Inside Iowa State for faculty and staff
Nov. 15, 2018
Inside news
HR overhaul gets more detailed, with role added to help hire staff
The university's top human resources official on Nov. 13 gave a more detailed look at an evolving plan to shift HR work to specialists next year, including a newly added role to support staff job searches and reduce the time it takes to fill open positions.

Phased approach proposed for service delivery changes
The team developing an implementation plan for improved service delivery in human resources and finance is proposing a phased approach to keep the work moving forward, which will help provide details and information sought by concerned employees.

Staffing review is first step toward aligning finance, HR positions with likely models
An additional review step for vacant finance and human resources positions has been implemented while the improved service delivery models are refined and the new service structure is developed. The review applies to vacant positions and reclassification requests. 

Welcome
Cyndi Wiley is Iowa State's new digital accessibility coordinator, a position created just three years ago. She'll work part time through the spring semester and assume her full-time role on May 1.

Antimicrobial research institute, athletics facility proposals go to regents
Professional development proposals for 50 ISU faculty members also are on the agenda when the board meets Thursday and Friday in Cedar Falls. Open portions of the meeting are livestreamed on the board's website.

Senate could eliminate summer readmission option
Changes to master's degree programs in graphic design, a new online master's degree in event management and the elimination of two minors in technology and social change also will be voted on at the Dec. 11 Faculty Senate meeting.

Watch for monthly updates from WorkCyte
The Monthly Matters email newsletter provides information and program updates to help employees prepare for the July 1, 2019, go-live date for the Workday software system.

No Inside next week
Classes will not meet Nov. 19-24, the university's Thanksgiving break. Offices are closed Nov. 22-23 for the national holiday, and Inside Iowa State will not publish Nov. 22, Thanksgiving Day. The next Inside will post Thursday, Nov. 29; submit your news items by noon Wednesday, Nov. 28.

More news
Announcements
The following announcements were added this week:
  • Child leave expansion for dual-ISU couples approved
  • Open forums set for LAS research associate dean finalists
  • Test of ISU police phone system scheduled for Monday morning
  • Training for youth program leaders is Nov. 29
  • Art Mart to be held Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1 at MU
  • CALS communications, development units relocate to MU
  • Special shopping dates at the Reiman Gardens gift shop
  • Reminder: Benefits open change period closes Friday afternoon
  • Needtobreathe February concert tickets go on sale Nov. 16
  • Poinsettia preorders due Nov. 20
  • Winter commencement plans follow last year's

Around campus
What to know when we get snow
It's almost time to break out the ice scrapers and snow shovels. Here's what employees should keep in mind when winter weather hits.

Boeing gifts $6 million to ISU
The Boeing Company has made a $6 million gift to Iowa State, a significant portion of which will support construction of the Student Innovation Center. The other part of the Boeing gift will financially support research opportunities for College of Engineering undergraduates.

Change agent: Austin Stewart
Austin Stewart's passion for building and supporting community and weaving art through it all led him on a pilgrimage with a monk 13 years ago. Today, the assistant professor of art and visual culture is teaching digital media and revamping a former feed mill and warehouse in west Ames.

A little weightlifting has big impact on heart health
Lifting weights for less than an hour a week may reduce your risk for a heart attack or stroke by 40 to 70 percent, according to a new Iowa State study.

Appointments
  • Kathy Jones, retired associate vice president for student affairs and registrar, to interim director of institutional research, effective Nov. 14
Open houses and receptions
Upcoming
  • Reception, for all term faculty, Nov. 29 (5-7 p.m., Garden Room, Reiman Gardens), register by Nov. 21 via Learn@ISU
  • Reception, "01100100 01110010 01100001 01110111 01101110" exhibit by artist Matthew Merritt, Nov. 30 (7-9 p.m., Design on Main, 203 Main St.) 
  • Retirement, Kathy Thom, residence department, Dec. 3 (2-4 p.m., 136 Union Drive Community Center)
  • Retirement, Rick Dark, finance department, Dec. 3 (3:30-5:30 p.m., program at 4 p.m., Bergstrom Commons, Gerdin Building) 
  • Open house, Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence, Dec. 5 (2-4 p.m., 195 Durham)
  • Yuletide open house, Farm House Museum, Dec. 8-9 (1-4 p.m. daily)
Details about these events are on the university calendar.

Open forums
Improved Service Delivery town hall: Proposed finance model
  • Tuesday, Nov. 27, 9:30-11 a.m., Howe Hall auditorium and livestreamed, with interim senior vice president for finance Pam Cain
Listening sessions: College of Engineering dean search
Sessions will be held in the Howe Hall auditorium and live-streamed.
Arts and events
Assess your workplace recycling practices
In celebration of America Recycles Day Nov. 15, Student Government's sustainability committee and other campus green organizations will be in the Memorial Union west staircase (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) to boost awareness about recycling and positive waste management practices -- for example, maximizing your blue bin. Stop by for a chance to win a door prize.

Cyclone women's hoops advance to championship
The Cyclone women's basketball team will host the championship game of the 16-team preseason Women's National Invitation Tournament Sunday, Nov. 18 (3:30 p.m., Hilton Coliseum). They'll play the winner of the Marquette-University of Miami semifinal Thursday evening. Tickets are $10-$12 (youth $5-$6).

Treat your Thanksgiving guests to some Hilton Magic
The Cyclone volleyball squad closes out its regular season next week with two home matches, Wednesday, Nov. 21, vs. Kansas, and Friday, Nov. 23, vs. Texas Tech (senior night). Both contests start at 6:30 p.m. at Hilton Coliseum. Tickets are $5.

More campus events
Talks, performances, athletic contests and other campus events are listed on the university calendar.

Professional development
Provost office programming
Register via Learn@ISU.
  • Workshop, Launching Your Faculty Career, university resources, policies and programs to help term faculty with a successful start, led by associate provost Dawn Bratsch-Prince, Nov. 27 (2-3:30 p.m.)
Veterans Center programming
  • Workshop, Gold Star Training for faculty and staff, tips and strategies for serving student veterans, military personnel and their families, Nov. 27 (1-2 p.m.), register online
Previous Inside coverage
Submitting your news
Inside Update is published Thursday mornings by the Office of University Relations. Send Update news to inside@iastate.edu. Questions may be directed to 515-294-7065.
Update archives

Inside Iowa State, 2420 Lincoln Way, Suite 201, Ames, IA 50014
Sent by update@iastate.edu in collaboration with
Constant Contact