Welcome to spring ...

... semester, that is. Classes begin Monday, Jan. 13. Finals week is May 5-9; commencement events are May 9-10.

First group of programs selected for exceptional Ph.D. student funding

The provost's office has announced the first 22 graduate programs to receive central funding for an additional -- and exceptional -- doctoral student under President Steven Leath's Presidential Scholars program announced in November.  

The verdict on eText: Not yet

A year after ISU took part in an eText pilot program, ITS academic technologies director Jim Twetten says electronic textbooks still face challenges.

Stephens curtain joins Art on Campus collection

Amid a nine-month project to clean and restore the stage curtain in Stephens Auditorium, the tapestry is officially added to University Museums' Art on Campus collection.

Freddy adds new neighbors

The following announcements were added this week:

• P&S Council professional development seminar is Jan. 16

• 2014 employee wellness opportunities

• Regents schedule two forums on superintendent search

• Registration is open for women's spring dance workshop

• Next Osborn Club lecture is Jan. 13

• Alumni award nominations are due Feb. 1

• Former Design faculty member Betty Miller dies

• Kurt Rosentrater, assistant professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, to executive director and CEO of the Distillers Grains Technology Council (a nonprofit organization serving the fuel ethanol industry and formerly housed at the University of Louisville)

• Kim McDonough, internship coordinator for the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, to director of alumni relations for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, effective Jan. 21

Public may observe opera auditions on Saturday

The public is invited to attend the Iowa district auditions of the Metropolitan Opera National Council on Saturday, Jan. 11 (noon-5 p.m., Tye Hall, Music Hall). Thirty artists will compete for the chance to move on to a regional event in this annual audition opportunity involving about 1,500 performers nationwide. Come for an aria or two, or stay for the entire afternoon; admission is free.

Sunday wrestling meet preceded by HS match

The Cyclones' Big 12 Conference wrestling dual with Oklahoma on Sunday, Jan. 12 (1 p.m., Hilton), will be preceded by a high school match between Bettendorf and Southeast Polk high schools (10:30 a.m.). General admission is $10 (youth $5); Junior Cyclone Club members also receive general admission seating.

Fennelly lunch talk is Jan. 13

Cyclone women's basketball head coach Bill Fennelly will hold his next "coach talk" on Monday, Jan. 13 (noon-1 p.m., MU Sun Room). Bring your lunch and your questions about this year's season and team. All are welcome; door prizes are awarded.

ISU plans events to honor Martin Luther King Jr.