All posts by Megan Brown

Faculty development: Writing in your academic field Spring 2024

Written communication is important in almost any academic field, but the genres and accepted conventions of writing vary from discipline to discipline. In this project, we will discuss ways to integrate writing instruction into courses for which written communication is not necessarily the primary learning outcome, as well as courses that require students to communicate in field-specific ways (for instance, lab reports or business memos).

Instructors who participate in this project will have a one-semester commitment that will include:

  • Working with the Director of Writing, Megan Brown, on the development of a writing assignment, writing activities, or a writing project for one of their spring classes.
  • Attending hour-long meetings of all participants in the program in February, March, and April (or early May) 2024.  These meetings may be structured as two sessions each month, with half of the group at each session, to facilitate more in-depth discussion.
  • Requiring all students enrolled in their class to attend tutoring sessions at the Writing Center at least twice during the semester.

After the initial meeting(s) with the Director of Writing to develop a writing assignment or writing project, participants will receive a stipend of $250. After completing the project and attending the final meeting, participants will receive an additional $250.

Participation is limited to 10 individuals.

If you are interested in participating, contact Madison Bemus (madison.bemus@drake.edu) by Friday, December 1.

If you have questions, contact Megan Brown (megan.brown@drake.edu).

International Student Association presents: Cultural Explosion Nov. 18

The International Student Association will be hosting its annual event with the theme Cultural Explosion on Nov. 18, 2023, in the Knapp Center from 5–8 p.m.

International Night (I-Night) is an annual event that is held every fall. It brings international students, domestic students, and members of the community together, to showcase and include many cultures represented at Drake. During this event, there will be cultural performances and a fashion show of students walking in their traditional clothing. We also include a menu of international foods and raffle prizes. Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite.  

I-Night 2023 Poster

— Nachalah Gardiner, Senior

Resident Assistant applications and upcoming information sessions

The Office of Residence Life has opened its 2024–2025 Resident Assistant Application to Drake Students.  In addition, there are two RA Information Sessions happening in Meredith Hall, Room 235, on Nov. 15 from 6–7:30 p.m. and on Dec. 1 from 10–11:30 a.m.

If you have any questions about the RA application, please reach out to douglas.robinett@drake.edu or randy.mcmullin@drake.edu.

— Douglas Robinett, Office of Residence Life

Stop, Drop, and Roll holiday challenge

The holiday season can be a challenge when it comes to taking care of ourselves. This year’s Stop, Drop, and Roll holiday program is here to help.  ‘Stop’ the potential holiday weight gain, ‘Drop’ some of the bad habits, while picking up a few good ones, and ‘Roll’ into the New Year on a healthier path.

Even if weight gain isn’t a problem or priority for you, this program will cover wellbeing topics pertinent to everyone.

Send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu by Friday, Nov. 17 to register.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer training

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer—three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Each year thousands of Americans, like you, are saying “Yes” to saving the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor.

Register for our Gatekeeper course Nov. 28 from 2–3 p.m. and learn QPR in one hour. Participants will learn valuable tools to respond to and support Drake students and anyone that may exhibit the warning signs of suicide. Register here.

Kayla Bell-Consolver, Broadlawns Drake Student Counseling Center

Holiday timesheet deadlines for payroll

Due to the holidays, several payroll deadlines will be moved up.

Instructions to set up a proxy to approve time sheets in your absence are at https://www.drake.edu/hr-internal/managerstoolkit/ under Online Time reporting.

The deadline for monthly direct pays for payroll will be changed to:

  • Nov. 16, 2023, for payroll direct pays for the November monthly payroll
  • Dec. 13, 2023, for payroll direct pays for the December monthly payroll

The deadlines for the biweekly time sheets and direct pays will be:

  • Oct. 23–Nov. 5 hours paid Nov. 10, 10:00 AM Monday, Nov. 6, for employees and noon that day for approvers.
  • Nov. 6–19 hours paid Nov. 22, 10:00 AM Wednesday, Nov. 15, for employees and noon that day for approvers. Employees will need to estimate hours for Nov. 15–19.
  • Nov. 20-Dec. 3 hours paid Dec. 8, 10:00 AM Monday, Dec. 4, for employees and noon that day for approvers.
  • Dec. 4–17 hours paid Dec. 21, 9:00 AM Friday, Dec. 15, for employees and 10:00 AM that day for approvers. Employees will need to estimate hours for Dec. 15–17.
  • Dec. 18–31 hours paid Jan. 5, 9:00 AM Tuesday, Jan. 2, for employees and 10:00 AM that day for approvers.

The deadlines for student time sheets and direct pays will be unchanged:

  • Oct. 1–31 hours paid Nov. 10, noon on Wednesday, Nov. 1, for students and 11:59 PM Nov. 2 for approvers
  • Nov. 1–30 hours paid Dec. 12, noon on Friday, Dec. 1, for students and 11:59 PM Dec. 4 for approvers
  • Dec. 1–31 hours paid Jan. 12, 2024, noon on Monday Jan. 1, for students and 11:59 PM Jan. 3 for approvers.

— Emily Burk, Finance and Administration

Drake Theatre presents Almost, Maine

Drake University Department of Theatre Arts is thrilled to present the enchanting play “Almost, Maine” at the Harmon Fine Arts Center’s Performing Arts Hall from Nov. 16–19. This heartwarming production promises to captivate your soul and warm your heart.

Secure your tickets today by visiting the fine arts box office website, calling 515-271-3841, or emailing boxoffice@drake.edu. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of “Almost, Maine” brought to life by the talented performers of Drake University.

— Jude Thurman, Senior, College of Arts & Sciences

Bulldog Applause goes to Residence Life

This month we’d like to celebrate the Office of Residence Life. Their dedication and passion shine through in every aspect of their work. Let’s take a moment to recognize the outstanding individuals who make up this dynamic team:

  • Lorissa Sowden, Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Residence Life brings an impressive 26 years of invaluable experience to the table.
  • Randy E. McMullin, Associate Director of Residence Life has been a driving force for 18 remarkable years.
  • Sara Schilling, Assistant Director of Residence Life for First Year Experience, whose infectious energy and creativity have enriched the team for 5 exciting years.
  • Douglas Robinett, Assistant Director of Residence Life for Upper Class Experience, whose fresh perspective and innovative ideas have been a breath of fresh air for the past 3 years.
  • Sonja Brightwell, Administrative Service Specialist, who has been the cornerstone of operations for an impressive 18 years.

Together, this dynamic team embodies the core mission of the Office of Residence Life: to empower students in their personal growth and development, providing them with support and opportunities for involvement. Their unwavering commitment to integrating living and learning has truly elevated the educational experience for our students.

In fact, the team has been going above and beyond in recent years. They initiated DEI development sessions tailored for our Resident Assistant staff, showcasing a commitment to educating themselves to better serve all of our students. Over half of the Residence Life Staff have completed Mental Health First Aid Training, and all RAs have undergone QPR suicide prevention gatekeeper training. This level of dedication to student well-being is truly commendable.

Furthermore, the team has orchestrated a plethora of engaging programs, including DEI offerings and Professional, Academic, and Career Development weeks. Through these initiatives, they foster a sense of community and belonging that is truly unparalleled.

In addition, let’s not forget about the incredible dedication of our two full-time staff members who live on campus, serving nearly 2,000 students day in and day out. Their tireless efforts, from code of conduct meetings to celebrating student successes, undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on student retention and satisfaction.

Sara and Doug have even taken their expertise beyond our campus, representing us as program presenters at the Midwest Regional Student Affairs Conference. Their dedication to excellence and continuous learning is truly an inspiration.

In the face of challenges, this team has shown unparalleled resilience. Despite three full-time positions being eliminated, they have continued to rise above and provide exceptional support to our students.

So, let us take a moment to applaud the remarkable accomplishments and unwavering dedication of the Office of Residence Life team. Their energy, enthusiasm, and genuine care for our students are truly the heartbeat of our community. Thank you all for your incredible contributions!

— Amber Welsh, On Behalf of All Staff Council

Benefits enrollment deadline Nov. 30

We are nearly halfway through open enrollment, which has a hard close at the end of November. If you realize you forgot to re-enroll in your Flex Spending Account on December 1, it will be too late. The plan rules are not flexible.

Please log into the Benefits Portal (see the first tile under Human Resources on the MyDrake Employee Home Page) before Thanksgiving Break and assure you are all set for next year. Waiting until the very end of the month is never a great plan. If you have questions, let us know (drakehr@drake.edu).

Thank you to those who attended the in-person and virtual educational sessions on Friday, Nov. 10. Attendees got to hear directly from our consultants with Gallagher, who presented some historic information about benefits, addressed changes coming in 2024, and answered questions.

We recorded the virtual session and you can access the link on our temporary Open Enrollment webpage. While you are there, feel free to check out the other information related to open enrollment. If you have not yet explored Drake HR’s new internal website, the Benefits page and the page dedicated to employee Perks are both really informative.

— Maureen De Armond & Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources