All posts by Ashton Hockman

Strategic Updates Archive

Become a Contributing Author to The Conversation, Sign Up for an Informational Session Sept. 19

Faculty, on Thursday, Sept. 19, University Communications and Marketing is holding five separate meet-and-greet sessions in Meredith Hall, Room 207, with representatives from The Conversation—an independent news organization that relies exclusively on academic contributors to provide explanatory analysis and insights on topics spanning law and policy, science, health, economics, education, history, ethics, and many other topics that are well-aligned with the expertise of Drake faculty.

Published articles in The Conversation are widely syndicated across national media outlets—providing visibility to Drake and our faculty expertise to millions of readers all over the world.

Sign up for a session

Please add your name to the time slot you plan to attend.

Who should attend: The Conversation welcomes contributions from Drake faculty members, as well as any current Drake doctoral candidates. If you have an interest in learning more about The Conversation and how you can become a contributor, we encourage you to attend a session.

Why you should attend: Here are just a few stats on the impact being a contributing author to The Conversation can have. In a recent author impact analysis, The Conversation reported:

  • 26% of faculty contributors saw an increase in citations of their scholarly articles
  • 18% have used articles or metrics to aid in soliciting grants or funding
  • 45% received additional media interview requests after their article was published
  • 14% were invited to speak or present at a conference
  • 43% had opportunities arise for new academic collaboration
  • 93% said they had a very positive experience working with the editorial staff

You can learn more about The Conversation here.

— John Krantz, University Communications and Marketing

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Reminder for Employees Engaging in Political Activities

As election season approaches, a reminder that faculty and staff are free to engage in political advocacy as individuals but should never do so using any Drake University-affiliated resources or as a representative of Drake University. As a tax-exempt institution, it is vital that we maintain political neutrality to maintain our tax-exempt status with the IRS. Faculty and staff are encouraged to review and familiarize themselves with Drake’s Political Activity Policy.

This means that any Drake-affiliated social media channels are subject to scrutiny and cannot be used to like, post, share, or comment on any content that could be perceived as Drake showing support of (or opposition to) any political party or candidate. We ask that anyone responsible for a Drake-affiliated social media page carefully monitor your content/likes in the months ahead to ensure that it cannot be interpreted as showing support or opposition to any political candidates, positions, or viewpoints.

For questions, contact John Krantz, director of strategic communications, University Communications and Marketing.

— John Krantz, University Communications and Marketing

Campus Announcements Archive

Contagious Illness Protocols

As communicated to campus in August of 2023, Drake adjusted its COVID-19 guidance to reflect the expiration of the PHE and integrated COVID-19 into the University’s Contagious Illness Protocols.

These protocols are applicable to any instance in which a student is contagious with a viral or bacterial infection, such as influenza, strep, mononucleosis, or COVID-19. Infectious students cannot attend in-person classes and must contact their instructors to coordinate making up any missed material.

Please visit our Contagious Illness Protocols website to review this information. For additional questions, contact dos@drake.edu.

— Jerry Parker, Vice President & Dean of Students

Campus Announcements Archive

From Refugee to Olympian: The Inspiring Journey of Yiech Pur Biel, AS’23

Join us for an Everclass session featuring Yiech Pur Biel, AS’23, a refugee from South Sudan who found refuge in Kenya’s Kakuma camp and discovered a passion for running. He competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics as part of the Refugee Olympic Team. A 2023 Drake graduate, Pur now serves as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and IOC member, advocating for displaced athletes. He aims to provide access to sport for one million young refugees this year. The conversation will be facilitated by Blake Boldon, Senior Associate Athletics Director/Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays.

Everclass is a virtual discussion series designed to inspire Drake alumni and community members. All sessions feature a keynote speaker, a panel discussion, or a Q&A style with a moderator. Session categories include career, education, experience, and trending topics.

When: August 15, 12 p.m. CDT

Where: Virtual – Register via Zoom

— Andy Verlengia, Director, Alumni Relations

Campus Announcements Archive

Griff II is turning 6! Help him celebrate at Black Cat Ice Cream, July 13, 1–3 p.m.

You’re invited to celebrate Griff II’s sixth birthday on Saturday, July 13, from 1–3 p.m. at Black Cat Ice Cream!

Join your Dog for some birthday cake ice cream and photos. Black Cat Ice Cream is located at 2511 Cottage Grove Avenue in Des Moines.

Instead of gifts, consider bringing non-perishable food and/or hygiene products to help Griff II restock the Little Free Pantries in the Drake Neighborhood. Griff II can’t wait to see you there!

— Erin Bell, University Communications and Marketing

Campus Announcements Archive

Move-In Crew sign up

We are excited to continue the planning and work to welcome our 2024 incoming first-year students.  Move-in day is an exciting and energy filled day on our campus.

We invite you to join us on Wednesday, Aug. 21, between 8 a.m.–4 p.m. to sign up as a member of our Move-In Crew.

Move-in crew sign up

Shifts are available in two-hour increments. You may sign up for as many as you wish. Move-In Crew shirts will be available on the 21st, but we also welcome you to wear your Drake gear or something that promotes the club/organization you are involved in.

We will have prizes for the department and club/organization with the most members signed up and in attendance.

— Lynne Cornelius, Associate Dean of Students

Campus Announcements Archive

Everclass: A Conversation with alumnus Brendan Daly, Kansas City Chiefs linebackers coach

The Drake community is invited to tune in June 26 at 12 p.m. for an exclusive Everclass session featuring Brendan Daly, AS’97, a seasoned NFL coach with six Super Bowl rings and nearly two decades of experience. As a Drake University alum and current linebackers coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, Daly has been a key figure behind the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 2023 and 2024.

The session will be moderated by Michael Admire, the ‘Voice of the Bulldogs’ and Drake’s Director of Broadcasting. Register and attend via Zoom.

— Bruce Heintz, University Communications and Marketing

Campus Announcements Archive

Neighborhood Playwright Series winner announced

The Department of Theatre Arts is pleased to announce that the winning playwright for this year’s Neighborhood Playwrights Series is Karen Schaeffer. Karen’s winning entry, HEAD VOICES, was selected by a committee comprised of Drake Theatre students and faculty. HEAD VOICES will be produced as a staged reading Friday, Sept. 13, and Saturday, Sept. 14, in the Turner Jazz Center as the first production of our 2024–2025 Main Stage Season. The reading will be directed by Drake Associate Professor Erin Degner.

This is Karen’s second win in the NPS competition. Her play PROLOG (co-written with her son, Alex Schaeffer) was the winning entry in 2023.  Congratulations to Karen and we hope you will join us for the reading of HEAD VOICES in September.

— Josie Poppen, Theatre Arts