The call for travel seminar proposals for J-Term 2027 is now open. If you are considering proposing a travel seminar, your first step is to set up a meeting with Chelsea Funk to discuss your ideas.

Important Update: This year, Travel Seminar resources are available on our new Global Affairs internal site! The internal site replaces our previous PDF and has information on:

• Proposal submission guidelines (please read before submitting the Qualtrics)
• Program development
• Faculty eligibility and compensation details
• Additional resources will be published in the coming months for future stages of the Travel Seminar lifecycle, as well as other opportunities such as Faculty-in-Residence, etc.
• Note: These pages are currently only accessible using the link above – NOT from the Drake Internal Pages site. Please reach out to me if you have any trouble accessing the pages.

Dates & Deadlines:

• Submission: Sunday, November 16, 2025 (11:59pm)
• Department & Dean Approvals: Thursday, November 20, 2025
• Decision Notification: end of November 2025

Qualtrics Links:

Link to propose a NEW Travel Seminar

Link to propose a REPEAT Travel Seminar

*If you are uncertain which proposal link to use, please reach out to me to discuss!

The EAPIC committee looks forward to reviewing your proposals.

— Chelsea Funk, Global Engagement

Drake faculty and staff who exemplify the Core Value of Joyful Accountability will be recognized at the next Provost’s Social, Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Shivers Hospitality Suite beginning at 4 p.m.

How do we define Joyful Accountability at Drake? We look for colleagues who are curious, creative, bold, and brave, and who strive each day to be their best!

To nominate a colleague, please use the Qualtrics form. All those nominated will be recognized on a rolling display during the event.  When you nominate colleagues, be prepared to describe how each colleague meets these descriptions. From among those nominated, several will be chosen at random for prizes.

Refreshments will include an assortment of beverages and light snacks. This is a family friendly event. Feel free to bring your children or partner!

— Ann Guddall, Provost’s Office

Earlier this month ITS officially kicked off the planned multi-year network refresh project. This project aims to replace all wireless access points and network switches on campus over the next three years. This work is essential as we work to support growing connectivity needs, plan for future wireless technologies, and maintain a secure campus network.

The project will be completed in two major phases. The first will be focused on replacing wireless access points across campus with the second phase being focused on replacing network switches.  While most of the new access points will replace existing older equipment, the team is working hard to identify areas where additional wireless coverage is needed and ensuring the resources are being leveraged in the best way possible. 

Below is the tentative planned roll out of the wireless access points across campus. Please note that these building groups and dates can change based on hardware availability and building event schedules. 

Building Type	Projected Implementation
Athletic Buildings	Fall 2025
Group 1 Administrative Buildings	Fall 2025
Group 1 Academic Buildings	J-Term 2026 / Spring 2026
Group 2 Administrative Buildings	Spring 2026
Residence Halls	Summer 2026
Group 2 Academic Buildings	Fall 2026 / J-Term 2027

We understand that stable and reliable internet access is critical to teaching, learning, and daily campus operations. To help ensure minimal campus impact, we will be reaching out to building managers prior to the start of work in their assigned building. We will notify them of projected start dates as well as identify any additional events or activities happening in that area.

For more information about the project and to see ongoing building status updates, please visit our project internal site. 

Network Refresh Project Internal Site 

— Jeff Regan, ITS