All posts by Aaron Jaco

Featured Events Archive

Can’t miss: “The Use and Abuse of U.S. Intelligence” Sept. 30

The topic “Use and Abuse of U.S. Intelligence” will be presented by speakers Ray McGovern and Coleen Rowley on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m. in Olin Hall, Room 101. The event is sponsored by the Iowa Veterans for Peace, Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility, American Friends Service Committee, and the Principal Financial Group Center for Global Citizenship.

Ray McGovern is a retired CIA officer turned political activist. He was a CIA analyst 1963–1990, and in the 1980s, chaired National Intelligence Estimates and prepared the President’s Daily Brief.

Coleen Rowley, an Iowa native, is the retired FBI agent who blew the whistle on the FBI’s failures after 9/11. Rowley received the TIME “Person of the Year” award in 2002. She was also the first to receive the Sam Adams award in 2002, an award instituted by McGovern that annually recognizes an intelligence professional who has taken a stand for integrity and ethics.

The event is free and open to the public.

—Submitted by Drake International

For Students Archive

From the desk of the Student Body President

Last Thursday, the Drake University Student Senate approved its Vision Statement for the 2015-2016 academic year, which will guide actions of the Student Senate and better student life at Drake. The Vision Statement is as follows:

In an effort to create meaningful and relevant change at Drake University, we, as student advocates and allies, strive to build a campus and a Student Senate that is more:

  • Personally, politically, and culturally engaged
  • Proactive in creating a healthier climate for mind and body
  • Transparent and responsive in its actions
  • Representative of all Drake University students

Each member of the Student Senate will work throughout the year to make significant and tangible improvements to campus and student life based on this statement. If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out at kevin.maisto@drake.edu.

—Submitted by Kevin Maisto, Student Body President

For Students Archive

Interested in studying abroad?

Are you interested in studying abroad, participating in global service-learning or experiential learning abroad? Seven named scholarships are available for eligible students:

  • Thibodeau Travel Scholarship for Global Citizenship
  • Zimpleman Scholarship for Global Experiential Learning
  • Olson Global Service-Learning Scholarship
  • Allen Service-Learning Travel Scholarship
  • International Relations Experiential Learning Scholarship
  • Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences Scholarship
  • Johansen Global Experiential Learning Scholarship

Priority will be given to students planning to study abroad in 2016. The deadline for your application is Oct. 15.

You may find that a conversation with your adviser will help you determine your eligibility for one of these scholarships. Complete eligibility requirements, expectations, and the application are available here.

Direct your questions to Maria Rohach, global learning program coordinator, at maria.rohach@drake.edu.

—Submitted by Drake International

For Staff Archive

Office of Alumni honored with Called to be True Blue

The Office of Alumni Relations recently received the Called to Be True Blue Award for their work planning and hosting a variety of events during the Drake Relays. As the nominator said: “This year was particularly challenging for the Office, as they had several new staff members who were unfamiliar with all the work put in for the Relays, and they were short-staffed, missing one of their key team members. Year after year, they produce great events for alumni, ensuring our graduates maintain a positive connection to the University, which leads to monetary support as well as connections for our students.”

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Do you know someone who is Called to Be True Blue? Nominate an individual or unit today!

For Faculty Archive

Spring textbook adoption deadline Oct. 15

It’s time to look at the timeframes for spring textbook adoptions. The textbook information deadline is no later than Oct. 15. Textbook adoptions should be submitted electronically using the adoption form located on the home page of the book store website. Once completed, the adoption will feed directly into the textbook management system and be reflected on the book store website.

FIRST IMPORTANT NOTE: When you initially register to use the online adoption tool you will be asked for a book store supplied password. The password is 1623 (our store number).

SECOND IMPORTANT NOTE: You will be asked to select your role as a submitter or approver. Please code yourself as an approver. This way your adoption will flow into the system and not be held awaiting higher approval (not required at Drake). If you have previously registered to use the online tool, please take a moment to double check how you coded yourself and update it to approver if needed. You will know the answers to all the other questions asked.

If you are considering creating a custom course pack, please contact me. I can assist you in securing copyright approvals, quote gathering, etc. Once a decision is made, I will work directly with the print shop on copies, delivery, and resale. Other printers in the local area may not be securing copyright approvals, which is a liability for Drake.
As I am sure you are aware, federal legislation that went into effect July 1, 2010, requires textbook listings, complete with ISBN information for every offered course each semester, be readily available. The University Book Store supports Drake’s compliance with this legislation.

I appreciate the opportunity to serve you and our students. Feel free to contact me if I can assist you in any way.

—Submitted by Donna Hallstrom, Textbook Manager

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

New intake form with the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment

The Office of Institutional Research & Assessment (OIRA) strives to provide clients with timely, accurate, and clearly presented information for data-informed decision-making. We can assist you with a report or project requiring University data, data analysis/compilation, IRB/IACUC, Qualtrics questions, or assistance with assessment and evaluation.

In order to process incoming requests in an efficient and effective manner, we are introducing an online intake form. A link to the form is on our website, or you can click here. We look forward to working with you.

—Submitted by Sandra Harris, Administrative Assistant II

For Faculty Archive

Encourage students to apply for global learning scholarships

The application for Global Learning Scholarships is available today until Thursday, Oct. 15. Please encourage student applications among your advisees who are interested in studying abroad, participating in global service-learning or experiential learning abroad. Priority will be given to students studying abroad in 2016. These are need-based scholarships.

The following is a summary of eligibility requirements:
1. Applicants must be admitted, currently enrolled, degree-seeking Drake students.
2. Applicants must apply for a scholarship before the term they intend to use it.
3. Only complete applications will be reviewed.
4. Students from all majors, including undergraduate, graduate, and law students, are eligible.
5. Applicants must have a college GPA of at least 2.5 at the time of application.
6. Priority is given to students who have financial need.
7. Scholarships are for existing Drake-affiliated, exchange, or faculty-led programs.
8. Students who have not previously received a global learning scholarship may be given priority.
9. A disciplinary check will be done and may affect an applicant’s eligibility to receive this scholarship.
10. Applicants are able to apply for scholarships up to a year in advance.

Complete eligibility requirements, expectations, and the application are available here.

Direct your questions to Maria Rohach, global learning program coordinator, at maria.rohach@drake.edu.

—Submitted by Drake International

HR Information Archive

There’s still time to schedule your biometric screening

Faculty and staff on Drake’s health plan can save $300 in 2016 by participating in the Wellness Incentive Program. You simply need to complete a biometrics screening and online wellness assessment this fall.

There are three options for including your biometrics screening, including completing a physical with your doctor or signing up for an on-campus screening. You can also complete your screening at a participating Hy-Vee Store.

Full details and a list of participating Hy-Vee stores can be found here. You must complete your screening at a Hy-Vee location by Oct. 19. Hy-Vee will submit your screening results to Wellmark, which will automatically update your online assessment.

Visit the Wellness Incentive Program site to learn more about the wellness incentive, your options, and for a FAQ. Questions may be directed to Diana Lei-Butters and Diana.lei-butters@drake.edu or 271-1871.

HR Information Archive

September policy highlight

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The principles of equal access and equal opportunity require that all interactions within the University be free from invidious discrimination. Drake University therefore prohibits discrimination based upon race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status.

As Drake employees, it is each of our responsibilities to read and understand the University’ policies. All employment-related policies are accessible from the Employee tab of blueView:
1. Log into blueView
2. Click on the “Employee” tab
3. Click on “policies”

Please take a few minutes to review this policy.

—Submitted by Cindy Adams, Associate Director, Human Resources