Inside Iowa State for faculty and staff
June 4, 2020
Inside news
University human resources is developing a program this summer for flexible work options for Iowa State staff. It would provide permanent guidance -- unconnected to the coronavirus crisis -- for working remotely or outside typical business hours.

To ensure a safe ramp-up of on-campus operations this summer and fall, employees, post-docs and graduate assistants with risk factors that make the coronavirus more dangerous -- or live with someone at higher risk -- can request an alternative work arrangement that limits exposure.

In announcing the reappointment, provost Jonathan Wickert praised Jolly for successfully working with faculty and staff to advance the college's strategic goals.

In this short Q&A, the facilities services director explains how building ventilation and water systems were maintained for the last three months and that buildings are occupant-ready now.

The board also will approve appointments to two small groups of campus representatives that will assist with academic and administrative efficiency studies across the three regent universities.

Permit rates will not change for the fiscal year that begins July 1, and the parking division's service counter in the Armory will reopen June 8.

When the pandemic emptied campus, energy reduction measures put in place saved more than a half million dollars in utilities costs in April alone.
Announcements
The following announcements were added this week:
  • Fall study abroad programs canceled
  • Workspace planning form exists in PDF, Word versions
  • Use this worktag for pandemic-related cleaning, safety purchases
  • State offers free virtual counseling on pandemic concerns
Around campus
Iowa State tied for 77th among universities worldwide granted U.S. patents during calendar year 2019 and is the only Iowa university on the list.

The third year of Bridging the Divide -- an internal grant for interdisciplinary teams combining STEM research with arts and humanities, design and social sciences -- awarded $50,000 to a research team investigating how nature can affect human well-being in institutionalized settings.

Iowa State scientists are poised to take a significant step in improving human health by transferring a human immune system into pigs. The research recently was awarded a nearly $3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop the technology.

Physical distancing signage, a 15% capacity rule, reduced hours to make time for additional sanitizing and face coverings are strategies to protect employees and shoppers.
Appointments
Retirements and farewells
This week
  • Farewell, Martino Harmon, senior vice president for student affairs, June 5
  • Farewell, Helen Benesh, Missy Borton, Sara Compton, Paul Ferrone, Brad Gulbranson, Shane Harness, Kristen Koenig, Tyler Koolbeck, Allie Mormann, Holly Olson, Jeff Schoening, Jessica Vestweber and Dustin Zuelsdorf, Iowa State Center, June 5
  • Retirement, Jan Larson, Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology, June 5 (Video congratulatory messages of 30 seconds or less may be sent to CSSM-info@iastate.edu.)
Professional development
Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) programming
Previous Inside coverage
About us
Inside Update is published Thursday mornings by Strategic Relations and Communications. Questions may be directed to 515-294-7065.