Center for Communication Excellence

New Graduate Student Orientation is only one week away! 🎉

Join us on Thursday, August 20, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Student Innovation Center. Orientation is a great opportunity to learn about university resources, receive important onboarding information, explore professional development opportunities, and connect with fellow graduate students from across Iowa State.

Lunch and ISU Creamery ice cream will be provided! 🍦 Be sure to review the event schedule and breakout-session options in advance so you can plan your day.

We’re excited to welcome you to Iowa State and help you begin your graduate journey! ❤️💛

Orientation is next week!!! Today's breakout session highlight is for our new international students. New non-TA international graduate students are encouraged to meet the International Students and Scholars Office team during this essential orientation breakout session. Learn about immigration regulations and work authorization options, ask questions, and connect with staff who are ready to support you throughout your Iowa State journey.

📅 Thursday, August 20
🕝 2:30–3:30 p.m.
📍 Hoover Hall 2055

We look forward to welcoming you!

You're online, but you're not on your own. Graduate Student Orientation is coming up soon! Join our virtual session especially for online and hybrid students to meet other graduate students, discover key resources, and learn where to turn for support throughout your journey at Iowa State. Join us virtually on August 20th from 12:30-1:30pm and start off the year strong.

Register here: https://go.iastate.edu/FYNHGN

New graduate students, mark the calendar! 🎓

The Graduate College’s Fall 2026 New Graduate Student Orientation will take place Thursday, August 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with check-in opening at 9:00 a.m.

This event is a great way to learn about university-wide resources and services, receive important onboarding information, and connect with fellow graduate students from across campus. Lunch and ISU Creamery ice cream will be provided.

📍 Marston Water Tower / Student Innovation Center
🔗 Learn More: https://www.grad-college.iastate.edu/event/fall-2026-graduate-student-orientation ://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/sv_bjtjyfdupsb98yc

More than 50 participants joined us for the Graduate Mentor Training Workshop, an interactive event designed for graduate students who supervise undergraduate researchers and want to strengthen their mentoring skills.

Attendees explored essential mentoring practices, heard insights from four experienced faculty panelists, and engaged in hands-on activities focused on real-world mentoring scenarios. A special thank you to Dr. Donald Sakaguchi for joining us as the invited key speaker and to everyone who helped make this workshop a success.

Thank you to all who attended and continue to support strong, thoughtful mentorship across Iowa State!

Summer intramurals are back for graduate students! ☀️🏐🏀⚽️🏸

The Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) and the Grad Mixer Club have partnered with ISU Student Health and Wellness to offer graduate students no-cost access to intramural sports this summer.

Graduate students can participate in FREE summer sports leagues through Iowa State Recreation Services, including sand volleyball, pickleball doubles, basketball pickup, 3x3 soccer, and badminton doubles.

Students who are not taking summer classes can participate without a gym membership.

Registration is open May 14–28. Scan the QR code or visit the Recreation Services website under Intramural Sports for registration details.

Stay active, connect with other graduate students, and have some fun this summer!

https://cyclonehealth.iastate.edu/recreation/im/schedule

The I-Corps program is a five-week training experience designed for innovators to explore the commercial potential of their technology or ideas. The curriculum focuses on customer discovery to support the transition of research, devices, processes, or intellectual work into the marketplace or broader societal impact. Teams that complete the program are eligible to receive up to $1,500 in travel reimbursement to support continued customer discovery efforts.

Kickoff session: May 22

https://greatlakesicorps.org/programs/regional-icorps/isu/

🎉 Congratulations to Heather Greenlee on being named dean of the Iowa State University Graduate College!

Greenlee has been a dedicated leader within the Graduate College, supporting graduate education, student success, and program growth across the university. We look forward to her continued leadership and vision for graduate education at Iowa State. 💛❤️

https://www.inside.iastate.edu/article/2026/05/14/greenlee-named-graduate-college-dean