Inside Update

Oct. 25, 2012
Announcements and news for ISU faculty and staff

ISU Plan open change period begins Nov. 1
ISU plan participants will have an opportunity to alter their health care benefits during the open change period, Nov. 1-16.

Howe classroom is one of a kind
A former atrium lounge area in Howe Hall has been converted into a state-of-the-art teaching space, using strategic funds and a futuristic vision.

Regents to consider tuition, fees freeze on Thursday
A first look at proposed tuition and fees for 2013-14, a follow-up discussion about tuition set aside, plans to expand Frederiksen Court and an emeritus title for former president Gregory Geoffroy are on the state Board of Regents' agenda for Oct. 25.

A historic homecoming celebration
Iowa State's Cytentennial Homecoming celebration is well under way, leading up to the Cyclones' 6 p.m. kickoff against the Baylor Bears on Saturday.

Tweaks to budget model won't change FY14 planning
A work group will propose a plan for implementing changes to the model, but no changes will impact the dollars in units' FY14 budgets.

More news: Inside Iowa State

The following announcements were added this week:
-- Flu shots are still available
-- Holiday ham fundraiser is under way
-- Brantley Gilbert plays Oct. 26 at Hilton
-- Memorial service for retired faculty member David Martin is Nov. 2

See: Announcements

CELT programs
Register via AccessPlus (click on Employee > HRS Training > Courses).
-- Class Climate v5.1: New Features and Functions, Oct. 31 (8-11:30 a.m., 1230 Communications)
-- Supporting Your Chinese Students: Research and Practice, Nov. 5 (1:30-3 p.m., 2030 Morrill)

See: Descriptions and times

-- Nicola Bowler, professor, materials science and engineering, to College of Engineering equity adviser, effective Oct. 24

Researchers eye heat for renewable fuel, power
ISU researchers are combining thermochemical technologies to produce the next generation of renewable fuels.

Learning community supports undecided students
Thirty-three freshmen enrolled this fall in a new learning community in the College of Human Sciences, one designed to help undecided students explore their options and connect with resources on campus.

Info session: Presidential Initiative for Interdisciplinary Research
-- Oct. 26 (11 a.m.-noon, MU Campanile Room)

Details about this event are online.

This week
-- Retirement: Dan Otto, ISU economics and ISU Extension, Oct. 25 (2-3:30 p.m., 368A Heady)
-- Reception: Following 1:30 p.m. Homecoming Honors and Awards Ceremony, Oct. 26 (first floor lobby, Scheman)
-- Reception: Barbara Riedesel Iverson, Weber Shandwick firm, recipient of the Schwartz Award for Distinguished Service, Oct. 27 (3 p.m. award ceremony, Hamilton Hall atrium)

Next week
-- Artist reception: Sculptor Lawrence Nowlan, Nov. 4 (2-4 p.m., Brunnier Art Museum, Scheman)

Details about these events are on the university calendar.

Star light, star bright
Two planetarium shows are planned for Oct. 26 (7 and 7:30 p.m., ISU Planetarium, Physics Hall). Free tickets will be available at the door beginning at 6:45 p.m. Seating is limited. A star-gazing session (weather permitting) will follow the show. Before the show, students from the ISU Physics and Astronomy Club will present hands-on science activities. All ages are welcome.

Upcoming concerts from the music department
The following concerts are in the Tye Recital Hall, Music Hall. Tickets are $2 to $5 unless indicated.
-- ISU Symphony Orchestra, Oct. 25 (7:30 p.m.)
-- ISU Statesmen, Oct. 28 (1:30 p.m.)
-- Cantamus Women's Choir, Oct. 28 (4 p.m.)
-- Clarinet Choir, Oct. 31 (7:30 p.m.), free admission