The following facilities will have adjusted hours during Relays week.
Bell Center
Thursday, April 23: 6:30 a.m.–8 p.m.
Friday, April 24: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday, April 25: CLOSED
Sunday, April 26: Normal hours
Underground Fitness Center
Thursday, April 23: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday, April 24: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Saturday, April 25: 11 a.m.–2 p.m. (open to faculty and staff)
Sunday, April 26: Normal hours
Tennis Center
Thursday – Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday, April 26: Normal hours
Please join the Drake University Honors Program for a special event recognizing Charlene Skidmore for her extraordinary service and lasting contributions to the Honors program.
For 35 years, Charlene served Drake University and the Honors Program, providing continuity, leadership, and care across generations of students and through many changes in faculty leadership. In recognition of her remarkable legacy, the Honors Program will dedicate a plaque in her honor to be displayed in the Medbury Honors Lounge.
We invite members of the campus and alumni community to join us on Friday, April 24, from 2–3:30 p.m. in the Medbury Honors Lounge for remarks and light refreshments as we celebrate Charlene’s many years of dedication to the Honors Program and to Drake University.
— Kendra Colbert, Drake Online and Continuing Education
The Financial Aid Office would like to update students that there will be a delay in the release of financial aid offers for 2026-27. We understand how important this information is for your planning, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
The delay is due to additional processing time required to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial aid offers in response to the loan changes signed into law with the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill. Our team is working diligently to finalize offers as quickly as possible.
At this time, we anticipate that financial aid offers will be available in the coming weeks and will prioritize students with summer enrollment. Undergraduate and Pharmacy students enrolled during the summer who plan to use financial aid should complete a Drake Summer Financial Aid Application. Law, Graduate, OTD and Bright College students with summer enrollment of at least half-time will automatically be packaged for the summer term. We will notify you by email once your offer is ready to view.
If you have urgent concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@drake.edu or 515-271-2905. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
— Kristi Fuller, Financial Aid Office
ISGC Spring Research Symposium
April 28, 2026
The Iowa Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) invites the Drake Community to attend the Spring Research Symposium on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, held at the Olmsted Center at Drake University.
The afternoon will feature selected scholar presentations and a poster session showcasing innovative research from ISGC-supported students.
This event is free, offering a great opportunity to engage with emerging research, connect with students and faculty, and expand your professional network.
Light refreshments will be provided.
12:45 – 12:50 pm Welcome address: Dr. Sara D. Nelson, ISGC Director – Sussman Theater
12:50 – 2:20 pm Presentations by select scholars and projects- Sussman Theater
2:20– 2:30 pm Break and move to Parents Hall
2:30 – 3:45 pm Poster session – CR310-313
3:45 – 3:50 pm Closing Comments – Parents Hall
— Lori Byrd, Sponsored Programs Administration and Research Compliance
Help the Office of Sustainability by volunteering with Relays Recycling. Join us for an hour shift to pick up and sort recycling throughout the Drake Stadium. Sign up on DUgood here.
— Sydney Dvorak, Sustainability Coordinator
Join us for the Drake University Conference on Undergraduate Research in the Sciences (DUCURS) on Thursday, April 16, from 12:40–4:35 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, upper-level.
DUCURS is an annual event that celebrates faculty-mentored student research across STEM disciplines. Learn more about DUCURS in this video and visit the DUSCI website for the conference schedule and activities.
DUCURS 2026 will feature over 50 student-faculty collaborative research presentations, along with opportunities to connect at community partner tables, where local organizations will share information about internships, experiential learning opportunities, and STEM career pathways. The conference will also include a keynote lecture at 3:45pm in Parents Hall South “Maternal Antibodies Protect Infants from Enteric Pathogens,” delivered by Drake alumna Dr. Kathryn Knoop (AS ’06), Associate Professor of Immunology at the Mayo Clinic.
All members of the Drake community are invited to attend DUCURS and celebrate student scholarship.
— Heidi Sleister, Professor of Biology
Join the All-Staff Council on Tuesday, May 19, for a bag’s tournament to celebrate the end of the academic year. Grab a partner or two and enter into the Corn Hole vs. Pie Hole bracket to see who will win, salty or sweet? This family-friendly event will take place at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, on the Aliber lawn. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
Sign up here!
— Tiffany Hach, On behalf of All Staff Council
Watch the video — The Bells Are Back!
To kick off the start of Relays week, we will be reinvigorating a century-long tradition. For decades, the bell in the tower of Old Main—affectionately known as Old Brassie—has been quiet. But some traditions don’t end—they wait for the right moment to return. Please join us on Thursday, April 16, at 3:45 p.m. between Cowles Library and Painted Street for a brief event that will culminate with the sound of bells chiming out the same song that used to ring across our campus a century ago. And with that historic sound, we’ll mark the start of the paint fight, and the official start to Relays week.
— John Krantz, University Communications and Marketing
Mark your calendars for Wear It Wednesday on April 1. Students who come into Bulldog Shop wearing Drake gear can enjoy exclusive savings of 15% off one item.* Throw on your favorite Bulldog look and stop by to save!
*Exclusions apply. See store for details.
— Bulldog Shop
As highlighted earlier this year in OnCampus, Drake University continues working closely with the City of Des Moines to enhance pedestrian safety in and around campus. These efforts are an important step toward creating a safer and more walkable environment for everyone.
With the change in weather, we expect to see an increase in people walking, running, and biking across campus. We ask all community members—students, faculty, staff, and visitors—to stay alert, follow posted traffic rules, and share campus pathways responsibly.
Reduced Speed on Forest Avenue
To promote safety along one of the busiest corridors near campus, the speed limit on Forest Avenue has been reduced to 30 mph. In addition, no parking is permitted on either side of Forest Avenue from 31st Street to 25th Street. These changes help improve visibility and reduce risks for pedestrians crossing or traveling near the roadway. Even with these changes, we ask all drivers to be vigilant and pay extra attention in this area.
Sidewalk Access Restricted to Pedestrians
To further support a pedestrian‑friendly campus, we remind everyone that private vehicles are not allowed on University sidewalks at any time. The only exceptions include:
Any private vehicle—including contractor vehicles—parked on sidewalks or pedestrian pathways are subject to ticketing and towing without notice. These restrictions protect pedestrian safety, prevent damage to walkways, and help preserve campus green spaces.
Everyone Plays a Part
Creating a safe campus environment requires cooperation from all members of our community. Whether you are driving, biking, or walking, please remain aware of your surroundings and follow posted signs and regulations.
Together, we can continue making Drake’s campus a safer, more welcoming place for everyone.
— Scott Law, Executive Director, Public Safety & Operational Services
