All posts by Sara Heijerman

Winter Break Campus Building Hours

As we approach the end of the semester, here are some building updates you should know:

End of the Fall semester:

Building schedules will change for the Winter Break and the start/end of the semesters.  Following finals (12/8-12/12), we will adopt “administrative hours” for most campus buildings while classes are not in session (buildings will be open on weekdays from 7:30 am – 4:30 pm 12/15-12/19, and will be closed on the weekends starting on 12/13).  Most extended hour student access plans will also be disabled for the break, but Faculty/Staff plans will continue to work.

Winter Break:

Most campus doors will be locked for the winter break from December 20th to January 4th.  Faculty and staff will still be able to utilize their authorized access plans (for example, 24/7 access to their office buildings), but extended hour student plans will continue to be shut off during this time. Please have your Drake credentials with you if you plan to access the buildings on the 22nd.

Start of J-Term:

“Administrative hours” (7:30am – 4:30pm) will resume starting on 1/5, and will continue through the J–Term time period (until 1/23).  Due to decreased weekend traffic during J-Term, we will lock buildings on the weekends through January, and will switch back to the Spring schedule on Saturday, 1/24.

If you have a scheduling conflict that will be affected by this door schedule, please speak to your building manager so they can put in a ticket to unlock the doors outside of our planned schedule.  Please note that not every building will follow this schedule exactly (Rec, Cowles, Law, and Olmsted often have some schedule variations), so feel free to check in at those buildings if you are unsure of their schedules.

Please contact Public Safety (515-271-2222) if you have a door access emergency during this time. Feel free to email studentservices@drake.edu if you have a general (non-emergent) card access question or concern.

— Sara Heijerman, Student Services Center

Important Parking and Traffic Information for Wednesday

The Drake Women’s Basketball Team will face Lindenwood University on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 11 a.m. in the Knapp Center. This game is part of the annual Character Counts Day, which brings more than 6,000 K–8 students to campus for an exciting experience.

To ensure smooth logistics and maintain safety and security during this large event, please note the following important updates:

Parking Changes

  • Lot 4 (Tennis Center) will be closed all day on Dec. 3 for bus parking.
  • If you have a Lot 4 permit, you may park in:
    • Lot 1 (FAC)
    • Lot 24 (Harkin) on Wednesday.

Traffic Advisory

  • Expect heavy traffic on Forest Avenue, especially near the Knapp Center and Bell Center, from morning until approximately 2:00 p.m.
  • Please allow extra time for travel and consider alternate routes if possible.

Street Parking Restrictions

  • There will be no parking on Clarke Street between 24th and 27th Streets on Dec. 3.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us provide a safe and enjoyable experience for our guests and campus community. If you have questions, please contact Drake Public Safety.

— Scott Law, Public Safety & Operational Services

Safety Reminders to Prevent Slips and Falls this Winter

Slips and falls can happen anytime or anywhere, but winter weather compounds these risks. There are several ways to minimize this risk to yourself and others:

  • Be alert and aware of your surroundings
  • Avoid obstacles in your path, including slippery or wet surfaces
  • Make sure work/personal areas have adequate lighting, and avoid storing things on the floor that could be a trip hazard
  • Move at a measured pace, avoid rushing or running
  • Increase caution in winter weather conditions: ice, snow, slush
  • Avoid walkways that have not yet been plowed/shoveled as able

Report any slip and fall concerns. The Guardian app through Public Safety allows for text reporting of safety issues anywhere on campus. Public Safety can also be called directly at 515.271.2222.

Staff members may also report issues to their building contact.

— Taylor Laverty, Environmental Health and Safety

Orientation Leader Position and Information Sessions

Orientation leaders are dedicated to providing incoming students and their families with all of the information and resources necessary to ensure their transition to Drake is a smooth and enjoyable one.

We need you to help make this happen. Each year we recruit current Drake students to become part of the orientation leader staff. Orientation leaders play a vital role in this exciting process, working closely with new students and their families on a wide variety of topics including academics, student involvement, housing options, and more.

We highly encourage you to attend one of the information sessions being offered. Click here to sign up for a session.

  • Friday, December 5 at 1:00pm in in JSC 250
  • Tuesday, February 3 at 8:00pm on Zoom
  • Wednesday, February 11 at 5:00pm in JSC 250

You will be compensated for your time and effort and gain valuable skills in this position. Learn more about the position. For questions, contact Marina Verlengia at marina.verlengia@drake.edu.

— Marina Verlengia, New Student Programs

Apply to be a Resident Assistant (RA)

The Office of Residence Life is accepting Resident Assistant Applications for the 2026–2027 school year. RA’s must be leaders, role models, and resources for their residents; however, just as important, they must be team players that work with and support other staff in their own hall as well as other halls on campus.

The application can be found at: https://drake.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5pXxVd9fMFxpwGO

The application deadline is Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (during J-Term).

There are two RA Informational sessions:

  • Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, 6 p.m., CR 310, upper Olmsted
  • Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, 6 p.m., Pomerantz Stage, Olmsted (first floor by the bookstore)

For questions regarding the application or interview process, contact Randy E. McMullin, associate director of residence life, at randy.mcmullin@drake.edu. Consider reaching out to your own RA or another RA should you have questions about the position from a student perspective.

— Randy E. McMullin, Office of Residence Life

Dogtown Food Drive Happening Now

In partnership with Impact Community Action Partnership, bring non-perishable items for donation at any of the following Dogtown businesses for exclusive deals.

  • Lucky Horse
  • University Library Cafe
  • Mars Cafe
  • Dough Co.
  • Varsity Cinema
  • Nos Books

Donations are accepted now through Dec. 23.

 — Nate Reagen, Office of the President