Inside Iowa State for faculty and staff

Oct. 30, 2025

Inside news

It's time: Benefits enrollment opens Monday

The annual three-week window is employees' time to choose or to change health, dental and life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts and the eyewear discount plan for 2026. It's also a chance to review and update dependents covered by plans and the first opportunity to enroll in three new voluntary insurance options. 


A plan to optimize our marketing and communications structure

President Wendy Wintersteen has accepted several recommendations from a campus working group's proposal. The changes will introduce dotted line reporting relationships, new university policies and strategies, and a universitywide network for better coordination.


What to know about the digital accessibility initiative

Know what you are looking for, timelines for meeting accessibility compliance and sources for additional guidance as the April 24, 2026, federal deadline draws closer.


Three presidential finalists visit campus next week

Daylong campus visits are scheduled Nov. 4-6 for three candidates seeking Iowa State's presidency. Each visit includes a public forum at 4 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Hall that also will be livestreamed. Candidates' names and curriculum vita will be shared 24 hours ahead of their arrival.

Announcements

The following announcements were added this week:

  • Alumni association members' vote scheduled for Nov. 10
  • CYtation award for P&S staff adds Outstanding Supervisor category
  • Gymnastics season tickets on sale now
  • Empty Bowls fundraiser will benefit SHOP food pantry
  • Dogs and their owners invited to Howl-O-Ween at Reiman Gardens
  • Save the date: Reception for President Wintersteen is Dec. 4
  • Earn 8 CPE credits at ISU accounting conference
  • Volunteers needed for Cy's Finals Frenzy

Around campus

Researchers pilot home heat alert app

Recognizing that extreme heat is the leading cause of U.S. weather-related deaths, an interdisciplinary research team developed a mobile app, CommHEAT, that alerts users when their home is at risk of overheating. Meeting the needs of the most vulnerable residents is a priority for the project.


Finding the fit for children with brain-based disabilities

Custom adaptive clothing for kids with brain-based disabilities, designed by Iowa State students, was featured on the runway during New York Fashion Week in September. The design class project happened through a partnership with the International Institute for the Brain.

Open forums

President finalists

Each campus forum will be held 4-5 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Hall and livestreamed on the Iowa Board of Regents website. 

  • Tuesday, Nov. 4
  • Wednesday, Nov. 5
  • Thursday, Nov. 6

Arts and events

Cyclones host Sun Devils in two contests

The Iowa State volleyball team will take on Arizona State Friday, Oct. 31 (6:30 p.m., Hilton Coliseum). Football season ticket holders receive a free general admission volleyball ticket by presenting their football ticket for Saturday's game at the Hilton ticket office. The football team kicks off its game with the Sun Devils at noon Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium.


Iowa Statesmen's fall concert is Sunday

The Iowa Statesmen, a 120-member tenor-bass group, will present its fall concert Sunday, Nov. 2 (1:30 p.m., Tye Recital Hall, Simon Estes Music Building). The program includes music by composers Marques Garrett, Gwyneth Walker, Shawn Kirchner, Bob Dylan and others. General admission tickets are $10 at the door (free admission for ISU students and those under 18 years).


'Urinetown: The Musical' plays next weekend

ISU Theatre will present "Urinetown: The Musical" Nov. 6-9 (7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Fisher Theater). This Tony Award-winning satire takes its title from a mysterious place in the show's plot where citizens who don't pay to use public toilets are sent. The story explores themes of social injustice, corruption and revolution in a dystopian city with a water shortage. General admission tickets are $25 (free admission for ISU students and youth) and available at the Iowa State Center ticket office or Ticketmaster.

Learning opportunities

Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) programming

Register in advance.


Extension and Outreach programming

Previous Inside coverage

About us

Inside Update, the companion email to Inside Iowa State, is sent Thursday mornings during the academic year by University Marketing and Communications. Questions may be directed to 515-294-7065.

Inside Iowa State | 2420 Lincoln Way Ste 201 | Ames, IA 50014 US