Inside Update

A variety of topics planned for spring lecture series
The spring 2012 lectures lineup features ISU professor of materials science and engineering Dan Shechtman, who won the 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Shechtman will speak on campus Feb. 20 (7 p.m., Memorial Union Great Hall). A variety of other topics also highlight the spring lecture schedule.

Looking for lost art
In an effort to update the university's public art inventory, university museums staff are looking for about 40 pieces included in a 1940s campus inventory. A closet, storage space or office in your building might contain one of these treasures.

Get a sneak peek at State Gym Jan. 8
Recreation Services staff will hold a Jan. 8 open house to showcase the newly renovated and expanded State Gym facility. Faculty and staff also are eligible for a free trial use of the complex Jan. 9-22.

More news: Inside Iowa State

The following announcements were added this week:
-- Osborn Club lecture is Jan. 9
-- Campus clinic offers reading tutoring for first-12th graders this spring
-- Jan. 11 carillon concert will kick off MLK events
-- Vote for Ames in Blue Zone Community campaign

See: Announcements

CELT workshops
Register via AccessPlus (click on Employee > HRS Training > Courses). All workshops are in 1230 Communications.
-- Blackboard (Bb) Learn: Creating and Managing Groups, Jan. 5 (11 a.m.-noon)
-- Bb Learn Grade Center I: Fundamentals, Jan. 5 (1:10-2:40 p.m.)
-- Bb Learn Grade Center II: Advanced, Jan. 5 (2:50-4:20 p.m.)
-- Bb Learn: Creating, Submitting and Grading Online Assignments, Jan. 6 (10-11 a.m.)
-- Bb Learn: Interactive Grading Rubrics, Jan. 6 (1:10-2 p.m.)
-- Respondus: Creating Test Pools, Quizzes, Surveys for Blackboard Learn, Jan. 6 (2:10-3:10 p.m.)
-- Bb Learn: Assessments, Jan. 6 (3:30-5 p.m.)
-- Student Evaluation of Teaching: Creating Survey Reports with Class Climate, Jan. 11 (9-10:30 a.m.)
-- Blackboard User Group Meeting, Jan. 13 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)

See: Descriptions and times

-- Joe Morris, ISU natural resource ecology and management and associate director of the North Central Regional Aquaculture Center, to center director, effective Jan. 1

Risk Management
Learn about business vehicle rentals (and a new reimbursable expense), ISU's authorized caterers, and new requirements for drivers of 15-passenger vans in the December newsletter (PDF) from the Office of Risk Management.

Next week
-- Open house: State Gym, Jan. 8 (noon-3 p.m.)
-- Reception: Unveiling of the Catt Center's 2012 Women Impacting ISU calendar, Jan. 12 (3:30-5 p.m., MU Campanile Room)

Upcoming
-- Reception: "Relationships: Spheres of Influence" exhibit, Jan. 19 (4:30-6 p.m., Brunnier Art Museum, Scheman, program at 5:15 p.m.)
-- Service recognition reception: Carla Espinoza, ISU human resources and office of equal opportunity and compliance, Jan. 20 (3-5 p.m., program at 3:30 p.m., first floor atrium, Beardshear)

Details about these events are on the university calendar.

Met opera auditions are Jan. 7
District auditions for New York City's Metropolitan Opera will be held Jan. 7 (noon-5 p.m., Tye Hall, Music). The auditions are designed to discover promising young opera singers (ages 20-30 years) and assist in developing their careers. The public is invited to observe for as little or long as they'd like and to meet the competitors during a reception while the judges deliberate. Winners from 41 district auditions advance to one of 14 region finals, where they compete to win a trip to New York to participate in the national semifinals, held on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House. Approximately 10 singers make it to the final round and compete in a public concert.

What does No. 1 play like?
The Cyclone women's basketball squad will battle the Baylor Bears Jan. 7 (7 p.m., Hilton). The Bears are ranked No. 1 in the country in both the Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN Coaches polls. Reserved tickets are $12 (youth $6); general admission is $10 (youth $5).

Talk with coach Bill Fennelly
Cyclone women's head basketball coach Bill Fennelly will meet with fans Jan. 9 (noon-1 p.m., MU Campanile Room) for a Coach Talk. Bring your lunch and questions.

Madrigal Dinner performances are Jan. 13-14
Tickets are on sale now for the music department's 47th annual Madrigal Dinner, Jan. 13-14 in the Memorial Union Great Hall.