Monthly update on behalf of the Division of Student Affairs. Submit news and announcements to Katy Cran at kcran@iastate.edu.

You're invited to the 2022

Division of Student Affairs Holiday Reception

Come-and-go Friday, December 16 from

9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in Friley Windows

Wear your favorite ugly holiday sweater to

enter to win a fabulous prize!

Enjoy food and fun with your division colleagues!

This annual Iowa State tradition is open to all ISU students, faculty, staff, members of the Ames community and beyond! WinterFest is a weekend celebration of the winter season at Iowa State. Preceding prep week, WinterFest provides a unique combination of winter themed events, activities, displays, and traditions to help students relieve their end-of-semester stress and connect with the Ames community.


Activities include:

  • Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
  • Crafts in the Workspace
  • Caricatures, Airbrush Tattoos, & Photo Booth
  • Tree Lighting Ceremony
  • First-Year Council's Jingle Jog
  • Ice Skating
  • Bingo with ISU AfterDark
  • Photos with Santa


And more! Visit here for more info!


Nominate for P&S CYtation Awards 

The Professional and Scientific (P&S) Council CYtation Awards are designed to recognize dedicated P&S employees, particularly those those who might not otherwise receive recognition for outstanding work. These awards are for staff who go above and beyond their normal responsibilities, does something extraordinarily well, and acts in such a way as to make a very real difference at Iowa State. 


Nominations are due December 1, 2022. More information about the awards can be found here.

Nurturing Our Wellbeing is a new approach to employee wellness within the Division of Student Affairs. This year, the Staff Development and Wellbeing Committee is focused on promoting culture change around three specific areas, that in turn, will become the "norm" within the division.

  • Meetings and appointments will be more efficient, effective, and flexible.
  • Time and space for professional development and wellbeing needs are encouraged.
  • Supervisors and employees will strengthen collaboration and communication around workload, responsibilities, and expectations.


Learn more at studentaffairs.iastate.edu/staffwellbeing

CARE Recognition is an ongoing recognition for Committed • Accomplished • Responsive • Engaged Division of Student Affairs staff. It is a great way to send kudos to a colleague for a job well done! Staff submitted for recognition will receive their nomination via email (supervisor copied) and may be included in the division newsletter, social media, and at events. Questions can be sent to Katy Cran at kcran@iastate.edu.

Submit a CARE Recognition

Ally Kuehl, Recreation Services

"Ally is constantly going above and beyond in her role at Rec Services. If there is a way to better serve students, Ally is going to find it. If a process can be improved, Ally is going to improve it. Her positive attitude is refreshing and her never-give-up work ethic is inspiring. We're lucky to have Ally as part of the Student Affairs team."


Sahira Garcia, Multicultural Student Affairs

"Sahira has gone above and beyond since stepping into her role in June, especially in the midst of multiple staff transitions. I've especially appreciated Sahira's willingness and skill in taking more responsibility right before the semester began--in that, she managed three large scale programs designed to be coordinated by two scholarship coordinators, implementing management of the programs seamlessly. These early scholarship events are new students' first introductions to the scholarship programs, staff, and expectations and have a huge impact on their later connection to and with the programs. As a new employee, she has already made her mark on MSA, is networking across the division, and supporting students and I really couldn't be prouder to recognize her accomplishments."


Sue Reimers, Student Counseling Services

"Thank you Sue for showing up each day with a smile on your face, a kindness in your heart to work with and assist students who are struggling with significant mental health challenges. Your patience with all of them and 'us' the staff is greatly appreciated! You make a HUGE difference at SCS and ISU."


Jeffery Nelson, Student Counseling Services

"Jeff did an amazing job organizing ISU's first annual Field of Memories, Suicide Awareness Event on the library lawn last month. The Coordination of QPR- Question, Persuade, Refer on campus is helping Cyclones learn how to recognize those struggling with suicidal thoughts and get them connected to resources. Your work in awareness and prevention matters! Thanks for all you do!"


Sabrina Shields-Cook, Dean of Students Office

"Sabrina jumped right into her role with the Dean of Students Office and facilitated a fantastic Cyclone Family Weekend. Having to respond to questions, concerns, and navigate and oversee a program new to her, she managed things so well - providing a great weekend of events for students and their family members!"


Elaine Tan, International Students and Scholars Office

"In a recent student conduct investigation, there was a significant amount of information that required translation. Elaine was quick to offer her help and has been incredibly responsive to needs through the investigation and navigate the language barriers related to evidence submitted. Elaine even went as far (with our permission) as to receive additional assistance from another staff member on campus to ensure her interpretation of a non-traditional words and phrases was accurate. Elaine's impact on this process has been significant. Without her willingness, our office wouldn't have been able to proceed with the investigation at the rate and expedience that we have been able to. THANK YOU, ELAINE!"


Kurt Earnest, Department of Residence

"Kurt has a genuine sense of care and desire to help others learn and succeed. To help students (and parents) and staff feel welcome and heard and to help alleviate fears. Especially after the last few years, when we are all tired and it feels like it’s been just one thing after another, with COVID at the top of the list, Kurt tirelessly remains committed and engaged. He treats every issue and every person with a great sense of importance and respect. In every situation that comes his way, he seeks clarity to understand the big picture to offer support, resources, rationale and/or solutions. Kurt goes to great lengths to show appreciation and acknowledge staff at all levels for their contributions and accomplishments both professionally and personally. This can be via phone call, email, in person, creating awards, and my favorite, handwritten notes. He adds humor and fun and is a pleasure to work with!"

See a list of all staff who have received a CARE Recognition here.

Division of Student Affairs Holiday Celebration

Friday, December 16 | 9-10:30 a.m.

Friley Windows

University Holidays

Dec. 23, 26, 27, & Jan. 2

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