Inside Iowa State for faculty and staff
June 8, 2023
Inside news
The Inside team observed and talked to university staff who, summer after summer, work full days and put personal plans on hold for a month to make new student orientation a reassuring, personalized and fruitful experience. We'll share those stories June 13 in a special edition of Inside Iowa State.

A partnership with SHOP and donations from the campus community and beyond helped create the Resource Room in the Sloss House -- food, personal care items and more for anyone who needs it.

A new hub, currently available for faculty, merit, postdoc and professional and scientific employees, illustrates the value of an employee's total rewards package.

Eighty-three percent of students who responded indicated they were somewhat to strongly satisfied with their online learning experience. Seven percent disagreed somewhat that they were satisfied. The results are being used to improve the experience for online learners.

Meeting June 13-14 in Iowa City, the state Board of Regents also will complete performance evaluations for university heads and review a list of eligible undergrad majors for a new high-demand jobs state grant program. 

Wendy Kisch, director of operations for the Student Innovation Center, will serve as interim associate vice president for facilities planning and management beginning July 1, following the departure of Paul Fuligni. 

Finding ways to reach people on campus, in the community and around the world is a challenge when so many have significant demands on their time. Podcasts produced across campus provide an information resource and access convenience. Read about a few successful ones.
Announcements
The following announcements were added this week:
  • Latest Iowa Stater magazine looks at changemakers coast to coast
  • Faculty, staff volunteers sought for ISU exhibit at state fair
  • SHOP pantry seeks faculty, staff volunteers for summer
  • Comedian Matt Rife is coming to Stephens Auditorium Nov. 2
  • Volunteers sought for July 25 RAGBRAI stopover; learn more at June 22 town halls
  • P&S Council-hosted seminar is June 13
Around campus
Severe weather produced 29 tornadoes on one day in March and provided a unique opportunity for geological and atmospheric sciences professor William Gallus' meteorology students. Many took part in storm chasing that allowed them to see some of the most impactful tornadoes Gallus has seen in 36 years.

The spring Research & Innovation Roundtable, organized around "Healthy Iowa," yielded four projects selected for seed funding from the office of the president. They join three research projects selected after the fall roundtable for initial investment in the 2022-31 strategic plan.

Council thanked outgoing members and welcomed new councilors at the June 1 meeting. Terms for new members and executive officers begin July 1.

A study by psychology associate professor Marcus Credé found service members deployed to conflict zones may be at greater risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder if they were abused in childhood.

Atmospheric sciences assistant professor Christina Patricola explains how two predicted weather patterns for the Atlantic and Pacific oceans will play a major role in determining the severity of hurricane season this year in an essay in The Conversation.

A collection of essays from ISU faculty underscores how all of us play a role in cultivating a peaceful world. The authors demonstrate by drawing from their own disciplines.
Appointments
  • Cris Schwartz, professor of mechanical engineering, to assistant dean for student success in the College of Engineering, a new leadership position to advance the undergraduate student experience
Receptions and forums
  • Exhibit reception, "The What's Good Project," Jennifer Drinkwater, art and visual culture, June 9 (4:30-6:30 p.m., Art Gallery, Memorial Union), exhibit runs through July 28
  • Town halls (2), Cycling Fun and G"Ames" RAGBRAI overnight stop in Ames, June 22 (1 p.m. and 6 p.m., Ames City Hall council chambers, 515 Clark Ave.
Arts and events
Join university museums director Lynette Pohlman to explore Breaking Barriers, a public work of art by Ivan Toth Depeña commemorating former student athlete Jack Trice and installed outside the north gate of the football stadium bearing his name. The walk is Wednesday, June 14 (noon, meet at Albaugh Family Plaza, north of stadium).

The Iowa Rose Society will hold its annual rose show at Reiman Gardens Saturday, June 17. From 1 to 4 p.m., the public may view the winning blooms from the morning's juried show. On Father's Day, Sunday, June 18 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.), all fathers receive free admission to the gardens.

The Ames branch of the NAACP will host a Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 17 (noon-4:30 p.m., Bandshell Park, Duff Avenue at Sixth Street). All are welcome at the event, which will feature live music, food trucks, arts, crafts and games.
Previous Inside coverage
About us
Inside Update is published Thursday mornings by Strategic Relations and Communications. Questions? Email inside@iastate.edu or call 515-294-7065.