All posts by Nate Reagen

Drake’s Continuous Improvement Plan: Our Strategic Plan

As always, you are encouraged to review Drake’s Continuous Improvement Plan. This is our strategic plan and lists out all our objectives along with major University initiatives. Please take time to explore how each of those objectives are embodied in many ways across our campus life. You can do so by clicking on the  “Learn more” link or the “+” in each objective area to see more on student, faculty, and staff successes.

This site is continuously updated and can be found any time by going to the drake.edu home page, clicking on ‘Campus Links’ at the top and selecting ‘Strategic Plan’.

— Nate Reagen, Office of the President

Tune into Everclass Oct. 23 For a Conversation with David Lubbers, JO’86

Join us for an exclusive Everclass session with David Lubbers, JO’86—former ESPN investigative producer and award-winning sports journalist—now Assistant Professor of Multimedia News Journalism at Drake. Over nearly two decades at ESPN, Lubbers produced stories for E:60, Outside the Lines, and SportsCenter, covering everything from Super Bowls to Michael Jordan. A career highlight: interviewing legendary coach John Wooden—and asking about Drake’s 1969 Final Four matchup with UCLA. With multiple Peabody and Emmy Awards, Lubbers brings unmatched storytelling experience and a deep passion for journalism.

When: Thursday, Oct. 23, at 12 p.m.
Where: Zoom – Register for free

— Andy Verlengia, Alumni Relations

Halloween on 34th Street

Drake Panhellenic and IFC will be hosting trick-or-treating on 34th Street at the sorority and fraternity houses. The event will be on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 5–7 p.m. We would love to have everyone join us for a fun-filled night of candy, games, and more.

— Ella Bloom, PH’26

Fencing Workshop

Join us Friday, Oct. 24, at 5 p.m. in the Bell Center Studio for an exciting introduction to the art of fencing. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this hands-on workshop covers footwork, technique, and strategy in a fun and supportive environment. All equipment provided—just bring your energy and curiosity. Come experience the thrill of the duel!

— Gail Witte, Rec Services

2025 United Way of Central Iowa Giving Campaign

Our annual opportunity to contribute to United Way of Central Iowa, as a University, is coming again in November.  Your optional contribution can be financial, volunteering, and/or needed supplies. We’ll continue to have some fun, giving-level incentives as well.  This especially includes the incentive of getting a full-day off on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving instead of a half-day—if we can hit our campaign participation goal!

The campaign will kick-off on Monday, Nov. 10, with an email from United Way of Central Iowa and will conclude on Friday, Nov. 14. Some highlights to share:

  • The campaign is part of our commitment as an anchor institution and to the Des Moines community
  • One hundred percent of the funds donated remain in central Iowa (Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties)
  • Serves over 10,000 people in the 50311 zip code
  • United Way financially supports many organizations that are partners with Drake including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa

More details about this years campaign, giving level incentives, volunteer opportunities, and a supply drive is forthcoming in the next OnCampus.

— Nate Reagen, Office of the President

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Digital Safety, Mandatory Training for Faculty & Staff, and Campus Resources

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Strengthen Our Digital Safety Together!

October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the entire Bulldog community is invited to take important steps to boost our collective digital safety and awareness. With the rise of AI-driven threats and evolving online risks, now is the perfect time to learn, participate, and take action to protect yourself and our university.

Access practical guides and the latest security updates on the ITS Internal Site (login required), which includes additional information to help you stay safe and secure online. 

Stay Connected and Informed

  • Follow Us on Instagram: Stay up to date with real-time security tips, campus news, and interactive content by following @drakeitservices on Instagram.
  • Starbucks Incentive: Visit the ITS Support Center in Carnegie Hall and show one of our Instagram posts to receive a coupon for our campus Starbucks location—a reward for your commitment to campus security!

Faculty & Staff: Mandatory Security Awareness Training

  • Required Training: All faculty and staff must complete the annual “Security Awareness Foundations” training during Cybersecurity Awareness Month—a concise, 20-minute online module provided by our partner, KnowBe4.
  • Key Dates: Watch for your invitation email on Wednesday, October 22 and finish the training by November 21. Managers will receive reminder emails during the final week for anyone who hasn’t completed the training.
  • Why It Matters: This training reviews fundamental cybersecurity habits—the “core 4”—and covers new challenges posed by AI threats. Your participation is essential for campus security.

If you have questions about the training or need help, contact the ITS Support Center at the information below.

Need Help? 

Whether you’re a student, faculty, or staff member, if you have questions about cybersecurity or need assistance, reach out to the ITS Support Center at service.drake.edu/its or 515-271-3001.

Cybersecurity is our shared responsibility. By staying informed, participating in training, and practicing smart habits, we can build a safer digital environment for everyone. Visit our Internal Site for more resources and join us in making Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025 a success!

— Becky Klein, ITS

Drake Faculty OER 2025 Grant Program

Cowles Library, with support from the Office of the Provost and the Deputy Provost’s Office, is excited to announce another grant opportunity for full-time Drake faculty interested in adopting, adapting, or creating open educational resources (OER) in their courses. OER are free, adaptable, and easily accessible, saving students money while also allowing instructors to customize content to better fit their teaching and students’ learning needs.

See the OER Initiatives Research Guide for more information on the grant and a link to the application.

— Hope Bibens, Cowles Library

Incorporate Mental Health Education Into Your Class

We aim to create positive mental health environments both in the therapy office and outside in our Drake community. Faculty and staff can request to have a Broadlawns Drake Student Counseling Center staff member speak or guest lecture about counseling center services and other psychoeducational topics. Complete this form to request classroom support and select your topic(s) of interest.

— Tyler Jacobs-Lewis, Broadlawns Drake Student Counseling Center

 

 

Road Closures Oct. 19 for Des Moines Marathon

Once again, Drake University is proud to be highlighted as part of the IMT Des Moines Marathon, on Sunday, Oct. 19. The famed ‘Blue Oval’ and the Drake campus will be part of the race around the mile 9  marker.  Runners will approach Drake from 25th to Carpenter, left into the campus and south through campus to 27th to run the oval. Both DPS and DMPD staff will be here to insure a safe race course.

The IMT Marathon will place runners in and around Drake from 8:30 – 11:30 am.  Please expect traffic disruptions both near campus and throughout the racecourse.

For more information on the IMT Des Moines Marathon and course, please click this link – DMM-Athlete-Guide-2024.

Drake Annual Campus Fire Drill

Drake will hold its annual campus fire drills on Oct. 13, 14, 15, and 20 in compliance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act and in conjunction with National Fire Prevention month. All drills will be conducted at 10:45 a.m. with the exception of the residence halls, which will be conducted from 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 20. We have planned this to minimize disruption to classes. The majority of academic buildings will be completed during the week of fall break. This also allows us to have a more efficient utilization of our staff for these drills. The residence halls will be done from 6–9 p.m. to increase participation in the residence hall evacuation.

Fire alarms will be activated in all campus buildings to signal the start of the drill. When the alarm sounds:

  • Evacuate the building.
  • Buildings will be locked down and cannot be re-entered until the drill ends.
  • Remember to dress accordingly.

The fire drills will be coordinated through the Office of Public Safety (271-2222) working with the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (271-3804) and Facilities Services (271-2706). Please report any fire alarm malfunctions or evacuation problems to Facilities or Public Safety. Your cooperation in this very important campus safety exercise regarding the Drake Emergency Response Plan is appreciated.

Fire drill schedule:

Monday – Oct. 13

Meredith
Aliber
Cowles
Opperman
Cartwright
Harmon Fine Arts Center
Howard
Carnegie
Medbury
Collier-Scripps

Tuesday – Oct. 14

Olin
Science Connector Building
Harvey-Ingham
Cline
Fitch
STAH
Occupational Therapy

Wednesday – Oct. 15

Olmsted Center
Hubbell
Student Health
Alumni House
ROTC
Bell Center
Knapp Center
Fieldhouse
Tennis Center

Monday – Oct. 20

Cole
Old Main
Public Safety
Kinne Center
Vote Smart
Legal Clinic
Dial Center

All residence halls (6–9 p.m.)

— Scott Law, Executive Director, Public Safety & Operational Services