All posts by Kendra Hossain-Morehead

Register for an English class though Drake’s Intensive English Program

As you are finalizing your course schedule for the Spring 2022 semester, consider taking an English class though Drake’s Intensive English Program (IEP).

The IEP provides free learning opportunities for all full-time Drake students to improve their English skills. We offer intermediate and advanced level classes with an academic focus. If you feel that you may need additional help in a certain English skill area, whether writing, grammar, or speaking, or if you simply would like to improve your pronunciation, you may want to consider taking one of our classes.

We also offer an American Culture class, where we take a deep dive into U.S. culture, both historical and current. This course includes field trips throughout the semester.

Classes begin Monday, January 24, and end Friday, May 6. The last day to register for classes is Friday, January 28. Exceptions may be made to this deadline at the course instructor’s discretion. Please note that these classes are not credit-bearing.

If you are interested in joining a class, wish to see the schedule, or have questions about the program, contact Kendra Hossain-Morehead at kendra.hossain-morehead@drake.edu.

— Kendra Hossain-Morehead, Global Engagement

Apply to be a RA for the 2022–2023 school year

The Office of Residence Life is now accepting Resident Assistant Applications for the 2022–2023 school year. RA’s must be leaders, role models, and resources for their residents; however, just as important, they must be team players that work with and support other staff in their own hall as well as other halls on campus.

The application deadline is Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. (during the J-Term period).

Consider attending one of the following RA informational sessions:

For questions, contact your RA hall coordinator or Randy E. McMullin at randy.mcmullin@drake.edu.

Randy E. McMullin, Office of Residence Life

University Advancement invites you to learn more about The Ones

Faculty and staff are invited to join with members of the University Advancement team to learn more and celebrate the recently launched The Ones: Drake’s Campaign for the Brave & Bold. Feel free to stop by either day to ask questions or share feedback, pick up some campaign materials, and enjoy coffee, lemonade, and snacks.

  • November 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Levitt Hall in Old Main
  • November 18 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Levitt Hall in Old Main

If you haven’t already, watch the campaign launch video at drake.edu/nextgreatera. Visit the website theones.drake.edu to read more about the campaign’s seven priorities, including significant progress already achieved to date.

We hope to see you there!

— Becca Widmer, Drake Fund

More updates coming to Self Service (MyDUSIS) in January

Last spring, Drake began a major project to update the MyDUSIS system to Banner Self Service. Modernized screens and functionality were already released for personal and employee information, and the next round of updates will be coming in the second week of January.

  • Improved navigation to access Self Service functions.
  • Replacing MyDUSIS with Self Service in the Commonly Used Apps section of myDrake.
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) will be required for students, faculty, and staff to access most Self Service functions.
  • A new method for students to allow parent/guardian access to their financial and academic information
  • New student profile page
  • New screens for faculty members to view class and advisee lists

Additional information will be provided as these changes approach. Watch OnCampus and our other communication channels between now and January. We will also be launching updated screens and functions for finance users later in the spring, and eventual updates to registration.

Kris Brewster, ITS

Phonathon is hiring: New increased pay rate

With starting pay at $12/hr, Drake Phonathon is hiring Remote Student Ambassadors for the fall semester. Looking for on-campus employment that will develop the communication and interpersonal skills employers are looking for? Phonathon offers flexible scheduling and a great work environment. The position is currently fully remote and allows students to work from home. We are looking for dedicated students who want to have an impact on our Bulldog community. To apply, please contact Liz.Seffrin@drake.edu.

Becca Widmer, Drake Fund

DU Well Healthy Holiday BINGO

DU Well Healthy Holiday BINGO is a five-week program that runs from Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, through Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022. The goal is to fill up a blank BINGO card (or two), between Thanksgiving and the New Year, with healthy activities completed from a provided list. This is a great way for you and your family to have fun while improving your wellbeing.

In January, participants will be invited to meet virtually to play BINGO for prizes with their completed cards. Everyone is welcome to fill out the BINGO card without playing the BINGO games, but who doesn’t like to play BINGO!

To register for DU Well Healthy Holiday BINGO, send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu. All participants will receive a packet that includes a list of DU Well Healthy Holiday activities and a blank BINGO card. Deadline to register is Tuesday, Nov. 23.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Physician exam completion forms due Dec. 2

This is a reminder that employees on Drake’s health plan need to complete a physical with their designated Primary Care Provider (PCP) between Dec. 1, 2020, and Nov. 30, 2021, and submit a Physician Exam Completion Form  to Human Resources by Dec. 2, 2021, to continue receiving the wellness health insurance premium discount in 2022.

If this form is not submitted by Dec. 2, you will not be eligible to receive the discount in 2022 and will pay the regular health care premium rates for the 2022 benefit year (starting Jan. 1, 2022). Should you have questions, please send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Des Moines posters to benefit Des Moines Refugee Support

Drake senior Hannah Cohen has created a beautiful 16- by 20-inch Des Moines poster featuring her original artwork. Hannah is donating all proceeds (minus printing costs) to Des Moines Refugee Support, a local non-profit organization that strives to meet the needs of refugee children and families right here in our community. Each poster costs $35 and comes packaged in a cardboard tube perfect for wrapping as a gift. Your support will go a long way in helping DMRS! Order by completing this form.

— Erin Bell, University Communications and Marketing

United Way Campaign

The 2021 United Way Campaign began yesterday, and as of this morning, we’ve raised $17,098 from 105 faculty and staff members. Thank you to those who have donated. For those who have yet to give, please consider contributing by 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12.

You can help us reach our goal—$35,000 with 35% participation. If we achieve this goal, President Martin will declare Wednesday, Nov. 24, a full-day campus holiday. Donating takes less than three minutes, and to do so, please refer to the giving instructions found within the email you received from the United Way on Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. For questions, email ryan.arnold@drake.edu.

— Campaign co-chairs, Megan Franklin and Ryan Arnold

United Way campaign to kick off Nov. 8

The 2021 United Way of Central Iowa campaign will kick off next Monday, Nov. 8, and go through Friday, Nov. 12. Watch your email for more information.

The goal is to raise $35,000 with 35% participation across campus. 100% of your contribution to the United Way campaign stays within central Iowa, enabling local nonprofit organizations to meet the needs of our neighbors. Your donation helps us meet the goal, and more importantly, you are strengthening our community. Please begin considering your 2021 donation.

Campaign co-chairs, Megan Franklin and Ryan Arnold