10.7.20

Newsline | October 7, 2020

Registration for WE Lead Opens October 12!

WE Lead gives Iowa State students the opportunity to hone their leadership skills, engage in interactive discussions and sessions, and network with other leaders from campus and the community. Students will also engage in reflection on their gender identity and other marginalized identities, along with their leadership qualities and strengths in their respective roles at Iowa State and beyond.

Saturday, November 7 | 10am - 2pm | Virtually via Zoom

Registration will open on the WE Lead website on Monday, October 12. Questions? Email welead@iastate.edu.

Gain Leadership Experience: Apply for Student Union Board Exec!

Are you interested in putting your leadership, organizational and creative skills to good use? If yes, then apply for an executive position on the Student Union Board! Get real world experience, behind the scenes access, and be the first to know. Don't worry, applications are considered even if you don't have any prior experience. 

Apply HERE by Wednesday, October 21, at 11:59 pm! Questions? Email sub@iastate.edu.

Utilize the Leadership & Service Center

The Leadership and Service Center is a great resource for student organizations seeking assistance. Here's what the LSC can do for your student organization:

• Help you start a new club or organization

• Facilitate custom workshops and teambuilders for your organization

• Advise you on how to improve your club

• Help you through student organization processes (event authorization, funding, etc.)

• Provide you with upcoming leadership and service opportunities

• And so much more!

Schedule an appointment or request a workshop today!

For questions, email lscenter@iastate.edu.

Resources and Opportunities for Organizations and Officers

Student Government Audits Now Available in Workday

Student Government allocated funds (by either senate bill or regular allocation) are all reviewed annually by the Campus Organizations Accounting (COA) Office. COA conducts this review at the beginning of every fall semester, removes any funds that were not used as allocated in the detailed, submitted, and approved budget, and returns them to Student Government.  New annual allocations are distributed to any SG-funded groups that are in good standing with the Student Activities Center and have a positive financial balance in their campus account. 

New this year is the ability for your organization's Treasurer or Adviser to access the audit through your organization's Transaction Detail in Workday. Once you have navigated to the Transaction Detail for FY21, if you see a transaction with the line memo "SG FY20 WITHDRAWALS OF UNSPENT LINE ITEMS," this means that there have been unused FY20 funds removed from your org's account and returned to Student Government. To view the audit, click on the magnifying glass icon under the "Journal" column, scroll down, and click on the "Attachments" tab above the bottom table. Once in the attachments section, you will see the line item detail of the spending in addition to a letter explaining the process. All attempts to "re-claim" funds that were taken back must be completed by October 30, 2020. To begin the re-claim process, email coa@iastate.edu to schedule an appointment with Jamie Barker.

If, on the Transaction Detail, you do not see a line item that says "SG FY20 WITHDRAWALS OF UNSPENT LINE ITEMS," then this means that all allocated line items were spent as allocated in FY20 and no further action is needed on your end.

Although COA performs these audits on behalf of Student Government, for additional SG funding opportunities and questions, please contact them directly: https://www.stugov.iastate.edu/funding/

Questions regarding Student Government audits can be directed to coa@iastate.edu.

Best Practices for Social Media Usage by ISU Student Organizations

Social media can be a powerful tool for developing and sustaining a successful and active student organization.  But social media offers both opportunities and risks.  While the social media accounts of student organizations represent the views and opinions of the student organization, and not the University, organizations should consider how their social media represents not just the student organization, but its leadership and all of its members, both current and former.  Student organizations need to be aware of the reality that their social media reflects on the student organization, the individuals who comprise the organization, and the University.

The goal of student organizations associated with an institution of higher education should be to engage in constructive and thought-provoking discussion that facilities genuine intellectual inquiry. It is the University’s firm belief that community dialogue should always be conducted with respect and civility.  Views and opinions should be tested and subjected to scrutiny, but always with the goal of intellectual development in mind. 

The Student Activities Center urges student organizations to take a moment before each social media post and consider whether the post reflects the values and principles of the organization as well as its members, and question whether the post communicates those values and principles in a manner befitting an organization associated with higher education and serious intellectual inquiry.   

If you or your organization has any questions, please feel free to reach out to Student Activities at sac@iastate.edu.   

Health & Safety Guidelines for Student Organizations

Student organizations are a major contributor to the student experience at Iowa State, and Student Activities is here to support you as your organization thinks critically and creatively about how to achieve your goals in the midst of COVID-19.To help with your planning, Student Activities has put together Health and Safety Guidelines for Student Organizations. We strongly encourage you to review these guidelines as you begin planning club functions this fall. If you have any questions, email sac@iastate.edu or call 515-294-8081.

Take Advantage of the Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau Community Grants

Are you hosting an event or activity open to the general public? If so, the Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) Community Grant Program is here to help! The ACVB offers funds to public and private orgs who strive to create a positive perception of Ames and improve the quality of life for community members. 

If you meet the requirements, this may be the perfect opportunity for your student club/org to get the funding you need!

Visit the ACVB website for additional information and to download the grant application. Applications for the 2021 ACVB Community Grants are due by Friday, October 16.

Apply to be a Student Admissions Representative!

Looking for a way to serve your university while gaining great skills? Apply to be a STAR!

Student Admissions Representatives (STARS) is an exciting volunteer opportunity for students to present a positive, realistic student view of Iowa State to prospective students and their families.

STARS duties include: campus tours, housing tours, Experience Iowa State visit days, and group visits for high school and transfer students.

STARS can expect to gain: public speaking and communication skills, leadership experience, and an amazing group of Iowa State friends!

Applications are due October 17. Questions may be directed to Jacob Vos at adm_jvos@iastate.edu

To apply visit the Office of Admissions website.

Sign Your Group Up for Green Dot Action Month

Green Dot Action Month is an opportunity for the ISU community to show their commitment to prevention of power-based personal violence. Offices, departments, student organizations, sororities, fraternities, and other campus communities will choose a day in October to amplify the Green Dot mission. Wear green, take a picture, post to social media using #GreenDotActionMonth, and commit as a group to an action step/Proactive Green Dot you will complete during October 2020. It’s that easy!

Learn more and sign up HERE!

Rent the Alumni Center for Your Next Event

The ISU Alumni Center and Gardens are open and available to rent for student organization events and activities this fall! There are multiple indoor and outdoor spaces available for use, and the Alumni Center's event coordinators are eager to help planners follow the Student Activities Center's health and safety guidelines. For more information or to book your event, please call 515-294-4625, email alumnicenter@iastate.edu, or visit the Alumni Center website.

Volunteer at Reiman Gardens with Your Organizaiton

Are you in need of a volunteer activity? Are you part of a service organization and need a fun project? Looking for something to do out in the community? Consider volunteering this fall at Reiman Gardens!

Raiman Gardens will have a lot of activities to volunteer with over the next few months, including:

• Help during the first ever fall plant sale this September!

• Create a scarecrow to display during this year's Spirits in the Gardens! (offsite project)

• Plant tulip, daffodil and hyacinth bulbs in mid-October for our 2021 spring display!

• Stencil and carve pumpkins to also feature during Spirits in the Gardens! https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cTOJsKHw6K2iAtf

• Schedule a fall weekend outdoor gardening project!

• Additional projects available for the late fall and early winter!

No previous experience required to help with any of these projects. Several COVID-19 safety protocols have been implemented this fall including limiting the size of volunteer groups onsite at one time, spacing out workstations, sanitizing materials and supplies, mandating face coverings while onsite, and physical distancing.

Projects are great for individuals and groups, but space is limited. To schedule your group for a project, contact Reiman Gardens at rgvolunteer@iastate.edu or 515-294-8225. Check out their website for more information.

Political Student Organizations and University Trademark Policy

As election season approaches, student organizations are reminded that Iowa State University, as a state institution and non-profit organization, has an institutional obligation to be neutral in election processes.  Generally speaking, this means the university cannot endorse or have the appearance of endorsing any political causes or candidates.  Recognized student organizations are reminded to follow the current student use guidelines when using university trademarks to ensure those designs align with applicable federal, state, and university policies. If your organization is using university trademarks in any of its designs, be sure to complete the Trademark Use Request online form to ensure your design is reviewed by the Trademark Office and use a licensed vendor.  Questions may be referred to trademark@iastate.edu or call the trademark office at 515-294-4402.