All posts by Annique Kiel

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Call for nominations: Principal Global Scholar/Practitioner-in-Residence Program

The Office of Global Engagement invites nominations for the Principal Global Scholar/Practitioner-in-Residence Program for 2021–2022, seeking to attract talented individuals from academia or the professions who have outstanding international expertise to teach a course, mentor students, give public lectures, work on joint research with faculty, and aid the global capacity-building of the institution as a whole through fruitful external collaborations. Nominations will be considered for fall, spring, or the full academic year.

Nomination Instructions:
Candidates should be nominated by faculty or administrators within the academic unit to which they will be attached. (Candidates must be non-Drake faculty or employees). Please submit the following supporting materials:

  • A nomination letter discussing the qualifications of the candidate and expected contributions to the department and Drake University as a whole
  • Candidate’s biographical information
  • A letter of interest from the candidate
  • A letter of support from the department chair and college/school dean

Nominations should be directed to Annique Kiel, executive director of Global Engagement and International Programs, by Feb. 12, 2021. Units considering a nomination are encouraged to consult with Annique prior to submission.

Among the criteria to be considered for the nominee:
1. A record of recognized international leadership and distinguished professional accomplishment in their field
2. A documented commitment to international understanding and global citizenship
3. An ability to bring unique perspectives and experiences to the Drake community
4. A willingness and ability to offer courses that complement the existing curriculum and meet rigorous academic standards.

In recognition of their contributions, Global Scholars/Practitioners receive a stipend, a travel allowance, an appropriate workspace in the host college/school, and access to university facilities. Global Scholars/Practitioners will be affiliated with an appropriate academic unit for at least one semester and offer at least one course per term.

This program is proudly sponsored by the Principal Center for Global Citizenship, housed within the Office of Global Engagement.

— Annique Kiel, Global Engagement

Campus Announcements Archive

Intensive English Program offers free learning opportunities

Drake’s Intensive English Program (IEP) provides free learning opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to improve English skills. Our IEP offers intermediate and advanced level classes with an academic focus. If you feel that you may need additional help in a certain English skill area, be it advanced academic writing, grammar, or speaking, or if you simply would like to improve your pronunciation, you may want to consider taking one of our classes. The best news is that full-time Drake students, including exchange students, staff, and faculty can take IEP classes free of charge! We also offer an American Culture course for anyone who is interested in a deeper understanding of the U.S. and its various cultural aspects.

All classes for the Spring 2021 semester are being offered remotely. Please note that these classes are not credit-bearing.

Our classes begin Monday, Feb. 1, and end Friday, May 7. The last day to register for classes is Friday, Feb. 5. 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, Director of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

For Staff Archive

Bulldog Applause goes to Dean of Students Office

The All Staff Council Recognition Committee recognized the Dean of Students office this month with a Bulldog Applause. Read an interview below to learn more about this great team. A huge thank you to the Dean of Students Office for all your hard work and dedication to the University.

How many staff members are in the department? 27

What is the primary function of the team? Do you have a mission/vision/motto? To complement the University’s academic curriculum by providing integrated learning experiences that fosters personal growth, integrity, responsibility and accountability in a changing global society.

 Who has been with the team the longest, and what is their job title and length of employment? Lorissa Sowden, assistant dean and director of Residence Life, 21 years.

Who is the newest team member, and what is their job title and month/year of start? Brooke Saunders, student disability services coordinator, 1 year

What campus buildings do your team members “live” in?  Olmsted Center, Resident Halls, Health/Counseling Center, Bell Center, Old Main

What are some recent challenges and accomplishments of note that others in the University might not know about? Our team has worked non-stop and collectively with other departments to support students as we navigate the global pandemic.

— Amelia Klatt, Office of Alumni Relations

Campus Announcements Archive

ITS support center and tech assistance through J-Term

Even though the support center in Carnegie Hall (lower level) is closed for walk-in visitors through at least the start of the spring semester, ITS is still available to help with your tech needs.

You can always call 515-271-3001 or browse for guides or submit a request for assistance at our service portal at service.drake.edu/its.

If ITS staff are unavailable, whether over holiday breaks or in the evenings, we have after-hours support answering our main number 24/7 at 515-271-3001. They are not able to assist with every tech problem, but can always open requests on your behalf that will be responded to when ITS staff return.

To be sure you’re reaching an ITS technician if you call the support center, see the schedule below:

  • Through the end of the semester, regular hours will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Holiday break begins Dec. 21 and runs through Friday, Jan. 1.
  • Starting Jan. 4 through the end of J-Term, hours will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

— Carla Herling, ITS

For Students Archive

Submit your research for the 2021 Nelson Student Symposium

Call for student research presentations:
The Nelson Student Research Symposium will take place next March during the 2021 Global Citizen Forum, giving Drake students the opportunity to share their research related to international and global topics.

This year’s theme is “International Perspectives on Racial Justice.” While research presentations that support the theme are encouraged, all global topics from any academic discipline are welcome. Submission details:

  • Submit your paper or concept via the online submission form for consideration. Submission deadline is Feb. 18, 2021.
  • Drake undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to present their research.
  • Information about past symposia is available on our website.

— Hannah Sappenfield, Global Partnerships Coordinator

Strategic Updates Archive

Upcoming Meeting-free days

On Nov. 3, for Election Day, the University held a meeting-free day, and it was a welcomed break. It enhanced the mental and emotional well-being of students, staff, and faculty. As a result of its resounding success, beginning in January, one day each month will be designated as a meeting-free day. Note: Only three meeting-free days are scheduled to occur during the spring academic semester. Faculty are encouraged to lighten the load for students on these days, and may choose to cancel class as appropriate within accreditation requirements, and at their discretion.

Upcoming meeting-free days:

  • Tuesday, Jan. 12
  • Wednesday, Feb. 17
  • Tuesday, March 16
  • Wednesday, April 14
  • Tuesday, May 25
  • Wednesday, June 23

— Drinda Williams, Office of the Provost

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Deadline extended: Global Citizen Forum presentation proposals

The deadline has been extended to Jan. 15 for Drake faculty and staff to submit a presentation proposal for the 2021 Global Citizen Forum, taking place March 3–5.

We invite proposals for practitioner and paper presentations; workshops and interactive sessions; posters; and roundtable or panel discussions. To submit a proposal, please fill out this Google Form that asks for:

  • Presenter(s) information
  • Title and description of presentation or workshop
  • Methods for participant involvement (i.e. discussion, effective practice sharing, case study analysis)
  • Audience
  • Ideal session length
  • Relevant files and website (if applicable)

About the Global Citizen Forum
Drake is partnering with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) to host a virtual conference on equity and inclusion in higher education. The conference will bring together educators, students, policy makers and citizens from around the world to explore the struggles, strategies, and solutions for creating a more equitable and inclusive higher education field. Visit our webpage to learn more.

— Hannah Sappenfield, Global Partnerships Coordinator

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Microsoft Teams calling is coming Jan. 14 

As we’ve previously communicated in OnCampus, ITS is upgrading the campus phone system and moving faculty and staff to using Microsoft Teams for calling. This change only affects extensions assigned to employees. We are not taking away physical phones in conference rooms, classrooms, or public areas. 

On Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, the Microsoft Teams client will replace traditional handsets and allow faculty and staff to make and receive telephone calls using their office extension from anywhere they are connected to the Internet. 

To prepare for this change, we distributed headsets to all full-time employees before Thanksgiving. If you are encountering any issues with the headset you received, please review the user guides linked from ITS Recommended Phone Headsets (FAQ). If that doesn’t resolve your issues, or if you did not receive a headset in campus mail, please submit a Telephone Issue request.  

On the day of the change, we’ll send everyone an email outlining how to get started and the first steps you need to take to set up your voicemail and begin using Teams for all your calling. 

If you’d like to learn more ahead of this change, please review the resources we’ve curated at Using Microsoft Teams for Phone Calls and Voicemail (How-to). These include links on specific elements of calling and voicemail usage and a video overview.

You’ll be able to make calls from either the Teams desktop or mobile app and email notification of voicemail messages is automatically set up with Microsoft Teams calling. 

We’ve also created a FAQ page that we’ll keep up into the beginning of the spring semester at drake.edu/its/teamscalling/. If you don’t see your question there, please share it with us at drake.edu/its/giveitsfeedback/ and we will contact you with a response and add it to the FAQ when appropriate.   

— Chris Mielke, ITS  

For Students Archive

Summer 2021 Travel Seminar application deadline extended

The application deadline for Summer 2021 travel seminars has been extended to Feb. 1, 2021. If you are interested in studying abroad this summer, we encourage you to start an application today. 

Summer 2021 travel seminars:

To apply for a travel seminar, visit Terra Dotta, Drake’s online application portal. Use your Drake ID and password to login.

For questions about a specific travel seminar, contact the course instructor. For general study abroad questions or issues with Terra Dotta, contact studyabroad@drake.edu.

— Nathan Jacobson, Center for International Programs and Services

News & Achievements Archive

Drake Law School and the Iowa State Public Defender announce new Wrongful Convictions Clinic at Drake

Drake Law School and the Iowa State Public Defender are excited to announce a new collaboration creating a Wrongful Convictions Clinic.

The Wrongful Convictions Clinic at Drake Law School will begin in January 2021. The Clinic will be led by the State Public Defender’s Wrongful Convictions Division. Student attorneys in the clinic will represent individuals convicted of serious felony crimes in Iowa in post-conviction proceedings to establish their actual innocence. The Wrongful Convictions Division of the State Public Defender’s office was created by Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, LW ’09, during his tenure as State Public Defender in 2015.

State Public Defender Jeff Wright, LW ’06, explained that the Wrongful Convictions Division works closely with the Midwest Innocence Project, in Kansas City, MO, to identify, investigate, and litigate cases of individuals who are claiming factual innocence of the crimes for which they were convicted. “We are excited about this new alliance and all the possibilities which come with it. Not only will this collaboration greatly increase our capacity to review and investigate meritorious claims from Iowa inmates, but it will also help identify policies that contribute to wrongful convictions,” said State Public Defender Wright.

Students in the Clinic will assist in all aspects of assigned cases including reviewing trial transcripts and case files, visiting incarcerated clients, interviewing witnesses, collecting records, consulting subject matter experts, conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, and attending court hearings.

Erica Nichols Cook, LW ’09, Director of the Wrongful Convictions Division, will supervise the Clinic. Nichols Cook previously served as an adjunct professor of law at Southern Illinois University, teaching about wrongful convictions and supervising an externship program with the Illinois Innocence Project. Prior to that, she was an assistant appellate defender, Cook County public defender, and a staff attorney with the Illinois Innocence Project.

“I am excited to return to the Clinic where I learned how to be a lawyer and an advocate,” said Nichols Cook. “Through this new collaboration, we will more effectively represent the wrongfully convicted in Iowa and teach new generations of lawyers in the criminal justice system how to identify and remedy wrongful convictions.”

As part of the new partnership, the state Wrongful Convictions Division will relocate to the Neal and Bea Smith Law Center at Drake. “Being on campus and a part of the dynamic learning environment at the clinic will empower students and clients alike,” Nichols Cook said.

“We are honored to be able to contribute to this important work through our new Clinic,” said Drake Law Dean Jerry Anderson. “Student efforts may lead to real reform in the criminal justice system and a path to justice for the wrongfully convicted. Along the way they will develop legal skills that they will carry with them wherever their future legal careers take them.”

— Theresa Howard, Law School