Inside Update

Oct. 13, 2011
Announcements and news for ISU faculty and staff

News

Five finalists named in LAS dean search
Following off-campus interviews last weekend, a 20-member search committee has named five finalists for the dean's post in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Their campus visits begin Oct. 24, conclude Nov. 8 and include public forums.

Business dean Hira will step down next summer
College of Business dean Labh Hira announced this week he will retire as dean when his term ends on June 30. He will remain on the faculty as a professor of accounting. Human Sciences dean Pamela White and associate provost Dawn Bratsch-Prince will co-chair the search for Hira's successor, which will begin immediately.

Senate endorses school of education proposal
Faculty Senate endorsed a proposed school of education and applauded streamlined research processes during the Oct. 11 meeting.

Open change period for non-supervisory merit begins Oct. 17
Non-supervisory merit employees will have a chance to review and change their health care benefits Oct. 17-Nov. 17. Learn what's new for next year.

Do's and don'ts of political activity at Iowa State
Presidential hopefuls and media have begun the traditional pre-caucus trek to Iowa. The political activity is exciting, but requires deft handling to ensure ISU doesn't promote partisan causes or candidates. Here's a helpful Q&A from university counsel Paul Tanaka.

Taking the scenic route
Some 1,500 walkers, most of them faculty and staff, joined the campus edition of the "Start Somewhere Walk," the launch for Iowa's Healthiest State Initiative.

More news: Inside Iowa State

Announcements

The following announcements were added this week:
-- Reserve your spot in 2012 at a virtual reality demonstration
-- Comments sought on volunteers policy
-- Changes to TIAA-CREF quarterly statements explained
-- Social Security webinar available for viewing through Oct. 19
-- CALS online auction supports United Way
-- MBA informational lunch is Oct. 27; register online
-- Starting Thursday, Vet Med building will have four public entrances
-- Apply by Nov. 1 for funds for biotech events
-- New van pool for Des Moines, Ankeny employees has openings
-- 2012 Iowa gardens calendar available through ISU Extension
-- Show off your Cyclone spirit during homecoming week

See: Announcements

Teaching

CELT programs
Register via AccessPlus (click on Employee > HRS Training > Courses). All workshops are in 1230 Communications.
-- Blackboard (Bb) Learn Grade Center I: Fundamentals, Oct. 17 (1:10-2:40 p.m.)
-- Hands-on ThinkSpace (a multipurpose instructional tool developed by ISU faculty, staff and students), Oct. 18 (1:10-2:30 p.m.)
-- Bb Learn Grade Center II: Advanced, Oct. 18 (3-4:20 pm.)
-- Student Evaluation of Teaching: Introduction to Class Climate, Oct. 19 (1:10-3 p.m.)
-- Clicker orientation for TurningPoint Anywhere, Oct. 20 (12:10-1 p.m.)

See: Descriptions and times

Seminars and conferences

The following conference was added this week:
-- Way Up Annual Conference: Celebrating 25 Years of Empowering Women, Nov. 3-4

See: Announcements

Around campus

Drop by the flu shot clinic
The employee flu shot clinic is under way in 205 TASF. Vaccinations are available -- at no cost to you -- through Oct. 28. Clinic hours are weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Students use steamroller to create art
Students from ISU's College of Design and Augustana College, Sioux Falls, S.D., will join forces Oct. 14 (10 a.m.-3 p.m., Rueter's, 5815 W. Lincoln Way) to create large-format woodcut prints with a construction steamroller.

ISU's dietetics is the first to offer international internship
Iowa State's dietetics internship program will be the first in the nation to offer an international component. Interns will have the option of performing a portion of their work at the University of Ghana.

Departmental newsletters

Parks Library
Fall 2011 faculty author book readings; resources that will enhance scientific papers, posters and presentations; and new additions to the university archives are some of the topics covered in this edition of Your Library Newsletter.

Open houses/receptions

Upcoming
-- Retirement: Carolyn Holt, ISU curriculum and instruction, Oct. 26 (2:30-4:30 p.m., 1009 LeBaron)

Details about these events are on the university calendar.

Arts and events

Starry, starry night
A planetarium show and a presentation on "backyard astronomy" are planned for Oct. 14 (7 p.m., ISU Planetarium, Physics Hall). Free tickets will be available beginning at 6:30 p.m. A star-gazing session (weather permitting) will follow the show. All ages are welcome.

Blast! should be a blast
Tony- and Emmy-award winning Blast!, which combines precision brass, percussion and flag performers in a music-theatrics mix, takes the stage on Oct. 14 (7:30 p.m., Stephens). Tickets, available at the Iowa State Center ticket office and through Ticketmaster, are $47 and $51; $28 for ages 18 and younger; $20 for ISU students.

Rummage sale benefits Wildlife Care Clinic
The Wildlife Care Clinic is holding a rummage sale fund-raiser Saturday, Oct. 15 (11 a.m.-3 p.m., Wildlife Care Clinic, College of Veterinary Medicine). Several items, from furniture to kitchen supplies, are available for a free-will donation. All proceeds benefit the clinic.

Art-inspired music
University Museums and the music department are hosting a free performance by the Ames Piano Quartet on Oct. 16 (7-8 p.m., Tye Recital Hall, Music Hall). The concert features a new composition by Jeffrey Prater, ISU professor emeritus of music, inspired by "Oil Painting #2" from artist Bill Barrett's Memory Series. Barrett also will be at the performance. A reception follows the performance.

Homecoming 2011 kicks off this weekend
It's time to show your Cyclone spirit during Homecoming Week 2011, Oct. 16-22. There are plenty of activities for faculty and staff, so break out your cardinal and gold gear and plan to take part. Homecoming culminates Oct. 22 with tailgating and a final conference football game against Texas A&M.

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.

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