All posts by Nate Reagen

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Generosity of spirit in supporting COVID-19 testing

Throughout this semester, Drake University conducted COVID-19 surveillance testing at no cost to our students.  Surveillance testing through a random sampling method is critically important to prevent outbreaks on campus. Each week, students were randomly chosen to participate.

This program was made possible largely through the efforts of Chris Nickell and Erik Maki. Both Chris and Erik worked with Elise Nikolic and several CPHS students to handle the testing efforts each week. It was through their generosity of spirit and tireless hours of support that kept this program going.

In addition, at the end of the semester, Drake University offered a free COVID-19 test to any student who requested one. More than 1,000 tests were conducted in a six-day period. Wow! By offering this testing at the end of the semester, we are supporting our commitment to the community.

Chris, Erik, and the many others whom supported this program—we are grateful for your time and expertise!

— Nate Reagen, Office of the President

News & Achievements Archive

Drake Law team wins national environmental law and policy competition

The Drake Law School team of Bradley Adams and Katherine Leidahl won the inaugural Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University Environmental Law & Policy Hack Competition. This national competition is designed to orient students toward the development of creative and impactful environmental policy.

The competition required the submission of a written policy brief, detailing suggestions for the use of vegetative landscapes to combat and mitigate climate change. The Drake Law team’s subject was Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a municipality that has in recent years experienced an extraordinary number of weather events linked to climate change with critical consequences. Adams and Leidahl researched multiple levels of legal background constraints and consulted with a variety of officials and other stakeholders. After a preliminary round of judging based on the briefs, the finals required an oral presentation and defense of the policy recommendations.

The team was awarded a cash prize to be used to help implement the policy concept.

— Theresa Howard, Law School

Campus Announcements Archive

Student Services Center updates

The Student Services Center in Olmsted will operate by appointment only from Nov. 21 through mid-January. Please email studentservices@drake.edu if you need assistance with any of our services.

All parking passes continue to be purchased online through the myDrake portal, and spring only passes will go on sale with a reduced single semester price starting Dec. 1.

Bulldog Bucks can also be added online through the myDrake portal, or by visiting our new off campus merchant website. We encourage you to check out the first wave of local merchants that have signed on to be a part of the Bulldog Bucks program. Any student or employee can add funds to this account (at any time in any amount), and funds can be spent like a gift card either on campus, or at these participating neighborhood businesses.

Card access for employees should not change over break. If you need assistance, or are having trouble with your card access, feel free to email studentservices@drake.edu, so we can research the issue. Most student access will be shut off over break.

— Sara Heijerman, Student Services Center

For Students Archive

Pathways for Civic and Social Change mini J-Term program

Drake students are invited to participate in the Pathways for Civic and Social Change mini J-Term program. Through this program, you will:

  • Identify numerous strategies needed to create civic and social change
  • Explore strategies that you are most interested in pursuing during your time in college and beyond
  • Gain resources, tools and advice on how to go about implementing the strategies in Des Moines or back home

Incentives:
Students who complete all requirements of the program will receive a certificate and a Drake Serves T-shirt featuring Griff (while supplies last; sizes and quantities are limited).

Requirements:

  • Attend a 45-minute virtual group Pathways Introductory Workshop (several options of times will be provided)
  • Take the Pathways for Civic and Social Change assessment on your own (approximately 10-15 minutes)
  • Sign up for and attend a 1-1 advising meeting with a trained Community Engagement Peer (approximately 30 minutes)

Registration:
Express interest in the mini J-Term program by Dec. 10 at http://drake.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eQJshOzeyw3RUBn. After you register, watch your Drake email for more information on how to attend one of the workshops and schedule a 1-1 advising appointment in January.

Learn more about Pathways: https://www.drake.edu/community/learningservice/studentopportunities/pathways/

Contact:
Amanda Martin, assistant director of Community Engaged Learning, at
amanda.martin@drake.edu.

— Amanda Martin, Community Engaged Learning

For Students Archive

Resident Assistant applications open

If you’re interested in applying to be an RA for the 2021–2022 academic year, read the job description and submit an application by Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021.

The Drake community encourages development and growth of the whole person: academic, social, physical, emotional, and cultural. The residence halls are a vital part of this learning environment. Resident Assistants (RA’s) have the greatest amount of contact with the students and are crucial and invaluable members of the Drake team. 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.

— Randy McMullin, Office of Residence Life

For Staff Archive

All Staff Council True Blue nominations

Do you know a staff member or department that is “Called to be True Blue?” An individual or team that goes above and beyond expectations to serve students, colleagues, and the Drake community?

A staff member who is called to be True Blue is someone who:

  1. Epitomizes the values of leadership, teamwork, and integrity, and exhibits their commitment to the Drake community
  2. Has shown others what it takes to get a task or project done, and accomplishes that by working well with others
  3. Is able to be honest and fair in the situations they face
  4. Does all of these things for the betterment of Drake and its values and goals.

If this sounds like someone you know, make your nomination today!

— Amelia Klatt, Alumni Relations/All Staff Council

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Power outage Nov. 25 to impact Olin, Bell Center, Field House, and Fine Arts

There has been a change on the power outage on Nov. 25. On Nov. 25, Facilities Planning and Management will be cleaning three electrical high voltage vaults on campus. This means that Olin, Bell Center, Field House, and Fine Arts north will be without electricity. The power outage will start about 7 a.m. and end at 12 p.m. Please remember to turn off your electronic devices before leaving for the Thanksgiving Holiday period. Please contact Ron Tart, chief electrician, with questions.

— Ron Tart, Facilities Planning and Management

Campus Announcements Archive

Carnegie Hall access through J-Term

Until the start of the spring semester, the doors to the lobby of Carnegie Hall (main level) will remain locked during business hours. The main level of Carnegie Hall is home to the offices of the Registrar, Student Accounts, and Student Financial Planning. Phone numbers for each of these offices will be posted in order for guests to call for service.

Students are encouraged to make an appointment prior to visiting Carnegie Hall, and to use virtual meeting options whenever feasible. Instructions to schedule an appointment for these offices can be found below:

  • Registrar: Visit the Registrar webpage to view our services, common FAQ’s, how-to instructions, and more. Contact registrar@drake.edu for virtual assistance, questions, or to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment.
  • Student Accounts: Visit the Student Accounts webpage to access contact information for our office, as well as other helpful billing information.
  • Office of Student Financial Planning: Visit the Student Financial Planning profile in Starfish to schedule appointments, view contact information, and more.

— Ryan Zantingh, Student Financial Planning

Campus Announcements Archive

Newman Civic Fellow nominations being accepted

The Office of Community Engaged Learning is now accepting nominations for the Newman Civic Fellowship.

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a national award that recognizes and supports community-committed students (undergraduate and graduate) who are changemakers and public problem-solvers. Students should engage in collaborative action with others from campus or from surrounding communities in order to create long-term social change, take action in addressing issues of inequality and political polarization, and demonstrate the motivation and potential for effective long-term civic engagement. Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides students with training and resources that nurture their assets and passions and help them develop strategies for social change.

Nominees must be enrolled at Drake for the spring semester 2021, and 2021-2022 academic year.

To nominate a student, please submit 1–3 paragraphs including information about the nominee’s approaches to addressing the root causes of social issues. This may include involvement in public policy reform, community organizing, community-based research, social entrepreneurism, or other efforts to build the capacity of community-based organizations. Additionally, please include why you believe this person has the motivation and potential to develop innovative and collaborative approaches to addressing public problems and to contribute to a network of similarly committed students.

A committee will review nominations to select one student from Drake University to be nominated for the Fellowship. That student will need to complete additional paperwork.

Please submit nominations to Amanda Martin, Assistant Director of Community Engaged Learning,  amanda.martin@drake.edu, no later than January 10, 2021.  More information about the Fellowship can be found at compact.org/initiatives/awards-programs/newman-civic-fellowship.

— Amanda Martin, Community Engaged Learning

Campus Announcements Archive

Thanksgiving week utility shutdowns

During Thanksgiving week, Facilities Planning & Management will be performing two projects that will impact select areas of campus.

Fire hydrant replacement Nov. 23
On Monday, Nov. 23, we’ll be replacing a fire hydrant near Olmsted. This project will cause the water to be shut off between 10 a.m.–3 p.m. to Aliber, Olmsted, and Hubbell.

  • Aliber – Faculty & staff will need to use restrooms in Meredith during this time.
  • Olmsted – Olmsted will be closed Nov. 23, but staff will need to use restrooms in Meredith during this time if they are in the office. The University Bookstore will remain open but will not be able to access the restrooms during this time.
  • Hubbell – Hubbell will still be providing meals per their regular schedule but restrooms will be unavailable from 10 a.m–3 p.m.
  • Quads – In addition, hot water to the Quads will be unavailable between approximately 10 a.m and 3 p.m.; cold water will still be available.

Electrical maintenance Nov. 25
On Wednesday, Nov. 25, FPM will be performing preventative maintenance on some of our electrical system from approximately 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. This work will cause a loss of power to the Fieldhouse, Bell Center, Olin and the north side of Fine Arts.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email Mitch Wieczorek at Mitchell.wieczorek@drake.edu.

— Mitch Wieczorek, Facilities Planning and Management