All posts by Ashton Hockman

East Asian Studies Film Series

The first film of the spring 2018 East Asian Studies Film Series will be shown today, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. in Harvey Ingham Hall, Room 134. The film is called The Mermaid (China, 2016), and is a quirky, comedic reimagining of The Little Mermaid that looks at the impact of greedy corporate interests on the continuation of sea life (including mermaids). The film is organized by the East Asian Studies Minor and co-sponsored by the Chinese Students and Scholars Association. Contact Marty McCarthy at mary.mccarthy@drake.edu with questions.

Marty McCarthy, Department of Political Science

World Information Architecture Day

World Information Architecture Day is a one-day annual celebration hosted by the Information Architecture Institute and held in dozens of locations across the globe. It is taking place in 56 individual locations across 25 countries and 5 continents. Our celebration in Des Moines will take place in the Olmsted Center on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The day will consist of a mix of presentations and workshops on topics drawing from the worlds of information architecture, user experience design, content strategy, product strategy, marketing, and more. The event will start with a keynote by Scott Kubie from Brain Traffic. From there, guests can choose sessions throughout the day.

The event is free to attend. An event agenda and registration information can be found here.

Neil Ward, College of Arts & Sciences

 

Self-Care Week events

This week is self-care week. Attend various activities to learn strategies for self-care and stress management.

Wednesday, Feb. 14: Self-Care Fair
Wellness, counseling, music therapy, and massage chairs
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Olmsted Breezeway and Parents Hall

Thursday, Feb. 15
Confessions with the Counselors (10 minute counseling sessions)
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Drake Room

Thursday, Feb. 15
Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention with guest speaker Ryan Nesbitt from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
6 to 8 p.m. — Sussman Theater

— Leah Berte, Academic Excellence and Student Success

An Unparalleled Partnership: US-Japan Relations in an Uncertain World

On Thursday, March 1, Professor Fumiaki Kubo, of the University of Tokyo, will present, “An Unparalleled Partnership: US-Japan Relations in an Uncertain World,” at 7 p.m. in Meredith Hall, Room 106. His talk will explore how the two nations can work together, in an era defined by populism, to build peace and stability in the Asia Pacific. This event is made possible through the support of the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago, and is co-sponsored by the School of Journalism & Mass Communication, and the Department of Political Science. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP here.

Kathleen Richardson, School of Journalism & Mass Communication

Travel and eight-plus-passenger vehicle processes

As a reminder, formal risk management domestic trip/travel processes and guidelines that address university driver approval, trip registration, releases, and emergency contacts can be found here.

These tools help to mitigate risk when traveling on domestic required class trips or voluntary trips. Examples of voluntary trips include travel by student organizations, mock trial, debate, field trips, etc.

It’s important to note that a formal process was implemented last July for use of vehicles that seat more than eight passengers. A checklist and approval process to drive vehicles that transport nine or more, can be found online here. The new driver protocols are being implemented to improve Drake’s current vehicle/driver safety program and to help reduce potential accidents and losses.

For questions, contact Donna Blunck at donna.blunck@drake.edu or the trip advisor.

— Donna Blunck, Finance & Administration

Data to Action workshop

Last spring, 1,418 students completed the Drake Student Survey. Noteworthy findings include: strong student ratings for general satisfaction and overall quality, high ratings of skills and learning gains, the positive influence of out-of-class experiences, and the impact of relationships with faculty. When asked about ways to enhance students’ experience, one major theme was concern regarding campus climate (diversity and inclusion, political).

Drawing from the results of the Drake Student Survey and other instruments, we will be hosting another “Data to Action” workshop that will focus on diversity and inclusion on Feb. 26 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Cowles Library Reading Room. Similar to the previous workshop, we look forward to a robust discussion about how data might inform steps we can take as a community to create a more positive climate.

Read the full Drake Student Survey report, which includes longitudinal and college/school data.

— Kevin Saunders, Office of Institutional Research and Assessment

Hubbell Dining to host holiday-themed meals

Hubbell Dining is hosting three themed meals this week. Today, Feb. 13, attend a Mardi Gras dinner from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tomorrow, Feb. 14, eat lunch at Hubbell for a chance to decorate a heart shaped cookie. Friday, Feb. 16, celebrate Chinese New Year during lunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Faculty and staff can dine for just $5 by showing their Drake ID to the cashier.

Jennifer Bowersox, Hubbell Dining