Inside Iowa State for faculty and staff
Feb. 17, 2022
Inside news
Senators heard results from the 2021 COACHE survey that highlighted colleagues, cost of living and academic freedom as the best aspects of working at the university. Compensation was the area cited most frequently for improvement.
 
During ISU Day at the Capitol, nearly 50 faculty, staff and students and their Iowa-based partners will share with legislators the university's latest innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives and examples of how Iowa State is preparing workforce-ready graduates.

Iowa State has used mail meter ads since 2000 to promote an event, celebration or achievement. Football bowl victories are the most common reason, but the month of March will bring the newest imprint to mail leaving campus.

Through the Student Innovation Center's new consulting innovators program, eight faculty and staff are collaborating with the center to develop and deliver innovation programming, events and industry-sponsored experiences for students.

The conference director invites employees to commit to follow-up conversations with coworkers about sessions they selected in advance to the upcoming Iowa State Conference on Race and Ethnicity.

A 4% July increase to parking permits, November free speech survey results, two proposed centers and a spring adjustment to the P&S pay matrix are on the state Board of Regents' Feb. 23 agenda.
Announcements
The following announcements were added this week:
  • COVID-19: By the numbers
  • Help identify applicants for junior-year scholarship
  • Funding assistance available for summer faculty success program
  • Presentation looks at progress of female presidential candidates
  • Faculty, staff invited to Feb. 21 town hall on strategic plan development
Around campus
An independent review found "negligible evidence of racial bias" by Ames and Iowa State police officers when initiating traffic stops. The review requested by the departments looked at data from 2017 through 2019; results were presented last week to the city council and ISU student government.

Kinesiology associate professor Elizabeth Stegemoller is leading a study to determine the underlying mechanisms by which signing can improve breathing and swallowing for those with Parkinson's disease. Her team also will document how the social benefits of singing with others can slow progression.

A study found that care providers who didn't dismiss their patients' emotions and validated their fear, hope or guilt before discussing outcomes experienced a significantly higher rate of compliance with their care suggestions.

Research participants in an ISU study who cycled on a stationary bike or took a brisk walk for 90 minutes after getting a flu or COVID-19 shot produced more antibodies in the following four weeks compared to participants who sat or continued with their daily routine, post-immunization.
Appointments
Retirement receptions
This week
  • Eric Cooper, psychology, Feb. 18, noon, "Last Lecture," 0125 Kildee; reception follows until 2 p.m., 1416 Lagomarcino

Upcoming
  • Steve Karsjen, education and outreach, Ames Laboratory, March 4 (4-6 p.m., Alluvial Brewing, 3715 W. 190 St.), cards may be sent to 105 TASF, 2408 Pammel Dr.
Open forums
  • Town hall for faculty and staff, Feb. 21, 4:30-5:30 p.m., 0114 Student Innovation Center and via Webex
Arts and events
It's white-out Saturday at Hilton Coliseum
Fans are encouraged to wear white to both of the Cyclone home basketball games against Oklahoma Saturday, Feb. 19. The men's game begins at 1 p.m. and the women, up to No.6 in this week's AP poll, play at 6 p.m. Tickets remain for both games.

Goldfinch Room series continues Feb. 20
Ryne Doughty, a folk/Americana singer and songwriter from Des Moines, will perform Sunday, Feb. 20 (5 p.m., Stephens stage) as part of the Goldfinch Room's Iowa Songwriter Showcase. Tickets are $10 at the door or online in advance; the Stephens southwest doors open at 4:30 p.m. Social distancing and masks are encouraged.
Learning opportunities
Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) programming

ISU WorkLife programming
Emotional Intelligence workshop series, led by Employee Assistance Program staff, register via Learn@ISU
  • Empathy in Adversity, Feb. 25 (9-11 a.m.)
  • Being Well During COVID, March 9

University human resources programming
  • Virtual workshop, Behavior-based Interviewing, for employees who interview candidates as part of the recruiting process, March 8 (10 a.m.-noon via Zoom), register via Learn@ISU
Previous Inside coverage
About us
Inside Update is published Thursday mornings by Strategic Relations and Communications. Questions may be directed to 515-294-7065.