All posts by Ashton Hockman

Campus Announcements Archive

In memoriam: Professor Emeritus Joseph A. Fisher 

It is with great sadness that we share that Drake University Professor Emeritus Joseph A. Fisher passed away peacefully at his home in Newton, Iowa on March 25. Professor Fisher served as the Director of the Adult Reading and Study Skills Center and Professor of graduate students in Educational Psychology at Drake from 1961–1992.

In his professional career, he was president of the International Association of Adult Reading Specialists. He led members of this group on month-long educational tours in Europe and South America. He published articles in several professional journals. His self-published College Skills text was used by many students and college instructors.  From his analysis of literacy testing in South American Countries, the UN named him as consultant to Educational Secretaries in South America.

The ACT College Testing Program and certain units of the United States Military educational units recognized and adopted his philosophical insight of the strong correlation between test questions and responses.

Professor Fisher will be deeply missed by the Bulldog community and all those who knew him. His full obituary can be read here.

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Read this week’s employee shout-outs!

As part of Employee Appreciation Month, Human Resources has been sharing shout-outs submitted by faculty and staff.  Thanks to everyone who participated this month.  Even though Employee Appreciation Month has come to an end, we hope you continue to find ways to show your appreciation to staff, faculty, and student employees across campus.  Sharing positive energy is contagious.  When you look for the good in people, you strengthen relationships, improving both their lives and your own.

Read the final shout-outs submitted the past couple weeks!

“A shout-out to Katherine Coady for her amazing support for the recent 11th Annual Murphy Cup event.  Katherine provided fantastic support in the planning and implementation of this event.   Her dedication and expertise made the Murphy Cup a huge success.  Katherine truly went the extra mile in her involvement and support of the 2024 Murphy Cup.” – Mary Edrington

“A shout-out to Annette Watson for her continued involvement and support for the Annual Speed Networking event.  The 16th Annual Marketing Speed Networking event was a huge success thanks in large part to Annette Watson’s expertise.  She provides outstanding organizational and logistical support for the event and both the students and marketing professionals continually rave about Annette Watson.” – Mary Edrington

“A shout-out to Maureen De Armond, human resources executive director: Maureen’s genuine interest and involvement in individual employee career goals and her creative collaboration to empower and advance those goals is the embodiment of Drake’s core values of joyful accountability, generosity of spirit, all in this together, and commitment to mission.” – Thad Smull

“A shout-out to Karen Pomeroy, Debbie Coyle, and Cindy Liska for your hard work and dedication to serving Zimpleman undergrad students! We have been a mighty and agile team, and I appreciate your commitment to our students and each other!” – Lauren McCarthy

“A shout-out to Judy, Jessica, and Christine who make things happen for the OIRA team. Your commitment to Drake, thoughtful work, and growth mindset makes a difference. Thank you for the “can do” spirit, the creative thinking, and the laughter.” – Kevin Saunders

“A shout-out to Sara Hughes:  Sara is awesome!  She helps things keep running in the Law Deans Office.  She keeps track of so many meetings, events, deadlines.  She is so organized and always positive with a smile on her face.  She is one of the first to jump in and help out wherever needed.  Thank you Sara, for all you do!” – Susan Edwards

“A shout-out to Dawn Brown:  Dawn is a newer employee, but she has jumped right in and hit the ground running.  She has had to plan events; she is helping out during a staff vacancy.  She is always willing to learn and help out anyone.  She is a great addition to our team and we’re lucky to have her.  Thank you Dawn!” – Susan Edwards

“A shout-out to Kristi Longtin:  Kristi is such a valuable co-worker.  She is organized, with an attention to detail I admire.  She assists full time and part time faculty and is currently taking on additional duties, covering for a vacant staff position.  She is such a problem solver, always looking for the solution.  Kristi always helps me with any technical questions about Excel or Word.  She is our resident Help Desk.  Thank you Kristi!” – Susan Edwards

“A shout-out to Kris Magill:  Kris is a bright light in the Deans Office.  She always has a smile on her face and is welcoming to everyone.  She has great attention to detail, which is so important as she confirms students have met all their requirements to graduate; produces class rankings and plans Law Commencement.   Even with all those tasks (and more) she is always willing to help out whenever needed.  Thank you Kris for all you do!” – Susan Edwards

“A shout-out to Deb Wiley:  Deb answers a million questions I have.  She is knowledgeable and always willing to work through any scenarios that I have.  I appreciate that she has a great sense of humor, with all the multiple tasks she undertakes.  Thank you Deb for all you do!” – Susan Edwards

“A shout-out to Sheri Gavin, Ashley Rasmussen, Diana Newman & Valerie Thacker:  My fellow Budget Managers, thank you for the tireless work you do.  I appreciate our group chats and meetings to support each other, answer questions, share information & ideas and to problem solve.  Keep doing the great work!” – Susan Edwards

“A shout-out to Maureen DeArmond:  Thank you Maureen for all you do, especially with helping me with postings on Jobs@Drake.  You are quick to respond and get things going.  You’re always available to talk through many scenarios and offer guidance.  I appreciate you!” – Susan Edwards 

“A shout-out to Kathy Veach:  Kathy is always so helpful and answers all my questions.  I appreciate her knowledge with Restricted & Endowed funds, keeping track of it all and providing Budget Managers with the information we need.  Thank you Kathy!” – Susan Edwards

“A shout-out to Jeni Baugher & Shelly Biondi:  Jeni & Shelly are the dynamic duo.  They process all A/P, handle pcards and many other very important tasks.  They always answer my questions.  I appreciate their positive attitudes, and both have an awesome sense of humor.  Thank you for keeping things moving!” – Susan Edwards

“A shout-out to Jazlin Coley, Terrance Pendelton and team for planning and organizing Bulldogs Belong, a Drake DEI Week! There were great opportunities to bring the campus community together to celebrate and reflect.” – Amanda Martin

“A shout-out to Amy Guiter for her expertise, dedication, resilience, and hard work to ensure every student visiting the Drake campus has an exceptional experience!  As a mom of a college student, Amy completely understands the impact of the campus visit experience in the college search process and is passionate in her work to exceed expectations of visitors every day!” – Deneen Dygert

“A shout-out to Chrystal Stanley:  Chrystal has a legacy of providing excellent support, direction, guidance to students in their pursuit of a career path as well as coordinating employer partners with Drake students.  Drake boasts an impressive accomplishment rate for graduates as well as one of the most impressive response rates largely due to her dedication and leadership on the Drake campus.  Thank you, Chrystal for your years of exceptional service to Drake students and alumni!” – Deneen Dygert

“A shout-out to Michelle Laughlin:  Michelle’s passion for student’s is extraordinary.  She has dedicated her career to ensuring students have access to quality programs and services to assist them in the path to success and has provided leadership to ensure our campus community is united in our goal to serve all students in the pursuit of academic excellence. We are all so fortunate to have Michelle as a colleague and as the Director of Access and Success.” – Deneen Dygert

“A shout-out to Marietta Jackson:  Have you ever met someone with a brighter or more welcoming smile?  This shout out is to Marietta who welcomes students daily at The Hubb and provides that special dose of happiness and encouragement that students have come to expect and appreciate as they enter Hubbell Dining Hall.  Marietta is a gift to the Drake University community and has positively impacted all who dine in The Hub through her infectious joy-filled welcome!” – Deneen Dygert

Campus Announcements Archive

Drake Relays parking and road closures

The Drake Relays brings thousands of athletes, alumni, and guests to campus. As a reminder, parking and travel on and around campus will be impacted Saturday, April 20, through Saturday, April 27.

It is highly recommended that if you are coming to campus from off grounds, that you use public transportation, if possible.  If you do plan on driving, give yourself plenty of time to find parking.  Please remember that cars that are parked on the grass, illegally in handicap spaces, or blocking operations will be towed without notice.

All valid commuter permits will be honored throughout the week, all day Thursday, April 25, and until 5 p.m. on Friday.  Only residential permits are valid in residential lots and commuter permits in commuter lots, unless posted otherwise. 

Please note that the Olmsted and Ray Promenade lot still require the correct permit color to park in those lots before 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 20– Sunday, April 28 – Lot 17 (Facilities Lot) will be closed/no parking allowed.

Wednesday, April 24, at 12 p.m. – Saturday, April 27, at 8 p.m. – Forest Avenue will be fully closed from 27th Street to 29th Street and will allow for only limited access from 24th to 27th Streets and from 29th to 31st Streets. No street parking is allowed along Forest Avenue.

Wednesday, April 24 – Saturday, April 27 – 27th Street will be intermittently closed between Forest Avenue and Clarke Street.

Wednesday, April 24 – Saturday, April 27 – Lot 18 S (Studio Arts) will be closed/no parking allowed.

Wednesday, April 24 – Monday, April 29 – Half of Lot 13 (Ray Promenade Lot) will be closed.

Thursday, April 25 – Saturday, April 27 – Clarke Street will be posted No Parking from 27th street to 25th street.

— Scott Law, Executive Director, Public Safety & Operational Services

Strategic Updates Archive

Time to Dance!

The Drake Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams are on to the Big Dance!

  • The Men’s Basketball team will play Washington State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday, March 21, at 9:05 p.m. in Omaha, Nebraska.
  • The Women’s team will take on the University of Colorado on Friday, March 22, at 6 p.m. in Manhattan, Kansas.

The men’s game will be aired on TruTV, and the women’s game can be watched on ESPNews.

Watch Parties and Pre-Game Gatherings

Central Iowa Watch Party – Downtown Des Moines
Join fellow Bulldogs at Hoops and Hops at Cowles Commons, to cheer on the Men’s Basketball team Thursday. The event is free.

Central Iowa Watch Party – Clive
Watch both the men’s and women’s games at The Ducktail Lounge in Clive. Entry is free.  

Omaha Pre-Game Gathering
Whether you have tickets or not, join your fellow Bulldogs and fans at Let It Fly Sports Bar for a pregame gathering. Located steps from CHI Health Center Arena this will be the place to be. Wear your Drake gear, enjoy a visit from the Drake Pep Band and Dance Team and get fired up for the big game.

Chicago Watch Party
If you know fellow Bulldogs in the Chicago area, encourage them to watch the men’s game at George Street Pub Thursday.

Tickets
The University does not have any ticket packages available to students, faculty, staff, or alumni. For those wishing to attend the game in person, tickets are available through the NCAA and secondary ticket markets such as Ticketmaster and the event arena.

More information can be found at alumni.drake.edu/marchmadness.

HR Information Archive

Read the latest employee shout-outs!

As part of Employee Appreciation Month, Human Resources is encouraging everyone to submit a shout-out for a faculty, staff, or student employee. This is a great way to recognize others. Simply write a sentence of appreciation for an individual or team and submit it to linda.feiden@drake.edu between now and March 27. They will be compiled and posted in the next edition of OnCampus.

Read some of the shout-outs submitted so far!

“A shout-out to Nic Jacobson and Laure Fredenburg for their ongoing support throughout the Changemaker Scholars application process.  They were both so responsive, willing to help us try new things, and all with a positive and friendly attitude!  It’s much appreciated.” – Amanda Martin

“A shout-out to All Staff Council (ASC):  Thank you for all you have done to both support and recognize staff, as well as create opportunities for social connection and community awareness.  I have had the privilege to work closely with this group on numerous projects.   Although each event requires extra work for ASC members, in addition to their regular workload, they do it with a smile and always exhibit a ‘Generosity of Spirit’.  Thank you!” – Linda Feiden

“A shout-out to Christine Urish, Hannah Clayborne, Terrance Pendleton, Venessa Macro, Michelle Laughlin, and Daniel Van Sant: I would like to take a moment to send a shout out to my fellow team members on the President’s Committee on Supporting Persons with Disabilities, who, in addition to their seemingly one million commitments/to-dos across their day-to-day jobs, have joined this effort to lay the framework for an inclusive campus. Each of the six of you have been a joy to get to know and learn from over the past six months–each and every one of you teaching me something to better myself for the future. With a special round of applause to our Chair, Venessa, who I must say has been one of the most effective committee chairs that I’ve worked with for her calm and mission driven leadership style.  Thank you all!” – Matthew Williams

“A shout-out to Greg Lin for the superb communication and enthusiasm he has for recruiting volunteers.  Thanks Greg! – Matthew Williams

“A shout-out to Amy Guiter and Allison Bugg for your awesomeness in supporting the campus visit team in Cole Hall day in and day out, navigating quick pivots to be a superb first impression prospective students get. Your work truly moves this campus forward. Thank you!”– Matthew Williams

“A shout-out to Ed Walkwitz: Ed has been the duty engineer on call for a few calls I’ve placed and is always so helpful, kind, and patient in every interaction, all while providing prompt resolution to the concern. Thanks Ed!” – Matthew Williams

“A shout-out to Professor Talbert: She is such a wonderful professor, and her classes are so engaging. She is also a supportive and loving person; proud to call her my professor!” – Chloe Lepak

“A shout-out to Professor Dolinsek: He constantly works to make his students feel included and valued.  He is awesome!” – Chloe Lepak

“A shout-out to Austin Higgins, Mail Office Manager-Campus Mail Operations for his kindness while assisting our needs here at The Ray Center.  Austin always presents the Drake Core Values, and he demonstrates the Six Pillars–Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship, in his daily work.  We much appreciate all Austin does for us. – Deb Taylor

 “A shout-out to June Mitchell, Leadership and Counseling Support Specialist for her Generosity of Spirit and willingness to be All in This Together attitude.  On multiple occasions, June has gone above and beyond to assist with anything we seek out to accomplish.  June is always there for us at The Ray Center, and we are happy she is just two floors up from us.” – Deb Taylor

“A shout-out to Cody Dolinsek: Thank you for being one of the most influential professors I have had in college. Your kindness, intelligence, curiosity for the world around you, and comedic impressions have helped me navigate my time at Drake. I will truly miss being your student!” – Rachel Jalloway

“A shout-out to Dining Services: Thank you for cooking our food each and every day! Not only that, thank you for making sure that students are able to eat using clean dishes all around the clock. I appreciate seeing you all around the dining hall–I really like having little conversations when I can!” – Rachel Jalloway

“A shout-out to Cleaning/Facilities: Thank you for keeping Drake a clean campus! I see all the hard work you do, from cleaning each residence hall and campus building every day to fixing the broken things on campus. We really cannot survive without you all–please know that we see you all and appreciate you all!” – Rachel Jalloway

“A shout-out to Shelley Adams:  Shelley is such a wonderful addition to the CPHS Staff team. She is a shining example of hard work and dedication to excellence, and her talents were invaluable during the HOSA conference that just took place in March at Drake. She took the time necessary to make sure that this experience was top notch for the students who attended, and I know that she played a massive part in the conference’s success. She makes our office a better, brighter, and more welcoming place for all, and I couldn’t do what I do at Drake without her assistance. Thank you, Shelley!” – Shelby Nelson

“A shout-out to Diana Altamirano:  My nickname for Diana is “Dependable Diana.” I can always depend on her to take care of things and she always does so with the best attitude! Not only this, but she always goes above and beyond in whatever she does. Her positive energy and commitment to the College’s success in all aspects is truly so appreciated. She is a great collaborator, and I am so thankful to have her on our team. Thanks Diana!” – Shelby Nelson

“A shout-out to Gillian Mohn:  Thanks so much to Gillian, who just recently started assisting CPHS with some communications tasks. She has been great with tackling these new challenges and we greatly appreciate her can-do attitude and her assistance with all things communications!” – Shelby Nelson

“A shout-out to Rachel Penningroth:  She’s always willing to lend a helping hand.” – Melinda Headlee

“A shout-out to Suzanne Wisslead:  Thank you for being so available to help me with Slate projects. Your knowledge, attention to detail, and timeliness are appreciated!” – Lisa Kinkade

“A shout-out to Jeannie Nielsen, CPHS Experiential Office: Thank you for all you do for our students, faculty, and staff. You create a welcoming environment to ask questions and always greet us with a smile when we enter your office. I’m grateful for your hard work and dedication to the CPHS Experiential Office.” – Anisa Hansen

“A shout-out to Marina Verlengia, Director of New Student and Parent Programs:  Your dedication to our first-year students is exceptional. You are a creative leader during this opportunity for change. Your hard work does not go unnoticed!” – Anisa Hansen

“A shout-out to Kristi Longtin: Kristi is always willing to help and is a whiz with Qualtrics, Panopto and all Microsoft products, too!  This semester she’s doing even more covering for a vacant admin position supporting nearly all the faculty at the law school, including the adjuncts.  She’s cool under pressure and has a great sense of humor through it all!  Thank you, Kristi!” – Sara Hughes

“A shout-out to Dawn Brown: Dawn is new to our team at the law school, but you’d never know it!  She has jumped in and is doing a great job juggling the four areas that she supports!  She is quick to learn and has made a difference in all she’s taken on since starting in December 2023.  She is also helping pick up some duties for the admin support position that’s open too.  She has been a great addition!  Thank you, Dawn!” – Sara Hughes

“A shout-out to Kris Magill: In addition to her own duties, I know I can always count on Kris to help me out when needed.  She handles all things related to Commencement for the law school including regalia, program, music, composite picture.  She also coordinates faculty meetings, faculty presentations, class ranks, degree certifications and more.  Her positive attitude and smile shine through in all she does and makes every day a good one.  She has a sharp eye for proofreading and has saved me on multiple occasions by reading through an email or letter for me.  All these things and more help me realize how fortunate I am to work with her.  Thank you, Kris!” – Sara Hughes

“A shout-out to Terri Howard: There is one person at Drake Law that is always there to help alumni, faculty, staff, and students.  She does it all and does it all well!  She manages our marketing including our current rebranding project, resource for our Recent Alumni Engagement Board, coordinates our many events (including Cady Day & Supreme Court Celebration) and works with our alumni to set up receptions around the country or their reunions!  Recently she helped launch a new alumni management database while also helping to organize a new alumni group that will be kicked off in April.  Both projects were done while she continued to do her “normal” duties.  She has a great way of making each person feel like the most important person in the world when she’s working with them.  Thank you, Terri!” – Sara Hughes

“A shout-out to Julie Olinger:  Julie’s attitude is infectious! It is rare to see Julie without a smile and a friendly greeting. She is always willing to help, whether it is brainstorming new ways to engage students, hunting down tricky information, or helping move office furniture. Her kindness is one of her strongest qualities!” – Jenny Jones

“A shout-out to Ron Ackerman:  Ron does an amazing job of taking care of the MBA students. He advocates for the students, keeping their best interests at the center of his recommendations. He is a huge asset to our office – he is often able to find solutions that not only help serve our office but also our students. His years of knowledge in the MBA field are invaluable to our program.” – Jenny Jones

“A shout-out to Whitney Harris:  Here’s to our fearless Advising Council leader, who inspires us to reach new heights every day, guiding us through challenges with courage, humor, and grace. It’s such a pleasure working with and learning from you!” – Sydni Jennings

“A shout-out to Nicholas Kavanaugh: Your reliability and dedication makes every project smoother and every goal more achievable. The Cline Hall office is a better and brighter environment because of you!” – Sydni Jennings

“A shout-out to Allyssa Ruths: We couldn’t do what we do without your management of all the details! You are an invaluable asset to CPHS Student Affairs, and your gif humor is just an added bonus. Thanks for all you do!” – Sydni Jennings

“A shout-out to Jen Hinton: Jen exemplifies willingness to help prospective students, Drake colleagues, and community college partners.  She is eager to help, creates new ideas for implementation and is a positive Drake Bulldog!  She is a joy to work with in the Transfer Admission space – keep up the awesome work Jen!” – Rachelle Setsodi

“A shout-out to Valori Bross and Kristy Hilchen, Office of Admission, for reading, evaluating, and processing over 11,800 undergraduate applications since March 1, 2023 – which include Bright College applicants, Transfer applicants, Direct from High School applicants and applicants from all over the globe.” – Amy Nichols

Campus Announcements Archive

Griff Gives Back pet food drive underway

The ninth annual Griff Gives Back pet food drive is underway! Griff II is collecting donations of adult dog and cat food to benefit The Pet Project Midwest, a local pet food pantry, in the weeks leading up to the Beautiful Bulldog Contest and Drake Relays.

How to Donate

Griff II’s goal this year is 15,000 pounds to benefit area pets in need. There are several different ways to donate. Donations can be ordered online, purchased and delivered to one of nine different drop-off locations, or ordered directly from our Amazon wish list.

Let’s assist Griff II in reaching his goal!

— Erin Bell, University Communications and Marketing

For Students Archive

December commencement ceremonies

Beginning in the Fall 2025 semester, Drake University will no longer hold a December commencement ceremony. Instead, the University will return to its prior tradition of celebrating all graduates at its spring commencement ceremonies in May. 

Drake’s December 2024 commencement will be its last December commencement.  

This decision was not made lightly and was based on several factors including participation, logistical considerations, fiscal responsibility, and our commitment to providing an exceptional experience for our graduates.  

We understand this change may impact some of our students and families who were planning to participate in a December commencement ceremony in 2025 and beyond. Our hope is that this decision will bring all students of the same graduating class together—whether graduating in December, May, or August—for one culminating celebration of their accomplishments and time at Drake. 

If you have questions about this decision or commencement in general, please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@drake.edu. 

— Jenny Tran-Johnson, Registrar

For Students Archive

Study Abroad Fall 2024 on Drake’s cohort program, DU England at Harlaxton

Apply for the DU England: Harlaxton program through Terra Dotta.  Priority deadline and scholarship deadline: Friday, March 15.

Drake is currently accepting applications for DU England: Harlaxton, where you can study abroad fall 2024 at a Victorian Manor set in the English countryside, just an hour outside of London.

This upcoming fall, a cohort of Drake students will study at Harlaxton with Drake Professor of Politics and International Studies, Mary McCarthy. Students enroll in one or two Drake courses and round out their semester credits taking a variety of courses taught by British and visiting faculty.  Harlaxton courses can be pre-approved to count toward your major(s), minor(s), concentration, and/or AOIs.

Drake courses offered:
POLS 149: Sites of Memory (AOIs: Historical Foundations or Global & Cultural Understanding; Approved for Honors credit and as an elective for the following majors, minors, and concentrations: Politics, International Relations, Human Rights, Women & Gender Studies, Black Diaspora Studies)
POLS 178: International Law (AOI: Engaged Citizen; Required course for International Relations; Elective for Politics)

Studying abroad on DU England: Harlaxton, students are charged Drake tuition and keep their scholarship package, making your experience abroad comparable in cost to staying right here in Des Moines.  In addition, we award over $100,000 in study abroad scholarships every year!

To learn more, attend an information session offered later today and tomorrow.

INFORMATION SESSIONS:
Tuesday, February 20th at 5 pm
Wednesday, February 21st at 12 pm
Pomerantz Conference Room, Olmsted Student Center, main-level

If you have questions or want to schedule an advising appointment, reach out to studyabroad@drake.edu.

— Maria Rohach, Director, Education Abroad

Campus Announcements Archive

Science on Screen film series: Varsity Cinema & Drake University partnership

Science on Screen, a collaboration between Varsity Cinema, STEM Librarian Dan Chibnall, and STEM@DRAKE, launches Feb. 27 with a screening of the sci-fi/horror classic The Thing, introduced by Shauna Kaplan, associate professor of biology. Buy tickets.

Kaplan’s introduction will explore how different diseases spread in our society. Some transmit directly from one person to another, others are spread from an insect bite, such as a tick or mosquito, and some spread from animal to human. Before watching The Thing, she will talk about how some diseases transmit from an animal to a human easily, while others are much more difficult, and whether once the disease is in a human if it can transmit to another human, using influenza as the main example.

The Thing is a sci-fi/horror classic from director John Carpenter. Set on a science research station in the Antarctic, an American research team has a strange encounter with their Norwegian counterparts, including a husky dog who is not what it seems. This film explores science and sci-fi concepts such as biological transmission of disease, paranoia, seclusion, social anxiety, and alienation. 

This is the first of three films in the series coming to Varsity Cinema this spring. The next film in the series will be Blackberry, March 26, with an introduction by SJMC professor Chris Snider on the evolution of and relationship with our mobile devices particularly smartphones. The final film will be Galaxy Quest on April 30 with an introduction by professor Charlie Nelson on our fascination with the concept of extraterrestrials. 

Science on Screen series schedule:

Film: John Carpenter’s The Thing
Tuesday, Feb. 27: talk begins at 6:30 p.m., film shortly after, no later than 7 p.m.
Special Guest Speaker: Associate Professor Shauna Kaplan, Biology & Microbiology, Drake University
Presentation Title: Diseases that Transmit Between Animals and Humans
Description: Different diseases spread (known as transmission) in different modes. Some transmit directly from one person to another, others are spread from an insect bite, such as a tick or mosquito, and some spread from animal to humans. Before watching The Thing, we will talk about how some diseases transmit from an animal to a human easily, while other are much more difficult, and whether if once the disease is in a human if it can transmit to another human, using influenza as the main example.
Tickets: On sale now https://varsitydesmoines.com/purchase/381564/

Film: Blackberry
Tuesday, March 26: talk begins at 6:30 p.m., film shortly after, no later than 7 p.m.
Special Guest Speaker: Associate Professor Chris Snider, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Drake University
Presentation Title: “Don’t Silence Your Phones”
Description: How our smartphones went from email-obsessed devices to powerful movie-making tools that fit in our pocket. This presentation from Drake University School of Journalism multimedia professor Chris Snider will discuss the evolution of smartphones, which are now used to film major motion pictures. Snider will also share some tips for all of us to unleash our movie-making abilities.
Tickets: Will go on sale in mid-March 

Film: Galaxy Quest
Tuesday, April 30: talk begins at 6:30 p.m., film shortly after, no later than 7 p.m.
Special Guest Speaker: Associate Professor Charlie Nelson, Physics & Astronomy, Drake University
Presentation Title & Description: TBA
Tickets: Will go on sale in mid-April

Science on Screen is a national initiative of the COOLIDGE CORNER THEATRE, with major support from the ALFRED P. SLOAN FOUNDATION.

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

FPM shares results of Administrative Services Fall 2023 survey

The annual Survey of Administrative Services, SAS, is an opportunity for faculty and staff to provide feedback on how services are performed across the campus.  Facilities Planning and Management uses this input to celebrate our successes over the last year and where opportunities for improvement may lie within our team.

Survey respondents provided largely positive feedback about FPM services.  Satisfaction with FPM staff courtesy, professionalism, knowledge, timeliness, resolution of issues and communication regarding work orders and projects received similar ratings to last year.

The eleven FPM specific services that were evacuated received ratings in which some services were slightly lower this year than the past year, with a few services receiving higher marks. Grounds team is this year’s winner of the FPM Golden Bulldog Award, 2nd year in a row, for receiving the highest satisfactory rating within FPM at 4.57 out of 5. Congratulation to the Grounds Team!

Overall satisfaction with FPM dipped a little from the previous year.  We contribute this to several factors, the lower number of respondents to the survey, and from the comments, truly understanding the role of FPM.  Our team is dedicated to maintaining campus buildings and grounds to the best of our abilities.  We recognize there are some outdated systems and infrastructure, but those are still operational due to the hard work of the staff.  We would like nothing more that be able to remodel and updated every building, until that time, our staff is ensuring that the learning environment is to the utmost main concern of our mission.

FPM continues to review areas of opportunities for improvement.  This coming year communication to the campus remains a top priority.  Keeping everyone updated on work orders or projects that affect their daily routine tends to be an area that gets many comments on the survey.  Being proactive and reporting and addressing issues prior to those becoming larger concerns is going to be followed through by our front-line staff.  Lastly, FPM will continue to exhibit the core values in everything we do.

— Kevin Moran, Facilities Planning and Management, Executive Director