Inside Iowa State for faculty and staff
Jan. 27, 2022
Inside news
Free rapid antigen self-test kits can be picked up at on-campus distribution sites or, for those with ISU health insurance, at pharmacies or other retailers. Details were shared this week on how ISU-insured employees will be reimbursed for over-the-counter tests they purchase.

Praised for her leadership on several projects during the pandemic, associate provost for academic programs Ann Marie VanDerZanden's second five-year term begins July 1.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science, the world's largest science society, elected six more Iowa State faculty members as fellows, recognizing their research in biology, statistics and physics.

Canvas allows instructors to introduce a variety of external tools, content and activities through learning tools interoperability or apps. Iowa State has approved more than 70 LTIs for instructor and student use.

A college peer mentor network, training workshops, online guide for faculty mentors and raised expectations for mentoring term faculty are among the enhancements in the last year.

Mother Nature rarely grants ice-free Iowa winters, so here are four tips for safely walking to class or exiting your vehicle in a campus lot.
Announcements
The following announcements were added this week:
  • COVID-19: By the numbers
  • Spring 'Smile and Write' sessions resume Feb. 1
  • Cy's House of Trivia returns April 9
  • IP Corner launches Feb. 4
  • Nominations for supplier awards due Feb. 28
  • Join 'Make to Innovate' 10th anniversary celebration online
  • New look for interlibrary loan site launches Feb. 7
  • Fall honors seminar proposals due Feb. 11
  • Early registration closes Jan. 31 for annual P&S conference
  • Reiman Gardens offers workshop series on gardening basics
Around campus
Construction on the first phase of the $75 million Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory is making progress and slated to be completed in 2023.

An ISU study found pigs are far less likely to experience symptoms after exposure to the coronavirus because their cells undergo apoptosis, or controlled cell death. The process disposes of infected cells quickly without the immune system overreacting, something far less common in humans.

Researchers analyzing roughly 33,500 manufacturing firms across 18 countries found a clear link between high emissions taxes and substantial investments in research and development.
Retirements
This week
  • Connie Rasmusson, accounts receivable, Jan. 27 (2:30-4:30 p.m., 3150 Beardshear)
  • Max Rothschild, animal science, Jan. 28 (3:30-5 p.m., program at 4 p.m., Kildee Hall atrium), official retirement was in June 2020

Next week
  • Marty Rasmusson, building security systems, facilities planning and management, Feb. 1 (no public event)

Employees, their colleagues or supervisors are invited to submit retirements and departures to inside@iastate.edu. University human resources doesn't provide them for publication.
Seminars and conferences
  • Innovators forum, Little and Often, with alumnus Trent Preszler, Bedell Cellars, Feb. 4 (noon-12:55 p.m., 2206 Student Innovation Center or via Zoom), register
  • Innovators forum, Someone Saw Something in Me, Louis Carr, BET, Feb. 11 (noon-12:55 p.m., 2206 Student Innovation Center or via Zoom), register
Arts and events
The 2022 tour version of the television series, "Dancing With the Stars" stops in Ames Sunday, Jan. 30, for one performance (8 p.m., Stephens Auditorium). Tickets range from $59 to $89, plus fees.

Support the Cyclones at Hilton
The Cyclone gymnastics team has a Big 12 Conference dual meet with West Virginia Friday, Jan. 28 (6:30 p.m., Blackout Night), men's basketball hosts former conference foe Missouri at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, and women's basketball tries to get a second win of the season over Kansas State Wednesday, Feb. 2 (6:30 p.m.), all at Hilton Coliseum. Tickets may be purchased online.
Learning opportunities
Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) programming

University library 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.