All posts by Preston Miller

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Drake professors receive National Science Foundation grant awards

The Sponsored Research Administration and Research Compliance (SPARC) Office would like to congratulate the following faculty members on their grant awards from the National Science Foundation. These awards are the impressive result of their hard work and diligence.

Klaus Bartschat, PhD, Ellis & Nelle Levitt Professor of Physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy was awarded a three-year, $319,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for his project entitled Photon- and Electron-Driven Atomic Collision Processes: General Theory and Accurate Numerical Calculations.

This study examines collisions of light (mostly lasers) and charged particles (mostly electrons) with atoms and ions. Elastic and inelastic processes, including excitation, single and double ionization, autoionization, and excitation-ionization for a wide variety of targets will be investigated by combining general collision theory with the development and subsequent application of highly sophisticated numerical methods. Continuing the close interaction with many groups in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia will lead to a deeper understanding of the quantum-mechanical collision dynamics while simultaneously producing data needed for many modelling applications, specifically in plasma and astrophysics.

Jerrid Kruse, PhD, Professor, and Lindsay Woodward, PhD, Associate Professor and Chair, Teaching and Learning Department, were awarded a three-year, $628,791 grant for their project entitled, Engaging Elementary Teachers in Developing and Implementing Instructional Materials Promoting Socioscientific Literacy.

Navigating complex societal issues such as water shortages, forest fires, and other phenomena-based problems requires understanding the social, technological, and scientific dimensions surrounding the issues and the ways these dimensions interact, shift, and change. Despite its importance, however, developing students’ socioscientific literacy has received limited attention in elementary science teaching and learning contexts. This project begins to address this problem of practice by focusing first on developing elementary teachers’ socioscientific literacy and their capacity to integrate socioscientific issues and local phenomena in their science teaching practice.

— Preston Miller, Sponsored Programs Administration and Research Compliance

HR Information Archive

Update on Tuition Waiver Policy

Several comments were received regarding the proposed update to the Tuition Waiver policy. Concerns were raised that the proposed policy edit did not reflect how the benefit is applicable to Occupational Therapy programs for dependents were being administered. Further research into this question showed that the occupational therapy program has been administered at the 50% level for dependents. Thus, the policy draft has been updated to reflect this and will remain posted for the remainder of the comment period.

— Debra Wiley, Human Resources

Campus Announcements Archive, For Students Archive

Drake Women’s Soccer mental health awareness game this Thursday  

Join the Drake Women’s Soccer team at Mediacom Stadium on Thursday, September 19 at 1 p.m. for a game dedicated to highlighting the important issue of mental health. Admission to all soccer matches is free.  

New Options at Mediacom Stadium
Drake students now have the option to use both Dining Dollars and their Bulldog Bucks at Mediacom Stadium during both men’s and women’s soccer matches. Check here for the schedule of events in Mediacom Stadium this season.  

–Greg Kay, Drake University Athletics

Campus Announcements Archive

Upcoming classes at Drake Rec

It is a busy month at the Bell Center. Here’s what’s happening:

Sept. 20: Join Drake Rec for a Circus Arts workshop on Sept. 20 at 5 p.m.

Sept. 19: Join the Coalition of Black Students for a fun workout class on Sept. 19 at 4 p.m.

Sept. 27: Join La Fuerza Latina for their dance marathon from 5–8 p.m. on Sept. 27.

As always, check the Drake Rec app for more details and be sure to check out our weekly classes, including Spin, Karate, Dance Fusion, and Ballet Sculpt.

— Gail Witte, Recreational Services

Campus Announcements Archive

Cowles Library featured collections

At Cowles Library, we are committed to curating a diverse range of digital and physical materials, available for the entire campus to explore and enjoy. Every month, our librarians spotlight important topics that resonate with the community, supporting both academic and personal interests.

This month, we are proud to feature Banned Books Week and Hispanic Heritage Month.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Cowles Library honors Hispanic Heritage Month with a curated collection that celebrates the rich and vibrant history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic communities. Dive into a selection of fiction, nonfiction, and films that showcase this legacy through art, history, and powerful storytelling.

Banned Books Week: September 22–28
Join us in recognizing Banned Books Week, a celebration of the freedom to read. Since 1982, Banned Books Week has highlighted the importance of open access to information. Our collection sheds light on challenged and banned books, inviting you to reflect on the ongoing efforts to protect intellectual freedom.

Stop by Cowles Library or visit our Featured Collections page online to explore these and other highlighted materials. We look forward to sharing these collections with you!

— Joanna Stankiewicz, Cowles Library

 

For Students Archive

Protest and Demonstration Policy

Drake University supports an environment where differences of opinion and experience can be a part of our community without posing a significant risk of safety or harm to individuals or property. 

The proposed Protest and Demonstration Policy is now available for public review and comment on the Policies Under Review webpage.  In summary, the purpose of the policy is to ensure that any student demonstration or protest does not unduly hinder University activities, pose a material risk of harm to individuals or property, or constitute harassment or disorderly conduct as defined by the Code of Student Conduct.

–Jerry Parker, Dean of Students

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Tuition exchange applications for 2025-2026

Full-time Drake employees are eligible to participate in tuition exchange programs, which offer waived or discounted tuition at other participating institutions for employees, their spouse/partner, or eligible dependent(s). See Drake’s Tuition Exchange Policy for complete information.

Tuition Exchange applications for the 2025-2026 year are available now (complete online via the links provided below). Students receiving Tuition Exchange for 2024-2025 should not complete another application. (Tuition exchange renews automatically, as long as the employee and student remain eligible.)

There are three steps in the tuition exchange application process:

  1. The student submits a tuition exchange application online through one or both of the tuition exchange programs listed below (the student should also apply for admission at each school listed on the tuition exchange application).
  2. Drake Human Resources confirms and certifies the employee’s eligibility to participate in the tuition exchange program. This is done on a rolling basis as applications are received.
  3. The tuition exchange application is routed to each school the student included on the application(s), and each school will decide whether the student will be offered a tuition exchange award.

Schools have different application deadlines and timelines for announcing award determinations. It is the employee’s responsibility to submit the tuition exchange application early enough to allow time for step #2 to be completed in advance of each school’s deadlines.

Details about each of Drake’s tuition exchange programs are provided below:

Tuition Exchange, Inc. (TE)
TE has over 700 participating schools. Visit tuitionexchange.org to learn more, view participating schools, and to submit an application.

Council of Independent Colleges & Universities Tuition Exchange Program (CIC-TEP)
CIC-TEP has over 430 participating schools. Visit cic.edu/tep to learn more, view participating schools, and to submit an application.

–Ryan Zantingh, Student Financial Planning

Campus Announcements Archive

Speaking Center opens Sept. 16

THE SPEAKING CENTER OPENS ON MONDAY, SEPT. 16

WHAT WE DO: The Speaking Center’s trained peer tutors can help with:

  • Preparing, composing, and delivering speeches and presentations
  • Selecting and narrowing down topics for public speaking
  • Organizing, outlining, and drafting ideas
  • Preparing visual aids and practicing delivery
  • Navigating situational anxiety related to public speaking, stereotype threat, and/or impostor syndrome

Tutors can also advise on initiating difficult conversations and participating in interactive discussions.

We can accommodate students who need presentations to be recorded in a private venue for a small audience.

HOW TO SIGN UP TO VISIT: We are now using Starfish for scheduling! Please go here to book an appointment with a tutor.

WHERE WE ARE: The Speaking Center is located in Cowles Library, Room 039. Please follow the signs through the tutoring areas back to the SW corner.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Appointments are 30 minutes each. For the most productive session possible, students should bring information about the assignment or situation, and, if possible, notes on past public speaking experiences and current concerns.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS please contact Prof. Megan Brown, Director of Writing (megan.brown@drake.edu.

–Megan Brown, College of Arts and Science

Campus Announcements Archive

Multicultural reception to feature Drake and Association of Latino Professionals for America

The Greater Des Moines Partnership announced that it will partner with Drake University and the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) Des Moines to host a Multicultural Reception on Thursday, Sept. 26. Multicultural Receptions provide opportunities for those in Greater Des Moines (DSM) to develop new relationships with others who are passionate about building an inclusive community for the region. The event will take place at Drake University – The Olmsted Center Parents Hall from 5:30–8:30 p.m.

“We are grateful to partner with Drake University and ALPFA for our September Multicultural Reception,” said Stacey Robles, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager at The Partnership. “Events like these are vital in fostering connections among people from many different backgrounds. We encourage attendees to learn from each other and build new relationships.”

The event will feature a roundtable discussion focused on the different aspects of mentorship.

“We are looking forward to taking part in this event that celebrates diversity and fosters mentorship, creating opportunities for meaningful connections and growth within our community,” said Manuel Gutierrez, Chapter President of ALPFA Des Moines.

“Drake University is excited to host this Multicultural Reception on our campus, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives that reflect the vibrant community we serve. We believe in the power of education and collaboration to build a more inclusive future,” said Dr. Terrance Pendleton, Associate Provost for Campus Equity and Inclusion with Drake University. “This event is a wonderful opportunity to further that mission.”

Learn more and register for this free event here.

— Terrance Pendleton, Associate Provost for Campus Equity and Inclusion