All posts by Linda Feiden

HR Information Archive

Join Drake’s Team: Des Moines Corporate Games

Join Drake’s Corporate Games team.  This annual company-based competition for organizations in central Iowa runs from May 30 through July 31.  With over 20 events to choose from, Des Moines Corporate Games (DMCG) is a great way to meet new people and have fun.

Events range from team-based to individual and competitive to recreational. Try everything from pickleball, golf, and sand volleyball to a fitness walk, 5K run, and bags.  You may participate in as many events as you want.

All in-person activities will be held in the evenings and on weekends and are free (except golf cart rental). ALL Drake faculty and staff, student employees, interns, and retirees are invited and encouraged to join Drake’s team.

To participate in this year’s Des Moines Corporate Games, please send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu for registration instructions.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Campus Announcements Archive

Cowles Library Crafternoon April 17

Need a break? Join us at Cowles Library for Crafternoon! On Friday, April 17, from 3–5 p.m., we’ll be making felt bookmarks. Perfect for a quick creative reset. Stay and craft with us or take materials to go. All supplies are provided.

A second Crafternoon will be held May 1 from 3–5 p.m., with book bedazzling. Bring your favorite book (or any item you’d like to decorate, like a mug or sunglasses) and enjoy some hands-on creativity.

— Joanna Stankiewicz, Cowles Library

HR Information Archive

Employee and Family Resources New App

Employee and Family Resources (EFR) has created a new and improved version of their mobile app to make it easier for Drake employees and their household members to access resources and save content most relevant to them.

New features include:

  • The DASS-21 (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21).  This is an assessment designed to measure levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Keep tabs on your mental well-being and receive resource recommendations tailored to help you in the areas you need it most.
  • Benefit Recommendations.  Answer a series of questions regarding mental health and life circumstances and be guided to the benefits that can help you most.

How to access the app:

Step 1: Create a profile on the EFR online portal. You can use your personal or work email address.

Step 2: Download the EFR app from the Apple App Store or Google Play and then sign in.

The use of EFR services—including the app—is completely confidential.

In addition to the app, check out EFR’s CONNECT page for access to their podcasts, blog, and on-demand webinars. More details about EFR benefits for Drake employees can be found on the Drake HR Employee Assistance Program webpage.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Sapphire Awards Followed by Provost’s Social Today at 3:30 p.m. in Cowles

The Sapphire Awards will take place today, April 14, at 3:30 p.m. in the Cowles Library Reading Room. This annual event, hosted by the All Staff Council, will honor this year’s Called to be True Blue recipients with one individual and one team receiving the coveted Sapphire award.

The April Provost’s Social will immediately follow the Sapphire Awards and begin at 4 p.m. in the same location. Refreshments will include an assortment of snacks and beverages. The Provost’s Social is a family friendly event. Feel free to bring your children or partner.

All faculty and staff are invited to attend both the Sapphire Awards and social. We hope to see you there!

Campus Announcements Archive

Rec Services Relays Week Hours

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

Campus Announcements Archive

You’re invited: Special Event Recognizing Charlene Skidmore

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

For Students Archive

Delay in Release of 2026-2027 Financial Aid Offers

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

Campus Announcements Archive

Iowa Space Grant Consortium Research Symposium

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