It is a busy month at the Bell Center. Here’s what’s happening:

Sept. 20: Join Drake Rec for a Circus Arts workshop on Sept. 20 at 5 p.m.

Sept. 19: Join the Coalition of Black Students for a fun workout class on Sept. 19 at 4 p.m.

Sept. 27: Join La Fuerza Latina for their dance marathon from 5–8 p.m. on Sept. 27.

As always, check the Drake Rec app for more details and be sure to check out our weekly classes, including Spin, Karate, Dance Fusion, and Ballet Sculpt.

— Gail Witte, Recreational Services

At Cowles Library, we are committed to curating a diverse range of digital and physical materials, available for the entire campus to explore and enjoy. Every month, our librarians spotlight important topics that resonate with the community, supporting both academic and personal interests.

This month, we are proud to feature Banned Books Week and Hispanic Heritage Month.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Cowles Library honors Hispanic Heritage Month with a curated collection that celebrates the rich and vibrant history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic communities. Dive into a selection of fiction, nonfiction, and films that showcase this legacy through art, history, and powerful storytelling.

Banned Books Week: September 22–28
Join us in recognizing Banned Books Week, a celebration of the freedom to read. Since 1982, Banned Books Week has highlighted the importance of open access to information. Our collection sheds light on challenged and banned books, inviting you to reflect on the ongoing efforts to protect intellectual freedom.

Stop by Cowles Library or visit our Featured Collections page online to explore these and other highlighted materials. We look forward to sharing these collections with you!

— Joanna Stankiewicz, Cowles Library

Join Stories to Tell My Daughter for a powerful storytelling experience that centers the lived experiences of Black women and women of color. This free event is open to all and takes place on Sunday, Sept. 15, at 4 p.m. in the Olmsted Center. This event is supported by the Slay Fund. View more information on Eventbrite.

— Terrance Pendleton, Associate Provost for Campus Equity and Inclusion

THE SPEAKING CENTER OPENS ON MONDAY, SEPT. 16

WHAT WE DO: The Speaking Center’s trained peer tutors can help with:

• Preparing, composing, and delivering speeches and presentations
• Selecting and narrowing down topics for public speaking
• Organizing, outlining, and drafting ideas
• Preparing visual aids and practicing delivery
• Navigating situational anxiety related to public speaking, stereotype threat, and/or impostor syndrome

Tutors can also advise on initiating difficult conversations and participating in interactive discussions.

We can accommodate students who need presentations to be recorded in a private venue for a small audience.

HOW TO SIGN UP TO VISIT: We are now using Starfish for scheduling! Please go here to book an appointment with a tutor.

WHERE WE ARE: The Speaking Center is located in Cowles Library, Room 039. Please follow the signs through the tutoring areas back to the SW corner.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Appointments are 30 minutes each. For the most productive session possible, students should bring information about the assignment or situation, and, if possible, notes on past public speaking experiences and current concerns.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS please contact Prof. Megan Brown, Director of Writing (megan.brown@drake.edu.

–Megan Brown, College of Arts and Science

The Greater Des Moines Partnership announced that it will partner with Drake University and the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) Des Moines to host a Multicultural Reception on Thursday, Sept. 26. Multicultural Receptions provide opportunities for those in Greater Des Moines (DSM) to develop new relationships with others who are passionate about building an inclusive community for the region. The event will take place at Drake University – The Olmsted Center Parents Hall from 5:30–8:30 p.m.

“We are grateful to partner with Drake University and ALPFA for our September Multicultural Reception,” said Stacey Robles, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager at The Partnership. “Events like these are vital in fostering connections among people from many different backgrounds. We encourage attendees to learn from each other and build new relationships.”

The event will feature a roundtable discussion focused on the different aspects of mentorship.

“We are looking forward to taking part in this event that celebrates diversity and fosters mentorship, creating opportunities for meaningful connections and growth within our community,” said Manuel Gutierrez, Chapter President of ALPFA Des Moines.

“Drake University is excited to host this Multicultural Reception on our campus, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives that reflect the vibrant community we serve. We believe in the power of education and collaboration to build a more inclusive future,” said Dr. Terrance Pendleton, Associate Provost for Campus Equity and Inclusion with Drake University. “This event is a wonderful opportunity to further that mission.”

Learn more and register for this free event here.

— Terrance Pendleton, Associate Provost for Campus Equity and Inclusion

The library faculty have created a set of guiding principles to consider when using generative AI tools in the research and scholarship process.  This was done in an effort to help educate the students, staff, and faculty of Drake University on the benefits and risks of generative AI, especially with regards to searching, finding, and evaluating information.

The library faculty have also created a concise version of those guiding principles.

Please contact Priya Shenoy at priya.shenoy@drake.edu or Dan Chibnall at dan.chibnall@drake.edu if you have any questions.

–Teri Koch, Cowles Library