All posts by Stephanie Dana Ely

Take a safari: Apply for the Uganda travel seminar

The Summer 2020 Uganda: Sustainable Development travel seminar gives students an in-depth look into one developing nation in East Africa and allows students to design a research project or service learning project to meet their interests. Applications are due Dec. 15.

Learn more at an information session:
— Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 5 p.m. in Aliber Hall, Room 004
— Thursday, Nov. 21, at 5 p.m. in Meredith Hall, Room 229

General pre-law and pre-med info sessions

If you would like to receive general information on law school and medical school admission and the undergraduate curriculum you should pursue to prepare, please look to attend one of the following events:
Thursday, Oct 24, 4–5 p.m., Pre-Law Overview
Thursday, Oct 24, 5–6 p.m., Pre-Med Overview
Both overviews will take place in Cartwright Hall, Room 213.
If you’re interested in learning more about Drake’s 3+3 Law Program whereby those attending Drake’s Law School can work to earn both an undergraduate degree and law degree in six years, consider attending the 3+3 program on Tuesday, Oct 29, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. in Collier-Scripps, Room 308.  Hear from Kara Blanchard of Drake’s Law School Admissions Office and Mary Beth Holtey, from the Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office.
—Mary Beth Holtey, Assistant Dean, Student Affairs

University Bookstore has improved website, more items

If you have not already noticed, the online site for the University Bookstore has been greatly improved.  The site is much easier to navigate on a mobile device or desktop, still has all your textbooks, and has a much larger catalog of Drake apparel! All orders have the option of free, in-store pick-up when you order online. The store also has a great collection of clearance items as well. Check it out!

— Caron Findlay, Director, Purchasing and Business Services

New URL for online orders of Drake gear

  • For online employee discount pricing, custom departmental items, and bulk orders for Drake gear, the Advanced Online site can now be found at drake.merchorders.com(formerly shop.drake.edu) 
  • As a reminder, employees enjoy 20% off Drake branded items. This discount also applies to applicable purchases at the University Bookstore in Olmsted.
  • For reference, the online University Bookstore site (yes, a second site!) has been greatly improved and can be found in a variety of ways, including shop.drake.edu.

— Caron Findlay, Director, Purchasing and Business Services

Last Day to save 50% on Drake Road Race registration

Flash sale ends at midnight on Oct. 22! Save over 50% on race registration.

Mark your calendars for the 52nd annual Drake Road Races on Sunday, April 19, and take advantage of a two-day flash sale when registration opens on Oct. 21 and 22. Save over 50% on race week pricing when you sign up for the 5k, 10k, or half marathon during this incredible flash sale. Find more info and sign up at www.DrakeRoadRaces.org.

Your Drake Road Races registration includes a commemorative long sleeve tech shirt and a special 52nd Anniversary medal which is awarded to each finisher on the historic Blue Oval inside Drake Stadium. Also included with your race registration is free entry to the Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee Distance Carnival on Thursday, April 23.

— Dan Hostager, Assistant Director, Drake Relays, Special Projects

How to declutter your life

We’ve all got clutter.  It is one of those things that we think about and put on a list to tackle, but we just never seem to find time.  Besides the obvious benefit of decluttering, did you know that getting your stuff organized can actually improve your physical and mental health?

Join Cindy Torvik from Straighten Your Paths, on Oct. 24 from 2–3 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Rooms 310 & 311, as we “dig” into this topic. Not only will you get valuable decluttering tips, but one lucky person will win a prize!

Register on Eventbrite.

— Linda Feiden, Wellness & Recognition Specialist, HR

Must-know registration dates and deadlines

Students, please be aware of these important upcoming dates.

Monday, Oct. 28 — Last day to drop a fall class

Monday, Oct. 28 — Last day to request a change to your program (major, minor, or concentration) to be ensured approval before registration begins

Monday, Nov. 4 — Registration for spring 2020 begins. Students become eligible to register based on their earned credits through the summer 2019 semester.

— Kevin Moenkhaus, Office of the Registrar

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning lunch Oct. 25

The second Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) lunch is Friday, Oct. 25, at 12 p.m. in TMR 133. These discussions are opportunities for those engaged in SoTL projects at any level—from just thinking about starting one, to almost complete, or those simply curious about SoTL—to share ideas, seek advice or ask questions of colleagues engaged in this process. While it is too late to order a lunch, you are still welcome to join us, and bring your own.

— Arthur Sanders, Associate Provost

Celebrate creatives, risk-takers, and innovators Nov. 9–15

Innovation Week is Nov. 9–15. Through a series of events and activities across campus, Innovation Week showcases transformational, innovative, and creative ideas and ventures. Some of the featured events include:

  • The annual DELTA Rx competition
  • The annual Bark Tank competition where Drake students can win cash for their Drake-related idea
  • A letterpress printing workshop
  • Carvey tile carving

For more information, check out the event page on the University calendar. Details about individual events will be posted to our  Facebook page soon. Want email notifications? Sign up for the Drake Innovation newsletter at https://drakeinnovation.com/.

— Stephanie Cardwell, Buchanan Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership

Griff, Honorary President for the Day

Thank you to the Drake community for showing your support for the Live Mascot Program during our recent fundraising campaign. Over $11,000 was raised by the community and alumni Doug, BN’75, and Peggy, BN’76, GR’96, Person contributed an additional $10,000 in matching funds. This outpouring of generosity supports the program and its continued work to be a welcome and inclusive presence on campus and expand the program’s work as an ambassador to prospective students and the greater Des Moines community.   

And now for the fun: President Marty Martin issued a challenge that Griff would be named honorary President for a day if the fundraising goal was met by Oct. 17. That goal was surpassed and today (Tuesday, Oct. 21) is the day! Head over to Griff’s Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to see how Griff is spending his day as the honorary University President.

— Alicia Chilton, University Communications & Marketing