The Ray Center invites faculty and staff to visit its new offices located in the lower level of Collier-Scripps Hall for complimentary doughnuts tomorrow, Nov. 29, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. The Starbucks machine will be up and running for $1.50. ––Amy Smit, The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center
All posts by Heidi Weiss
Drake social and budget presentation
Faculty and staff are invited to the Shivers Hospitality Suite, adjacent to The Knapp Center, for a social hosted by the provost on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. CFO Teresa Krejci will present information on the University’s budget. Snacks, soft drinks, beer, and wine will be served. Be sure to attend to learn about the budget and enjoy the company of friends and colleagues.
Drinda Williams, Provost’s Office
Banner 9 project update
A cross-departmental project team has been formed to upgrade Banner, Drake’s campus-wide computer information system that manages student, faculty, staff, and financial information. The project team is comprised of representatives from key campus departments, including finance, financial planning, human resources, ITS, and the registrar’s office. The project team is tasked with completing the migration of DUSIS to Banner 9 by Dec. 31, 2018 when the current version (Banner 8) will no longer be supported.
The project’s initial focus is on Internet Native Banner (DUSIS). Changes to MyDUSIS tools, such as self-registration and time sheets, will be a multi-year project. Planning will begin in spring 2018. More information about the schedule for the MyDUSIS upgrade will be shared at that time.
Although this is a major change behind the scenes, the upgrade to Banner 9 is more of a facelift for campus users that offers a more current web browser look, feel, and navigation experience. As part of this rollout, the project team will coordinate training for all current Banner 8 users to ensure a smooth transition to the new version.
| Date | Milestone |
| 2017–March 31, 2018 | Banner 9 Setup & Configured |
| April 1–July 15, 2018 | User Acceptance Testing |
| July 15–Sept. 30, 2018 | Project Team Training & Go Live |
| Oct. 1–Dec. 31, 2018 | Campus Training & Go Live |
As the timeline illustrates, development and testing will happen behind the scenes over the next eight to 10 months.
Read more on the Banner 9 project and other major ITS projects.
Kris Brewster, ITS
Students perform Drake waste audit
Members of the Drake Environmental Action League (DEAL) audited Drake’s trash, recycle, and compost waste earlier this month. Facilities Planning and Management assisted with the initiative by transporting trash and recycle dumpsters from Old Main, Opperman/Cartwright, Goodwin-Kirk Residence Hall, and Hubbell Dining to its warehouse so the audit could be performed. These dumpsters were chosen to provide an accurate representation of waste among our campus buildings.
Facilities Planning and Management is grateful for the students in DEAL who worked hard on a Sunday and then shared insights on what is working and what can be improved. As a result of the audit, a pilot recycling program will be implemented at Goodwin-Kirk Residence Hall. Multiple, centralized recycle collection points will be placed on each floor, making it easy and convenient for those in the building to recycle. The program is designed to increase recycling and reduce waste in large campus buildings, such as Goodwin-Kirk.
In the last 10 years, Drake has reduced the amount of waste it sends to the landfill by approximately 400 tons. This reduction has been achieved by recycling more than 150 tons, and composting nearly 100 tons of yard waste and approximately 35 tons of food waste last year alone.
Facilities Planning and Management is fortunate to have students assist in its sustainability efforts.
Mitch Wieczorek, Facilities Planning and Management
Retirement party for Gloria Lawless
Please join us in celebrating Gloria Lawless’ retirement from Drake on Monday, Dec. 11, between 1 and 4 p.m. at the Student Life Center, Olmsted Center. Gloria, better known as Glo, has served Drake students, faculty, and staff for almost 30 years. Gloria’s commitment to teamwork, communication, and service has made a huge impact on the Drake community. She will be dearly missed. Stop by the Student Life Center on Dec. 11 for coffee, treats, and to congratulate Glo.
Marina Verlengia, Academic Excellence and Student Success
Test drive potential new library furniture
Last spring, Drake completed a facility feasibility study of Cowles Library. As a result, the University decided to move forward with improvements to the east side of the library’s main floor. One of these improvements includes new furniture.
To help determine what furniture to purchase, Cowles staff are soliciting feedback from the campus community. Furniture vendors will set up and display furniture from Dec. 4 to 15 for students, faculty, and staff to test out and provide their feedback. Please stop by the library during this time to have a say in determining the new furniture.
Leslie Noble, Cowles Library
Writing Workshop closed for Thanksgiving break
The Writing Workshop will be closed for Thanksgiving break starting Tuesday, Nov. 21. It will open again Monday, Nov. 27. Please make an appointment online for writing help.
Megan Brown
Bulldog Bootcamp
Drake Wellness’ Bulldog Bootcamp program will run from Jan. 29 to March 9. This 6-week, student-only program is aimed to increase strength, build lean muscle, and improve overall fitness. Bulldog Bootcamp will challenge you to set goals and improve yourself in a fun and welcoming environment. Workouts will focus on bodyweight movements, compound sets, and using resistance bands to build functional strength. The class will also feature a Facebook support group where articles and information on fitness, nutrition, and motivation will be shared. Registration fills up fast, so email wellness@drake.edu today to reserve a spot.
Drake Wellness
CAB presents Social Justice Dialogue
Drake’s Community Action Board is hosting the November Social Justice Dialogue Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. in Upper Olmsted to simulate barriers to college access.
Morgan Garner
Seeking student coordinators
The Office of Student Inclusion Involvement and Leadership is hiring for two open positions slated to begin at the start of the spring semester. Positions are:
- Student Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life
- Student Coordinator of Finance
Complete an online form to apply. For the job descriptions, email kerry.king@drake.edu or pick up a copy of the descriptions at the Student Life Center. Applications are due by Tuesday, Dec. 5.
Kerry King Jordan, Office of Student Inclusion Involvement and Leadership