News
Cyclone Family Weekend: Feedback Opportunity
We appreciate your support of the 2014 Cyclone Family Weekend. As we plan for future
Cyclone Family Weekends, your input as parents and family members is important. Please take
a moment to complete this short five question survey. Thank you in advance for your time!
“I AM” the Iowa State University Parents’ Association
Did you know that as a parent of an Iowa State student you are automatically part of the Parents’
Association? To increase awareness of the ISUPA we have launched the “I Am” campaign as a
multimedia PSA to raise awareness about the Iowa State University Parents’ Association. We believe
that parents play an important role in their students experience at Iowa State University.
Did you know Coach Paul Rhoads and his wife Vickie are members?
Please show your support of the Iowa State University Parents’ Association by taking a picture with our
“I AM” sign (you can print a copy or simply pull the pdf up on your tablet) and posting it to our
Facebook page or emailing a copy to our office and we will post it for you. Be as creative as you would
like with your pictures!
Campus Public Cameras
Ever wondered what the campus looks like on a particular day? What if you could see your
student walking on campus in “real-time”? Well it could be a possibility with one of the ISU
Public Cameras. You can take a look at the West Lawn by the Park’s Library or the plaza North
of the Memorial Union near the Fountain of the Four Seasons. You may see your student
walking by!
Study Abroad – Short and Great Opportunities for Freshmen!
Has your student thought about traveling abroad, but not sure about committing to an entire
semester? Then let them know about this opportunity called Study Abroad Shorts, just for
freshmen! Their adventure can take them from the Bahamas to Italy, Spain to Belize, and even
China!
Safety and Security on Campus
Iowa State University's annual security and fire safety report is now available online. This report
is required by federal laws and contains policy statements as well as crime statistics and fire
safety information for the University.
Special Events in October
There are several special themed events happening only in October that may be of interest to
your student! Check out the links for information on Latino Heritage Month, National Coming
Out Week, and Disability Awareness Week!
Cy Surprises and Care Packages
Mid-terms are approaching and students always enjoy a care package from home! If you need
ideas, take a look at Cy Surprises and Care Packages to choose your item today. They have an
assortment of items like cookies, cupcakes, or muffins. Show support during this potentially
stressful time by sending a care package today!
The Student Perspective – October
Challenges:
 Mid-terms. The first cycle of exams and papers can be stressful, especially for freshmen
who excelled easily in high school and are discovering what it takes to succeed in
college. Ask your student about their Mid-term reports to assess how they are doing
academically
 Advising and Registration. Students should find out their registration deadline dates for
spring classes and plan accordingly to meet with their academic advisors. They will also
need to clear up any holds that could prevent them from registering.
 Staying Healthy: staying up too late, making poor food choices, and the start of flu
season can be trying on a student’s health.
Opportunities
 Talk to your student about their exams. If they received poor midterm reports,
encourage them to seek assistance to improve their academic performance before the
end of the term. Tutoring is available through the Academic Success Center. In addition,
historically challenging freshman-level courses often offer weekly study sessions called
Supplemental Instruction. Also, all undergraduate students have access to the Writing
& Media Center.
 Some students may need to be reminded that classes are the focus of Iowa State life,
while others neglect the social connections of college life. The trick is to keep a healthy
balance between classes, work and social activities. Students struggling to balance the
academic and social opportunities can find help with Student Assistance in the Dean of
Students Office or the Student Counseling Service.
 The Thielen Student Health Center offers a schedule of Flu Vaccine Clinics. Every
Wednesday and Saturday through December students can walk-in to the clinic to get
flu vaccines during normal business hours. The cost is $30 for the shot and $30 for flu
mist with U-bill payment available.
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 parents@iastate.edu .
Relatively Speaking is a free newsletter for families of Iowa State University students. You may subscribe to our distribution list at
http://www.dso.iastate.edu/pa/programs/relatively.html.
To change or remove your subscription to Relatively Speaking, please visit the list information page at
https://mailman.iastate.edu/mailman/listinfo/relatively-speaking.
Relatively Speaking is a production of the ISU Parents’ Association and the ISU Dean of Students Office.
1010 Student Services Building  Iowa State University  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: parents@iastate.edu
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