Inside Iowa State for faculty and staff
Feb. 23, 2023
Sustainability spotlight
After 155 years, the university's power plant will burn its final load of coal next week and achieve another goal in the five-year Strategic Plan for Sustainability in Operations.

An interdisciplinary research team found students are interested in learning more about sustainability, but don't always pursue opportunities to get involved in activities and coursework related to it.

Composting food waste, donating unused meals, and sourcing produce from the ISU horticulture research station and local growers contribute to ISU Dining's sustainability efforts.

The room scheduling team saved thousands of reams of paper over a decade by turning several processes into electronic requests and gaining efficiencies in the process. The team collected a campus award for it this week.

The ISU WellBeing staff finds ways to improve employees' lives. That effort frequently goes hand in hand with sustainability goals.
Inside news
In a new study conducted for the state Board of Regents, the university's economic impact in the state for fiscal year 2021-22 was measured by its cutting-edge research, economic development support for business and industry, student and visitor spending, alumni earnings, campus operations and construction, and ISU Extension and Outreach.

The goal is to have utilities installed and repaving of the C and D lots at the Iowa State Center finished by the start of fall semester and the 2023 football season.

Other items from the state Board of Regents Feb. 22 agenda: proposed parking permit and residence/dining rate increases, a new bachelor's degree, honorary degrees at spring commencement and a new peer set. 

Effective March 1, university employees sending packages by air to a European Union country must provide item descriptions and global classification codes as part of new security rules.

Announcements
The following announcements were added this week:
  • Presentation proposals sought for Youth Programs Symposium
  • Faculty, staff volunteers needed at SHOP during spring break
  • Design’s first I+E Day highlights social innovation
  • Tickets remain for March 3 concert by Ukrainian orchestra
  • 88th annual 25 Year Club Banquet is Feb. 27
  • 'Ask Me Anything' panel looks at neurodiversity
  • Travel and special events fair for employees is March 2
  • Tearoom has dine-in, to-go options this semester
Retirements and receptions
Next week
  • Retirement, Marsha Wissink, kinesiology, Feb. 28 (no public event)
  • Retirement, Marla Crum, computer science, March 1 (no public event)
  • Artists reception, Biorenewables Research Laboratory, March 3 (4-6 p.m., Sukup atrium, Biorenewables Complex), registration requested by Feb. 24

Employees, their colleagues or supervisors are invited to submit retirements and departures to inside@iastate.edu. Inside doesn't receive this information from a central source.
Arts and events
Friday night options
Take your pick. The Cyclone gymnastics squad hosts the University of Denver Friday, Feb. 24 (6:30 p.m., Hilton Coliseum). General admission tickets are $5 on Ticketmaster. At 7:30 p.m., the ISU Symphonic Band will perform in the Tye Recital Hall, Simon Estes Music Hall. Tickets are $5 in advance or at the door. 

Boxers compete Saturday on campus 
Iowa State's Boxing Club is hosting the "Cyclone Throwdown" Saturday, Feb. 25 (2-5 p.m., doors open at 1:30 p.m., southwest courts, State Gym). Admission is $10 (students $5) at the door. Other clubs competing represent the universities of Wisconsin (Madison), Illinois (Chicago and Urbana-Champaign), Iowa, and Marquette University. Each bout lasts up to three rounds.

A new exhibition examines how fashion intersects with the wellness and existence of people's bodies and the surrounding environment. The opening event is Feb. 27 (4-5:30 p.m., Textiles and Clothing Museum, Morrill Hall). Light snacks will be served and a short lecture will begin at 4:30 p.m.
Learning opportunities
Provost office programming
  • ISU ADVANCE workshop series, Straight Talk: Demystifying Faculty Pathways for Success and Satisfaction, Thriving Term Faculty, March 7 (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., MU Sun Room and via Webex), register

Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) programming
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Inside Update is published Thursday mornings by Strategic Relations and Communications. Questions may be directed to 515-294-7065.