The Day Free for Study
As we approach the end of the semester, this is a reminder of Drake policy related to performance evaluation and grading (Faculty Manual 2.131) and the Day Free for Study:

1. Student Records and Academic Information publishes a final evaluation schedule for the last week of fall and spring semesters. A two-hour evaluation period is designated for each class and all classes are expected to meet at the designed time and place for a final session. If a final examination is given in a class, it must be given during the designated final evaluations period. Deviations from the final evaluation schedule require authorization of the dean.
2. The last class day prior to the beginning of the final evaluation period is designated as a “Day Free For Study”, commonly called “Dead Day.” During this time, no committee meetings (for which students or faculty unable to attend would be at a disadvantage) may be held, and classes do not normally meet. Individual colleges and faculty members may schedule voluntary review sessions for their classes, with the provision that attendance by students is voluntary and no new materials can be presented which will be included in the final evaluation. Laboratory reports and term papers previously assigned may be assigned due dates during the Day Free for Study. No final evaluations may be given during the Day Free for Study.

Commencement
The commencement ceremony for those students—graduate and undergraduate—graduating at the end of this semester will be held in The Knapp Center on Saturday, Dec. 19, beginning at 10 a.m. If faculty are planning on attending—as I encourage you to do—please plan to be in the Bell Center for robing and assembly no later than 9:30 a.m.

To assure that we have a sufficient number of chairs on the floor for faculty, please RSVP to https://drakefallcommencement2015.eventbrite.com no later than Tuesday, Dec. 15. Please, only RSVP is you DO plan to attend. As this is President Martin’s first commencement at Drake. I ask that you do him—and the students who have earned their degrees—the honor of your presence.

If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Geiger at x3095 or nancy.geiger@drake.edu.

Being Social
The final faculty/staff social of the semester will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 16, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., immediately following the campus community budget discussion (4–5 p.m.) in the Shivers Hospitality Suite. Please attend both the campus discussion, led by Chief Financial Officer Teresa Krejci and President Martin, and the social. It has been a long and productive semester, and it will be pleasant to end it in each other’s company. Nearby parking is available in Lot 2 east of Shivers at the NE corner of Forest and 25th Street.

—Joe Lenz, Interim Provost