As we kick off the new academic year, we want to share a few ITS updates, reminders, and helpful resources to support teaching, learning, and day-to-day work.

Microsoft Learning Pathways Now Available

Faculty and staff now have access to a customized collection of Microsoft Learning Pathways, designed to strengthen skills with essential tools like Teams, Excel, and OneDrive. These guided modules offer a flexible way to explore new features or refresh existing knowledge.

Microsoft regularly updates the content to reflect the latest features and best practices, ensuring users stay current. ITS will continue to add resources for additional software and tools to better support the evolving needs of the campus community. You can access the Learning Pathways Internal Site through the Learning Resources section of myDrake. We encourage departments to explore these helpful tools—and let us know if there are additional topics you’d like to see included.

Classroom Wireless Display Connections

Over the summer, ITS introduced Sharelink Pro Miracast for Windows devices, offering a simpler and reliable way to connect to classroom wireless displays. Classrooms in Meredith and most of Aliber have been upgraded, with more locations scheduled throughout the year. For more information and troubleshooting support, refer to the Using WirelessDisplay knowledge base article or contact the Support Center.

Network Upgrade Begins This Fall

This fall, ITS begins a multi-year upgrade to modernize the campus network, starting with new wireless access points. This work is essential to support growing connectivity needs and maintain a secure campus network.

We understand that stable, uninterrupted internet access is critical to teaching, learning, and daily operations. Although service disruptions are not anticipated, the scale of the network upgrade means work will continue throughout the academic year. ITS will schedule installations to avoid busy instructional times and will coordinate with building managers to minimize any potential impact. Project and schedule updates will be shared in OnCampus to keep campus informed.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Drake continues our commitment to cybersecurity by participating in this national initiative promoting safer online practices. ITS will promote awareness activities throughout October, and in alignment with this effort, annual security awareness training will launch next month—moving from its usual spring schedule to the fall.

Workday Transition Underway

We are excited to begin a three-year transition from Banner to Workday—our new enterprise platform for finance, human resources, and student information systems. The Drake project team, made up of dedicated staff from business offices and ITS, is working hard to prepare for the launch of finance and human resources next fall.

To help the campus community stay informed and ready, we’ve created a dedicated site that serves as a central hub for updates, timelines, and training opportunities.  Visit the Workday Implementation site to explore the schedule and learn more about the project.

Staying in Touch with ITS

Effective communication is central to our service. Here are several ways to stay connected and informed:

• Email Updates: Sign up to receive an email notification when a service-related announcement is posted on our Newsroom.
• Text Notifications: Visit myDrake to verify your cell number for Bulldog Alerts, then text “DrakeITSALERTS” to 226787 to opt in to SMS updates.
• Internal Site: The ITS Internal Site centralizes technology projects, policies, cybersecurity resources, and service announcements.
• Instagram: Follow @DrakeITServices for tips, reminders, and quick tech insights.
• Support Center: Resources are available 24×7 on the ITS Service Portal at: service.drake.edu/its. You can also call us at 515-271-3001 or bring in your device during walk-in hours to the lower level of Carnegie.

Wishing you a productive and successful academic year!

— Becky Klein, ITS