Inside Iowa State for faculty and staff
Jan. 14, 2016 
Inside news
Finalists named in senior VP for student affairs search
Three finalists for Iowa State's senior vice president for student affairs post will visit campus in late January and early February. They are: Martino Harmon, Iowa State; Lori Reesor, University of North Dakota; and Al Thompson, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point.

Legislative requests
Iowa State is seeking incremental increases to its state operating support from the 2016 Legislature, which convened this week. The largest increase, if funded, would provide an additional $8.2 million next year to address needs related to high student enrollments.

ISU police: If it doesn't seem right, report it
ISU police would rather investigate dozens of suspicious incidents that turn out to be nothing than miss the one thing that could prevent a tragedy. Here's how we all can help.

New year, new (and old) scams
It's that time of year when cyber criminals start looking forward to other people's tax refunds. Here are some tips on thwarting identity thieves.

Council requests clarification on leave policies
Members of the Professional and Scientific Council are asking university administrators to help clarify the use of the vacation/leave policies and flex hours program during a partial campus shutdown. Proposed changes to the employee tuition reimbursement program also were introduced at the council's Jan. 7 meeting.

Ames police launch Lincoln Way awareness campaign
A "Bike Walk Drive SMART" education campaign is intended to remind pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers to look out for each other and make choices that keep everyone safe.

Reminder: Jan. 18 is national holiday
University offices will be closed and classes will not meet Monday, Jan. 18, to observe the national Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
Announcements
The following announcements were added this week:
  • Library workshop helps personalize biotech info national center
  • University relations moves to Kingland Building
  • Communications center serves grad students, postdocs
  • Use caution around north side construction site
  • Last days to get your Madrigal Dinner tickets
  • Study Abroad Fair is Jan. 21
  • GIS facility seeks volunteers for Jan. 18 service event

Around campus
El Nino years usually produce better-than-average crops
Agronomy professor Elwynn Taylor says Midwestern farmers usually fare well during years that El Nino weather patterns affect the growing season, resulting in above-trend yields for corn and soybeans roughly 70 percent of the time.

Teaching privileged students about social justice necessary for change
Social justice educational initiatives often focus on giving a voice to students of color and low-income students. Assistant professor of education Katy Swalwell says such efforts alone may not be enough to bring about real change.

LEGO competition returns to campus
An expanded, two-day format will bring 120 student teams -- 60 per day -- to campus this weekend for the Iowa FIRST LEGO® League Championship. The 2016 theme, "Trash Trek," is challenging teams of 9- to 14-year-olds to solve the world's trash problems. Events run from 9 a.m. to about 4 p.m. daily in Howe and Hoover halls and the Biorenewables Complex atrium; spectators are welcome.


Appointments
  • Scott Sankey, to assistant director for design services in facilities planning and management, effective Jan. 11
  • David Jiles, Palmer Endowed Chair of the electrical and computer engineering department, to Jefferson Science Fellow at the U.S. State Department, effective in August for one year
Open houses and receptions
This week
  • Open house, Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center, for event planners, Jan. 14 (3:30-6:30 p.m., guided tours on the half hour)
Next week
  • Exhibit closing reception, "Hyperreal Oculus," Jan. 20 (5-8 p.m., Design on Main Gallery, 203 Main St.)
  • Exhibit opening reception, "The Fashionable Side of STEM," Jan. 21 (3:30 p.m., Textiles and Clothing Museum, 1015 Morrill)
Details about these events are on the university calendar.

Arts and events
Cyclone Cinema spring series
The spring lineup of feature films, screened twice an evening Thursdays through Sundays in 101 Carver Hall, opens Jan. 14 with The Martian.

Cyclone teams compete at home
  • Jan. 15, Swimming and diving vs. Illinois, 4 p.m., Beyer Hall, free
  • Jan. 15, Men's hockey vs. Illinois, 7:30 p.m., Ames/ISU Ice Arena, $5-$10
  • Jan. 16, Swimming and diving vs. Washington, St. Louis, 1 p.m., Beyer Hall, free
  • Jan. 16, Men's hockey vs. Illinois, 7:30 p.m., Ames/ISU Ice Arena, $5-$10
  • Jan. 17, Tennis vs. Texas, El Paso, 9 a.m., Ames Racquet and Fitness, free
  • Jan. 18, Men's basketball vs. Oklahoma, 8 p.m., Hilton Coliseum, limited ticket availability
More campus events
Talks, performances, athletic contests and other campus events are listed on the university calendar.

Professional development
CELT programming
Registration is required via Learn@ISU.
Teaching and Learning Circles announced for spring
CELT's Teaching and Learning Circles provide a structured way for faculty, instructors and staff to hear new teaching strategies, meet new colleagues and build a community of practice. Registration is required via Learn@ISU.
  • Team-based Learning, meets on five consecutive Wednesdays Jan. 27-Feb. 24 (1:10-2:30 p.m., 192 Parks Library)
  • Communication in the Classroom, meets on five consecutive Mondays, excluding spring break week, Feb. 22-March 28 (12:10-1:30 p.m., 2030 Morrill)
University human resources programming
Registration is required via Learn@ISU.
  • Class, People Admin 7: Creating a Posting, Managing Applicants and the Hiring Process, Jan. 14 (2-4:30 p.m., 1230 Communications)
  • Class, Inside Money: Managing Income and Debt, Jan. 19 (noon-1 p.m., 3512 MU)
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