All posts by Drinda Williams

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Recognize colleagues for Commitment to Mission at March social

Drake faculty and staff who exemplify the Core Value of Commitment to Mission will be recognized at the next Provost’s Drake Social on Tuesday, March 10, at Cowles Library Reading Room. The March Drake Social will be preceded by a Town Hall at 3:30 p.m. hosted by President Martin.

To nominate a colleague for their Commitment to Mission, please use this 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 Commitment to Mission? We look for colleagues who are united in service to our students and communities, and who are optimistic about our future, acting with integrity and purpose as they deliver on our mission.

From among those nominated, several will be chosen at random for prizes. You must be present to win.

Refreshments will include wine, beer, soft drinks, and light snacks. This is a family friendly event.

Also in March, All Staff Council will host a Trivia Night\ beginning at 4:45 p.m. Enjoy the Social and then join a team for some fun competition or just stay to watch.

— Drinda Williams, Office of the Provost

Campus Announcements Archive

You’re invited: MVC Tournament watch party scheduled for noon Friday

The Drake Men’s Basketball team plays Illinois State on Thursday, March 5, at 6 p.m. in the first round of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. If (when) they win, they’ll advance to take on UNI at 12 p.m. on Friday, March 6. Plan to attend a watch party to cheer on the Bulldogs on Friday at noon in the Shiver’s Courtside Club. Feel free to bring your lunch and enjoy the game. Popcorn will be provided by Drake Athletics. Go Bulldogs!

— Shannon Saunders, Athletics

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Panopto maintenance March 10, 7–8 p.m.

ITS is making updates to Panopto in order to provide single sign on (SSO) access. As a result, access to Panopto will be unavailable on Tuesday, March 10, from 7 to 8 p.m. During this time, users will be unable to view or upload content to and from Panopto.

We appreciate your patience while we perform this necessary work. If you continue to have any problems after the planned maintenance window, please contact the support center at 515-271-3001 or visit service.drake.edu/its to report your issue.

— Carla Herling, ITS

For Students Archive

Graduation attire available at Bookstore

Attention graduating students: Graduation attire is available at the University Bookstore beginning March 3. The Bookstore is holding a graduation attire order event March 3 and 4 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Graduation attire can also be purchased during normal business hours (Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.). There is no need to preorder. Payment is required at the time of purchase. Purchase your attire by April 22 to ensure proper sizing. 

Spring break hours:
Monday–Friday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Prices for keepsake cap/gown:
Bachelor’s degree (purchase) — Cap, Gown, & Tassel, $40.00
Master’s degree (purchase) — Cap, Gown, Hood, & Tassel, $75.00
(7% sales tax is not included in the price)

If you wish to purchase announcements:

If you wish to purchase announcements:
CB Announcements 1 (800) 433-0296 or www.cbgrad.balfour.com

— Katie Wilz, University Bookstore

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Summer textbook adoptions due March 15

The deadline for submitting Summer 2020 course material adoptions is March 15. The University Bookstore has a simple tool for you to use this adoption season: Follett Discover.

Adopting on time contributes to course materials affordability. By submitting adoptions prior to the due date or by the due date, your campus store has time to source used and rental inventory which translates to savings for your students. If you consistently use the same book from term to term, partner with the campus store to let them know because this will translate into even larger savings for your students.

Another important aspect that relies on timely textbook adoption is compliance to the HEOA. The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) aimed at making college more affordable and accessible, calls for full disclosure and transparency related to the selection, pricing, and use of course materials when registration for courses begins . HEA was enacted into federal law in 2010. At Drake University, the bookstore is the collection agent for textbook adoptions, posting the adoptions submitted and thus ensuring the University’s compliance to the HEOA.

Follett Discover allows you to easily discover, research, and adopt course materials all in one place. In addition to adopting traditional print materials, Follett Discover makes it easy to search and adopt non-traditional materials such as YouTube videos, open education resources, and MOOC content.

How to access Follett Discover via Blackboard

  1. Log into myDrake.
  2. Find the Tools channel, scroll down and click the Follett Discover link OR find the Follett Discover channel and click the Launch Discover link.

For questions, contact Donna Hallstrom at donna.hallstrom@drake.edu.

— Donna Hallstrom, University Bookstore

Campus Announcements Archive

Tornado drill March 25

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