Idaho Moves to Stage 4

Gov. Brad Little moved the state of Idaho to Stage 4 of Idaho Rebounds Tuesday as vaccines are readily available and hospitalizations are down. The guidelines remove restrictions on the size of gatherings, but Idaho Public Health continues the recommendations to social distance and wear masks. For our university, little will change immediately. We will keep our Healthy Vandal Pledge guidelines in place through commencement and into summer session. With guidance from Idaho Public Health, we will readdress our protocols as state and local protocols change.
 

Participate in Cap and Gown Hand-Me-Down May 15-21

No plans for your regalia after graduation? Pass it to the next Vandal grad. Join Honors Program senior Hannah Daly and the Honors Program in Cap and Gown Hand-Me-Down May 15-21. Caps and gowns — or gowns only if the cap is decorated; no tassels — can be dropped off at three campus locations: ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center (West Exit) May 15-16; Living Learning Communities (Information Desk) May 15-21; and Bruce M. Pitman Center (Campus Visit Office) May 17-21 until 4 p.m. Contact honors@uidaho.edu for more information.
 

U of I Begins Summer Hours May 17 in Moscow

U of I will begin operating on a summer schedule on the Moscow campus starting Monday, May 17. Business hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Summer hours will be effective through Friday, Aug. 20.
 

ASCEND Hub Webinar on ‘Maximizing Your Elevator Pitch’ Is May 19

This month, ASCEND Hub is partnering with Montana High Tech Business Alliance, Montana Bioscience Cluster Initiative, Montana BioScience Alliance and Montana World Trade Center to host a webinar on “Maximizing Your Elevator Pitch,” 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 19. The speakers will be Robert Goodwin, co-founder and CEO, Vibliome Therapeutics, LLC, and Liz Marchi, head of community engagement, Two Bear Capital. Register online. A replay of the event will be 2 p.m. Thursday, May 27.
 

UCM Summer Newsletter Schedule Is Announced

The Daily Register will publish on a weekly basis beginning Monday, May 24. My UI and This Week are on hiatus for the summer. All newsletters will resume a normal schedule the week of Aug. 15.
 

Join a Group Fitness Class

Stretch your mind and body with Recreation and Wellbeing’s Fitness Program starting the week of May 24. Classes include barre, chisel and sculpt, yoga and Zumba. Email bsturz@uidaho.edu with questions. Learn more.
 

Professional Development Resources Are Available

U of I has partnered with Academic Impressions, an organization specializing in professional development resources for higher education administrators. Provided by the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President with support from the library, this partnership provides faculty, staff and students with membership access to a host of training resources for professionals working in higher education. Topic areas range from skills-based trainings for professionals in all areas of higher ed to leadership trainings on topics such as supervision, personal effectiveness and diversity, equity and inclusion. Workshops to assist individuals in using this resource will be held in the fall. Contact Account Manager Niecie Washington at niecie@academicimpressions.com for more information or with questions. Learn more.
 

ECHO Idaho Has New Podcast

With support from the Valley County Opioid Response Project, Idaho’s Project ECHO has taken its groundbreaking telementorship programming a step further with a podcast, “Something for the Pain.” Learn more.

Leda Kobziar Discusses Microbes in Smoke

Leda Kobziar discusses what living microbes in wildfire smoke might mean for human health, the spread of plant diseases and the evolution of microbes on our planet. Listen to the interview on “The Vandal Theory” podcast.

How Wildfires Motivated U of I Student to Help Prevent Them

This story by Stephanie Garibay was aired by KSAW-TV in the Magic Valley on May 7.

After seeing the wildfires in California and Oregon, Evando Vega, a University of Idaho student, was motivated to join the U.S. Forest Service to help prevent future fires. Read more.

VandalStar Committee Cares and Leads

Thank you to the VandalStar Implementation Committee for its continued partnership and commitment in leading the development of VandalStar at U of I. The members of this committee — which include students, faculty and staff — meet regularly to provide input and a guiding voice to create a supportive system that serves all students and their academic success goals.

• Assistant Director, Military and Veteran Services
• Assistant Director for Export Controls, Conflict of Interest and Research Integrity, University Research
• IdahoSTARS Quality Child Care Consultant-Post Falls
• Agricultural Mechanic, Kimberley Research and Extension Center
• Data Strategist, Student Recruitment Marketing and Communication
• Assistant Registrar, Registrar’s Office
• Interim Dean, College of Engineering
• University Honors Program Coordinator, Vice Provost for Academic Initiatives
• Information Reporting Analyst, Institutional Research
• Grant Administrator, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
• General Accounting Manager, University Controller
• Administrative Coordinator, University Honors Program
• Education Abroad Advisor and Outreach/Marketing Coordinator, International Programs
• IPO Program Coordinator, International Programs

View a complete listing of career opportunities available at the University of Idaho.

Plant the Moon Challenge Registration Is Open

A new round of Plant the Moon Challenge is out for applications. The program aims to encourage students to think about agriculture on other planets and what we will need to grow food in lunar and Martian soil. The students receive a pack of either lunar regolith or Martian regolith and get to experiment with fertilizer and additives to determine how best to grow common crops. Idaho Space Grant Consortium is fully funding some Idaho participants (first-come, first-served). Therefore, you may not need to pay for the kit if you submit your application as soon as possible. It is an amazing opportunity for agriculture and space to mix. It is also a fun summer project for students looking to get their hands dirty in some moon and Mars dirt. Registration closes Monday, May 24. Send questions to kristina@uidaho.edu or isgc@uidaho.edu.
 

Sources of Strength Workshop Is Today

Join Vandal Health Education from 11 a.m. to noon today, May 13 to learn how to foster resilience by cultivating our strengths. This interactive workshop identifies the things that we know consistently help. This program can help us to build our own resilience and be implemented to strengthen resilience in our students. Register online. Contact Amandaf@uidaho.edu for questions.
 

Grant Program Available to Generate New Revenue; Proposals Are Due Today

Vandal Ideas Project (VIP) is a competitive university-wide grant program to stimulate bold new ideas that support our strategic goals. In response to a request from Faculty Senate, $50,000 is available to support projects that have potential to either increase enrollment (both new student recruitment as well as retention) or other projects that generate new revenue. VIP funding will come from the university’s recent P3 transaction. As required by that transaction, all proposals must demonstrate potential for revenue generation. Proposals are due by 5 p.m. today, May 13 and must be submitted to provost@uidaho.edu.
 

Research Report Offers Update on Projects

The Office of Research and Economic Development’s 2021 research report, “Inspired Discoveries,” provides a glimpse into the U of I’s ongoing research on glaciers, earthquakes, fires and pandemics and highlights the work of our students and faculty. This research helps support Idaho’s economy and meet the challenges that we face as a state, nation and world on a daily basis. Join us on our journey to discovery.
 

Vandal Health Clinic Summer Location Is Available

Vandal Health Clinic services are available to all students, dependents, faculty and staff. The clinic will be temporarily relocated for the summer break to the Gritman Moscow Family Medicine QuickCare office, 2500 W. A St. behind Walmart. Call 208-885-6693 for information on accessing services.
 

Supervisory Program Announces Summer Schedule and New On-Demand Workshops

The University of Idaho Supervisory Excellence Program (SEP) is a flexible, performance skills-based program of learning designed to provide U of I supervisors and aspiring supervisors skill development in critical thinking, delegating, coaching, setting expectations, communication, organizational awareness, team leadership and conflict management. Live SEP workshops begin Wednesday, May 19, and registration is open. New this summer, on-demand SEP elective workshops on delegation, decision making styles, managing stress, confronting bias and managing diversity in the workplace are available. Read more information about the SEP.
 

Annual Fire Sprinkler Testing Planned for Summer

Western States Fire Protection has scheduled dates to be on campus to complete its annual inspection/testing of the wet and dry sprinkler systems. The company will be on campus May 17-21 and will be here every other week for four to five weeks until finished. Personnel in individual buildings will be contacted the week of their inspections. No disruption to normal services is expected. Questions can be directed to Facilities at 208-885-6246.

U of I Professor Releases Two Piano Albums

Pianist Roger McVey, associate professor of piano at University of Idaho, has released two new albums. “Mavericks” features music by Libby Larsen, Wynn-Anne Rossi, Paul Schoenfield and Marc Mellits. “Music From Other Places” includes music by Harry T. Burleigh, Eric Ewazen, Caroline Shaw and Chick Corea. Read more.

Animal Adaptation: Is it Crayfish or Crawdad?

This video featuring Idaho Water Resources Research Institute Director Alan Kolok aired on Idaho Public Television on May 1.

What do animal adaptations tell us about their environment. Meet a scientist who studies crayfish and hopes they will show him how clean the waters of North Idaho are. Read more.

• Assistant Director, Military and Veteran Services
• Assistant Director for Export Controls, Conflict of Interest and Research Integrity, University Research
• IdahoSTARS Quality Child Care Consultant-Post Falls
• Agricultural Mechanic, Kimberley Research and Extension Center
• Data Strategist, Student Recruitment Marketing and Communication
• Assistant Registrar, Registrar’s Office
• Interim Dean, College of Engineering
• University Honors Program Coordinator, Vice Provost for Academic Initiatives
• Information Reporting Analyst, Institutional Research
• Grant Administrator, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
• General Accounting Manager, University Controller
• Administrative Coordinator, University Honors Program
• Education Abroad Advisor and Outreach/Marketing Coordinator, International Programs
• IPO Program Coordinator, International Programs

View a complete listing of career opportunities available at the University of Idaho.

Help Promote Researchers in the News

Help share U of I research with the public. Faculty members who have an upcoming journal publication and think their research is newsworthy may contact either UCM Science and Content Writer Leigh Cooper or their college’s marketing and communications manager. There may be interest in publicizing the work with a press release, social media, etc. Please reach out soon after a paper has been accepted and before publication.
 

Show Your Vandal Spirit Tomorrow

Are you proud of being a member of the Vandal Family? Let your enthusiasm show by participating in Vandal Spirit Fridays. Each Friday, all university employees and students statewide are encouraged to wear Vandal gear and show their silver and gold colors.

U of I Begins Summer Hours Monday, May 17, in Moscow

The University of Idaho will begin operating on its summer schedule on the Moscow campus starting Monday, May 17. Business hours will be 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Summer hours will be effective through Friday, Aug. 20.
 

Staff Appreciation Event Feedback Wanted

Thank you to everyone who attended the Staff Appreciation Event. The Staff Awards Committee wants to hear from you, our hard-working employees. What did you think of the event? How can we make it better next time? Feel free to share all your amazing ideas; we know you have them. Thank you for your dedication to the University of Idaho. Drop us a line at staff-awards@uidaho.edu.
 

VandalStar Summer Directory Changes Due Friday, May 14

Forward VandalStar Services Directory updates for the Summer 2021 term by Friday, May 14. If you are a program or service currently in the directory that need changes made to your VandalStar page for the summer (such as business hours, service delivery options, members listed, etc.), email them to VandalStar@uidaho.edu with instructions. The VandalStar Directory is an online, one-stop-shop that provides students an easy way to explore, find and connect to resources and services on campus. It has a search bar at the top of the page for key word and VandalStar user searches. More than 50 university services and programs are highlighted.
 

Next Wine Down Wednesday Is May 19

Learn about the spring release of Vandals Uncorked during the next Wine Down Wednesday, 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, via Zoom. This curated selection of four premium wines each has a Vandal connection. Bring questions for the winemakers. Register online.

U of I to Graduate More Than 1,500 During Eight In-Person Ceremonies; Kramer, Gramer, Shaw to Receive Honorary Degrees

A total of 1,519 University of Idaho students have applied for 1,761 degrees for the spring semester, which ends Friday, May 14. Read more.

U of I President Optimistic About University’s Future

This story written by Scott Jackson appeared in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News on Tuesday, May 11.

Programming at the University of Idaho will not be significantly affected by a $500,000 budget cut passed down by the Legislature, thanks in part to a surplus expected at the end of the year, U of I President Scott Green said. Read more.

Engineering Faculty Receive Program Development Funds

University of Idaho electrical engineering Assistant Professor Yacine Chakhchoukh, Department of Nuclear Engineering and Industrial Management Professor and Chair Indrajit Charit and Idaho Falls Center computer science Assistant Professor Costas Kolias each received $30,000 in collaboration funding for the next four years for projects led by Idaho National Laboratory (INL) researchers. “Evaluation of USB Peripherals,” focused on cybersecurity and is led by INL’s Craig Rieger in collaboration with Kolias. “Advanced Nuclear Energy Manufacturing Materials Development” includes Boopathy Kombaiah, of INL’s Materials and Fuels Complex in collaboration with Charit. “Cyber Vulnerability Issues of Distribution Systems” involves INL’s SM Shafiul Alam in collaboration with Chakhchoukh.
 

BCB Graduate Feature: Tanner Varrelman Eyes Fields in Disease, Databases

In 2014, Tanner Varrelman came to the University of Idaho as an undergraduate to study biology. Like many students, he wasn’t sure exactly what he wanted to do with his degree. Now a graduate of the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BCB) Ph.D. program, his years of research have led him to a unique combination of fields: disease and databases. Read more.

• IdahoSTARS Quality Child Care Consultant-Post Falls
• Agricultural Mechanic, Kimberley Research and Extension Center
• Data Strategist, Student Recruitment Marketing and Communication
• Assistant Registrar, Registrar’s Office
• Interim Dean, College of Engineering
• University Honors Program Coordinator, Vice Provost for Academic Initiatives
• Information Reporting Analyst, Institutional Research
• Grant Administrator, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
• General Accounting Manager, University Controller
• Administrative Coordinator, University Honors Program
• Education Abroad Advisor and Outreach/Marketing Coordinator, International Programs
• IPO Program Coordinator, International Programs
• Senior Academic Coordinator, Academic Support Programs

View a complete listing of career opportunities available at the University of Idaho.

Subscribe to ‘U of I in the News’

University Communications and Marketing compiles and distributes via email a daily list of University of Idaho-related stories in the media. If you’d like to receive “University of Idaho in the News,” email Brian Walker, external communications coordinator, at bwalker@uidaho.edu.

Call for Commencement Volunteers Ends Today, May 11

U of I is holding eight commencement ceremonies this year, the bulk of which will be on the Moscow campus. We are excited to honor the accomplishments of our 2020 and 2021 graduates live and in-person. We need your help to ensure graduates and their guests are given an excellent Vandal experience. Consider volunteering for a 3 1/2-hour shift on Saturday or Sunday, May 15-16, to help greet guests, give directions, take tickets or push wheelchairs. Today, May 11, is the final day to sign up to be a volunteer. Register online.
 

Actions Taken Pursuant to FSH 6990 Communicable Disease Emergency Response

On September 16, 2020, the University Faculty approved and President Scott Green adopted permanent policy FSH 6990 Communicable Disease Emergency Response, replacing temporary emergency policy FSH 6990 COVID-19 Emergency Response. President Green adopted the policy to allow the university to modify its operations in response to communicable disease emergencies such as COVID-19. Actions taken pursuant to the policy during the COVID-19 emergency will be published on the COVID-19 website and notice of the actions will be published in the Daily Register. Read about actions approved under FSH 6990.
 

Office of Research and Economic Development Research Report Is Available

The Office of Research and Economic Development’s 2021 research report, “Inspired Discoveries,” provides a glimpse into U of I’s ongoing research on glaciers, earthquakes, fires and pandemics and highlights the work of our students and faculty. This research helps support Idaho’s economy and meet the challenges that we face as a state, nation and world on a daily basis. Join us on our journey to discovery.
 

Sources of Strength Workshop Is May 13

Join Vandal Health Education from 11 a.m. to noon on Thursday, May 13 to learn how to foster resilience by cultivating our strengths. The interactive workshop identifies the things that we know consistently help. This program can help us to build our own resilience and be implemented to encourage resilience in our students. Register here. Contact Amandaf@uidaho.edu for questions.
 

Supervisory Excellence Program Announces Summer Schedule and New Workshops

The University of Idaho Supervisory Excellence Program (SEP) is a flexible, performance skills-based program of learning designed to provide U of I supervisors and aspiring supervisors skill development in critical thinking, delegating, coaching, setting expectations, communication, organizational awareness, team leadership and conflict management. Live SEP workshops begin Wednesday, May 19, and registration is open. New this summer, on-demand SEP elective workshops on delegation, decision making styles, managing stress, confronting bias and managing diversity in the workplace are available. For more information about the SEP, read here.
 

Think Open Fellows Program Is Accepting Applications

The 2021-22 Think Open Fellows program is accepting proposals from faculty and graduate students who are interested in transitioning an upcoming course to an open or other low-cost textbook solution. Think Open Fellowships provide faculty and graduate students who commit to using open or other low-cost resources in an upcoming semester a $1,200 award. Applications are open through Friday, May 28. Learn more.
 

Learn About the Vandal Ideas Project

The Vandal Ideas Project (VIP) is a competitive university-wide grant program to stimulate bold new ideas that support our strategic goals. In response to a request from Faculty Senate, $50,000 is available to support projects that have potential to either increase enrollment — new student recruitment as well as retention — or other projects that generate new revenue. VIP funding will come from the university’s recent P3 transaction. As required by that transaction, all proposals must demonstrate potential for revenue generation. Proposals are due by 5 p.m. Thursday, May 13, and must be submitted to provost@uidaho.edu.
 

Annual Fire Sprinkler Testing Planned for Summer

Western States Fire Protection has scheduled dates to be on campus to complete its annual inspection and testing of the wet and dry sprinkler systems. The company will be on campus May 17-21 and will be present every other week for four to five weeks until finished. Personnel in individual buildings will be contacted the week of their inspections. No disruption to normal services is expected. Questions can be directed to Facilities at 208-885-6246.

Student Chemical Engineers Win Regional Jeopardy Competition

University of Idaho College of Engineering chemical engineering seniors Adriana Bryant, Niko Hansen, and Hannah Johnson, and junior Adam Irons won the Pacific Northwest Regional ChemE Jeopardy Competition hosted by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). The team will compete in the national competition held during the AIChE Annual Meeting in November in Boston. AIChE is the world’s leading organization for chemical engineering professionals. During the competition, held virtually, student teams compete to answer engineering questions in a Jeopardy-style elimination competition.

• Data Strategist, Student Recruitment Marketing and Communication
• Assistant Registrar, Registrar’s Office
• Interim Dean, College of Engineering
• University Honors Program Coordinator, Vice Provost for Academic Initiatives
• Information Reporting Analyst, Institutional Research
• Grant Administrator, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
• General Accounting Manager, University Controller
• Administrative Coordinator, University Honors Program
• Education Abroad Advisor and Outreach/Marketing Coordinator, International Programs
• IPO Program Coordinator, International Programs
• Senior Academic Coordinator, Academic Support Programs

View a complete listing of career opportunities available at the University of Idaho.

State of the University Address Is Available for Viewing; Q&A Session Is Today

University of Idaho President Scott Green’s annual State of the University Address, an overview of the past year and a glimpse into our future, can be viewed on Facebook or directly from our website. A faculty, staff and student question-and-answer session is today, May 10, at 3 p.m. Pre-registration is required.
 

Participate in Cap & Gown Hand-Me-Down May 15-21

No plans for your regalia after graduation? Pass it to the next Vandal grad. Join Honors Program senior Hannah Daly and the Honors Program in “Cap & Gown Hand-Me-Down” May 15-21. Hannah started the program this year after realizing there were no sustainable or cost-saving options when she went to purchase her own graduation regalia. Hannah is graduating in landscape architecture and has been part of the Honors Program since her freshman year. Caps and gowns (or gowns only if the cap is decorated; no tassels, please) can be dropped off at three campus locations: ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center (West Exit) May 15-16; Living Learning Communities (LLC, Information Desk) May 15-21; and Bruce M. Pitman Center (Campus Visit Office) May 17-21 until 4 p.m. For more information contact honors@uidaho.edu.
 

U of I Begins Summer Hours Monday, May 17

The university will begin operating its summer schedule starting Monday, May 17. Business hours will be 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Summer hours will be effective through Friday, Aug. 20.
 

Palousafest Registration for All Student Clubs Opens May 12

Palousafest registration is open for ASUI Affiliated Student Organizations, and registration for all other Registered Student Organizations opens Wednesday, May 12. Learn more.
 

Staff Appreciation Event Feedback Wanted

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate during the Staff Appreciation Event. The Staff Awards Committee wants to hear from you, our hard-working employees. What did you think of the event? How can we make it better next time? Feel free to share all your amazing ideas; we know you have them. Thank you for your dedication to the University of Idaho. Drop us a line at staff-awards@uidaho.edu.
 

Lab, Office Decommissioning Procedures Available

Whether you are leaving for a temporary break or making a permanent change, there are special considerations when leaving an office space or laboratory. As a principal investigator or a manager of principal investigators, you need to know about the required laboratory decommissioning procedures. In an office, be sure to leave the space in a safe condition. Read the featured tip at I-Safety.
 

Submit Summer VandalStar Directory Changes

The VandalStar team is updating the VandalStar online Services Directory Listing for the Summer 2021 term. Email program or service updates to VandalStar@uidaho.edu by Friday, May 14. The VandalStar Directory is an online, one-stop-shop list that provides students an easy way to explore, find and connect to resources and services on campus. More than 50 university services and programs are highlighted in the directory.
 

Zoom Lab and Study Space Is Available

Zoom lab and study space is available on the third floor of the Student Health Center. Learn more.
 

Suicide Prevention Training Is May 11

QPR stands for question, persuade and refer. It is an evidenced-based, 1-hour training program to help faculty, staff and students respond to someone in a mental health crisis and thinking about suicide. Participants will learn how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, offer hope, get help and save a life. This training will be held via Zoom 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 11. Register here and see more workshops.

The Long Path to Law

Sarah Clemens always dreamed about becoming a lawyer, and at 33, she’ll finally be realizing her dream. This month, Clemens will graduate from the University of Idaho with her law degree. After the graduation ceremony, she’ll embark on a two-year clerkship with Chief Justice Bevan at the Idaho Supreme Court. Once she’s done, she hopes to focus on appellate work with the office of the attorney general for the state. Read more.

U of I College of Law to Honor Elsaesser, Davis

The University of Idaho College of Law is honoring two alumni for their outstanding contributions to the legal profession during commencement ceremonies this month. Ford Elsaesser Jr. ’77 will receive the Sheldon A. Vincenti Award for Exemplary Service on May 15 in Moscow. Bart M. Davis ’80 will be presented the Faculty Award of Legal Merit on May 18 in Boise. Read more.

Congratulations to Honors Program Students Participating in the OUR Symposium

Congratulations to all 44 Honors Program students who participated in this year’s Office of Undergraduate Research Symposium on April 26.
 

Sustainability Center Awards Student Grants

The results from students who earned grants from the Sustainability Center are in. An aluminum recycling competition among fraternities and sororities led by Addie White led to the collection of more than 81,000 cans from 13 teams. White was awarded a $983 grant, and the winning houses won more than $600 for the charity of choice, paid in part from funds from the cans. Beth Hoots and Natalie Wiley were awarded $2,200 to install Smart energy meters in five fraternity and sorority houses. The meters will be used to conduct an energy-use competition between the houses. Annika Esau was awarded $2728.12 to replace a 12,500-square-foot section of lawn grass in front of the Hartung Theater with a drought-tolerant grass. The new grass will help reduce the volume of water needed to keep campus green and lighten the load on the reclaimed irrigation system.

• Interim Dean, College of Engineering
• University Honors Program Coordinator, Vice Provost for Academic Initiatives
• Information Reporting Analyst, Institutional Research
• Grant Administrator, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
• General Accounting Manager, University Controller
• Administrative Coordinator, University Honors Program
• Education Abroad Advisor and Outreach/Marketing Coordinator, International Programs
• IPO Program Coordinator, International Programs
• Senior Academic Coordinator, Academic Support Programs
• Department Chair, Department of History, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
• Program Technician, Boise, Center on Disabilities and Human Development
• Assistive Technology Consultant, Boise, Center on Disabilities and Human Development

View a complete listing of career opportunities available at the University of Idaho.

Commencement Volunteers Are Needed

U of I is holding eight commencement ceremonies this year, the bulk of which will be on the Moscow campus. We are excited to honor the accomplishments of our 2020 and 2021 graduates live and in-person. We need your help to ensure graduates and their guests are given an excellent Vandal experience. Consider volunteering for a 3 1/2-hour shift on Saturday or Sunday, May 15-16, to help greet guests, give directions, take tickets or push wheelchairs. Register online.
 

Participate in Cap & Gown Hand-Me-Down May 15-21

No plans for your regalia after graduation? Pass it to the next Vandal grad. Join Honors Program senior Hannah Daly and the Honors Program in Cap & Gown Hand-Me-Down May 15-21. Hannah started the program this year after realizing there were no sustainable or cost-saving options when she went to purchase her own graduation regalia. Hannah is graduating in landscape architecture and has been part of the Honors Program since her freshman year. Caps and gowns (or gowns only if the cap is decorated; no tassels, please) can be dropped off at three campus locations: ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center (West Exit) May 15-16; Living Learning Communities (LLC, Information Desk) May 15-21; and Bruce M. Pitman Center (Campus Visit Office) May 17-21 until 4 p.m. For more information, contact honors@uidaho.edu.
 

Trainings on Faculty-Led Assessment and Program Review Are Today

Join Assessment and Accreditation for live trainings via Zoom in support of new assessment initiatives at the University of Idaho. All training sessions will be offered today, May 7 and recorded for those who can’t attend live. The training times are: Co-Curricular Assessment and Program Review (APR), 9 a.m.; Academic APR, 10 a.m.; and Faculty-Led Assessment at 11 a.m. More information on each can be found on the training page.
 

U of I Begins Summer Hours Monday, May 17

The University of Idaho will begin operating on its summer schedule starting Monday, May 17. Business hours will be 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Summer hours will be effective through Friday, Aug. 20.
 

VandalStar Summer Directory Changes Due May 14

Forward VandalStar Services Directory updates for the Summer 2021 term by Friday, May 14. If you are a program or service currently in the directory that need changes made to your VandalStar page for the summer (such as business hours, service delivery options, members listed, etc.), email them to VandalStar@uidaho.edu with instructions. The VandalStar Directory is an online, one-stop-shop that provides students an easy way to explore, find and connect to resources and services on campus. It has a search bar at the top of the page for key word and VandalStar user searches. Currently, more than 50 university services and programs are highlighted.

Storying Extinction

Idaho mountain caribou were Ice Age relics in the Lower 48 that the world left behind. Chris Lamb and Jack Kredell, University of Idaho English graduate students, are raising awareness of the caribou’s former existence in the southern Selkirk Mountains by compiling oral histories from biologists, conservation officers and about 20 residents who encountered the animal. Read more.

Advertising Team Places Second in Regional Competition

The University of Idaho placed second in the region during the virtual National Student Advertising Competition on April 20. Dane Claussen, lecturer of strategic communications, chose Maya Clark and Margot Vietri to be the team’s leaders (account executives). Other team members included: Andres Borales-Rosales, Saydee Brass, Kiera Carney, Jensen McNabb, Julia Moore, Olivia Nelson, Elizabeth Rabdau, Aliya Reames, Jethro Shorman, Kerigan Smith and Andrea Wadsworth. Teams submitted a 20-page plan book for a Tinder advertising campaign and a 15-minute video presenting the plan book. Teams also participated in a question-and-answer session with the competition’s three judges, who were advertising agency executives. Idaho State University placed first in the competition, which also included Washington State University and the University of Oregon.
 

Awesome support, Ron Perry

Ron Perry, web designer for the College of Natural Resources, is always quick to respond and ready to help over the phone or via Zoom. You can always count on Ron to have a great sense of humor and a positive solution-oriented attitude. Thank you for all that you do, Ron.

• Interim Dean, College of Engineering
• University Honors Program Coordinator, Vice Provost for Academic Initiatives
• Information Reporting Analyst, Institutional Research
• Grant Administrator, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
• General Accounting Manager, University Controller
• Administrative Coordinator, University Honors Program
• Education Abroad Advisor and Outreach/Marketing Coordinator, International Programs
• IPO Program Coordinator, International Programs
• Senior Academic Coordinator, Academic Support Programs
• Department Chair, Department of History, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
• Program Technician, Boise, Center on Disabilities and Human Development
• Assistive Technology Consultant, Boise, Center on Disabilities and Human Development

View a complete listing of career opportunities available at the University of Idaho.

Join a Celebration of Collaboration Today

Celebrate the people who improve the learning of our students through community-engaged teaching, learning, service and scholarship during the Celebration of Collaboration 3-5 p.m. today, May 6, via Zoom. More than just a celebration, this is an opportunity for all community members and engaged scholars to learn about and connect with one another, strengthen existing partnerships and discuss how we can strengthen the student experience and communities through service learning and engagement. Learn more and register.
 

Next OTT ‘StartUp Stories’ Speaker Is Christopher Nomura

The next in the series of Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) “StartUp Stories” speakers is Christopher Nomura, 2 p.m. today, May 6, via Zoom. Nomura is vice president for research and economic development and a professor of biochemistry in the Department of Biological Sciences at U of I. “StartUp Stories” is an OTT speaker series that features interviews and Q&As with researchers who have created startups and also business owners who have partnered with researchers to create marketable products. The aim is to introduce faculty researchers to the process involved in commercializing their discoveries and to help them envision real-world applications.
 

Watch Honors Thesis Student Presentations

The University Honors Program Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Forum in which students present their honors thesis statements is 3-6 p.m. today, May 6. In-person presentations are limited to 20 people in TLC 122, and Zoom sessions are also available. The schedule and Zoom links include: Vincent Groner, Chemistry, College of Science, “From Complexing to Catalyzing: The Arylazothioformamide Ligand and its Binding Capabilities,” 3-4 p.m.; Dasyre Sires, Psychology, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, “Experimental Evolution: Identifying Pathways of Viral Resistance,” 4-5 p.m.; and Hana Haakenstad, Environmental Science, College of Natural Resources, “Zooplankton and Hypolimnetic Anoxia: Daphnia’s Spatial Responses to Depleted Oxygen in Their Lowlight, Deep Habitat,” 5-6 p.m. Email honors@uidaho.edu with questions.
 

Pitkin Annual Plant Sale Is May 7-8

The Franklin H. Pitkin Forest Nursery annual plant sale is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow, May 7, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at the nursery, 1025 Plant Science Road. A wide selection of native hardwood and conifer trees as well as native shrubs will be available for sale in 1-gallon pots and root plugs. Face masks and social distancing are required. Pre-sale plant reservations are not allowed. Call 208-885-1004 or email seedlings@uidaho.edu for more information.
 

Writing Center Offers Zoom Drop-In Hours

The Writing Center offers Zoom drop-in assistance at the following times: from noon to 2 p.m. on Mondays; 2-4 p.m. on Tuesdays; from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays; 2-4 p.m. on Thursdays; and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays.

Stahlke ‘Humbled’ by Biology Graduate Work

When Amanda Stahlke started her doctoral work in the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, she intended to begin by assembling and analyzing the genome of the tamarisk beetle system that has been the focus of her research for years. Now, nearing graduation, she is finally finishing the analyses and genome assemblies that she thought would be her first step. “I’ve been humbled by the task that this actually is,” she said. Read more.

• University Honors Program Coordinator, Vice Provost for Academic Initiatives
• Information Reporting Analyst, Institutional Research
• Grant Administrator, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
• General Accounting Manager, University Controller
• Administrative Coordinator, University Honors Program
• Education Abroad Advisor and Outreach/Marketing Coordinator, International Programs
• IPO Program Coordinator, International Programs
• Senior Academic Coordinator, Academic Support Programs
• Department Chair, Department of History, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
• Program Technician, Boise, Center on Disabilities and Human Development
• Assistive Technology Consultant, Boise, Center on Disabilities and Human Development

View a complete listing of career opportunities available at the University of Idaho.

Celebrate Women of the Year Winners at Athena’s End-of-Year Business Meeting

Join Athena to recognize this year’s Women of the Year recipients, Mercedes Frausto and Leda Kobziar, 4:30-5:30 p.m. today, May 5, via Zoom, during the End-of-Year Business Meeting. Alondra Castaneda will also be recognized as the Athena Student Excellence Award winner. This meeting is open to anyone who would like to celebrate this year’s award winners or learn more about Athena. Award recipients will also be recognized at an in-person event this fall.
 

Mobilizing Men Campus Masculinities Webinar Series Is Today

Register for Part 4 of the Mobilizing Men Campus Masculinities webinar series 5:30 p.m. today, May 5. This session features a panel of survivors of power-based personal violence discussing the ways the performance of masculinity in different social spaces impacted their experience. The event is sponsored by the University of Idaho’s Mobilizing Men committee, the Women’s Center and the Violence Prevention Programs Office. Register online.
 

Soil Stewards Plant Start Sale Is Tomorrow

The Soil Stewards club is holding a plant start sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow, May 6, outside the ISUB. Plant starts include tomatoes and peppers as well as various herbs. Fresh produce will also be available from the Hydroponics Club.
 

2021 Staff Appreciation Celebration Is Tomorrow

Join Staff Council at the VandalStore from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow, May 6, for the 2021 Staff Appreciation Celebration. There will be live music, games and gifts. All U of I staff are invited to pick up a staff appreciation gift with compliments from Staff Council and the President’s Office, as well as enjoy a 30% discount off Vandal gear. Discount includes free shipping for online orders to non-Moscow campuses. Use promo code SPRINGSTAFF21 if shopping online. Appreciation gifts for staff not located in Moscow will be shipped via USPS to their local center; staff will receive a communication detailing arrangements or a celebration at their campus in the future.
 

Trainings on Faculty-Led Assessment and Program Review Are May 7

Join Assessment and Accreditation Friday, May 7, for live trainings via Zoom in support of new assessment initiatives at the university. All training sessions will be recorded for those who can’t attend live. The training times are: Co-Curricular APR at 9 a.m., Academic APR at 10 a.m. and Faculty-Led Assessment at 11 a.m. Learn more on the assessment accreditation training page, where the recordings will be posted following the session.
 

Learn About the Vandal Ideas Project

The Vandal Ideas Project (VIP) is a competitive university-wide grant program to stimulate bold new ideas that support our strategic goals. In response to a request from Faculty Senate, $50,000 is available to support projects that have potential to either increase enrollment — both new student recruitment as well as retention — or other projects that generate new revenue. VIP funding will come from the university’s recent P3 transaction. As required by that transaction, all proposals must demonstrate potential for revenue generation. Proposals are due by 5 p.m. Thursday, May 13, and must be submitted to provost@uidaho.edu.
 

Submit Summer VandalStar Directory Changes

The VandalStar team is updating the VandalStar online Services Directory Listing for the Summer 2021 term. Email program or service updates to VandalStar@uidaho.edu by Friday, May 14. The VandalStar Directory is an online, one-stop-shop list that provides students an easy way to explore, find and connect to resources and services on campus. Currently, more than 50 university services and programs are highlighted in the directory.
 

Think Open Fellowships Are Accepting Applications

The 2021-22 Think Open Fellows program is accepting proposals from faculty and graduate students who are interested in transitioning an upcoming course to an open or other low-cost textbook solution. Think Open Fellowships provide faculty and graduate students who commit to using open or other low-cost resources in an upcoming semester a $1,200 award. Applications are open through Friday, May 28. Learn more.
 

Survey on Open Access Publishing Is Available

Are you interested in open access publishing and receiving financial support to publish in open access journals? Consider sharing your feedback through a survey that should not take more than 15 minutes to complete and will ensure the Open Access Publishing Fund continues to meet the needs of the campus community. Email Jylisa Doney at jylisadoney@uidaho.edu or Jeremy Kenyon at jkenyon@uidaho.edu with questions.

Savoring Idaho’s Forgotten Fruits

Bite into a crisp, crimson-cloaked Strawberry Parfait apple and you’ll find just that — hints of strawberry flavor and flesh the color of strawberries in cream. With complex flavor profiles and unique names, it’s hard to imagine fruit like this could ever be forgotten. If you don’t like the Strawberry Parfait, try any of the other 67 varieties of rare and heirloom apples grown at the University of Idaho’s Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center and you’re sure to find one you enjoy. Read more.

U of I Offers Summer Music Camp

The University of Idaho Lionel Hampton School of Music continues the tradition of the Lionel Hampton Music Camp from Monday, June 21, through Thursday, June 24. This summer’s camp will offer the same fun and music-making for high school and middle school instrumentalists and singers, but in a new livestreaming format that allows campers to perform alongside U of I faculty and counselors. Cost is $50. Read more.

U of I Law Student Hopes to Inspire Son, Young Women to Follow Their Dreams

This story written by Rachel Spacek was published in the Idaho Press in Nampa on May 1.

As a single mother who took a long break between college and law school, Nicole Robles hopes to be a role model for her son, niece and other young women to show them you “you can break those barriers.” Read more. 

University Excellence Award Winners Are Announced

The 2020-21 University Excellence Award Winners are now featured on the celebration website. These awards are given to faculty, staff and graduate students who have shown exemplary dedication to U of I. They are a long-standing tradition with the aim of recognizing and encouraging academic excellence. Congratulations to all the honorees this year.
 

CEHHS Students Place at Research Symposium

The College of Education, Health and Human Sciences Student Research Symposium showcases the research, scholarship and creative works of students. Many students competed in last month’s inaugural event. Undergraduate oral presentation winners included Devin Green, first; and Alexandro Johnson and Caden Gatlin, second. Graduate oral presentation winners were Lukas Krumpl, first; Rachel Freedman, second; and Julie Poynsenby, third. Undergraduate poster presentation winners included Laura Spataro, first; McKenna Cobbley, second; and Annebelle Lyne, third. Graduate poster presentation winners were Samantha Brooks, first; Youngmin Chun, second; and Eulalia Gallegos Bulitron and Chris Merica, third.

• University Honors Program Coordinator, Vice Provost for Academic Initiatives
• Information Reporting Analyst, Institutional Research
• Grant Administrator, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
• General Accounting Manager, University Controller
• Administrative Coordinator, University Honors Program
• Education Abroad Advisor and Outreach/Marketing Coordinator, International Programs
• IPO Program Coordinator, International Programs
• Senior Academic Coordinator, Academic Support Programs
• Department Chair, Department of History, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
• Program Technician, Boise, Center on Disabilities and Human Development
• Assistive Technology Consultant, Boise, Center on Disabilities and Human Development
• Special Education Statewide Instructional Coordinator, Center on Disabilities and Human Development
• Vice Provost for Digital Learning Initiatives
• Self-Advocate Train the Trainer Coordinator, Center on Disabilities and Human Development

View a complete listing of career opportunities available at the University of Idaho.

Commencement Volunteers Are Needed

U of I is holding eight commencement ceremonies this year, the bulk of which will be on the Moscow campus. We are excited to honor the accomplishments of our 2020 and 2021 graduates live and in-person. We need your help to ensure graduates and their guests are given an excellent Vandal experience. Consider volunteering for a 3 1/2-hour shift on Saturday or Sunday, May 15-16, to help greet guests, give directions, take tickets or push wheelchairs. Register online.
 

Next OTT ‘StartUp Stories’ Speaker Is Christopher Nomura

The next in the series of Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) “StartUp Stories” speakers is Christopher Nomura, 2 p.m. Thursday, May 6, via Zoom. Nomura is vice president for research and economic development and a professor of biochemistry in the Department of Biological Sciences at U of I. “StartUp Stories” is an OTT speaker series that features interviews and Q&As with researchers who have created startups, and also business owners who have partnered with researchers to create marketable products. The aim is to introduce faculty researchers to the process involved in commercializing their discoveries and to help them envision real-world applications.
 

Join a Celebration of Collaboration May 6

Celebrate the people who improve the learning of our students through community engaged teaching, learning, service and scholarship during the Celebration of Collaboration, 3-5 p.m. Thursday, May 6, via Zoom. More than just a celebration, this is an opportunity for all community members and engaged scholars to learn about and connect with one another, strengthen existing partnerships and discuss how we can strengthen the student experience and communities through service learning and engagement. Learn more and register.
 

Next Wine Down Wednesday Is May 19

Learn about the spring release of Vandals Uncorked during the next Wine Down Wednesday, 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, via Zoom. This curated selection of four premium wines each has a Vandal connection. Bring questions for the winemakers. Register online.