9.9.20

Newsline | September 9, 2020

Virtual ClubFest - Video Submissions Due Friday

Has your organization registered for the Virtual ClubFest yet?

If not, register today to receive the Flipgrid join code and instructions on how to submit your club's video. Video submissions are due no later than Friday, Sept. 11 at noon. The join code for the virtual event will be available to all students starting Monday, Sept. 14.

Questions? Email clubfest@iastate.edu.

Co-Sponsor ISU AfterDark

Are you interested in partnering with an organization that provides students with fun and exciting late-night activities? Check out ISU AfterDark!

Upcoming dates: October 2 and November 6

The remaining AfterDark events for the fall semester will be held in a virtual or hybrid format. For each event, co-sponsors are needed to host different virtual activities for the AfterDark attendees. These virtual activities could include online trivia, Jackbox party games, or anything else you think would be fun and engaging. You can be as creative as you would like, and AfterDark will pay up to 100% of the cost of your supplies. Plus, this is great exposure for your organization and helpful in recruiting new members!

To co-sponsor an activity, please visit afterdark.iastate.edu and complete a Proposal Form.

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.

Resources and Opportunities for Organizations and Officers

Event Authorization Reminder

If your organization is planning an event that includes guests, members of other orgs, is open to the Iowa State Community or individuals from other universities, you need to have your event authorized. If you've never submitted to the Event Authorization system before, you will need to complete the Event Authorization Training in the student org database first. Once you pass the quiz, email eventauthorization@iastate.edu to be added to the system.

Your event should be submitted to the University Event Authorization system at least ten business days prior to the event. Larger events (e.g. theme weeks with multiple activities, events with youth or animals, events with more than 200 people) should be submitted at least one month prior to the event date. Depending on the scope and scale of your event, you may be invited to attend a meeting with the Event Authorization Committee to discuss your plans. 

Questions? Check out the Event Authorization FAQ page or email eventauthorization@iastate.edu. 

Apply for a Focus Grant

Focus is an organization that fosters ISU students in the visual, literary and performing arts. Individuals or groups of students may apply for grant funding for creative projects done outside of the classroom. An exhibit of visual projects is displayed in the Memorial Union each spring, and performing and literary projects are highlighted at a public reception. Focus has been funding projects at Iowa State since 1972.

Individual students (undergraduate and graduate in any major) and student organizations are encouraged to apply for up to $600 in funding for projects to be displayed, performed, projected, or read.

To learn more about the Focus Grant click HERE, and review Application Guidelines 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.

Don't Forget to Update Your Co-Curricular Transcript

What is a co-curricular transcript (CCT), you ask? A CCT is a record of your involvement, experiences and achievements as an ISU student. Having a CCT serves as a one stop shop for you to demonstrate skills and attributes to employers, graduate schools, scholarship selection committees, internship providers and more - giving you that competitive edge! 

Your CCT can include: Campus involvement, community service, honors & awards, internships & study abroad, leadership experience, on-campus employment, publications, recreational activities, research, seminars & workshops, and student org involvement. 

Learn more here.

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.

Student Organization Database Updates

The Student Organization Database has a new look and updated features! These include:

• Customizable website navigation menu, customizable footers, and page editor toolbar.

• More user-friendly tools for organization management.

• Streamlined processes for recognition and compliance agreement.

• Better email notifications.

• And more!

New trainings are being developed and will be highlighted in future editions of Newsline.

If you experience any issues, bugs, or have any questions, email stuorgs@iastate.edu with a screenshot if possible!

Looking for Ways to Promote Your Next Event? Check Out SAC's Marketing Resources

Whether you are advertising for an event or your organization in general, there are several marketing resources available to recognized student organizations through the Memorial Union and across campus. Most are free but a few have associated fees, so check out the complete list and pricing on our Student Organization Marketing Resources page. A couple updates for the Fall 2020 semester:

• Flyer Distribution Service: The updated number of flyers that can be distributed by the SAC is 55. All flyers must either have an event promotion date OR a distribution date printed or labeled by the ISU department or student organization.

• Mass Email Approval: The SAC's mass email approval process for student organizations has moved to an online process. Once student organizations receive approval for this process, they can submit their request to the Solution Center HERE.

Reserve the Lynn Fuhrer Lodge for Your Next Retreat

The Lynn Fuhrer Lodge is now available for reservations! This unique location set in the woods is the perfect spot for your club's all-day retreats or long meetings (reservations must be a minimum of three hours long). To learn more about the lodge and submit your reservation request, click HERE.

Please note - due to COVID-19 precautions, certain restrictions will apply until further notice:

• Adjusted Hours: The lodge will be available for use between 8AM and 8PM, Tuesday - Friday; 9AM and 9PM Saturday- Sunday. No reservations will be accepted on Mondays.

• Limited Reservations: Only one reservation will be accepted each week Tuesday through Sunday. 

• Reduced Occupancy: Only reservations with 20 people or fewer will be accepted.

• Face Coverings: Appropriate face coverings that cover the mouth and nose will be required while utilizing the space.

• Physical Distancing: All those utilizing the space should do their best to maintain a physical distance of 6ft throughout their reservation.

• Food: No self-service food items will be allowed in the space. All food must be pre-packaged or pre-assembled.