Rec Services will be open the following hours from Aug. 26–Sept. 2. Please note that all rec facilities will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2 in observance of Labor Day.
Bell Center
Monday–Thursday: 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Friday: 6:30–9 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 12–4 p.m.
Pool
Check rec.drake.edu
Underground Fitness & Roger Knapp Tennis Center
CLOSED
Friendly reminder that this organizational view of institutional leadership is a great way to get to know the leadership here at Drake. Instead of just boring text, you will find photos of each person. This can always be found on the Office of the President page and is maintained by the President’s Office. Bonus: if you click on a person’s image, you will be directed to their corresponding web page to learn more. It is a handy tool, especially if you are new to Drake.
— Nate Reagen, Office of the President
As we begin the new academic year, you are encouraged to review Drake’s Continuous Improvement Plan. As a reminder, this is our strategic plan and lists out all of the objectives and 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 also 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
Renovations to Johansen Student Center are proceeding on schedule and we wanted to share some progress that has been happening over the summer:
We will continue to share monthly updates.
— Heather Winslow, Capital Projects, Facilities Planning & Management
Navigating Parking on Campus
As the semester starts, we will see a surge in campus activity. Here’s a closer look at how heightened campus activity may impact parking and some strategies for managing parking during high use times.
The Impact of Increased Campus Activity
This year we will see increased activity at Mediacom stadium. The increased Mediacom stadium activity will largely be focused on Thursday and Friday evenings from August 29th – October 25th. The events in Mediacom are likely to increase demand for the FAC lot (lot1) and Tennis Center lot (lot 4) after 3pm on Thursday and Fridays for visitors.
Many of these events will occur after 4:30 p.m. so it is good to remember that parking is allowed in all commuter lots after 4:30 pm with a valid 2024–2025 parking permit displayed.
This map (link) shows where all commuter lots are located.
The office of Career Services offers several opportunities during the fall semester for students to interact and interview with local and national businesses on the Drake Campus in the Olmsted Center. On the following dates, the Olmsted lot may be closed or near capacity because of events. Any individual with an Olmsted pass may park in any other Drake Commuter lot except for the Ray Promenade Lot (lot 13) on these dates.
Also, as we complete work on the Johansen Student Center (formerly Morehouse Hall), we may at times see increased construction vehicle activity to accommodate the project
Strategies for Managing Parking Challenges
To navigate the parking crunch, plan your arrival times strategically on the dates listed above which may impact parking.
Explore alternative modes of transportation to reduce reliance on parking. The DART bus is free for all Drake ID holders.
Keep up to date with campus parking policies, construction updates, and event schedules. Make note of the dates listed in this message if you park in any of the impacted lots. Read Oncampus regularly for other parking announcements.
Increased activity on campus can amplify parking challenges, but with thoughtful planning and the use of alternative transportation options, you can mitigate any inconvenience that it poses. By adjusting schedules, staying informed, and utilizing campus resources, you can navigate any potential parking issue more effectively.
For more information on university parking, policies and procedures, please visit our parking website.
— Scott Law, Public Safety & Operational Services
Due to popular demand, the Office of Sustainability will be hosting another supply and textbook swap. It will be a two-day event taking place Sept. 16 from 12–5 p.m. and Sept. 17 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. on Pomerantz Stage in Olmsted.
Staff, faculty, and students are welcome to stop by to drop off and pick up free gently used office supplies. You do not need to bring an item to take something. All gently used office items are accepted; please do not bring junk. Possible items to bring:
This event will take place Monday and Tuesday. All items left over will be donated. Reach out to hannah.remke@drake.edu with any questions and follow @drakeu.sustainability on Instagram for more information.
Please no broken or dirty items.
— Hannah Remke, Facilities Planning & Management
Need some extra assistance during move-in and Welcome Week? ITS staff are here to help. The Support Center will be open the following hours in August.
Regular hours for the fall semester begin on Monday 8/26 and are as follows:
You can also contact us 24×7 by submitting a ticket though the ITS service portal (service.drake.edu/its) or by calling the Support Center at 515-271-3001 and leaving a voicemail if a Student Tech isn’t available to answer your call.
— Becky Klein, ITS
The ITS laptop checkout kiosk has been updated with 12 brand new computers for the new academic year. Additionally, the kiosk has moved to a new location in Midnight Hall at Cowles Library. Current students, faculty, and staff have 24-hour access to the kiosk to checkout and return laptops for free and use up to twelve hours at a time.
For additional information and instructions on how to check out a laptop, read the following knowledge base articles:
If you have questions or need to report an issue with using the kiosk or laptops, contact us by submitting a ticket though the service portal at service.drake.edu/its or by calling the Support Center at 515-271-3001.
— Becky Klein, ITS
Drake University Law School has been named a Best Law School for 2024 by The Princeton Review. The education services company recently released their annual unranked list of outstanding law schools across the country.
“All of the schools that made our list for 2024 deliver exceptional legal education programs,” said Rob Franek, The Princeton Review’s Editor-in-Chief. “We recommend each one as an academically excellent choice for a student considering earning a J.D.”
The list features detailed profiles of each school and quotes from students attending the schools whom The Princeton Review surveyed.
“All of the schools that made our list for 2024 deliver exceptional legal education programs,” said Rob Franek, The Princeton Review’s Editor-in-Chief. “We recommend each one as an academically excellent choice for a student considering earning a J.D.”
Drake Law earned a score of 86 for overall academic experience, 94 for interesting professors, 94 for accessible professors, and 90 for career services (based on a scale of 60 to 99.)
Highlights from the student comment section include:
“Our goal is to offer a transformative experience for our students,” said Dean of Drake Law School, Roscoe Jones, Jr. “I am pleased that our students believe we are carrying out that goal by offering them access to outstanding faculty, supportive staff, and immense opportunities for professional growth.”
— Taylor Johnson, Law School
Drake faculty and staff are eligible to receive a discount on season tickets to Drake football and volleyball games. To purchase your tickets, visit the Knapp Center Monday–Friday from 12–4 p.m., call the ticket office at 515-271-3647, or email at tickets@drake.edu.
— Gregory Kay, Athletics