The Graduate Program in Seed Technology & Business (STB) will host its second bi-annual, on-campus Student Orientation at Iowa State University (ISU), Friday, June 21, 2019, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The orientation provides attendees with a fun opportunity to meet and network with fellow STB students while learning about the resources available to them at ISU. This event is NOT just for new students, STB staff encourage students at all stages in the program to attend. In fact, this year we will have two sessions in the afternoon that cover the final creative component project, including a creative component planning session.
We understand that some students may not be able to make it because of the distance, that is totally fine! Many sessions during the day will be recorded and shared later for anyone who cannot attend.
STB Orientation Schedule
June 21, 2019, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Meet in Room #191, Seed Science Center, Iowa State University
- 8:00 am – Check-in and Continental Breakfast provided
- 8:30 am – STB Program Welcome and Overview
- Introduction to the E-Library led by Anita Kay, ISU program librarian
- Effective Academic Writing led by Deborah Burns, ISU program writing consultant
- 12:00 pm – Lunch provided, STB Students, Faculty, and Staff (Burrito Buffet-ISU Catering)
- 1:00 pm – Intro to the Creative Component Project/Final Oral Defense-
- Special guest panel of STB alumni to discuss their experiences writing the final project and preparing for the final oral defense
- Campus Tour, ISU Card, and Bookstore
- Seed Science Center Tour (OR)
- Break-out session with program writing consultant, Deborah Burns
- Creative Component Planning Session
- 4:45 pm – Final Question Session, Photos
- 5:00 pm – Adjourn
Participants in the STB Orientation are not exempt from campus parking regulations. If you are planning to park on campus during the STB Orientation, you will be emailed a free visitor permit to be used in the General Staff campus parking lots.
Visitor Permit
Approximately one week before the STB Orientation, a visitor parking permit will be emailed to you to print and place in your vehicle. Visitor parking permits are valid only when placed in the driver’s side of the front windshield facing forward. The permit is granted to the person participating in the orientation and is not transferable to any other person or vehicle.
- Visitor permits are only valid for Friday, June 21.
- Visitor permits are only valid in General Staff lots – Map. (Suggested lots nearest to the Seed Science Center: #41, 79, 68)
- Not valid in red reserve lots/spaces or in RH Staff lots.
Pay for Parking
Pay for parking is also an option on the Iowa State University campus.
- Pay for parking can be located at the Memorial Union Parking Ramp. Entrances are from the south off of Lincoln Way and from the North off of Union Drive. Map
Hotel Accommodations*:
There are many hotels to choose from in Ames, Iowa. However, for your convenience, we have a limited number of rooms reserved for the STB 2019 Student Orientation participants at the Best Western Plus in Ames. If you choose to stay at the Best Western Plus, please make your reservation by communicating directly with the Best Western reservation department 515.296-2500 and ask for the appropriate STB Student Orientation block in order to receive the discounted rate. This discounted rate is offered for up to 30-days before the orientation and there are a limited number of rooms available. Check-in at the BW is 3:00 p.m. and check-out is 12:00 p.m. Complimentary breakfast is provided.
Best Western Plus
2500 University Boulevard
Ames, IA 50010
Phone: (515) 296-2500
Driving Directions to Best Western Plus: Exit 111B off of I-35 to head westbound on Hwy 30, travel west to Exit 146 and head south on University Boulevard. The Best Western Plus is on the East side of the road.
Alternative Accommodations:
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Bus Transportation – CyRide
The city of Ames and the ISU campus have a comprehensive bus service available for a nominal fee. You can check out the CyRide schedule and service times on their website.
Taxi Service – Cyclone Cab
Ames taxi service, Cyclone Cab
Uber
There is limited Uber service available in Ames, IA get.Uber.com
Lyft
There is limited Lyft service available in Ames, IA lyft.com
The Des Moines International Airport serves as the gateway to Central Iowa.
Des Moines International Airport
5800 Fleur Drive
Des Moines, Iowa 50321
515-256-5050
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702.505.8888 |
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800.223.5436 |
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800.221.1212 |
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801.401.9000 |
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800.435.9792 |
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800.864.8331 |
Executive Express and Limousines/Ride Share offers individual and shared ride airport shuttle services.
Car Rentals available at the Des Moines International Airport
All car rental agencies are inside the terminal in the baggage claim area.
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877.222.9075 | |
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800.230.4898 | |
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800.527.0700 | |
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800.800.3665 | |
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800.261.7331 | |
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800.654.3131 | |
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877.222.9058 | |
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800.847.4389 |
