Inside Update

Feb. 23, 2012
Announcements and news for ISU faculty and staff

Despite cost trend, student debt is declining
In spite of rising tuition and attendance costs, the average debt of an Iowa State undergraduate student on graduation day is coming down. Director of student financial aid Roberta Johnson says there's no "silver bullet" in this trend, but rather a lot of work on multiple fronts.

Student affairs seeks new dean of students, registrar
The Division of Student Affairs has commenced two searches for a dean of students and a registrar. Finalists for both positions are expected to be named later this spring.

Hoffman will leave Iowa State this year
Executive vice president and provost Elizabeth Hoffman announced earlier this week she will leave her post by the end of the calendar year.

Stop by Sustainapalooza
President Steven Leath will give opening remarks and be the first to walk the green carpet at Iowa State's Sustainapalooza celebration on Feb. 28.

More news: Inside Iowa State

The following announcements were added this week:
-- Feng shui workshop is Feb. 27
-- Beware: Hackers are using more sophisticated scams
-- Feb. 29 lecturer discusses eating disorders
-- Leath will present CYtation Awards at Feb. 28 open forum

See: Announcements

CELT programs
Register via AccessPlus (click on Employee > HRS Training > Courses).
-- Blackboard (Bb) Learn: Assessments, Feb. 29 (9-10:30 a.m., 1230 Communications)
-- Designing Rubrics for Your Course, Feb. 29 (12:10-1 p.m., 2030 Morrill)
-- Writing for Grants: Creating Compelling Proposals (part of a series for grad students and new faculty on research and grant writing), March 1 (3:10-4 p.m., 101 Carver)

See: Descriptions and times

CELT seeks submissions for Teaching Poster Symposium
CELT has issued a "call for posters" for a Teaching Poster Symposium April 10 (3:30-5 p.m., MU Pioneer Room). Faculty and staff engaged in innovative and scholarly efforts in learning and teaching are invited to submit posters showcasing examples of teaching techniques and strategies. If you're interested in displaying a poster at this event, contact Jan Thompson or Jen Leptien.

Achieving success in NSF's 'Broader Impacts' requirement
In a lunch workshop March 6 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., MU Gallery) on writing grant proposals, faculty members who have written successful proposals, particularly in the area of broader impacts, will share their experiences. Lunch is provided; RSVPs are requested to Megan Heitmann, 4-8061. The event is part of ISU's Strengthening the Professoriate effort.

Registration open for spring women's leadership conference
The Iowa Network for Women in Higher Education will hold its annual spring leadership conference at Iowa State on April 27 (8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Reiman Gardens). This year's theme is "Journey to Leadership." Cost is $30. All women interested in leadership in higher education are invited to attend. Conference details and registration information are available online.

Wildness Symposium features Winter's Bone author
Readings, craft talks and panel discussions highlight the 2012 Symposium on Wildness, Wilderness and the Creative Imagination, a two-day environmental literary festival planned for Feb. 26-27 in the Memorial Union.

Undergraduate team is tracking energy consumption in research
A team of undergraduate architecture and engineering students, supported by faculty, staff and the Center for Building Energy Research, is tracking energy consumption needed to conduct scientific research. The team is focused on better research with fewer resources.

University Museums
In this issue of eInterpretations (PDF): A look at the upcoming "Brunnier in Bloom" exhibit, March 24-25; the latest developments with Christian Petersen's Panthers; and a note from director Lynette Pohlman.

Next week
-- Reception: "Public Art Studies from Notebooks" exhibit with artist Terry Allen, March 1 (7:30-9 p.m., Christian Petersen Art Museum, Morrill)
-- Open house: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, March 1 (Noon-1p.m., Reiman Ballroom, ISU Alumni Center)
-- Retirement: Karen MacDonald, office of the vice president for business and finance, March 2 (2:30-4 p.m., 3150 Beardshear)

Details about these events are on the university calendar.

Student talent is showcased in Varieties performances
The annual Varieties student talent competition concludes this weekend with three Sweepstakes performances (Feb. 24, 6 and 9 p.m.; Feb. 25, 8 p.m.). All performances are in the MU Great Hall. Tickets, $12 ($10 students), are available at the Maintenance Shop ticket office (4-8349), online or at the door. A $1 fee will be added to phone and online ticket orders. Ticket prices increase $1 the day of the show.

Relaxed art
"Living Relaxed," an exhibition of 36 paintings by Iowa artist Karen Cooper, is on display in the MU Gallery through March 26. Cooper says her work is inspired by the candid moments of everyday life. Call 6-6848 for available viewing times between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Mockingbird swoops into Fisher Theater
ISU Theatre opens a two-weekend run of To Kill a Mockingbird Feb. 24 at Fisher Theater. Tickets for the classic American tale are $16 ($14 seniors, $8 students), available at the Stephens ticket office or through Ticketmaster.

Reiman Gardens showcases Ames High musicians
Reiman Gardens is the site of a fundraiser for Ames High School's Academic and Arts Booster Club Feb. 26 (1-4 p.m., Reiman Gardens). The freshman orchestra, a student harpist, a cello group and others will perform at indoor stations. Complimentary refreshments will be served. Cost is $8 at the door, $7 in advance (65 and older, $7 at the door, $6 in advance; youth, ISU students and members are free). Contact Veronica Fowler, 515-451-1777, for advance tickets.