News
Get to Know the Dean of Students’ Offices
Have you ever wondered what happens in the Dean of Students Office? Well we are here to
help…The Dean of Students Office (DSO) at Iowa State University uses an integrated
approach to support student-centered learning through personal, community and academic
development culminating in a transformative experience. The offices of the DSO operate under
one of four spheres: Student Life, Student Success & Retention, Wellness and Social Justice &
Inclusion.
Each month we will feature a different office from the DSO! This month we will be featuring
Recreation Services. Their mission is to create an environment through exceptional recreation
facilities, programs, and services where Recreation Services can inspire, educate, and empower
students and members of the ISU community to cultivate lifestyles to enhance health and
wellness.
Did you know all enrolled Iowa State students can participate in our many programs which
include:
 Access to use all rec facilities (State Gym, Lied Rec Center, Beyer Hall)
 Join any group fitness classes or wellness activities
 Participation in Intramural Sports
 Ability to rent recreation equipment
 Participate in Outdoor Recreation workshops and trips
You can find details on all of these activities on their website at
http://www.recservices.iastate.edu/ or by calling 515-294-4980 with questions.
We encourage to you and your student to follow us on
facebook: ISU Recreation Services
Twitter: ISURecS
Students can receive free tax preparation assistance
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is available starting Monday, February 16,
2015 through Tuesday, April 15, 2015. This program is sponsored by Beta Alpha Psi and service
is provided by trained ISU accounting students through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax
Assistance Program (VITA). Taxpayers with household incomes of less than $50,000 are eligible.
Please note that due to the complex nature of some Income Tax Returns, VITA Volunteers may
not be able to provide assistance to all people.
Student Tax Documents
Iowa State University tax documents are online and can now be accessed through AccessPlus.
Have your student sign into AccessPlus and click on the “Tax info (1098)” tab on the right hand
side of the screen.
FAFSA
The March 1st deadline is quickly approaching! Has your student filled out their FAFSA yet?
Remind your students that this is the priority deadline to be considered for grants and
scholarships.
Body Image and Eating Disorder Awareness Week
February 19, 2015 marks the first day of a week long campaign to bring awareness to issues
around body image and eating disorders. Have your student check out their website to see the
list of the sponsors and to see the list of events happening throughout the week!
ISCORE
The 16th Annual Iowa State Conference on Race and Ethnicity (ISCORE) will be on March 6, 2015 from
8am-5pm in the Memorial Union. This event is open and free to the Iowa State University
community and invited guests.
Spring Break Travel Options
Does your student want to travel to Minneapolis, MN or Chicago, IL for spring break but do not
have transportation? Then encourage your student to check out the chartered buses offered
through Iowa State University New Student Programs. Deadline to sign up is March 6th, by 5pm.
For more information check out the chartered bus trip website.
Did you know Rec Services offers Extended Trips during Spring Break? You must register by
March 6th.
Frequently Asked Question
Have you ever had a question, but could not find the answer? Under the Info for Parents and
Families page is a list of FAQs that many parents or families may have. The following is one
question found on this page:
Q. Health – Are student health services available? What do students do when
they get sick?
Yes, The Student Thielen Health Center (TSHC) is a full featured health center and
our doctors can provide almost every service you'd expect from your regular
physician. According to their website, “Whether it's a sprained ankle from
Broomball, an unidentifiable rash from last weekend, vaccinations before you
study abroad, or a routine physical exam, we can help.”
The Student Perspective – February
Challenges
 As students take on new activities or leadership roles, they must learn to balance these
with academic responsibilities while avoiding over-commitment.
 Cabin fever and burnout may set in.
 Housing pressures mount as students try to determine next year’s arrangements.


Job search/internship search for summer begins, sometimes causing anxiety.
Spring Break planning in full swing.
Opportunities
 Students can check out a list of resources provided by the Academic Success Center to
learn more about time managing skills to assist in balancing various responsibilities.
 If students are feeling stressed, encourage them to check out the Biofeedback Program, a
free service, through Student Counseling Services.
 Students who wish to live on campus can do so online through AccessPlus. For any
questions about on campus housing arrangements have your student check out the
Department of Housing Contracts website for more information.
 On AccessPlus there are many job postings available for students. In addition, have your
student check out the career services page for more information about jobs specific to
their major.
 Send tickets to events that get them out and about.
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 v Iowa State University  Ames, IA, 50011-2222 USA
For Assistance call the Parents Advisory Line: 1-800-772-8546 or 1-515-294-6054
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