends to serve on the ISU faculty.

Senate debate of eliminated programs and positions continues
Policies and procedures for the elimination of academic programs and faculty positions were debated at the Feb. 9 Faculty Senate meeting. Handbook changes and a new memorandum of understanding dealing with the issues could be voted on in March.

Work continues on building FY11 budget
A quick look at the timing for building the university's next budget -- and some of the variables in the process.

Additional training sessions planned for P&S supervisors
Human resource services has scheduled nine additional training sessions for supervisors on the professional and scientific performance management program. Classes begin this month and run through June.

Compensation, performance management top council business
Professional and Scientific Council members learned at their Feb. 4 meeting that compensation policies and a new compensation structure are on the horizon.

How do we compare?
Annual report to state Board of Regents shows how ISU faculty salaries and overall compensation packages stack up against those at peer universities.

More news: Inside Iowa State

Announcements

The following announcements were added this week:
-- Feb. 16 presentation looks at Iowa's position in National Assessment of Educational Progress
-- Rec Services offers personal training services for faculty, staff
-- Students seek volunteers for nutrition counseling
-- Couple and Family Therapy Clinic welcomes new clients
-- April dates announced for "Road Less Traveled" career conference for high school girls
-- Free informational lunch on MBA program is Feb. 17
-- Free tax assistance available Feb. 16-April 14
-- Reminder: Student employee-of-the-year nominations due Feb. 12
-- IPERS rep on campus Feb. 15 for individual consultations
-- Library offers workshop on the online bibliography tool, EndNote Web
-- Students offering free health screenings to employees Feb. 17
-- Monthly free tours of the virtual reality center in Howe Hall; registration required

See: Announcements

Teaching

CELT programs
Register via AccessPlus (click on Employee > HRS Training > Courses).
-- Using the ThinkSpace Learning Platform to Enhance Student Learning, Feb 17 (12:10-1 p.m., 2030 Morrill)
   CELT spring programming schedule (pdf)

Applications sought for CELT SoTL Institute
CELT seeks applications from faculty and staff for a year-long institute on the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). Projects must focus on student learning outcomes embedded in learning communities, or implementing service learning activities into courses or student learning outcomes. The institute begins in May and runs through the 2010-11 academic year. Contact Jennifer Leptien for application materials and Steve Freeman with questions about the program.

Ten-minute topics set for educational technology symposium Feb. 18
Tricks to managing e-mail in Outlook, how to use Iowa State's YouTube and iTunes U channels, and an (almost) idiot-proof solution to Lecture Capture are a few of the topics members of the ISU community will address -- briefly -- as part of the ComETS Symposium Feb. 18. Interest group sessions on mobile devices and online media,also have been added to the schedule. Registration is open.

Around campus

Beginning Farmer Center receives deferred gift
An alumni couple from Wright County has committed $125,000 to Iowa State's Beginning Farmer Center, established by the Iowa Legislature in 1994 to encourage new farmers.

Whole Foods leader to talk about sustainable engineering and energy
A leader of Whole Foods Market, a top retailer of natural and organic foods, will give a Feb. 17 campus lecture on the chain's sustainable engineering and energy management practices.

NFL's green director to speak on campus
Jack Groh, director of the National Football League's environmental program, will talk on campus Feb. 18 about his assignment: minimizing the environmental impact of NFL events.

Departmental newsletters

Your Library
Journals that have been cancelled, historical films on YouTube and how to request library items in temporary storage are some of the news stories in the library's Feb. 10 Your Library newsletter.

Open houses/receptions

This week
-- Reception: "Reflections" student art exhibit, Feb. 17 (6 p.m., MU Pioneer Room)

Upcoming
-- Reception: Margaret Sloss Gender Equity award and scholarships, Feb. 25 (12:30-1 p.m., Sloss Women's Center)

Details about these events are on the university calendar.

Arts and events

Hypnotist to perform Friday at Memorial Union
Hypnotist Michael C. Anthony will give a campus show Feb. 12 (9 p.m., MU Great Hall). Anthony has hypnotized more than 15,000 people at his shows, and is a popular campus performer. The show is free and open to the public.

Cyclone hockey vs. Minot State this weekend
The Cyclone hockey squad hosts Minot (N.D.) State in a two-game series Feb. 12 (7:30 p.m.) and 13 (8:10 p.m.) at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena. Tickets are $10 (children $5, students $7).

Top 20 women's basketball at Hilton on Saturday
No. 15 Baylor comes to Hilton Feb. 13 (11 a.m.) to take on No. 17 Iowa State in Big 12 Conference play. Fans are encouraged to wear pink clothing in support of breast cancer awareness.

An early taste of spring
Displays, lectures and live music performances are planned for the Feb. 13-14 Orchid Fest at Reiman Gardens.

Brunnier Bash celebrates Mardi Gras Feb. 27
University Museums is hosting the fifth annual "Brunnier Bash: A Masquerade Ball" Feb. 27 (7-10 p.m., 295 Scheman). The Mardi Gras-themed event is open to the public, and will feature live music, refreshments and door prizes. Attendees may wear masks or create their own at the ball for a small fee. Formal attire is requested. Tickets are $8 per person ($5 for members) or $15 per couple in advance; $10 per person at the door.

More campus events
Talks, performances, athletic contests and other campus events are listed on the university calendar. Also, see the Arts and Entertainment page.

Submitting your news
Inside Update is published Thursday mornings by the Office of University Relations. Send Update news to inside@iastate.edu. For questions, call 4-7958.