All posts by Alyssa Young

Strategic Updates Archive

Update from CITO Chris Gill

Your ITS team is excited to begin the 2017–2018 academic year in partnership with you. We have completed or made progress on several major projects this summer. Below are updates on improvements that have been made or are underway.

The new ITS service portal offers you a rich way to engage with us and better address your technology issues. By using the service portal at http://service.drake.edu/its you can keep up to date on service outages, search for Knowledge Base (self-help) articles, and help us resolve your issues more quickly by providing relevant information in issue-specific request forms.

Here are some resources that provide additional information about the service portal and how to use it:

  • Introductory video
  • Knowledgebase article on using the service portal
  • In-person training sessions (open to all faculty and staff):
    1. Monday, Sept. 11, 9:30–10:30 a.m., Cowles Library, Room 201
    2. Tuesday, Sept. 12, 11 a.m.–12 p.m., Cowles Library, Room 201
    3. Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2–3 p.m., Cowles Library, Room 201

ITS has added value through several other improvement projects over the summer:

  • Replaced more than 275 computers
  • Moved technology for more than 70 office relocations
  • Added a computer checkout kiosk with 14 Macbook laptops in Meredith Hall available to all students and employees, including adjunct faculty
  • Designed and installed technology in 45 spaces in the Science Connector Building (SCB) and Collier-Scripps Hall
  • Installed more than 100 new internet phones in SCB, Collier-Scripps Hall, and in other campus locations

As we move into the academic year, we are working with groups across campus on several complex projects that will extend throughout 2018:

  • Upgrading Banner to the newest version—Banner 9
  • Replacing blueView with a new portal based on Microsoft SharePoint and Office 365
  • Deploying technology and infrastructure to support online programs
  • Updating presentation technology in Sussman Theater and other classrooms
  • Implementing personal cloud storage for all students and employees using Microsoft OneDrive

Starting in September we’re launching a new program to campus, Tech Tuesdays. Join ITS staff in the Dial Center on the second Tuesday of each month from 2 to 2:50 p.m. Each month we’ll have a different topic designed to provide you with resources to use technology more efficiently in your job (and your life). Feel free to sign up for one session, or all four.

The first session on Sept. 12 will be a panel discussion with ITS staff on campus technology. Sign up and check out the topics for future sessions at itstechtuesdays.eventbrite.com.

We are also planning for the next administrative services satisfaction survey (which includes ITS). Please watch for this survey later in the fall and help us continue to improve our service to you by completing it. Speaking of continuous improvement, the ITS continuous improvement plan is always available on the ITS website.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any member of my team if you have questions, comments, concerns, and ideas for improvement.

—Chris Gill, Chief Information Technology Officer

Featured Events Archive

This week in Drake Athletics: Sept. 5

Women’s Soccer
Drake vs. Wisconsin
Sept. 7 at 7 p.m.
Cownie Soccer Complex

Volleyball
Drake vs. Omaha
Sept. 7 at 7 p.m.
Knapp Center
Drake Invitational

Volleyball
Drake vs. SE Missouri State
Sept. 8 at 3 p.m.
Knapp Center
Drake Invitational

Volleyball
Drake vs. San Jose State
Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.
Knapp Center
Drake Invitational

Volleyball
Drake vs. Montana
Sept. 9 at 3 p.m.
Knapp Center
Drake Invitational

Football
Drake vs. Southwestern College
Sept. 9 at 6 p.m.
Drake Stadium

Women’s Soccer
Drake vs. South Dakota State
Sept. 10 at 12 p.m.
Cownie Soccer Complex
*Stub Swap –Redeem your football ticket from Sept. 9 for complimentary admission to the match.

Men’s Soccer
Drake vs. Western Michigan
Sept. 10 at 3 p.m.
Cownie Soccer Complex
*Stub Swap –Redeem your football ticket from Sept. 9 for complimentary admission to the match.

Questions? Call 515-271-3647 or email tickets@drake.edu.

—Tom Florian, Drake Athletics

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Faculty/Staff social + learn more about HLC accreditation

Faculty and staff are invited to attend a town hall meeting on Drake’s institutional accreditation review by the Higher Learning Commission on Thursday, Sept. 14, beginning at 4:15 p.m. in the Shivers Hospitality Suite. Kevin Saunders, director of institutional research and academic assessment, and Craig Owens, professor of English, will present a brief but compelling summary of our case for reaccreditation.

Please note the time of the social has been adjusted so that faculty and staff can also take in two other campus events: The Constitution Day lecture and reception from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Law School and the Women’s and Gender Studies social from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

During the social hour immediately following the presentation, guests can enjoy a beer, glass of wine, or non-alcoholic alternative, and reconnect with one another as we embark together on the beginning of the academic year. Worried about running out of things to talk about during the social? We’ve got you covered. An array of posters will bring the accreditation process to life and celebrate our many collective achievements since our last HLC review, nearly 10 years ago.

In addition to complimentary beverages, there will be snacks and popcorn. Parking is available nearby. There is no cost to attend.

Save the date: Future town hall and social events 
Each event will begin with an informational town hall, followed by a social.

  • Thursday, Oct. 12, 3:30–6 p.m., Shivers Hospitality Suite
  • Wednesday, Dec. 6, 3:30–6 p.m., Shivers Hospitality Suite
  • Tuesday, Feb. 6, 3:30–6 p.m., Shivers Hospitality Suite
  • Thursday, March 8, 3:30–6 p.m., Shivers Hospitality Suite
  • Wednesday, April 11, 3:30–6 p.m., Shivers Hospitality Suite

— Drinda Williams, Office of the Provost

Campus Announcements Archive

What you can to support recovery efforts in Texas

Bulldogs are compassionate. This is especially true in times of disaster. We find ways to help each other and the communities of which we are a part. This summer, our country has experienced dangerous and devastating wildfires, flooding, and tornadoes. Now the Gulf Coast is being slammed by Hurricane Harvey.

There are different phases of disaster response: rescue, relief, and recovery.

  • Rescue is the work of immediate neighbors and first responders. Since the storm made landfall, southeast Texas remains in a rescue phase.
  • Relief lasts roughly 10 times longer than the rescue phase. The relief work is best completed by immediate neighbors and specialized volunteers and is best aided with cash donations; in the case of Harvey, relief could take up to 70 days.
  • Recovery lasts roughly 10 times longer than the relief phase. It will take 700 days or more for southeast Texas to recover. That’s two years in which outside volunteers are critical.

Here are some reminders about what to do when disaster strikes; we hope you will take to heart and share with your friends and relatives.

  • Do not self-deploy as a volunteer to a disaster area. We know you want to help, but food, water, shelter, and transportation are at a premium and the first priority is making sure that first responders and local residents can get what they need.
  • Donate cash. What most communities need is cash, not things. Find a reputable organization that is supporting the disaster response and recovery and contribute. They can buy what they need and not have to worry about sorting and storing donations, especially when storage facilities may be damaged or being used to shelter people. Here are some national disaster response organizations you may want to consider.
  • Sign up before you show up. When the time is right, if you are able to volunteer, make sure to find an organization and sign up. Capacity is stretched during disasters and you need to make sure that you can be utilized.

The Corporation for National & Community Service is keeping NationalService.gov/Harvey updated regularly as new information about volunteer opportunities and other needs develop.

—Renee Sedlacek, Academic Excellence & Student Success

 

For Students Archive

Immediate opening for paid student graphic designer

This position is responsible for the design and development of marketing materials for the entire Recreational Services department. This position requires 8–10 hours per week (no nights or weekends). Experience with the Adobe Creative Suite is required and previous experience as a designer is preferred. Interested candidates should send résumé and portfolio to ellen.lowe@drake.edu.

—Ellen Lowe, Recreational Services

For Students Archive

We heard you! 

Drake Dining has made some exciting changes based on your feedback. This year we’ve introduced unlimited meal swipes and extended hours! Students are no longer limited to a certain number of meal swipes per day. Plus, Hubbell Dining will now be open from 11 to 1:30 p.m. for lunch and from 5 to 7:30 p.m. for dinner.

—Jennifer Bowersox, Drake Dining Services

For Students Archive

Register now for The Harkin Institute’s student luncheon series

The Harkin Institute kicks off its fall Student Luncheon and Reception Series on Tuesday, Sept. 21, with a student luncheon with domestic and international education advisor Christie Vilsack.

This series offers students the opportunity to visit with accomplished government, nonprofit journalism, political, and public policy leaders in a small-group setting. Guests of honor will informally discuss their careers, share information, answer questions, provide advice, and get to know the students.

Students interested in attending these exclusive events are asked to apply using the links below.

The Harkin Institute is hosting four student luncheons this fall:
 
Sept. 21 | Christie Vilsack, Domestic and International Education Advisor
Christie Vilsack served as the senior advisor for International Education at USAID from 2013 to 2016. In that position, Vilsack supported USAID’s Education Strategy goals to improve children’s reading skills, strengthen youth workforce skills, and provide equitable access to education in crisis and conflict settings, especially for little girls. She has committed her life to education and public service. Vilsack spent 25 years teaching secondary and college English and journalism. Her experience inside the classroom led to a focus on education and advocating for public libraries as Iowa’s first lady, as a candidate for Congress in Iowa, and now as an education advisor for colleges and universities.

Apply to attend The Harkin Institute’s student luncheon with Christie Vilsack: http://bit.ly/2gtVVWJ

Sept. 26 | Jimmy Small, President of the Iowa Speedway
Jimmy Small joined the Iowa Speedway as president in December 2013 after five years as a NASCAR employee. He manages the day-to-day operations of the Iowa Speedway, including facility operations, events promotion, business development, marketing, and communications. Small has also led public policy efforts for the Iowa Speedway at state and local levels, including ongoing state tourism development with the governor’s office.

Apply to attend The Harkin Institute’s student luncheon with Jimmy Small: http://bit.ly/2vuQ4XU

Oct. 5 | Noreen Otto, Vice President of Government Relations, Hy-Vee, Inc.
Noreen Otto works as vice president of government relations for Hy-Vee, Inc., where she works on a broad range of issue areas including taxation, food safety and labeling, transportation, workers’ compensation, and pharmacy. Otto has more than 10 years of government relations experience, including five with Hy-Vee. Otto serves as a board member for Progress Industries Iowa and previously held a seat on the Newton City Council.

Apply to attend The Harkin Institute’s student luncheon with Noreen Otto: http://bit.ly/2iKQxzq

Oct. 12 | Michael Fitzgerald, Iowa Treasurer
Michael Fitzgerald has served as Iowa treasurer for 35 years and is a leader in public service. As state treasurer, Fitzgerald is responsible for investing more than $3 billion of state operating funds, administering the state’s college savings program, and overseeing the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, which has returned more than $218 million in lost property to Iowans. Before being elected Iowa treasurer in 1982, Fitzgerald worked as a marketing analyst at Massey Ferguson Company.

Apply to attend The Harkin Institute’s student luncheon with Michael Fitzgerald: http://bit.ly/2vv4w2c
 
—Emily Schettler, The Harkin Institute

For Students Archive

Grant writing workshop for students

Back by popular demand, Drake Writing Internships is offering a grant writing workshop for students wishing to gain experience in this valuable skill for their own projects or for their professional development. The workshop is open to all currently enrolled students, and will take place Sept. 15, 1–4 p.m., in Aliber Hall, Room 108.

Lance Noe, director of Drake’s Center for Professional Studies, will lead this year’s workshop. Lance is a sought-after speaker and consulting professional who offers a longer version of this workshop in the community. Drake students can benefit from an afternoon version of his grant writing workshop at no cost.

Participants will receive a certificate of completion. Refreshments provided.

Registration is required and seats are limited. Please email Lisa Boes at lisa.boes@drake.edu to reserve your spot. Or contact the Writing Internships Director, Professor Carol Spaulding-Kruse, for more information.

—Carol Spaulding-Kruse, Department of English

For Students Archive

Define the Line: Respect the Line: Walk-in advocate office hours

If you or a friend need confidential support on campus and would like the communication to remain confidential, there are resources. A few of the counseling and crisis advocacy/support resources include:

  • Drake Student Counseling Center, 3116 Carpenter Ave. (located just west of Drake West Village and Subway), 515-271-3864.
  • Violence Intervention Partner (VIP), a peer-based hotline for support. Call or text 512-2972, available 24/7.
  • Professional advocate office hours in Cowles Library, Room 209, Wednesdays 1–4 p.m.

VIP and the professional advocate office hours listed above are resources for people who have experienced sexual harassment, intimate partner violence, sexual assault or stalking. They are also a resource for concerned friends. The role of an advocate is to walk alongside you as you weigh options, make decisions, or navigate systems. Advocates can connect you with resources, listen, safety plan and provide encouragement. Additional confidential resources can be found on the Title IX webpage.

—Katie Overberg, Title IX Coordinator; and Tess Cody, Prevention Coordinator for Sexual and Interpersonal Misconduct