Inside Iowa State for faculty and staff
May 26, 2022
Inside news
Student orientation is returning to its usual form this year for the first time since 2019, offering Cyclones-to-be an opportunity for a two-day in-person introduction to Iowa State.

An Iowa State nine-year strategic plan, 30-year strategic facilities plan and proposal for a new engineering building on the west side of campus are on the agenda when the state Board of Regents meets May 31-June 2. 

Carl Wells is in his second week as director of equal opportunity and Title IX coordinator. He joins the university from a 20+ year career at the University of South Carolina, Columbia.

Inside offers a quick look at some campus road and building projects happening -- or wrapping up -- this summer.

The operations and finance division leader's 42-year career included stops at the state auditor's office, state Board of Regents and Iowa State. A national search will be announced in a few weeks.

Faculty and staff have a new resource for helping the growing number of students struggling with well-being issues, one of a variety of training opportunities this summer focused on identifying and addressing mental health and wellness concerns.

Starting next week, all instructors will have access to New Quizzes, the updated quiz engine in Canvas. Numerous training and learning opportunities are available this summer for those ready to try it out.

Over the summer, Iowa State's public health team will implement a series of changes related to COVID-19 information and resources for the campus community.
Announcements
The following announcements were added this week:
  • COVID-19: By the numbers
  • May 30 is university holiday
  • WorkFlex application window opens June 6 for fall
  • Ames Lab innovation is focus of ISU's state fair exhibit
  • Flags temporarily removed from central campus pole
  • Roundtable assists employees who supervise volunteers
  • COACHE faculty survey data available online
  • Creamery adds ice cream sandwiches
  • Extension, Iowa Public Radio collaborate on gardening podcast
  • College Creek cleanup is June 18
  • New name: Military-Affiliated Student Center
  • June 16 extension retirement workshop is free for ISU employees
  • Paid mentors needed for 4-H Career Pathways Academy
Around campus
An integral part of Iowa State's legacy of science, engineering and innovation, Ames Laboratory celebrates 75 years in 2022. The national laboratory is shaping its future much like it shaped its past: by being first, forging new ground and using science to meet national and global challenges. (At an anniversary picnic last week, lab employees celebrated with their own ice cream, "Materials Masterpiece.")

A study led by University Professor of economics Peter Orazem found that notably different state tax rates affect where new businesses set up shop near state lines. Property tax rates have the greatest adverse effect since businesses pay property taxes even if they're not generating revenue.

A multi-state study involving an ISU researcher and Iowa families found kids with Mexican roots consumed fewer sugary beverages, french fries and fast food and ate more vegetables after participating in a six-week, culturally tailored education program with their families.
Appointments
Open houses and receptions
Next week
  • Celebration of life and reception, Dennis Peterson, past director of international students and scholars, May 29 (2 p.m. Garden Room, Reiman Gardens)
  • Retirement, Lynn Laws, Agriculture Experiment Station administration, May 31 (1-2:30 p.m., 142 Curtiss), RSVP requested

Upcoming
  • Carnival-themed open house, 50th anniversary of Environmental Health & Safety, June 10 (1-3 p.m., EH&S Services Building)
  • Retirement, Lisa Eslinger, ISU Foundation administration, June 22 (3:30-5 p.m., MU Campanile Room), post well wishes to her Kudoboard, retiring July 1
  • Retirement, Sheri Alcott, ISU Foundation donor compliance services, July 1 (no public event), post well wishes to her Kudoboard

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.
Arts and events
Students, faculty and staff will again share campus this summer with thousands of visitors attending camps, conferences, competitions and other gatherings. Here's a list of who's coming.

The ISU Retirees Association will host an online Memorial Day ceremony Monday, May 30 (9 a.m. CST, via Zoom). The event honors all ISU retirees and spouses or partners who have died since the previous Memorial Day ceremony. The names of deceased individuals will be read, and then family and friends will have an opportunity to say a few words. 
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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.