All posts by Ashton Hockman

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Updates to Drake’s COVID-19 guidance upon conclusion of the national public health emergency

May 11, 2023, marked the end of the federal COVID-19 national public health emergency. Drake has adjusted its COVID-19 guidance to reflect the expiration of the PHE as indicated below.

  • Masking: Masks are not required on Drake’s campus. Individuals who choose to wear a mask based on their own circumstances are encouraged and supported to do so. Changes in this positioning will be predicated on community transmission levels.
  • Test Availability: PCR tests will no longer be available to Drake from the state of Iowa Department of Public Health as a state testing site. Students will be able to obtain tests at the Student Health Center.
  • Test Benefit for Faculty and staff: Drake’s medical plan will no longer pay the full cost for COVID-19 testing services or the purchase of over-the-counter COVID-19 tests as of May 12, 2023. Employees will be responsible for paying the required office visit co-pay amount for testing services as well as the full cost for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests.

Note: If you are on Drake’s medical plan and  wish to get tested for COVID-19 at a pharmacy, you will be required to submit a claim form to Wellmark for reimbursement. The service will be processed per the plan’s cost-share amount. Medicap and Hy-Vee Pharmacies can submit claims for testing services directly to Wellmark.

  • Employee vaccination benefit: Drake’s medical plan will continue to provide COVID-19 vaccinations at no cost. If you have questions about these changes, please contact Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield customer service at 800–362–2230.
  • Reporting Positive COVID-19 Tests: Faculty, staff, and students with a positive test will no longer be required to report test results to the University. Everyone, however, should refer to the CDC for guidance after a positive test and consult with their provider for appropriate care.
  • Relocation Procedures for Residential Students: As of the conclusion of the Spring 2023 semester, the University has discontinued relocation procedures of on-campus students who test positive for COVID-19. This means an isolation room in Ross Hall will no longer be offered as a temporary housing option. Prior to move-in this fall, residential students will be provided additional information about what to do should they test positive for COVID-19.

As always, the University will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation carefully and adjust these measures as needed. Although the official public health emergency has ended, please remain vigilant about protecting yourself and others.

For questions on Drake’s COVID-19 guidance, contact Scott Law at scott.law@drake.edu.

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Hazardous waste pick up requests due May 12

An important part of Drake’s ongoing compliance and safety efforts is timely disposal of hazardous waste. If you have waste to be picked up by EHS please complete the following form by Friday, May 12:

https://forms.gle/r1XwPXjHn2gnj4jQ9

Nick Crumpton, chemistry lab instructor, is coordinating the waste disposal effort this spring. If you have questions, reach out to Nick at nicholas.crumpton@drake.edu.

— Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Farewell reception for Deputy Provost Renée Cramer May 8

All faculty and staff are invited to join the Center for Public Democracy as we celebrate the contributions of Renée Cramer and wish her well in her new role at Dickinson College. Please join us Monday, May 8, from 5–6:30 p.m. at the Ray Center (lower level of Collier Scripps Hall) for drinks and light snacks. All are welcome to join us in bidding a fond farewell to our colleague and friend!

— Rachel Paine Caufield, Professor of Political Science

Strategic Updates Archive

COVID-19 reminders and resources

The University is currently experiencing a rise in reported cases of COVID-19 among our student population. As of this morning, we are aware of 76 confirmed student cases, 29 of whom are isolating in Ross Hall.

Here are eight reminders and resources to keep in mind to help prevent further spread:

  • Follow CDC Guidelines. We encourage all students, faculty, and staff to follow CDC guidelines, including staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Free Test Kits. Rapid, self-administered COVID-19 tests are available for free to all students, faculty, and staff in the Student Services Center in Olmsted.
  • Exposure. If you were exposed to someone who has tested positive, you should wear a mask while around others and monitor for symptoms.
  • COVID-19 Positive. If you tested positive or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you should refrain from attending classes or other activities in person and wear a mask while around others.
  • Student Reporting. Students should report positive COVID-19 test results through the notification form found on this page. Completing the form will provide more information about our COVID-19 protocols.
  • Employee Reporting. Faculty and staff should report positive test results by emailing ehs@drake.edu.
  • Finals Week. Students who test positive and isolate are still responsible for completing final assignments and exams and should work with their professors to coordinate the best method to do so. 
  • Isolation. Residential students who test positive are welcome to isolate at home or in Ross Hall. Students isolating in Ross Hall may be assigned a roommate with a shared bathroom. Additional details are included in the form.

Thank you for your continued vigilance in keeping our community a safe and healthy place to live, learn, and work as we close out the academic year.

— Jerry Parker, Chief Student Affairs Officer

News & Achievements Archive

Professor Edrington recognized as American Marketing Association Faculty Advisor of the Year

Professor Mary Edrington was recently named as the recipient of the 2023 Hugh G. Wales American Marketing Association Faculty Advisor of the Year. This award, announced at the 2023 International Collegiate AMA Conference in New Orleans last week, recognizes her outstanding contributions to our AMA Collegiate program. It is a notable recognition given there are over 320 AMA collegiate chapters worldwide. Professor Edrington has served as the Drake AMA Advisor from 1987 to 1993 and from 2003 on.  The Drake chapter has approximately 50 student members.  This award program began in 1977 and is named in honor of Dr. Hugh G. Wales, who was instrumental in founding the collegiate chapter at the University of Illinois–Champaign, and served as its first faculty advisor. Congratulations, Professor Edrington!

Campus Announcements Archive

Relays events happening this week

See a list of new and notable Relays events happening this week. For a complete list of events, visit the University calendar. Other ways to find information, include: Alumni events: alumni.drake.edu; Athletic events: godrakebulldogs.com, and Student Activities Board (SAB) Instagram or Facebook page.

Grand Blue Mile

  • What: The Grand Blue Mile is the Midwest’s premier community street run for all ages and abilities. Held annually since 2010, the Grand Blue Mile has hosted more than 35,000 participants from 36 states, six countries, and four continents.
  • When: Tuesday, April 25, 6 p.m.
  • Where:  Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa

NEW! Shot Put Community Event

  • What: Shot put Olympians and world record holders will compete at the Drake Fieldhouse in this event that is free and open to the public. Ryan Crouser is ready to set a new indoor world record at this event. A live DJ will keep the energy up between throws and various food and beverage options will be available.
  • When: Wednesday, April 26, 5:30–8 p.m.
  • Where: Drake Fieldhouse, 2701 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311

NEW! Saturday Relays Live

  • What: The Drake Relays has partnered with 80/35 music festival and the Des Moines Music Coalition to provide a memorable live concert experience with three local musical acts. Food vendors will be lined up along Forest Avenue during the event.
  • When: Saturday, April 29, 10:45 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Where: Forest Avenue adjacent to Drake Stadium
Campus Announcements Archive

Beautiful Bulldog Contest April 24

Faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend the 44th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest®, Presented by Ramsey Subaru. The contest will take place Monday, April 24 at 6 p.m. Doors will open to fans at 5 p.m. to enjoy the Rescue Dog Festival and Kids Zone before the pageant begins. The event is free and open to the public. There will be a giveaway for the first 50 students to show up with their Drake ID.

The Beautiful Bulldog Contest® at Drake University is a unique trademarked event with an over 40-year history. The event kicks off a week-long Drake Relays celebration. Thirty English Bulldogs walk the pup-way to impress judges in hopes of being crowned the Most Beautiful Bulldog. The winner of the contest will reign as the Most Beautiful Bulldog for the 2023 week-long Drake Relays. 

During the contest, each contestant will walk the pageant runway. This is prime time for the pups to show off their stuff or do tricks for our judges. This year’s judges include:

  • WHO 13 Newscaster Jannay Towne 
  • Paws & Pints founder and owner Megan Casey, BN’10
  • Founding member and managing director of Pyramid Theatre Company, Alexis Davis, JO’13, GR’17

Questions? Please email beautifulbulldog@drake.edu. 

Campus Announcements Archive

Sign up for Ambassador’s Book Club

When: May 3 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Medbury Hall, Room 116

Ambassador Branstad hosts a book club during the academic year to engage the Drake community on topics related to U.S.-China relations. This semester’s book is Getting China Wrong by Aaron L. Friedberg and a limited number of copies are available for students. Drake students, staff, and faculty are welcome to sign up by emailing ambassador@drake.edu stating your intent to read the book and attend the event as well as your request for a copy of the book.

— Luke Clausen, JO, AS ’23

Campus Announcements Archive

New bookstore supplier, eCampus.com

Drake University has selected a new partner for textbooks, course materials, and Drake branded merchandise. eCampus.com will supply course materials and operate the Bulldog Shop, our on-campus retail store, beginning with the Summer 2023 term. This new partnership will focus on increased affordability and convenience through a simplified ordering experience for students and a customer-centric campus retail operation, tailored to the needs of Drake students, faculty, staff, alumni, fans, parents, and community members.

eCampus.com was selected after a comprehensive and competitive review. Survey data from faculty and students helped shape the vendor evaluation criteria. A faculty survey from last fall showed a need to improve the adoption process and overall customer service, while student surveys revealed a shift to online purchases and increasing preference for digital content. Affordability was also identified as a priority. Vendors were asked to highlight their capabilities in each of these areas.

A faculty bookstore advisory group was instrumental in evaluating potential vendors, providing input on the adoption tools from each vendor, course material selection support and other vendor offerings.  A special thanks to the following members of the Bookstore Advisory Group:

  • Natalie Adkins, Associate Professor of Marketing
  • Vira Babenko, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
  • Gillian Gremmels, Dean, Cowles Library
  • Carrie Dunham, Associate Professor Cowles Library
  • Erik Maki, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
  • David Senchina, Professor Kinesiology and Immunology, Biology
  • Keith Summerville, Professor of Environmental Science and Sustainability

 Improving the Student Experience
Another key focus of the selection process was the student experience. The eCampus.com online storefront will give students the opportunity to purchase or rent new and used textbooks online, as well as access to digital content. Students will be provided time and money-saving options, such as price comparison information from other vendors like Amazon or Chegg, free shipping to the campus store, and a price match guarantee program. eCampus.com’s custom-branded online storefront and dedicated customer service will be available to students 24/7.

Improving the Faculty Experience  
The move to eCampus.com also allows Drake to structure support for faculty in a more purposeful way. Cowles Library will now be a key resource for faculty throughout the adoption process. Librarians are well positioned to assist in identifying course material resources, including making recommendations to faculty who are interested in using Open Educational Resources (OER) or selecting from the thousands of eBooks in the library’s online collections. 

“Drake librarians are eager to bring our expertise to course materials, and eCampus.com has welcomed our involvement, which we appreciate,” said Jill Gremmels, dean of Cowles Library.  “We take seriously our goal of being the information provider to the University, but for too long, course materials have been outside that scope. We already own and license over 900,000 ebooks, and we can help professors find both OER and library-provided resources that are available at no cost to students.”

Bulldog Shop Operations
eCampus.com will also assume operation of the Bulldog Shop in the Olmsted Center. The store will continue to offer Drake branded merchandise and support graduation. eCampus.com brings a customer-centric focus to the retail operation and is committed to engaging with the campus community. eCampus.com has also committed to employing students, offering opportunities for retail and marketing positions for student employees. The Bulldog Shop will also accept  Bulldog Bucks in the store, allowing greater flexibility for students.  

Transition Information
Faculty will submit summer and fall adoptions using eCampus.com’s intuitive online adoption platform called FAST. The last information session about how to adopt using FAST is set for Wednesday, April 5, at 2 p.m.

To join the zoom training session click the link below and “Join Demo” button and it will take you to the training presentation.

https://ecampus.zoom.us/j/8653458271?pwd=OHZUa3ZUWVkzYzU3elNGZFduZEVHQT09#success

The Higher Education Opportunities Act (HEOA) requires higher education institutions to provide the complete list of required and recommended textbooks (including ISBN and pricing information) to the bookstore in a timely fashion. Thus, prioritizing the transition to the FAST adoption platform is an important first step in this process.  

To allow for inventory and preparations for a reopened store, the Bulldog Shop in Olmsted Center will be closed May 22–29 and re-open on Tuesday, May 30.  A special grand opening event will take place at the beginning of the fall semester.

— Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer