All posts by Becky Klein

Upcoming Self Service Upgrade for Drake-Owned Macs

What Faculty & Staff Need to Know About the New App Rollout

ITS is pleased to announce an upcoming upgrade to the Self Service application on all Drake-owned Mac computers. In March, the current Self Service app will transition to the new Self Service+ platform, providing an improved experience while maintaining familiar features.

What’s Changing?

The shift to Self Service+ won’t require you to install a new app manually or restart your computer. When the upgrade is officially released by our vendor partner, Jamf, the old Self Service app will automatically disappear and be replaced by Self Service+. The icon and overall look and feel of the app will remain similar, ensuring a seamless transition for all users.

What Should You Expect?

  • Automatic Transition: The upgrade will be pushed out remotely. No action is needed by you to receive the new app.
  • Consistent Appearance: The Self Service+ icon will look the same as the previous version, so you’ll recognize it easily.
  • No Restart Needed: You won’t need to restart your Mac during this process.
  • Dock Icon Changes: If you have the current Self Service app in your dock, it may disappear or show a “?” icon and stop working. Simply open your applications folder to launch the new Self Service+ app. You can also add it to your dock for easier access if you prefer.

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns about this transition, contact us through the ITS support portal at service.drake.edu/its or by calling the ITS Support Center at 515-271-3001. We’re here to ensure this upgrade is as smooth as possible for everyone on campus.

— Becky Klein, ITS

Everclass–Page to Screen: The Story Behind Ellen Won Steil’s Optioned Novel

Discover the real story behind a rising literary career with bestselling author and Drake graduate Ellen Won Steil, JO’07. In this Everclass session, Ellen reflects on her path from Iowa to the bookshelves, sharing the quiet persistence, reinventions, and even failures that fueled The Lives of Others, Becoming Marlow Fin, and Fortune. She will also discuss what it is like to have one of her books optioned for development as a series on Peacock and how her background in journalism and law sharpened her voice as a storyteller. Perfect for creators seeking motivation, insight, and a candid look at the publishing world.

This is a free event open to all and will be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday, February 26, at 8 p.m.

DU Dance Marathon Annual Fundraiser For The Kids Feb. 28

Calling all Bulldogs! Head to Parents Hall in Olmsted from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, for a day full of fun and fundraising to support kids receiving life-saving treatment at Stead Children’s Hospital. DU Dance Marathon supports four kids and their families and the annual main event offers opportunities for students to engage in friendly competition, hear inspiring stories from families and have fun with kids, win raffle baskets, sing karaoke, watch performances from the Brocal Chords and Drake Dance Team, and enjoy free food from Dough Co, Panchero’s, and more! Join us as we “tackle kids’ health” at DUDM 2026! Kids Can’t Wait!

Sign up HERE!

Join Drake Broadcasting System Exec Board

Drake Broadcasting System (DBS) is looking for a New member on the Spring 2026 exec board. We are looking for an Editor.

If you are interested in editing long or short form videos DBS Editor is your place!

Here is the link to apply! Applications close on February 17 at 11:59 p.m. 

If you have any questions or concerns about this position or are interested, you can email DBS President Keila at keila.perezserrano@drake.edu or dbs@drake.edu.

— Keila Perez Serrano, SJMC senior

Join the Humanities Center Listserv

Are you a faculty member doing work in the humanities? If so, please consider signing up for the Drake Center for the Humanities listserv. This is the best way to find out about events, funding, and opportunities to engage with other faculty. Just send an email asking to be added to Holly Boorman (holly.boorman@drake.edu). Questions? Ask the director, Will Garriott (william.garriott@drake.edu).

— William Garriott, Law, Politics & Society

Tax Benefits for Higher Education

Did you know that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides tax benefits for education? The tax benefits can be used to get back some of the money you spend on tuition or loan interest or to maximize your college savings.

Even if you normally wouldn’t file a tax return because of your income level, be sure to do so. If you don’t, you could miss out on tax credits that would put money in your pocket.

Learn more about tax benefits for higher education here.

— Kristi Fuller, Financial Aid Office

Be a Student Media Leader

The Board of Student Communications is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 academic year. You could be the leader of the Times-Delphic, Drake Mag, DUiN, Drake Broadcasting System, Periphery or Drake Political Review.

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter in PDF format to BSC co-chairs Professor Jeff Inman (jeff.inman@drake.edu) and SJMC Senator Cole Ferrao (cole.ferrao@drake.edu) by 5 p.m. March 13. Interviews will be held after Spring Break.

For more information, contact Professor Inman at jeff.inman@drake.edu.

Applications Open For Ronald Troyer Research Fellowship, Due Feb. 27

The Ronald Troyer Research Fellowship Endowment was created to recognize Provost Ronald Troyer’s unwavering commitment to supporting faculty research and development at the highest level. At this time, the application process for the Troyer Research Fellowship is open and applications are due on Feb. 27. Interested applicants should click here to access the call for applications. 

— Anne Marie Greenwood, Office of the Provost

3rd Friday Faculty and Staff in Community and Collaboration

The 3rd Friday professional development events are collaborations between the Center for Teaching & Learning, DUSCI, and the Center for Humanities.

On Friday, Feb. 20, at 11:30 a.m. join the CTL and DUSCI to hear from Dr. Andrea Van Wyke (Chemistry) about undergraduate research in SCB 101.

Then at 12:45 p.m. join the CTL and Humanities for a talk by Dr. Gesine Gerhard (History) about the “taste of power” in 1930s Germany. This will be in Collier-Scripps Hall, Room 301.

Following Dr. Gerhard’s talk, faculty and staff are invited to gather from 2–4 p.m. in Collier-Scripps Hall, Room 301. Drinks and snacks will be provided.

— Bret Sikkink, Faculty Development Specialist