The application deadline for Drake’s Teach in China program has been extended to March 19. This post-graduate opportunity is not one to miss. Get paid to teach English full-time, while living abroad and experiencing a new culture and way of life. Details can be found on the program website or by contacting Stephanie Dana Ely, program coordinator, at stephanie.dana@drake.edu.
— Stephanie Dana Ely, Drake International
Sally Beisser and Chuck Sengstock published a chapter, Investigating Online Instructor’s Experiences with Constructivist Pedagogy in a Private University in The Handbook of Research on Virtual Training and Mentoring of Online Instructors. Their research focuses on the significance of professional development for instructors to design and develop online courses. Findings support the need for online constructivist pedagogies, peer mentoring for instructors, formal and informal sharing opportunities, and support for the online students themselves.
Beisser, Levitt Distinguished Professor of Education, has been the director of the Drake Online Talented and Gifted Endorsement for 12 years, serving students in 28 states and 8 countries. She teaches courses in teacher education, qualitative research methods, and service-learning in the School of Education.
Sengstock, the director of continuing education and professional development in the School of Education, oversees the development and marketing of all online and video correspondence graduate courses providing training and support initiatives for both online and video conferencing instructors. In addition, he manages a multimedia production facility to create digital objects for their online, blended, and face-to-face courses.
In February, Drake welcomed seven full-time staff members:
In February, Drake welcomed seven full-time staff members:
Lauren “Merrick” Ernst, Teacher, Head Start
Martha Loney, Home -Based Teacher, Head Start
Amy Ponce, Family Engagement Specialist, Head Start
Holly Rozenboom, Recruitment Assistant, Head Start
Sheri Breen, Family Engagement Specialist, Head Start
Allison Bugg, Campus Visit Coordinator, Office of Admission
Laura Bjurstrom, Advancement Officer, University Advancement
— Laura Schwarz, Human Resources
In accordance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandate, Drake provides coverage for preventive services delivered by in-network providers at no cost. View Wellmark’s ACA preventive services list.
Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources
Members of the Human Resources team will be available Thursday from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Olmsted Center’s Drake Room. This is a convenient opportunity for you to talk with HR Partner Services about any HR topic that’s on your mind. You’re also welcome to schedule a meeting at the HR offices, 3206 University Avenue, if another time works better for you. We look forward to meeting with you and hearing your ideas for making Drake an even better place to work.
Debra Wiley, Human Resources
Faculty and staff are invited to attend the BUILD program session “Did U Know: Harkin Institute and Political Papers” on Thursday, March 8, from 9 to 10 a.m. in Cowles Library, Room 201. Drake University is proud to the be the home of Senator Tom Harkin’s (retired) papers, spanning 40 years in public service and addressing some of the most pressing issues of the past half-century. Attend this BUILD session, led by Joseph Jones, executive director of The Harkin Institute, and Hope Bibens, University and political papers archivist, to learn more about The Harkin Institute, its role in Des Moines, and the significance of hosting these papers. Email Debra Wiley at debra.wiley@drake.edu to register.
Debra Wiley, Human Resources
Human Resources is proud to announce that Drake has been designated a Health Champion by the American Diabetes Association.
Through its Wellness Lives HereTM initiative, the American Diabetes Association recognizes organizations that make health and wellness a priority for their employees.
To become a Health Champion, organizations must meet healthy living criteria in three different areas: Nutrition and Weight Management, Physical Activity and Organizational Well-Being. The health and wellness initiatives of Drake have met the criteria and the American Diabetes Association has selected us for this prestigious recognition.
Faculty and staff should take pride in this recognition and the reassurance that Drake is committed to making health and wellness a priority among our campus community.
Linda Feiden, Human Resources
The Nelson Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs invites proposals for a two-year grant that will fund interdisciplinary faculty-student research projects that address a global issue of broad public importance. The purpose of this initiative is to enhance Drake’s involvement in addressing pressing global issues, thus helping to position Drake as a global knowledge hub in service to local, national, and international communities.
Over the past three years, the Nelson Institute has funded the following projects:
One project will be funded from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2020. The deadline for proposals is May 4. Proposals should be sent to Denise Ganpat at denise.ganpat@drake.edu. Award notification will occur by June 1. Teams are encouraged to consult with Jeffrey Kappen, assistant professor of international business and interim director of the Nelson Institute, at jeffrey.kappen@drake.edu, as they prepare their proposals. The Nelson Institute will provide $20,000–$30,000 in support of the selected project, depending upon demonstrated need. Project leaders are encouraged, if necessary, to seek additional funding from on- and off-campus sources. View the full call for proposals and criteria.
— Denise Ganpat, Provost’s Office
Drake faculty are invited to submit nominations to the Deans’ Council for University Marshal and Assistant Marshal. The marshals oversee and participate in Drake commencement and other ceremonies. Submit nominations by Friday, March 9, prior to Spring Break.
University Marshal: To be eligible for consideration, nominees for University Marshal must 1) hold the rank of professor, 2) be actively engaged in the life of the University through all-university leadership and service, and 3) have regularly attended Drake University commencements.
Assistant Marshal: To be eligible for consideration, nominees for Assistant Marshal must 1) have been recognized by their academic unit or by the University for excellence in teaching, scholarship, or service, and 2) have regularly attended Drake University commencements.
The University and Assistant Marshals are appointed by the president, upon the recommendation of the Deans’ Council. The term is for five years, renewable at the discretion of the president. Nominations can be directed to Drinda Williams, administrative assistant to the provost, at drinda.williams@drake.edu.
University Marshal Joseph Schneider, Ellis and Nelle Levitt distinguished professor of sociology and department chair, and Assistant Marshal David Wright, professor of journalism and mass communication, are stepping down as Drake’s Marshals following the 2018 commencement.
Drinda Williams, Provost’s Office
On Wednesday, March 7, from 3 to 5 p.m., organizations from on and off campus will host interactive and informational booths related to sexual and reproductive health in Upper Olmsted. Organizations are encouraged to focus on being approachable, non-judgmental, and fun. This year, Primary Health Care will be offering free and confidential STD and STI testing during the event in nearby private space—no appointment is necessary.
Tess Cody, Violence Prevention & Programming