The J-Term Fair is Tuesday, March 10, from 4–6:15 p.m. This is an opportunity to learn everything about J-Term 2021.  When Griff heard about it, he said he would come at the beginning (4–4:30 p.m.) to find out about all the opportunities that will be available next J-Term.  For more information go to: drake.edu/dc/j-termexperience/.

— Arthur Sanders, Associate Provost

The National Weather Service will conduct a statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 25. A test tornado watch will be issued around 10 a.m. followed by a test tornado warning around 10:15 a.m., in which sirens will sound. In the event of actual severe weather during the drill, backup days are scheduled for March 26 and 27.

The statewide drill allows us to test our planning and readiness and practice seeking appropriate shelter in case of a real tornado. Faculty, staff, and students should participate in the drill by following campus severe weather plans and going to the lowest level of their building away from doorways and windows. View a list of designated severe weather shelters.

Learn what actions to take when a tornado hits, whether you are outside in a manufactured home or in a building.

Wherever you are, remember that most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so protect your head.

Tornado facts:

• Tornadoes may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
• Funnel clouds usually last less than 10 minutes before dissipating, and many only last several seconds. On rare occasion, cyclones can last for over an hour.
• Tornadoes may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
• The average tornado moves southwest to northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
• The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 mph, but may vary from stationary to 70 mph.
• Damage paths of tornadoes can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long.
• Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can occur at any time.

Tornado watch: Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to the NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Seek shelter immediately.

— Chris Nickell, Environmental Health and Safety

Some significant changes are in the works for Drake Dining.  Beginning in April, improvements to Hubbell Dining Hall will begin, impacting the kitchen and serving areas for both Hubbell South and Quad Creek. The project will be complete by the start of the 2020–2021 academic year. The refresh of Hubbell will complement a meal plan redesign, including the introduction of an unlimited dining meal plans. The unlimited plan options allow for unlimited trips to Hubbell to accommodate busy student schedules and a variety of food preferences.

The unlimited meal plan option, as well as new plan options with increased flex dollars, were developed after two years of study and gathering feedback from students. Several focus groups during the 2018–2019 academic year were instrumental in bringing a fully licensed Starbucks to campus. Follow up meetings with students in 2019 helped inform the new meal plan options.

Watch for more information about the Hubbell Dining Hall update and schedule.

— Kelly Foster, Finance and Administration