Inside Iowa State for faculty and staff
Aug. 19, 2021
Inside news
To support consistent messaging in syllabi across campus and save instructors time, syllabus statements are now available in Canvas. The required and recommended syllabus statements are organized in one place for easy access.

Before fall semester begins next week, catch up on summer happenings across campus.

The software platform that students use to connect with academic advisors and student services staff has shifted to a mobile app starting this fall, making it even easier for students to seek out resources that help them succeed. The move coincides with renaming the system and adding several new features.  

The Professional and Scientific Council has proposed five big-picture goals for the upcoming year, including issues it has pushed for in prior years such as improved supervisor training, consistent salary increases and recognizing the value of P&S staff.

This year's Emerging Leaders Academy class, 28 members strong, will meet monthly during the academic year to study aspects of leadership theory and practice. The learning experience includes small group projects that address campus needs.
Announcements
The following announcements were added this week:
  • Campus vaccination clinics serve employees and students
  • MU annual poster sale runs Aug. 18-27
  • Single-game football tickets go on sale Aug. 18
  • Comment deadline extended for digital access policy
  • New process streamlines gift card purchases 
  • Presenters sought for Men of Color summit next month
Around campus
ISU and city of Ames staff have collaborated on the "Good Neighbor" campaign, visiting students living off-campus to build relationships and talk about hosting gatherings and understanding city ordinances and regulations. Now in its second year, their goal is to reach approximately 250 to 300 residences.

A 2-ton, 20-foot leaping largemouth bass landed last month in the new Johnston Town Center, a stainless steel sculpture designed by assistant teaching professor of architecture and industrial design Reinaldo Correa and a team of students. "Ripples" shimmers with nearly 2,000 kinetic "scales" that capture the light and breeze to heighten the sense of movement created by the curving frame. A ribbon-cutting is planned Aug. 28.
Appointments
Receptions
Next week
  • Retirement, William Simpkins, geological and atmospheric sciences (retired May 15), Aug. 27 (2-4 p.m., program at 3 p.m.,Thiel atrium, Hach Hall)
Open forums
Town Hall for faculty and staff, Iowa State's fall public health measures, Aug. 19 (1-2 p.m., via Webex)
  • Webex event: Sign in with your name and email address; no password needed
  • Audio-only option: Call (415) 655-0001, access code 120 256 8958
  • This event will be recorded and posted on the COVID-19: Moving Forward website
Arts and events
ISU's Iowa Soybean Research Center will hold its inaugural SoyFest on central campus near Parks Library on Aug. 25 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.). The celebration of all things soy will include a free cookout, soy-related snacks, cooking and robotic demonstrations, a photo booth, carnival games, giveaways and a raffle for students.
Learning opportunities
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.