All posts by Kevin Moenkhaus

For Faculty Archive

Final grades due Dec. 18

Faculty, final grades are due by 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec 18, 2019.  Exception: Final grades for the Law School are due on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. Your ability to submit final grades will be disabled at that point.

View instructions on how to send your final grades from Blackboard to MyDUSIS.

Those of you who want to submit grades directly into MyDUSIS should begin by clicking the Grading button in the “Faculty & Advising” menu in MyDrake and then finding the “Final Grades – Submittal Link.”

The final evaluation schedule includes a listing of when and where courses are scheduled to meet for their final evaluations.

— Kevin Moenkhaus, Office of the Registrar

For Students Archive

Final grades due Dec. 18

Students, final grades for non-Law School courses are due Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019. Final grades for the Law School are due Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020.

Generally, final grades are available to view by the first calendar day following the day the grade was entered. You may view your final grades by clicking the “My Grades” link under the Student Records area in MyDrake.

— Kevin Moenkhaus, Office of the Registrar

For Students Archive

SAB Relays logo design contest

SAB is looking for a student designer to create the logo that will be used to promote all of our Relays 2020 events. The Drake Relays are a huge Drake tradition and is one of the best times to be on campus. We’re looking for a logo that will capture school spirit and the excitement of Relays!

The winning designer will work alongside SAB to create a logo that will be used on posters, painted street, promotional giveaways, apparel, and more all around campus. Your work will be seen by thousands of students, alumni, and community members!

The application is due no later than Nov. 15 at 11:59 p.m. Information regarding Round 2 will be sent to the top three designers based on the submitted portfolio work by the end of the weekend.

You can find the application here: tinyurl.com/relayslogo2020.

— Delia Koolick, AS’20

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Recognize your colleagues for Generosity of Spirit at November social

Drake faculty and staff who exemplify the Core Value of Generosity of Spirit will be recognized at the next Provost’s Drake Social, Thursday, Nov. 21, from 4–5:30 p.m. at Cowles Library Reading Room.

To nominate a colleague, please use the Qualtrics form. You can nominate up to five colleagues on each form. Feel free to fill out multiple forms. All those nominated will be recognized on a rolling display.

How do we define Generosity of Spirit at Drake? We look for colleagues who trust, empower, and presume the best of each other; who practice civility, caring, and respect; and who commit to equity and inclusion.

When you nominate colleagues, be prepared to describe how each colleague meets these descriptions. From among those nominated, several will be chosen at random for prizes.

Refreshments will include wine, beer, soft drinks, and light snacks. This is a family friendly event. Feel free to bring your children and partner.

The November Drake Social will be preceded by a Town Hall at 3:30 p.m. in celebration of International Education Week.

— Drinda Williams, Office of the Provost

HR Information Archive

Stay financially healthy through the holidays

It’s all too easy to get caught up in the spending cycle over the holidays. Scott Nelson, from Legacy Financial, will share tips on how to have a great holiday season, yet maintain financial control, during a presentation on Nov. 6 from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Rooms 310 & 311.

Scott will share tricks that stores are using to get you to spend more, uncover the real cost and impact of holiday spending, and provide practical solutions to help you stay on track. And, one attendee will receive an early holiday gift! Register here.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

HR Information Archive

Welcome new Bulldogs

Please join HR in welcoming 10 new, full-time Drake University employees for the month of October.

Amber Welsh, School of Education, Records & Schedule Specialist
Gwendolyn Martin, Robert D. & Billie Ray Center, Customer Service Associate
Lisa Beierschmitt, Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Experiential Learning Specialist
Kristina Smith, Athletics, Assistant Women’s Tennis Coach
Asha Gibson, Athletics, Assistant M/W Sprint, Jumps & Relays Coach
Geri Blaker, Business & Public Administration, Administrative Assistant
Megan Flynn, ITS, Campus Technician
Heidi Eichorn, Human Resources, Senior HR Partner
Elicia Ropte, Law Library, Public Services Associate
Jason Grinstead, Institutional Research, Business Intelligence Manager

— Laura Schwarz, Human Resources

Campus Announcements Archive

First-Gen Student Day Nov. 8

Drake is excited to hold First-Generation Student Day on Nov. 8.

First-generation students are an important part of the Drake community, and we will be using this day to recognize their achievements and experiences. Throughout the week, we will be celebrating what it means to be first-gen at Drake and beyond. We will end the week with a breakfast to recognize our first generation students, faculty, and staff on Friday, Nov. 8, at 9 a.m. in Levitt Hall. Click here to RSVP.

If you are a first-generation student and want to get involved, stop by the Student Life Center to pick up a “First-Gen Bulldog” button. Also, send your “Why I’m First” stories to Katie Simpson for a chance to be featured on Drake social media and around campus.

Did you know:

  • Drake University defines a first-generation college student as a college student whose parents/legal guardians have not received a bachelor’s degree from a four-year university.
  • About 14% of our campus community are first generation college students.
  • First-Lady Michelle Obama, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, and President Bill Clinton were all first-generation students!

— Marina Verlengia, Director, New Student and Parent Programs

Strategic Updates Archive

Not your average strategic plan

Have you visited Drake’s Continuous Improvement Plan site lately? It highlights our objectives, key metrics, and success stories that illustrate some of the ways we, as a campus community, are living out our mission and inspiration every day.

Watch a video of students collaborating to solve complex coding problems, all while enjoying pizza at Professor Tim Urness’ home. Or, read how Drake has met its 25% carbon reduction goal two years ahead of schedule. These stories, which can be found by clicking on the “+” on each objective box, not only bring a greater understanding to the plan’s objectives, but also showcases our collective success.

As a reminder, Drake has a balanced approach to strategic planning across four main commitment areas. We continually assess priorities to drive purposeful action through our Continuous Improvement Plan.  Within the commitment areas of the plan, you will find each of our objectives supported by key metrics. 

The site also highlights University-level initiatives, such as the Burt Club, Nelson Development project, University Avenue Streetscape project, and more.  Thank you for taking the time to learn more about how our mission and inspiration drive action through our Continuous Improvement Plan.

— Nate Reagen, Chief of Staff