I’m pleased to announce a new initiative, the Drake Commitment, which aims to continuously improve the value we deliver to students and differentiate the exceptional Drake education. As you might notice, the experiences we commit to providing are already available to our current students and ones that many benefit from. The Drake Commitment is our promise to each incoming Fall 2017 first-year student to provide opportunities that help them achieve their goals after graduation and create a memorable college experience—one that rests on our foundation of integrating a liberal arts and sciences education with professional preparation.

This commitment states that each student’s Drake education will include:

• Personal mentorship—Each student will be mentored by a full-time faculty member in his or her major.
• Learning through service—Students will have the opportunity to make a difference, locally or globally, through a community-based learning experience via the classroom, student organizations, athletics, Greek life, and residence life.
• Flexibility to explore interests—All students can take a J-Term course tuition free.
• Building a great résumé—Drake commits to providing every student an internship, research, or practicum experience.

The Drake Commitment is a mutual agreement between the University and each student. While we will do everything possible to provide these experiences, students must also commit to being engaged in their education and actively pursuing opportunities.

This approach was developed over several months with the input and support of many areas of campus, including the provost’s office and the Office of Admission. It has been endorsed by the board of trustees, and we will begin rolling it out to prospective students during Iowa Private College Week, Aug. 1–5. In today’s volatile higher education market, it’s crucial that we implement new and innovative approaches to delivering value and attracting high-caliber students to our campus.

I encourage you to learn more about the Drake Commitment with the Drake Commitment FAQ and online at www.drake.edu/commitment.

Regards,

Marty