Inside Iowa State for faculty and staff
Feb. 27, 2020
Inside news
A virtual assistant on several student-centered websites provides interactive, round-the-clock help for current and prospective students.

Every department can benefit from a discussion on drafting a diversity plan. The plan points out the importance of diversity, defines what diversity is for that department and describes assessment procedures. 

Reiman Gardens will host two main exhibits this year, both representing its 2020 theme "Wild and Whimsical."
Announcements
The following announcements were added this week:
  • ISU horticulturists co-host public TV show
  • Central Standard Time plays the Goldfinch Room next month
  • Landscape Club members offer March 8 design sessions for homeowners
  • STEM experience day for elementary school girls is March 7
Around campus
ISU researchers are studying reasons people start cooking meth. Addiction is a primary reason, but status and the inability to hold a regular job also play key roles. Learning these behaviors will help treatment and prevention efforts in the future.

New book by Iowa State researchers aims to answer frequent questions parents have about the impact media violence has on their child. 

An Iowa State food safety team trains fruit and vegetable growers across the Midwest, an effort aimed at reducing the nearly half of U.S. foodborne illness outbreaks linked to fruits, vegetables or nuts.
Appointments
  • Brad Blitvich, veterinary microbiology and preventive medicine, to interim assistant dean of graduate studies and research training, College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Alric Rothmayer, aerospace engineering, to Vance and Arlene Coffman Endowed Department Chair, effective March 1
Open houses and receptions
This week
  • Retirement, Blue Maas, veterinary pathology, Feb. 27 (3:30-4:30 p.m., 2768 Vet Med, department conference room)

Next week
  • Retirement, Kerry Gibson, Ames Laboratory communications, March 2 (no public event)
  • Reception, naming of Simon Estes Music Hall, March 4 (6-7 p.m., preceded by program at 5 p.m., Music Hall)
  • Retirement, Cindy (Stuve) Hopton, Community and Economic Development administration, Extension and Outreach, March 6 (no public event)
  • Farewell, Peter Gudlewski, office of intellectual property and technology transfer, March 6 (3-4 p.m., main floor lobby, Economic Development Core Facility, 1805 Collaboration Place)

Upcoming
  • Retirement, Ann Doty, retirement benefits, university human resources, March 10 (2-4 p.m., 3150 Beardshear)
  • Reception, Ivy Women in Business Award recipients, March 25 (5:30 p.m., Reiman Ballroom, ISU Alumni Center), RSVP requested
Seminars and conferences
Arts and events
Student entrepreneurs who advanced out of their college pitch-off contests in the last two weeks will compete in the Innovation Pitch Thursday, Feb. 27 (5 p.m., MU Maintenance Shop). Cash prizes totaling $12,000 are on the line. Admission is free.

ISU Theatre's all-female ensemble cast tackles the transition from awkward adolescence to maturity through the lens of a competitive high school girls' soccer team. "The Wolves," intended for mature audiences, opens Feb. 28 in Fisher Theater.

Cyclone women compete at Hilton this weekend
Iowa State's gymnastics squad has a dual meet with Michigan State Friday, Feb. 28 (6:30 p.m.) and the women's basketball team hosts Big 12 Conference foe West Virginia Saturday, Feb. 29 (noon) in Hilton Coliseum. Gymnastics tickets are $5, basketball tickets are $10-$12 (youth $5-$6).
Professional development
Provost office programming
Register via Learn@ISU 

Vice president for research, Grants Hub programming

Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) programming
Register via Learn@ISU
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About us
Inside Update is published Thursday mornings by Strategic Relations and Communications. Questions may be directed to 515-294-7065.