Inside news

New flexible spending account rule allows fund carry-over

Health care flexible spending account enrollees now will be able to carry over up to $500 into the next year's fund. The change begins with the current fund year.

 

Learning community growth keeps pace

Despite a 13 percent leap in the size of the freshman class this fall, Iowa State learning communities are serving the same ratio -- 69 percent -- as they did a year ago. More than 4,200 freshmen are participating in a learning community.

 

What's the buzz about team-based learning?

Team-based learning (TBL) is getting the attention of Iowa State faculty. Learn more about TBL and how you can get involved.

 

Council hears from Madden on campus incident

In a report to the P&S Council, senior vice president for business and finance Warren Madden recapped the events surrounding last week's police chase that ended on central campus. He told council members that a review of the response and processes and procedures for emergencies will continue.

 

Senate creates new student affairs committee

The Faculty Senate unanimously approved the establishment of an advisory committee that will work with senior vice president for student affairs Tom Hill. New reporting requirements for "F" grades and concerns about emergency communication procedures also were discussed at the senate's Nov. 12 meeting.

Inside Iowa State

The following announcements were added this week:

• Monday seminar looks at women's leadership in veterinary medicine 

• Employee wellness: "Healthy Holiday Eating Guide" is Nov. 18

• OPPTAG seeks teachers for 2014 summer classes

• Tickets on sale for Dec. 5 Kacey Musgraves concert

• Capital Cities and Fitz and The Tantrums concert is Nov. 19

• Submit library course reserves for spring now

• Fulfill wishes at five Giving Tree locations

• Learn to be a leader in professional development series

• Individuals can comment on regents agenda items at Nov. 21 public forum

See:  Announcements

• Critical Thinking in Your Classroom: (facilitators) Mani Mina, senior lecturer in electrical and computer engineering; and Mary Wiedenhoeft, professor of agronomy
• How games are changing society and impacting education: Dennis Culver, CTLT instructional support specialist in the School of Education; and Wei Wang, CELT instructional support specialist
• The research-based flipped classroom: Team-based learning: Holly Bender, professor of veterinary pathology and CELT associate director
• Engaging students through writing and active learning: Rachel Azima, director of the Writing and Media Center  

See: Descriptions and times

 

• Hongwei Xin, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and of animal science and director of the Egg Industry Center, as the inaugural Iowa Egg Council Endowed Professor 

Library

In the Nov. 13 edition of Your Library Newsletter: American Society of Civil Engineers eBooks and standards are now searchable online; the Learning Connections Center is improving its services; and ISU Library has joined or developed agreements with other institutions to keep scholarly records safe and to save space.

International Week kicks off with fundraiser

A dance fundraiser will kick off the ISU International Student Council's International Week events on Friday, Nov. 15 (8-11 p.m., MU Sun Room). Student dance clubs will teach participants different cultural dances. Admission is $2; proceeds benefit Orphan Sponsorship International. Other events include a food night (Nov. 17), international bazaar (Nov. 18), movie night (Nov. 19) and multicultural presentations (Nov. 21).

 

NCAA regional cross country meet is Friday

The 2013 NCAA Midwest Regional Cross Country Championships return to Iowa State on Friday, Nov. 15, for the first time since 1997. Iowa State is one of 11 schools with both the women's (No. 7) and men's (No. 24) teams ranked among the top 25 nationally.

 

Storm chaser will share latest theories on how tornadoes form

Bill Gallus, professor of meteorology and a storm chaser, will talk about the challenges of studying tornadoes, including proximity, during a Nov. 18 lecture (7 p.m., MU Great Hall). His presentation will include photos and video, including video from inside a tornado. It's the fall 2013 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean's Lecture and the public is invited.

 

The Mikado performance is Nov. 21

The ISU Opera Studio, a required ensemble for ISU voice music majors directed in a workshop format, will present a single performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado on Thursday, Nov. 21 (7:30 p.m., Tye Hall, Music Building). The entire operetta will be performed, but with piano accompaniment rather than a full orchestra, and minimal set and costumes. The production is family friendly. Tickets are $5 ($3, students) at the door.