Cowles Library is hosting a contest to name its beloved bulldog statue. Submit a name idea by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11. Public voting for the winning name will take place the week of April 16. The winner will be unveiled on Friday, April 27. The person who submits the chosen name will win a $25 Amazon gift card.
— Carrie Dunham-LaGree, Cowles Library
During the 2017–2018 academic year, the Office of Institutional Research & Assessment held two Data to Action Workshops aimed at turning data into more meaningful action steps and inviting the campus to think about ways that they can use the data. Please see our website for additional information and notes from the workshops that focused on the first year experience and diversity and inclusion.
— Kevin Saunders, Office of Institutional Research & Assessment
Two current policies entitled, Contract and Legal Service Authority and Executive Purchasing are under review to be revised and combined. A new draft policy, Approval Authority Policy, is posted on the University Policy Library website for review and comment. The revised policy includes both contracts and transactions. Budget managers are now included and will be able to sign contracts and transactions under a certain threshold. Many of the other revisions expound on current practices. This policy is subject to approval by the Drake University Board of Trustees and will be presented at their April meeting.
In compliance with Drake’s Policy Development, Approval and Communication policy, the two-week review period will be through April 17. Please take a moment to review the revised Approval Authority policy. Any comments or concerns regarding the policy may be forwarded to dupolicies@drake.edu for consideration.
— Teresa Krejci, Finance and Administration
The 109th Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee is right around the corner and we need you to help make it a success. Register to volunteer and invite your friends and family to join. Volunteers receive a free T-shirt, a free meal (if working over lunch), and free entry to the action. Volunteer opportunities begin Saturday, April 21, and run all week long. We hope to see you on the Blue Oval!
— Shannon Saunders, Athletics
Drake is proud to be located in the Drake Neighborhood, one of the largest, oldest, and most diverse neighborhoods in Des Moines. There’s so much to love about the neighborhood—its incredible people, beautiful trees, unique shops and restaurants, and diverse architecture.
https://www.facebook.com/DrakeUniversity/videos/10156219582164469/
Watch this video created by the Drake Neighborhood Association to see what the people who live, study, work, and play here have to say. Share the video on your social networks to spread awareness for the great things taking place in the Drake Neighborhood. And, remember, the University provides a financial incentive for faculty and staff who purchase a home within a defined area surrounding campus.
The University is looking forward to further enhancing the neighborhood with the addition of the Boys and Girls Club on campus and the University Avenue development project.
As part of Drake’s Commitment to the Campus Compact Civic Action Plan, the University created a centralized website for Drake’s Community Engagement efforts. The site, drake.edu/community, will serve as a landing page for the Office of Community Engaged Learning and Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations. The campus community can find volunteer opportunities on the website.
— Renee Sedlacek, Community Engaged Learning & Service
Let’s celebrate our local businesses and “eat local” during the month of April. Just show your Drake ID at the following eateries to receive a promotion.
Our Continuous Improvement Plan calls for us to “strengthen our engagement with community partners.” This is a great way to show your support.
| Chicago Dog 2314 University Ave. |
Spend $5 and get one free drink or 10% off the entire purchase |
| Mars Cafe
2318 University Ave. |
$1 off drinks |
| Gazali’s 1205 25th St. |
Free soda with meal purchase |
— Nate Reagen, Office of the President
Plans for a new development project on the south side of University Avenue between 25th and 27th Streets continue to move forward. While construction will not begin for several months, Nelson Construction is beginning the process of staging the construction site. In April, a construction trailer will move to the grassy lot located just west of First Christian Church. The adjacent parking lots will continue to be available for Drake’s use until construction begins. A construction schedule will be published in OnCampus once it is finalized. We anticipate having use of the parking lots until sometime in fall 2018.
— Venessa Macro, Finance and Administration
All In is this Thursday and Friday from noon to noon! The 24-hour online giving day is an opportunity to make a huge difference in a short amount of time, but in order to be successful, we need all of us—faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents, and fans—to be all in.
Challenge opportunity
Thanks to a group of generous donors, gifts made during All In can go even further. If 1,000 people make a gift, alumni Doug Zinser, AS ’96, Al McCoy, FA ’54, and Paul, JO ’68, and Laura Miller, AS ’70, will collectively give $50,000 to Drake. Be sure to participate and be counted as one of 1,000 to earn this substantial amount for the University.
How to be All In
Don’t forget, the entire campus community is encouraged to wear Drake gear on both April 5 and 6! Faculty and staff who make a purchase at the Bookstore this week will be entered into a drawing to win a $25 gift card—this is in addition to the standing 20 percent off discount faculty and staff receive.
For questions about All In, contact Becca Widmer, director of annual giving, at becca.widmer@drake.edu.
— Becca Widmer, University Advancement
In support of Drake’s increased programming for first generation students, Provost Mattison is hosting an ice cream social on Wednesday, April 4, from 4 to 5 p.m. in Shivers Hospitality Suite. This is an opportunity to celebrate Drake’s first generation students, staff, and faulty and to continue building relationships and support within the community.
If you are able to attend, please RSVP by Friday, March 30.
If you have any questions, contact lauren.locante@drake.edu or orientation@drake.edu.
— Marina Verlengia, Academic Excellence and Student Success
