View news from this page and other flood-related resources at the UI Flood Recovery Web site.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Mold facts now available en español

A fact sheet offering answers to questions about how to identify and eliminate mold caused by flooding is now available in Spanish in PDF format by clicking here. The fact sheet was produced by the University of Iowa College of Public Health and the University Hygienic Laboratory. For more flood-related health tips, go here.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

UI Police remind students of Nite Ride, note flood-related service

University of Iowa Police would like to remind students that they offer the Nite Ride van service between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. seven days a week. Women may get a safe, free ride home by dialing 319-384-1111. Callers are connected with the van driver, who can provide the van's current location and an estimated pickup time.

An academic route, which operates Sundays through Thursdays, picks up passengers at any UI parking lot, ramp or building (except for residence halls and University Housing) and drops them off at any UI parking lot, ramp or building including residence halls, University Housing and apartments within the specified boundaries.

The downtown route, which operates Fridays and Saturdays, is staged at Clinton and Washington streets and is bounded by Summit Street to the east, University Housing (Hawkeye Campus) to the west, Highway 6 and Melrose Avenue to the south, and Highway 6/Park Road/Foster Road to the north.

Additionally, Nite Ride is serving academic facilities relocated because of the flood, even if they are temporarily housed in non-UI buildings. These include the Studio Arts Building (formerly Menards) on Highway 1, where many of the arts studio and studio faculty offices are located; the School of Music's "Clinton Street Music 375" and "Clinton Street Music 376" near the Iowa City Main Post Office and Johnson County Courthouse; and the Department of Theatre Arts' main offices in Brewery Square, North Linn Street, above the restaurant Devotay.

For more information, including a link to a map of the route, visit http://www.uiowa.edu/~pubsfty/nite.htm.

UI Police step up patrols in areas where Blue Caps are out of order

Half of the University of Iowa's Blue Cap emergency phone stations scattered across campus are out of order because of direct flood damage or because nearby buildings that provide power to them are not yet fully operational.

Eleven of the 22 stations are still working (12 including a wall-mounted unit located inside the Lindquist Center), while 11 remain out of order, according to UI Police. Most of the units that are out of order are located near the arts campus and along the river.

Police have wrapped the broken units in red plastic and posted signs noting that they're out of order and directing pedestrians with cell phones to call 911 if there is an emergency. They've also stepped up patrols in areas where the Blue Caps are out of order.

Officials are working to get all of the units up and running as soon as possible. Until then, they urge pedestrians to stay away from construction zones and parts of campus that aren't well lit, to walk with friends, especially late at night, and to report any suspicious activity to police.

UI engineers begin yearlong study of flood pollutants in Cedar Rapids Aug. 26

The Flood of 2008 and the pollutants it left in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, will be the focus of a yearlong, $100,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) study by University of Iowa researchers in cooperation with the Linn County Board of Supervisors beginning Tuesday, Aug. 26.

Project principal investigators Keri Hornbuckle and Thanos Papanicolaou, professors of civil and environmental engineering and researchers at IIHR-Hydroscience and Engineering, say that they and about a dozen UI undergraduate and graduate students will begin collecting soil samples from lawns adjacent to roadways and grassy land within the flood zone of the city at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26.

"We hope to determine the major sources of the mud and sediments that the flood waters left behind," Hornbuckle said. "We will measure radionuclides, stable isotopes of nitrogen and carbon, and persistent organic pollutants such as PCBs (persistent, toxic industrial chemicals banned decades ago) and chlordanes (insecticides used on lawns, gardens, corn and other crops) in Cedar Rapids sediments to trace the suspension, transport and deposition of sediments within Cedar Rapids.

"Although much of the mud and muck has disappeared, we are confident that the chemicals needed for their research remain," she said. She added that Linda Langston, chair of the Linn County Board of Supervisors, will be a key person in the overview of data collection sites.

Researchers will be equipped with small shovels, sampling jars and bags, GPS units, and clipboards. The goal is to collect about 400 soil samples from grassy areas of the city, with additional sampling conducted in the Cedar River and Cedar Lake via a boat through core sampling and bed load sediment measurements. Used as a cooling lake for the Sixth Street Generating Station and having an average depth of less than four feet, Cedar Lake is especially important because it is contaminated with chlordanes and PCBs.

"The origin of the sediments that now cover the city of Cedar Rapids is the focus of this project. We hypothesize that the sediments originated from at least three major sources including in-stream, stream bank sediments, and Cedar Lake sediments," Hornbuckle said.

Papanicolaou noted that the erosion of bank sediments is a key process in river dynamics, affecting a wide range of physical, ecological and socio-economic issues within a river drainage area and that the impact of bank erosion can be severe and further exacerbated due to flooding.

Hornbuckle and Papanicolaou said that the project and its findings will be of interest to the city as well as their fellow engineers. The project will use state-of-the-art measurement techniques, and the strategy being tested can be used by other researchers to track sediments in similar floods.

The UI researchers are scheduled to report their findings to the National Science Foundation by July 2009.

STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa News Services, 300 Plaza Centre One, Suite 371, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-2500

MEDIA CONTACTS: Keri Hornbuckle, UI College of Engineering, 319-331-3053, keri-hornbuckle@uiowa.edu; Thanos Papanicolaou, UI College of Engineering, 319-321-0483, athanasios-papanicolaou@uiowa.edu; Gary Galluzzo, University News Services, 319-384-0009, gary-galluzzo@uiowa.edu

NOTE TO EDITORS: News media are invited to attend the Tuesday, Aug. 26, kick-off of the Cedar Rapids flood pollutants study. UI researchers will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, at the intersection of 3rd Street SE and 11th Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids prior to dispersing throughout the city to collect soil samples at various sites. Reporters can learn the current location of UI researchers by contacting UI Principal Investigator Keri Hornbuckle via cell phone at 319-331-3053.

UI issues flood recovery report to Regents for Aug. 25, 2008

The University of Iowa’s report to the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, on the campus flood recovery status, dated Aug. 25, 2008, is now available online in PDF format. To view the report, click here. To view archived reports, click here.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Note to news media on delayed opening of Studio Arts

The University of Iowa had hoped to have Studio Arts (Menards building) open by Monday, Aug. 25, but officials are delaying the opening until Wednesday, Aug. 27 in order to get the building completely ready. Media are being informed in case they were planning to do a story on its opening.  

To view a note sent to students affected by the delay, click here. If you need more elaboration on this, call Vice Provost Tom Rocklin at 319-331-1951.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

IMU status updated

David L. Grady, associate vice president and director of the Iowa Memorial Union, issued the following update on the status of the IMU to University of Iowa deans, directors and departmental executive officers today:

As the fall semester approaches, I wanted to provide you with an update on the flood recovery of the Iowa Memorial Union, the status of its operations, and the temporary locations of some of its offices.

The cleaning process is now finished and the mechanical restoration work has begun. We are working to have floors one to three of the IMU open to the public by mid-semester. We will provide updates to the UI community as the work progresses and we are able to determine a firm opening date.

In the meantime, many important activities and services provided in the IMU continue to operate and provide critical services to the UI community. The Office of Student Life is temporarily housed in W300 Seashore Hall. Important student programs will continue so that students are provided with meaningful and relevant out-of-classroom experiences.
  • The University Book Store is ready for the fall semester. The University Book Store is located in University Capitol Centre (Old Capitol Town Center) on the first floor. Textbooks that have been ordered by faculty will be available for students. The bookstore’s Apple Campus Store is also located on the first floor of the University Capitol Centre. 
  • IMU Catering continues to provide on-campus catering. Catering sales can be contacted at 335.3114 to place orders. We are also pleased to announce the appointment of a new Executive Chef. Chef Donovan Campbell brings to the UI a great deal of culinary skill and creativity. Classically trained at Le Cordon Bleu culinary academy, with Pan Asian expertise, Chef Donovan held executive chef positions at Bellagio Hotel Resort Inc., Wynn Las Vegas Hotel & Resort Inc., and Event Solutions in southern California. 
  • Plans are to open The Iowa House Hotel around the same time as the other parts of the IMU this fall. The Hotel is accepting reservations for dates after January 1, 2009. Please call 335.3513 to make reservations. 
  • The Campus Information Center is located on the first floor of the University Capitol Centre. 
  • Departments and individuals with reservations for meeting room space and Iowa House Hotel rooms are being notified if we are not able to provide space as a result of the flooding. 
Other relocations include:
  • University Box Office—first floor of the University Capitol Centre (south end near parking ramp) 
  • IMU Human Resources—2840 University Capitol Centre 
  • IowaOne Card Office (ID Card)—Jessup Hall, Room 3 
  • University of Iowa Community Credit Union—500 Iowa Avenue 
Please check our Web site for updated information: http://imu.uiowa.edu/ and also the University of Iowa Flood Recovery Web site: http://www.uiowa.edu/floodrecovery/. A map of IMU locations in the University Capitol Centre can be found at this Web site: http://www.uiowa.edu/floodrecovery/fall/bookstore.html

The IMU has been an important community center for the University of Iowa since 1925. Although we have had a slight setback as a result of the flooding, we plan to come back better and to provide the quality services and programs that you and our students expect. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Media briefing on flood update cancelled

The media briefing on the University of Iowa's flood recovery status has been cancelled.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

CANCELLED * UI to offer flood recovery update at media briefing Thursday * CANCELLED

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED

WHAT: University of Iowa officials will provide an update to news media on the UI's flood recovery and mitigation efforts.

WHO: UI President Sally Mason; Lola Lopes, senior advisor; and Don Guckert, associate vice president of facilities management.

WHEN: Noon Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008.

WHERE: W401 of the John Pappajohn Business Building (which houses the Henry B. Tippie College of Business) on Clinton Street just north of the Pentacrest. View a map of the building here: http://www.uiowa.edu/%7Emaps/p/pbb1.htm

STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa News Services, 300 Plaza Centre One, Suite 371, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-2500.

CONTACT: Linda Kettner, 319-384-0030, linda-kettner@uiowa.edu

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

UI issues flood recovery report to Regents for Aug. 18, 2008

The University of Iowa’s report to the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, on the campus flood recovery status, dated Aug. 18, 2008, is now available online in PDF format. To view the report, click here. To view archived reports, click here.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Selected Iowa Memorial Union Offices on the Move Again

Several units normally housed in the Iowa Memorial Union have moved to new temporary quarters. The Office of Student Life, Student Government and several related offices have moved to Seashore Hall. IMU Marketing and Design has moved to Seashore as well.

Guest and Event Services, Catering Operations and Sales, Iowa House Hotel Administration, and IMU Information Systems have moved to 868 S. Capitol Street.

The University Box Office, along with IMU Administration and Human Resources offices have moved to the University Capitol Center.

For more details, see http://www.uiowa.edu/floodrecovery/getting-around/unit-relocations.html

Need help? Want to offer help?

Members of the UI community are encouraged to log onto this website with their HAWKID to list needs or to volunteer help or household items: www.uiowa.edu/floodrecovery/uihelp.html. Needs will change, so please check the site frequently to see how you can help.

Monday, August 11, 2008

UI reopens Hancher footbridge

The University of Iowa will reopen the Hancher Auditorium footbridge at 7 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12. The bridge has been inspected by Shive-Hattery and determined to be safe for use.

UI Facilities Management and Public Safety officials urge pedestrians to use caution on the Arts Campus walkways as much flood recovery work continues in that area. During the next couple of weeks, contractors will be removing flood-control levees. This work, in conjunction with building recovery work, will result in high vehicle and equipment traffic in that area.

The Iowa Memorial Union footbridge remains closed.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Hancher, Voxman and Theatre Building tour set for Aug. 13

WHAT: University of Iowa officials will lead a post-flood media tour of the University of Iowa's Hancher Auditorium, Voxman Music Building and Theatre Building.

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008, starting in front of Hancher Auditorium.

WHO: The tours will be guided by Chuck Swanson, executive director of Hancher; Mark O. Weiger, oboe professor, collegiate fellow and associate director and summer director of the School of Music; Alan MacVey, chair of the UI Department of Theatre Arts and director of the Division of Performing Arts; and Rod Lehnertz, director of campus planning with UI Facilities Management.

WHY: To provide an opportunity for members of the media to witness firsthand and photograph and videotape the progress being made in the flood recovery efforts in these buildings.

WHERE: Hancher Auditorium. To view a map, see http://www.uiowa.edu/%7Emaps/h/ha1.htm

Voxman Music Building. To view a map, see http://www.uiowa.edu/%7Emaps/v/vmb1.htm

Theatre Building. To view a map, see http://www.uiowa.edu/%7Emaps/t/tb1.htm

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Those participating in the tours MUST wear closed-toe shoes for their protection.

STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa Arts Center Relations, 300 Plaza Centre One, Suite 351, Iowa City, IA 52242-2500

MEDIA CONTACT: Peter Alexander, 319-384-0072; peter-alexander@uiowa.edu

END

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Information for fall semester students

The Office of the Registrar has distributed the following information to UI students registered for the fall semester:

Welcome to The University of Iowa! August is here and Fall Semester classes begin on August 25. We hope you were not affected by the extreme flooding Iowa City encountered this summer, but if so, we hope your recovery efforts are going smoothly. The University has been diligently working to restore campus buildings that were affected by the flood water. Please note that several buildings will not be open this fall, but we will keep you informed of the changes that take place.

Every student should check their fall class schedule on ISIS for the most current information on classroom relocations that may affect them. Please check your class schedule right before classes begin in case additional changes in rooms and buildings have been made to your schedule.

LOGGING ONTO ISIS: If you are not sure how to log onto ISIS, check http://hawkid.uiowa.edu/ to identify your HawkID. If you are still unable to login, contact the ITS help desk at 319-384-4357 or send an e-mail to its-helpdesk@uiowa.edu .

IF YOU ARE NOT RETURNING TO THE UNIVERSITY THIS FALL: You must drop your entire fall registration before August 25 to reduce your fall tuition liability to zero. You can do this by: (1) logging onto ISIS and dropping all your fall courses by 11:59 p.m., August 24; or (2) fax a letter no later than August 25, signed by you and including your name and University ID number to the Office of the Registrar (fax number 319-335-1999), stating your intention to withdraw your entire fall registration; or (3) send a letter via U.S. mail, postmarked no later than August 25, signed by you and including your name and University ID number to Office of the Registrar, ATTN: Withdrawal Clerk, 1 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242, stating your intention to withdraw your entire fall registration. Residence hall contracts must be cancelled separately by sending the same information to University Housing, 8 Burge Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242. Please use ISIS to keep your residing address current, even if you will not be enrolled for fall semester.

IF YOU ARE ATTENDING CLASSES AT THE UNIVERSITY THIS FALL: Classes begin on Monday, August 25, so you still have time to make changes to your schedule. You can revise your schedule on ISIS up until midnight Sunday, August 24. Beginning Monday, August 25, all changes in registration for semester-length courses must be processed at the Registrar's Service Center, 17 Calvin Hall, using an Add or Drop form with signatures of both advisor (except for students in the Tippie College of Business) and the instructor of the course and/or dean of the college (when required). Forms to add or drop courses can be obtained at the Registrar's site.

If the course has a beginning date on the ISIS course listing screen, it may be added through ISIS until the day the course begins. If no date is listed, the course begins at the start of the semester.

The last day to add a semester-length course is the 10th day of the semester. Monday, September 8, is the last day to add a semester-length course without dean's approval. September 8 also is the last day to drop a semester-length course without a "W" and the last day to process changes in registration without a $10 charge.

Schedule adjustments for courses taught by the Evening MBA Program must be made at W160 Pappajohn Business Building.

YOUR UNIVERSITY BILL: The August University Bill is due August 27. The minimum periodic payment needs to be paid by August 27 or your ability to charge items to your University Bill with your ID Card will be restricted. You can view your bill or pay online by logging onto ISIS, click on the “University-Bill” link, then the “Pay U-Bill” button. The University of Iowa Community Credit Union at 500 Iowa Avenue will accept U-Bill payments by check or cash.

Excess financial aid refunds will be in your bank account the first day of class if you have provided bank information for an ACH direct deposit. Log onto ISIS, then “Student Records,” and the link “Bank Information – Financial Aid Refund.”

Institutional UI loans are no longer billed through the U-Bill, but through our loan servicer, ECSI. Any past due amount for those loan payments will result in the same restrictions on charging ability with your ID Card. For more information, go to http://www.uiowa.edu/~fussla.

CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER ON ISIS: You can change your residing, home, and parent address on ISIS, as well as place or remove restrictions on your residing address and/or phone number. To access this feature, click on "Student Records" and then on "Restrict or Unrestrict Student Information." If you are not residing in a University residence hall and/or the address or phone number shown on ISIS is NOT correct, you should update ISIS. Enter changes in ISIS as soon as possible after your residing address or phone number has been determined.

IMPORTANT DATES/TUITION AND FEE SCHEDULES: Refer to important dates for the Fall Semester on the Registrar's site. You can print a PDF version, if you like. You also can access your own course deadlines by clicking on the "Course Deadlines Lookup" link on the Registrar’s web site or on ISIS in the Quick Links/Tips box after you login.

The tuition and fee schedules are at http://www.registrar.uiowa.edu/tuition. You can review your tuition and fee assessment as well as your University account on ISIS. In the Quick Links/Tips box, click on University Bill.

IMPORTANCE OF AN E-MAIL ACCOUNT: For those of you who are starting your first semester at the University, the Registrar's Office communicates with all students using e-mail and ISIS rather than U.S. Mail. Thus, it is important to maintain an accurate e-mail address and to check your e-mail regularly.

If you have questions, you can e-mail our office at registrar@uiowa.edu. Have an outstanding fall semester!

Monday, August 4, 2008

Post-flood media tours of Art Building West, UI Museum of Art

Post-flood media tours of the Art Building West and the University of Iowa Museum of Art will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6. To view the complete media advisory, visit http://news-releases.uiowa.edu/2008/august/080408art_media_tour.html

UI rations chilled water Monday, Aug. 4 due to high temperatures, heat advisory

The University of Iowa is rationing chilled water on the UI East Campus from about 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. today, Monday, Aug. 4 because of the warm temperatures, very high humidity and the fact that two of the temporary chillers on East Campus are offline for repairs, according to Ken Lloyd, senior engineer with UI Facilities Management.

The chilled water load on West Campus will also be high. While rationing is not anticipated on West Campus today, some warming in the chilled water distribution loop and in West Campus buildings may be noticed because of the high cooling load.

The weather is expected to remain hot through Monday, Aug. 4 and Tuesday, Aug. 5, with the possibility of thunderstorms tonight and cooler temperatures later in the week. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory today for Eastern Iowa area from 11 a.m. through 7 p.m.