We know from research that approximately 1 in 5 students on college campuses has an eating disorder. New studies incorporating binge eating disorder suggest that those numbers are even higher—nearly half of women and one-third of men on campus.

Spearheaded by the National Eating Disorders Association, the goal of National Eating Disorders Awareness (#NEDAwareness) Week is to shine the spotlight on eating disorders and put life-saving resources into the hands of those in need. This year’s theme is “It’s Time to Talk About It” and we’re encouraging everyone to get screened. Take the free, confidential, 3-minute online screening at http://screening.mentalhealthscreening.org/NEDA.

Look for events hosted by the Counseling Center the week of Feb. 26–March 4. These events include a picture collage of Drake students who have suffered from eating disorders, resource tables in Olmsted and Hubbell, online screenings, and covered mirrors throughout campus.

Off campus, the High Trestle Trail Bridge in Des Moines will be lit in the signature blue and green colors of the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) to put a spotlight on the seriousness of eating disorders. And the Eating Disorder Coalition of Iowa is hosting community events in Des Moines March 3–4, as well. Find more about EDCI’s program at www.edciowa.com/.

Questions? Visit www.myNEDA.org for eating disorders information, resources, and treatment options.

—Melissa Nord, Student Health Center

Applications to be a student ambassador in the Office of Admission are live! Ambassadors represent the University to prospective students and families, providing campus tours and facilitating the campus visit area in Cole Hall. To view the full job description and access the application, please click here. All application materials are due March 1. Questions? Email zachary.blevins@drake.edu.

An International Relations / World Languages & Cultures Joint Information Session will take place on Friday, Feb. 24, 12:30–1:30 p.m., in Medbury Honors Lounge, for students to learn about new opportunities being unveiled this year in the area of international studies at Drake.

The Department of World Languages & Cultures is introducing new minors in language and culture (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish), as well as minors in East Asian Studies and Latin American Studies.

The Department of Political Science is introducing new requirements for their international relations major, which include an enhanced commitment to teaching students about the global political economy and international law, as well as new course offerings in international security. In the current era of global change, there has never been a more exciting time to join these programs and become more aware of all the opportunities that they provide.

The information session will be an opportunity for students to learn more about the new major requirements and minors, as well as how to combine majors and minors across these two departments or with your current program of study in another department. For more information, contact Professor Mary M. McCarthy (mary.mccarthy@drake.edu) or Professor Marc Pinheiro-Cadd (marc.pinheiro-cadd@drake.edu).

—Mary McCarthy, Department of Political Science

Drake undergraduate, graduate, and professional students will receive an invitation this week from President Martin and Provost Mattison to complete the Drake Student Survey. By telling us about your Drake experience, you help us identify ways to improve curriculum, student support, and the campus environment.

—Kevin Saunders, Office of Institutional Research and Assessment