Inside Iowa State for faculty and staff
Dec. 16, 2021
Inside news
More than 1,900 students are scheduled to complete their Iowa State degrees this week. They'll be celebrated during Friday evening and Saturday afternoon ceremonies at Hilton Coliseum.

During winter break, an expanding custodial staff will clean spaces that, by necessity, had a lower priority during fall semester, including offices and administrative areas.

Winter break begins this weekend and lasts about a month. Many facilities, offices and services close or reduce hours during break, though student services remain available during the online winter session. Here's a rundown.

A broad audience will be able to review a draft report on the request to rename Catt Hall. The committee will invite feedback from the requesters, university units and other stakeholders and set a public period for written comment.

A series of skills-based leadership workshops for faculty will begin during spring semester. The 90-minute online sessions, announced at the Dec. 14 Faculty Senate meeting, will focus on creating and leading inclusive meetings.
Announcements
The following announcements were added this week:
  • COVID-19: By the numbers
  • Next 'Inside' publishes on Jan. 6
  • Annual postcard print exhibition and silent auction opens Dec. 20
  • Wednesday afternoon, evening exams shifted to Friday
  • Smile and Write sessions continue during winter session
  • Recycle your greeting cards
Around campus
Celebrating Cyclone graduates

For 132 years the university library has taught students information discovery concepts and skills to assist with their coursework. This spring, the one-credit requirement will feature a refreshed, modern curriculum piloted fall semester. The course's new structure tracks more closely with the research process.

A study co-authored by psychology associate teaching professor Katherine Rafferty found three factors affect whether emerging adults disclose health information to a parent: relationship, reciprocity and conformity. Strong connections in those areas could help improve an emerging adult's overall health.

Using artificial intelligence developed by computer science assistant professor Forrest Sheng Bao, a solar company will be able to calculate the size of a home and shape of its roof in a couple of mouse clicks. This will cut the non-hardware costs for homes looking to the sun for their power.
Farewells
This week
  • Annie Arbuckle, office of the dean, university library, Dec. 17
Arts and events
Reiman Gardens' holiday light show, "Winter Wonderscape," is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings (5-8 p.m.) through Jan. 1, except for Christmas Day, Dec. 25. Timed tickets (public $10, members and ISU students $8, youth $5) can be purchased online in advance. Ticket holders must arrive during their assigned time but may stay until the show ends that night.

Tickets are available for "A Magical Cirque Christmas" Monday, Dec. 20 (8 p.m., Stephens Auditorium). The performance features cirque artists accompanied by live holiday music. Tickets, $49-$79 plus fees, may be purchased through Ticketmaster.
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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.