All posts by Linda Feiden

HR Information Archive

Join Drake’s Walktober step challenge with DMU

If you are looking for a way to motivate yourself to get up and move more, join this year’s Walktober step challenge.  Drake is competing with Des Moines University to see which site’s competitors can achieve the highest average step total during the month of October.  The winning site claims the Walktober traveling trophy for a year and bragging rights.

You are welcome to register as an individual or create a team (adding a little internal competition to our already external one).  If you would like to participate, please send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu.  If you are putting together a team, please include your team’s name, team captain, and team members (4-8 people per team).  Registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 26.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Campus Announcements Archive

Get to Know Drake’s Leadership

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 a text view, there are photos of each person. This can 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

Campus Announcements Archive

MFA Required for Drake Google Workspace Accounts Starting Oct. 1

Beginning Oct. 1, all Drake students, faculty, and staff will be required to use multi-factor authentication (MFA) when signing in to Google Workspace accounts. This affects access to Google Drive and other Google apps associated with your Drake account. 

MFA strengthens the security of your personal and university information. You can use the Microsoft Authenticator app—the same app currently used for other Drake systems—to complete this authentication step. When signing in, simply approve the prompt or enter a code from Microsoft Authenticator before accessing your Google resources. 

This change aligns Google resource access with existing security standards across most Drake systems. 

If you have any questions or concerns about this change, contact the Support Center by submitting an online ticket through our support portal, visiting the lower level of Carnegie Hall, or calling 515–271–3001. 

Campus Announcements

Banned Books Week Events: Varsity Theater Documentary and Author Visit

On Oct. 7, the Varsity Theater (1207 25th Street) will be showing The Librarians, a 2025 documentary about librarians on the frontlines in the fight against censorship, the impact of book restrictions on students, and the essential role of intellectual freedom in democracy. Following the showing, a small group will share how the issues raised in the movie are being experienced in Iowa and what communities can do. Showtime is at 6:30 p.m. with tickets for $12, $9 for seniors and students, and $7 for Varsity Cinema members.

The following day, Oct. 8, Drake University is proud to host Amanda Jones, activist, author, and librarian. Her book, That Librarian: Fighting Book Banning in America, explores the importance of libraries serving a wide range of perspectives and the pushback she and other librarians have faced speaking up for the right to read. The fireside chat will be moderated by the current American Library Association president, Sam Helmick.  A book signing will follow the presentation, and a range of challenged and censored titles will be available for purchase from Beaverdale Books.  The event is at 7 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Parents Hall.  The event is free, and free parking passes (if needed) can be obtained through registration on Eventbrite.

— Hope Bibens, Cowles Library

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

2025 Great Colleges to Work For Results

The 2025 Great Colleges to Work For results are available here. Thank you to the 455 people who participated in the survey.

Our overall results were 66% positive; which is exactly the same score as our benchmark, peer institutions. Within the summary presentation, you’ll see areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.

All unit leaders received results for their respective areas this summer and are working with their teams on prioritizing areas for improvement.

As a reminder, and it cannot be said enough, we are all a part of creating great workplace culture. Please find ways to connect with your fellow co-workers (especially across departments) through the many opportunities offered.  Whether it’s through Faculty Fridays, the Provost Socials, our book club, Wednesdays at Hubbell, or the many other opportunities to connect – please make some time to do so.

For any questions on the Great Colleges results, do not hesitate to reach out to Nate Reagen.

— Nate Reagen, Office of the President

For Students Archive

Parents and Family Weekend Stretch and Restore

Take a moment to pause and reset during Parent’s Weekend with a calming stretching session with Drake Wellness. This beginner-friendly class is a great way for parents and students to unwind together, improve flexibility, and enjoy some mindful movement. No equipment or prior experience is needed—only comfortable clothes and an open mind. All are welcome.

🗓️ Date: Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025
🕒 Time: Two sessions at 9 a.m. AND 10:30 a.m.
📍 Location: Helmick Commons *Parent’s Hall for Inclement Weather

— Gail Witte, Rec Services

Campus Announcements Archive

Meet the Author: John Dinges

Attend a special Meet the Author event with renowned investigative journalist John Dinges on Thursday, Oct. 3, at 6 p.m. at the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center. He will discuss his new book, Chile in Their Hearts: The Untold Story of Two Americans Who Went Missing after the Coup, which uncovers the lives and deaths of Charles Horman and Frank Teruggi during Chile’s 1973 military coup and reexamines long-held assumptions about U.S. involvement. The conversation will be moderated by Alejandro Hernandez, former dean of Drake University’s Zimpleman College of Business. This event is presented in partnership with Beaverdale Books. Learn more about the event.

— Kathryn Kuckelman, Harkin Institute

Campus Announcements Archive

Drake Law to Offer Free Powers of Attorney, Living Will, and Simple Will Clinic

Drake University Law School and Dickinson Bradshaw will offer a free community clinic to help individuals prepare powers of attorney, living will, and simple will documents on Friday, Oct. 17. Participants may choose from on of these 3 sessions: 9–10:30 a.m., 12–1:30 p.m., or 4–5:30 p.m.

Each session will consist of a 45-minute overview about powers of attorney, living wills, and simple wills, followed by a one-on-one appointment with a licensed Dickinson Bradshaw attorney and/or Drake Law student to complete the required documents. Attorneys will be available to answer additional questions. Participants will have the opportunity to obtain signed and notarized documents for their files.

The clinic will be held in person in Cartwright Hall.

The clinic is being held as part of Drake Law and Dickinson Bradshaw’s recognition of Cady Day of Public Service. Cady Day of Service brings the community together to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of the late Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court Mark S. Cady.

THE PROGRAM IS FREE BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Register here.

— Theresa Howard, Law School