News
Campus Check-In
As the semester draws to a close, we want to take a moment to address events that have happened here on the Iowa State Campus and across the country. In the wake of acts of racism and hatred that have deeply impacted this campus and our students, staff, faculty, and community, we want to assure everyone that Iowa State strives to be a safe and welcoming place for all, regardless of color, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability, citizenship status, and anything else that may cause someone to feel unsafe. The Iowa State community will not tolerate hatred and discrimination and will continue to work and uphold the Iowa State University Principles of Community:
Respect:We seek to foster an open-minded understanding among individuals, organizations and groups. We support this understanding through outreach, increasing opportunities for collaboration, formal education programs and strategies for resolving disagreement.
Purpose:We are encouraged to be engaged in the university community. Thus, we strive to build a genuine community that promotes the advancement of knowledge, cooperation and leadership.
Cooperation:We recognize that the mission of the university is enhanced when we work together to achieve the goals of the university. Therefore, we value each member of the Iowa State University community for his or her insights and efforts, collective and individual, to enhance the quality of campus life.
Richness of Diversity:We recognize and cherish the richness of diversity in our university experience. Furthermore, we strive to increase the diversity of ideas, cultures and experiences throughout the university community.
Freedom from discrimination:We recognize that we must strive to overcome historical and divisive biases in our society. Therefore, we commit ourselves to create and maintain a community in which all students, staff, faculty and administrators can work together in an atmosphere free from discrimination, and to respond appropriately to all acts of discrimination.
Honest and respectful expression of ideas:We affirm the right to and the importance of a free exchange of ideas at Iowa State University within the bounds of courtesy, sensitivity and respect. We work together to promote awareness of various ideas through education and constructive strategies to consider and engage in honest disagreements.
If you or your student have questions or concerns, there are a variety of resources that offer support and guidance.
Office of Multicultural Student Affairs / 515-294-6338College Multicultural Liaison Officers
Agriculture and Life Sciences / 515-294-1701
Business / 515-294-8300
Design / 515-294-9555
Engineering / 515-294-0690
Human Sciences / 515-294-6466
Liberal Arts and Sciences / 515-294-4831
Veterinary Medicine / 515-294-0391
International Students and Scholars / 515-294-1120
Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion / 515-294-8840
Student Assistance and Outreach, Dean of Students Office / 515-294-1020
Student Counseling Service / 515-294-5056
End of the semester is coming soon…
Information on Dead Week and Finals
That time of the semester is almost here! Dead Weekis up first and is a great time for students to study for tests and finish projects before finals week. Next up is finals week! Your student can find a schedule of finals week to help reduce confusion of when and what time their final may be. If they need strategies for test preparation and test taking, they can access them on the Academic Success website.
Textbook Buy Back
Students can begin to sell back their books to the University Book Store starting December 3rd! This year students can also sell back their books online! Check out their website for more information.
Fall 2016 Grades
Is your student wondering what their official semester grades will be? They will be able to access their grades through AccessPlus December 22nd, after 5:00 AM.!
University Holidays and Winter Closure
Many university offices and services will temporarily close or offer reduced services between December 24, 2016 and January 2, 2017. The Parents’ Advisory Line (800-772-8546) and the Dean of Students Office will be available during standard business hours December 27-31, 2017 to respond to your questions or concerns. For emergencies, you can contact ISU Police (515-294-4428) at any time.
Chartered buses for winter break to Chicago and Minneapolis
Does your student need a ride back home to Chicago or Minneapolis? There is a Charter bus that will take students to and from Chicago or Minneapolis over breaks and can be found here: This service is only available for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Breaks. Round-trip for this charter company to Minneapolis and back at Thanksgiving break is $75, and for Chicago it’s $110 round trip.
Other options for getting to Chicago or Minneapolis (or other places):
Megabus has a pickup location in Des Moines, and travels East/West between Omaha and Chicago (You could then get to Minneapolis from Chicago.
There is another bus service that leaves from Ames. Trailways ( is approximately $60-100 for a round-trip to Chicago or Minneapolis.
- Virtual ride sharing board sponsored by Iowa State Student Government
-ISU RideShare Facebook page that looks to stay more current than the ISU RideShare website
Winter Weather and University Closures
Is you student unsure of what the ISU winter weather policies are? Then have your student check out the FAQ where they will be able to find answers to questions such as: class cancellations, where to park, or safety and driving policies.
English Together: Build community while practicing a new language!
English Together is a program through the International Student Scholar Office that works to bring students, scholars, and community members together through fun conversation and games. Our program currently meets Monday-Friday in the Memorial Union Pine Room from 9:00-10:00am and 5:00-6:00pm and on Wednesday evenings at the ISU West Community Center from 7:00-8:00pm. Join conversation leaders and other students for the opportunity to practice English and to make new friends! If you want more information, check out our website. We hope to see you there!
Winter Break and Spring 2017 Student Wellness To Do List
Parents, guardians and those closest to our ISU students can positively impact rejuvenation during winter break as well as having thoughtful and open dialogue about the successes and challenges of the Fall 2016 term, lessons learned, and how those experiences can lead to greater health, well-being and balance in the Spring 2017 term. Student wellness is a critical predictor of student academic success.
During winter break, encourage your student to consider:
Division of Student Affairs resources available for your student:
The Student Perspective - December
This month’s Student Perspective is adapted from an article provided from The University of Minnesota.
How to Raise a Sensitive Issue
As you likely are aware, the additional pressure of final exams and the approaching holiday season can lead to students feeling very stressed. Some students experience academic and emotional challenges during this time, which may become evident through decreased academic performance, expressed dissatisfaction with the university, irritability, mood swings and changes in how they relate to you as their parents or concerned family members.
This is an important time for you to be checking in with your student about how he or she is doing personally and academically. You know your student better than anyone and you may pick up on some cues that your student is having a difficult time when others may not. While it is typical for many young adults to seek independence from their families and avoid discussing things that are not going well, students do need the emotional support and love that only the people in parental roles in their lives can provide.
Here are some suggestions on talking with your student:
- Choose a time to talk when things are not rushed, and where your student can talk to you privately.
- Don’t avoid bringing up the subject of stress and mental health concerns. Acknowledge that you know this can be a stressful time of the semester and ask directly how they are handling the stress and if they are ok. If you have reason to be concerned express your concern in specific, nonjudgmental ways. Be honest and direct; say what you mean and mean what you say.
- The most helpful messages you can offer your student are “I love you”, “I believe in you” “I care about how you are doing” and if your student is struggling, “I want you to get some help.”
- If your student shares some difficult information with you, the most helpful response is to really listen to what he or she is saying. It can be quite challenging to listen without interrupting or letting our own internal thoughts interfere but it is important to really attend to what your student is saying. It is helpful to acknowledge that what your student is thinking and feeling about their situation is their experience, even if you have a different perspective.
- Offer non-judgmental support. You may have your own internal reactions which are completely natural for a parent to have (such as not approving a choice your student made or feeling angry that your student is not doing well academically). But expressing those in the moment to your student is more likely to shut down the communication than lead to helpful support and problem solving.
- Be knowledgeable of and encourage your student to take advantage of the many resources available at ISU to help students succeed. These can range from academic support through such programs as the Academic Success Center to mental health support.
- Offer to help your student in whatever ways you can to help them cope.
- Communicate hope by reminding your student that there are always options, you believe they can get through this difficult time, and that things tend to look different with time and action.
Staff at both Student Assistance Services(515-294-1020) and the Student Counseling Center(515- 294-5056) are available to consult with parents and family members who are seeking guidance in helping their students.
Adapted from:University Parent, University of Minnesota
We welcome your feedback.
Relatively Speaking is published by the Iowa State University Parents’ Association and the Dean of Students Office. We welcome your suggestions to improve this publication. If you have a question you need answered or suggestions for content in future monthly editions, please contact us at any time at .
Relatively Speaking is a free newsletter for families of Iowa State University students. You may subscribe or unsubscribe to our distribution list HERE.
Relatively Speaking is a production of theISU Parents’ Association and theISU Dean of Students Office.
1010 Student Services Building v Iowa State University v Ames, IA, 50011-2222 USA
For Assistance call the Parents Advisory Line: 1-800-772-8546 or 1-515-294-6054
Or send an email to:
Do not "reply" to this message. Please address any questions or comments to