International Programs
After five years in her role as vice provost for international programs, Christa Olson is stepping down effective May 31, 2016. Following a sabbatical, Christa will join the faculty at Drake.  Upon consultation with President Martin and Provost-elect Sue Mattison, I have asked Annique Kiel to assume the role of interim executive director of Global Engagement and International Programs beginning June 1.  Annique joined Drake International in 2010, and currently serves as director of Drake Administered Programs Abroad. 

Under Christa’s tenure as vice-provost, International Programs has forged new partnerships with universities in Mexico, Chile, Malaysia, India, and China; doubled the number of travel seminars, thus tripling the number of students experiencing study abroad to over 400; and developed a strategic vision for internationalization and global engagement.   I hope that you’ll join me in thanking Christa for the contributions she has made to the University. Her commitment to Drake’s mission, to serving our students, and to forwarding our goal of graduating responsible global citizens has been greatly appreciated by us all.

Submitting Final Grades
This is a reminder that Spring 2016 final grades are due by 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 18. Exception: Final grades for the Law School are due on Tuesday, May 24, at 10 a.m. At 10 a.m. on May 18, you will no longer have the ability to enter grades online (except for the Law School).

Last week the Office of Student Records distributed instructions on how to enter your grades through Blueview or MyDUSIS. Those of you who use Blackboard can send your final grades from Blackboard directly to our main database (DUSIS).  Instructions for that method are here: https://du.screenstepslive.com/s/docs/m/7137/l/80040.

Faculty Reminder—Commencement RSVP
Faculty—If you are planning on attending the undergraduate and/or graduate ceremonies, please RSVP no later than noon on Tuesday, May 10 to http://2016springcommencementregistration.eventbrite.com

Because the Law School has a separate ceremony, Law faculty should notify your dean’s office directly. 

“All In” for a Faculty/Staff Social?
Join your colleagues for the last Drake Social of the academic year in the Shivers Hospitality Suite from 4 to 6 p.m. on May 10. Griff will make a special appearance from 5 to 6 p.m. at the social.

Provost Mobile Office Hour
My next scheduled mobile office hour is Thursday, May 12, 9–10:15 a.m., Cowles Cafe.

—Joe Lenz, Interim Provost