All posts by Amber Graeber

Campus Announcements Archive

The Impacts Of New Legislation On PreK–12 Teaching: A Conversation With Dave Daughton

The Government Relations Director for School Administrators of Iowa (SAI), Dave Daughton, will be discussing the current legislative sessions’ impact on teaching PK-12 on April 28 from 1:30–2:30 p.m in Collier-Scripss, Room 005. The event is sponsored by the School of Education’s DEI Committee.

From Dave Daughton: “As we get closer to the end of the session, things either start ramping up or slowing down. We had a little bit of both this week. Some bills that needed additional discussion either quickly passed or came to a virtual standstill. We also had some fairly contentious debate on the floor about a few bills. Some of that had to do with “surprise” amendments onto bills.”

Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to attend to better understand the impact recent legislation will have on Pk-12 teaching. Including a proposed bills to make parents pay for dropped classes, an in-person mandate, guides for district investment, and a bill governing student behavior.

— Amber Graeber, Assistant Professor of Education

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Campus Steam Outage May 18–20

Facilities Planning and Management has scheduled a steam outage on campus from Monday, May 18 — Wednesday, May 20. This outage is necessary to make repairs to a condensate line near Herriott Hall as well as additional repairs to the steam system within Harvey Ingham.

During this outage, which will affect most buildings on campus, there will be no hot water. This outage will NOT affect cooling on campus.

Buildings excluded are:

Alumni House
Boys and Girls Club
Campus Suites at Dogtown
Harkin Center
Nursing Building
Jewett Hall
Occupational Therapy Building
Ross Hall

Facilities Planning and Management has scheduled this outage after careful consideration of the impacts to the greater campus community. With limited students on campus and the many camps, conferences, and orientation sessions scheduled for late May through August, this was deemed to be the most optimal time for a shutdown.

— Colin Atkinson, Associate Director, Facilities Planning & Management

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Post-Graduate Opportunities For Juniors

If you know a junior who is interested in going abroad after graduation, invite them to consider the Fulbright program. Awardees teach English, study, or conduct research outside of the U.S., serving as cultural ambassadors. This is just one of many funded opportunities for graduates to experience life in another country.

Exemplary juniors with plans for graduate school might consider scholarships such as the Marshall or Rhodes for study in the U.K. There are also numerous scholarships available to research and/or study in other countries and in the U.S.

Interested students are encouraged to contact Drake’s Coordinator of Global Post-Graduate Scholarships, shelley.fairbairn@drake.edu, before the end of this semester.

— Shelley Fairbairn, Professor of Education

Campus Announcements Archive

Cowles Library Crafternoon May 1

Need a break? Come get crafty at Cowles Library!

Join us for Crafternoon on Friday, May 1, from 3–5 p.m. and add some sparkle to your day. We’ll be bedazzling books or anything you want to decorate.

Bring a book, sunglasses, mug, keychain, or whatever could use a little glow-up, and dive into some hands-on creativity. All supplies provided.

— Joanna Stankiewicz, Cowles Library

 

Campus Announcements Archive

April Showers Bring May Flowers (And a New Griff T-Shirt)

May is here, and that means the perfect floral Griff T-shirt!

Each month, we release a new limited-edition Griff design so you can build your collection all year long. Collect all 12 designs, and you will unlock a bonus exclusive at the end of the year.

Show off in May with the newest addition to the Griff t-shirt collection. Featuring a fresh floral design and plenty of school spirit, it’s the perfect way to rep the Bulldogs all month long.

Collect them all!

— The Bulldog Shop

HR Information Archive

You Are More Than Enough: Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month, observed annually in May since 1949, was established by the founder of Mental Health America to shed light on the challenges faced by those living with mental health conditions.

While stigma around mental health and treatment has decreased in recent years, there are still people who hesitate to take steps to address mental health challenges, seek care, and talk about mental health with friends, family, and even their medical providers.  Did you know that one in five Americans experience a mental illness each year and on average, people live with symptoms of a mental illness for 10 years before seeking treatment, largely due to the stigma?

So, what can you do?  How should you observe Mental Health Awareness Month?

  • Take care of yourself. Life has many ups and downs. Some problems you may be able to solve on your own, but not always, and that is okay. When you need mental health assistance, reach out.
  • Take care of your loved ones. Check up on your family and friends. Sometimes, all a person needs is a shoulder to lean on, or an ear to listen.  But if they need more help than you can provide, support them, and assist them to find the right treatment.
  • Talk about mental health. The more everyone talks about it, the more normalized it will become, reducing the stigma attached to mental health disorders and helping others to seek treatment.
  • Learn more. Attend live or virtual events, access resources.

Human Resources has created a Mental Health Awareness Month webpage that includes a detailed list of resources and upcoming events to assist you.

Remember, it is OK to not be OK.  Please reach out when you need help, be there for others who need an assist, and start the conversation.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Campus Announcements Archive

Celebrating 21 Years of Service and Advocacy: Michelle Laughlin Announces Retirement

After 21 years of dedicated service, Michelle Laughlin will retire from Drake at the end of May. Michelle began her role as Student Disability Services Coordinator in April 2005 and became Director of Student Disability Services in 2020. Over the course of her career, she has supported countless students and takes pride in helping to develop and expand academic coaching services within the Access and Success office.

A guiding quote in her work has been Henry Ford’s reminder: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” Michelle has carried this perspective into her approach with students, encouraging them to view their disabilities not as limitations, but as part of their broader strengths and identities. She often reminds students that while everyone experiences challenges, it is how we respond to them that shapes our ability to navigate difficult days.

Michelle’s contributions have been recognized through the Sapphire Award in 2024, along with extensive service across campus committees. Her involvement has included serving as All Staff Council President, participation on the ASC Recognition and Events Committees, and service on the President’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities.

Reflecting on her time at Drake, Michelle shares: “I know there is more I could list, but right now I’m just thinking of gratitude. Mostly, I just want to say thank you. I have so many wonderful memories here. The people I’ve worked with and the students I’ve met have shaped who I am. I am proud of my time at Drake. I have learned more than I ever could have imagined and wouldn’t trade any of it for anything.”

Michelle’s legacy is one of compassion, advocacy, and unwavering support for students. She will be deeply missed by colleagues and students alike, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation for her 21 years of service to Drake University.

Transition & Next Steps

Michelle will be in and out over the next month, so please direct any Access and Success inquiries to access.success@drake.edu. The Director of Accessibility position has been posted and is expected to be filled by June 1 to ensure continuity of service. Please feel free to share this message with your team as appropriate.

— Jenny Tran-Johnson & Sydni Jennings, Academic Excellence and Student Success

HR Information Archive

Join Drake’s Team For The Des Moines Corporate Games

Join Drake’s Corporate Games team! This annual company-based competition for organizations in central Iowa runs from May 30 through July 31.  With over 20 events to choose from, Des Moines Corporate Games (DMCG) is a great way to meet new people and have fun.

Events range from team-based to individual and competitive to recreational. Try everything from pickleball, golf, and sand volleyball to a fitness walk, 5K run, and bags.  You may participate in as many events as you want.

Activities are held in the evenings and on weekends and are free (except golf cart rental). ALL Drake faculty and staff, student employees, interns, and retirees are invited and encouraged to join Drake’s team.

To participate in this year’s Des Moines Corporate Games, please send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu for registration instructions or click HERE for an instruction PDF.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources