All posts by Ashton Hockman

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Share how you are engaging alumni

Alumni want to stay connected to Drake by contributing to today’s student experience. Have you recently scheduled an alumnus to speak in your classroom, participate in a career fair, serve on a panel, or mentor a student?

If your answer is yes, there is an easy way to let Alumni Relations know so we can measure engagement, track interests, and communicate opportunities with our alumni. Please use the online form on the University Advancement Web page, or the link on myDrake under Employee Quick Links to submit your alumni engagement.

This past year we received over 150 submissions from faculty and staff regarding alumni who volunteered in Drake classes. Please help us again this year by using the submission form and helping us track this important alumni engagement.

 Andy Verlengia, Director of Alumni Relations

For Students Archive

Monroe Bulldog Buddies

Do you want to make a difference in a young person’s life? Consider becoming a Monroe Bulldog Buddy. Mentor a K-5th grader at Monroe Elementary School, which is a quick 15-minute walk from Drake. Meet with your mentee at least twice a month and be a positive role model in his or her life.

To learn more, come to an informational session/orientation on Friday, Sept. 21, at 12 p.m. in Olmsted’s Drake Room. Read about a mentor’s experience. Contact kerry.king@drake.edu for more information.

Amanda Martin, Community Engaged Learning & Service

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Coffee with Online Programs

Online Programs will be available to meet and answer any questions regarding online teaching or online programs every third Thursday from 1 to 2 p.m. on the first floor of Cowles Library, in the coffee shop area. Christina Trombley, executive director for Online Programs, will be there on Thursday, Sept. 20, and is happy to have a general discussion regarding programs, teaching in the online format, or the process for moving a class to online.

Christina Trombley, Online Programs

 

For Students Archive

Ukulele classes for non-music majors

The Drake University Community School of Music is excited to introduce a group ukulele class for non-music majors. The class meets every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. for eight weeks starting Oct. 3 in the Fine Arts Building. The cost is $200. There are only 10 spots available, so if you are interested, register soon by contacting Cynthia Giunta, director of the Drake University Community School of Music, at cynthia.giunta@drake.edu or 515-271-2832. The class is a great way to make new friends and take a break from studying. All you need to participate is an inexpensive ukulele.

Elaina Steenson, Music

For Students Archive

Knock Out Cancer

Colleges Against Cancer will be hosting a dodge-ball night, Knock Out Cancer, on Thursday, Sept. 27, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. The purpose of this event is to raise funds and awareness for the fight against cancer. Participants are asked to sign up in teams of up to 6 people.

Please make sure all of the members of your team are signed up under the same team letter. There will be food for sale at the event and 100% of the money raised will be donated to Blank Children’s Hospital. Thank you in advance for your support!

Colleen Kless, Senior

Campus Announcements Archive

Reminder: Policy Resources

Drake University policies are maintained centrally in the University Policy Library.  Policies are grouped by category for easy reference.  In addition, you may search the policy library using key terms. The development or revision of existing policies follows the Policy Development, Approval, and Communication Policy.  This policy includes links to a policy template and procedures for new policy adoption.

An example of a new policy that recently went through the policy development process is the Paid Parental Leave Policy, which took effect July 1, 2018. Watch OnCampus throughout the year for announcements about new policy proposals. Proposed policies will be published for a period of fifteen business days so that various stakeholders and members of the campus community will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed policy.

Campus Announcements Archive

Adult Literacy Center moving to DMACC

After decades of service and sponsorship by Drake, the Adult Literacy Center is moving off of Drake’s campus to DMACC’s Urban Campus, located a few blocks off University Avenue.

The Adult Literacy Center improves the quality of adults’ lives by helping them learn to read, write, and comprehend. And, it is the only program of its kind in the Des Moines area. The move will put the Center in a location where students can easily transition into a GED program, receive English language tutoring, or other career preparation services offered by DMACC.

I am very pleased to announce that Anne Murr is returning from retirement to guide the DMACC project. In addition, the current coordinator Vickie Merrifield will manage the program just as she is now with no interruption of service to students. Any funds remaining in the Drake Adult Literacy account will be shifted to DMACC allowing them the resources they need to get everything up and running smoothly.

The Adult Literacy Center provides services to over 100 adults each year. The Center is staffed by volunteers from Drake and the Des Moines community. I sincerely appreciate the many faculty and staff who have volunteered or otherwise supported the center over the years. I hope you will continue your support, which improves the lives of hundreds of deserving adults. Here’s to many more years of service!

For questions, contact Vickie Merrifield, ALCA literacy trainer, at 515-248-7517 or vlmerrifield@dmacc.edu .

—Jan McMahill, Dean, School of Education

For Staff Archive

All Staff Council Habitat for Humanity service project

Drake staff are invited to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity’s Rock the Block event on Friday, Oct. 5, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Gather a few colleagues from within or outside of your department and spend the morning completing home repair and weatherization projects that will benefit residents in a local Des Moines neighborhood.

Full-time Drake staff receive eight hours of community service leave each year. This is a great opportunity to use some of those hours, with your supervisor’s approval. No prior skills or experience is needed. Training will be provided. Register no later than Wednesday, Sept. 26.

For questions, contact Amanda Martin at amanda.martin@drake.edu.

Amanda Martin, Community Engaged Learning

For Students Archive

Group piano class for non-music majors

The Drake University Community School of Music is excited to introduce a group piano class for non-music majors. The class meets every Wednesday from 12-1 p.m. for eight weeks starting Oct. 1. The cost is $200. There are only 10 spots available, so if you are interested, register soon by contacting Cynthia Giunta, director of the Drake University Community School of Music, at cynthia.giunta@drake.edu or 515-271-2832. The class is a great way to relieve stress and enjoy learning how to play the piano.

Cynthia Giunta, Music