Mark your calendars for a retirement reception to honor and celebrate Lee Jolliffe, professor of journalism and mass communication, on Wednesday, May 10, from 3:15 to 5:30 p.m. in Collier-Scripps Hall, Room 308.
All posts by Katherine Coady
Counseling Center end of year survey
On behalf of the counseling center, I wanted to extend gratitude for you allowing us to support you with your mental health and counseling needs this past school year. Each year we send out a survey to learn more about your personal experience with our services. Can you please take our anonymous 5–10 minute survey? All results will help us to continue to improve moving forward.
Survey: https://drake.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Y8vqEdGacDtPNk
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Lastly, if you plan to attend Drake this fall, you still have access to Uwill services (see below) and if you plan to remain in Iowa this summer, you may contact our counseling center for services. If you would like to find a counselor within the community, we provide you with assistance through our website: Referrals | Drake University
I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your semester and hope that you enjoy some of our final de-stressing events coming up (see below).
— Kayla Bell-Consolver, Counseling Center
Apply now for post-graduate global scholarships coordinator
Job Description
The Post-Graduate Global Scholarships Coordinator position seeks to assist current undergraduate and recent graduates from Drake University in discovering and applying to prestigious scholarships with a global focus. In this position, one can expect to assist mainly in Fulbright applications, but also in other global oriented scholarships such as the Rhodes scholarship or Boren scholarship when requested.
The position runs on an annual, renewable contract, and will be effective from July 1st – June 30, beginning in summer 2023. Faculty will receive two course reassignments or a combination of a course release and a stipend for serving in this capacity. Candidates must be full-time (tenured or consecutive term) faculty members at Drake University at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor.
Primary Job Responsibilities
• Maintaining familiarity with the various fellowships – the award types, eligibility, different country programs, and selection process – to effectively advise students
• Promoting scholarship opportunities via outreach such as information sessions and classroom visits
• Helping students determine the fellowships that best suit their qualifications and interests
• Providing guidance and support to students on their application essays and revisions
• Giving constructive, developmental feedback to students on their writing
• Managing various online application systems and uploading documents
• Coordinating institutional responsibilities for student applicants, such as: panel interviews, institutional endorsements or evaluation documents, and letters of recommendation
• Celebrating successes and helping unsuccessful students manage their disappointments and pursue alternatives
• Helping students recognize what they learn/gain from the process, especially when their work does not succeed in winning a fellowship
• Working with University Marketing and Communications to assist with press releases and publicity to celebrate student awards
Key Qualifications/Skills
• Grant writing skills and an ability to teach those skills to mostly undergraduates for writing statements of grant purpose and personal statements
• Mentoring skills
• International/intercultural experience to advise students about country decisions
• Strong faculty/staff network to recruit for panel interviews and mock interviews
• Ability to run efficient meetings, lead panel interviews, give outreach/recruitment presentations
• Ability to write letters of recommendation and draft institutional endorsements
Additional Information
• The heaviest workload can be expected in August and September
• Workload will vary depending on familiarity with the application process and number of applicants
• As the position mainly assists in Fulbright applications, it may be of interest to visit https://us.fulbrightonline.org/fulbright-program-advisers
Questions concerning the position should be direct to Annique Kiel, Executive Director of Global Engagement and International programs at annique.kiel@drake.edu.
Application Process:
• Interested individuals should submit a statement of interest, outlining strengths in key areas of responsibility, as well as how the position supports their growth and development as a professor at Drake University. The statement of interest should also reference prior experience with or commitment to internationalization efforts and Drake as a global university.
• Applicants must include a letter of support from the individual’s college/school dean
• Files must be submitted to Annique Kiel (annique.kiel@drake.edu) by May 31, 2023. Interviews will take place June, with a July 1 start date.
— Annique Kiel, Global Engagement
Workshop focused on understanding student expectations
On May 22 and May 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Deputy Provost Office will be hosting a faculty development workshop seeking to understand what students are expecting of their education, and what we are expecting of them. In partnership with colleagues from across the University, we will examine what it means to create inclusive syllabi, assignments, and classroom spaces—how we create relationship rich, equitable, and compassionate education—and how we care for our own needs as faculty and staff, while serving our students.
We will be together as a large group for most of that development—with separate tracks during part of the time, for FYS instructors. New and returning FYS instructors are especially welcome and encouraged to attend.
Participants will be well fed (breakfast, lunch, and a snack), and compensated at a rate of $125 per day.
Please email with questions, and sign up here to signal you’ll be joining us.
— Renée Cramer, Deputy Provost
Upcoming Drake Social to recognize service anniversaries and retirees
You are invited to join us at the next Provost’s Drake Social on Thursday, May 18, in Shivers Hospitality Suite, adjacent to the Knapp Center, beginning at 4 p.m.
During this event, faculty, and staff who celebrated (or will be celebrating) a milestone service anniversary or retirement between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, will be highlighted. Their names will be scrolled on video screens around the room. There will be cake, soft drinks, wine, beer, and light snacks. President Martin will speak at 4:30 p.m.
Please take a moment to stop by and congratulate your co-workers.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
Food and mood: How your diet affects your mental wellbeing
Pop quiz: Does it matter what we eat for mental health?
The answer is yes. And it may matter more than you think. While it is widely known that nutrition plays a key part in our physical health, it directly affects our emotional wellbeing too. The relationship between our diet and mental health is complex, but simply said, the brain and “gut” (also called the second brain) are intimately connected.
Many people turn to food to cope with emotions. Allowing yourself an occasional extra dessert is understandable during stressful times and may even provide a quick “feel good” rush. But it won’t last, and a steady diet high in sugar and processed foods can lead to inflammation which may contribute to mood disorders, including anxiety and depression.
The good news is that eating for our mental wellbeing doesn’t have to be hard. Many of the nutritional tips for physical wellbeing will also help you manage your mental health.
Eat regularly. If your blood sugar drops you might feel tired, irritable, and depressed. Eating smaller portions spaced out regularly throughout the day and choosing foods that release energy slowly, will help to keep your sugar levels steady. Samantha Matt, Drake Dining Registered Dietitian added “Carbohydrates provide us with energy but digest quickly when eaten alone, leading to a cycle of blood sugar spikes and hunger. To build a hunger-fighting snack that won’t spike blood sugar, try pairing your carbohydrates with a protein or healthy fat such as apples with peanut butter or Greek yogurt with berries.”
Stay hydrated. Your brain is made up of over 70% water. Being dehydrated can negatively affect your focus, clarity, and mood. It is also linked to anxiety and depression. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Try to avoid beverages high in sugar and caffeine.
Eat “well”. Consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and B vitamins, amino acids, minerals (magnesium and zinc), plant-based antioxidants, and micro biotics. These can be found in whole foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts, and seeds, as well as fermented foods like yogurt. Avoid diets that are high in saturated fats and refined sugars. Yes, this includes favorites such as doughnuts, processed deli meat, chips, and sugary drinks.
If you find it difficult to avoid foods high in sugar and fat, keep temptations out of the house. Make the healthy choice the easy choice by surrounding yourself with nutritious options and limiting the junk food. Another tip – get regular exercise and sleep. The better you feel, the less likely you are to make poor eating choices.
Finally, get support when needed. Sometimes you can’t do it alone. Friends and family members can be great support. For additional assistance, set up an appointment with Samantha Matt at samantha.matt@drake.edu. She can help develop strategies that will work for you and give you advice building on the general guidance offered above.
With a little thought and planning, you can make good food choices and boost your mental wellbeing!
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
Residence hall donation drive
Done with residence life but not wanting to throw away or drive home everything you purchased? Give your stuff a new home to someone in need!
The Office of Sustainability has partnered with Residence Life and the Free Store to divert waste from the landfill and provide people in need with furniture free of charge. A Free Store truck will be parked outside GK from the morning of May 11th to 5 p.m. May 12th. Please place anything you would like to donate in the truck.
We are looking for microwaves, vacuum cleaners, coffee makers, toasters, dishes, tableware, floor and desk lamps, coffee tables, flat screen TVs, sheets, quilts, blankets, comforters, and towels. Please ensure any blanket, towel, etc. is CLEAN! We are NOT collecting refrigerators.
The Free Store started in 2001 to provide victims of domestic violence with furniture free of cost. They have since expanded to helping anyone in need.
There will also be Global Engagement collection piles by the front desk of each hall, or you can take items to their office in Cowles 127. They are accepting Electric Kettles, Keurig’s, and gently used winter gear (coats, scares, hats, and gloves).
For any questions contact the Sustainability Coordinator, Hannah Remke, at hannah.remke@drake.edu.
— Hannah Remke, Sustainability Coordinator
Meredith Hall renovation progress
Renovations to Meredith Hall are proceeding on schedule, leading up to occupancy prior to the start of the Fall 2023 semester.
A new roof is nearly finished, and exterior painting is planned for the end of May 2023. Site demobilization activities and grounds restoration is expected to begin in June 2023. On the interior, completion of classrooms, corridors, and offices continue as planned.
— Rob Ebel, Facilities Planning & Management
Summer building hours
Building schedules will change at the end of this week to accommodate the summer semester. Most building hours will shorten from their normal academic year schedules to help maintain security in the summer months when there is less traffic on campus.
Faculty and staff will still be able to utilize their authorized access plans (for example, 24/7 access to their office buildings), but the automated extended hour student plans will be shut off during this time. Regular building hours and extended student access will resume at the start of the fall semester.
Please contact Public Safety (515-271-2222) if you have a door access emergency, or contact the Student Services Center (515-271-2000 or studentservices@drake.edu) if you have a general card access question or concern.
— Sara Heijerman, Student Services Center
Drake Dining hours during finals week
Drake Dining has revised their hours this week to make late-night study sessions a little better. View finals week hours of operation.