The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2026-2027 award year (Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Spring 2027) is now available at studentaid.gov.
US Citizens and eligible non-citizens should complete the 2026–2027 FAFSA to be considered for need-based grants, federal work-study, or to take advantage of federal student loan programs.
—Ryan Zantingh, Director of Financial Aid
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
Each year, Drake University and the National Alumni Association Board of Directors proudly honor outstanding graduates through the Drake Alumni Awards. These awards recognize alumni whose achievements, service, and loyalty embody the Bulldog spirit. Nominations for the 2026 awards are now open—submit yours by Monday, Nov. 3, to help us celebrate the alumni who inspire us all.
Here is the link to register: https://drake.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5tjvrYvWGiTaXlA
— Andy Verlengia, Alumni Relations
Employees on Drake’s health plan who wish to receive the wellness health insurance premium discount in 2026, need to complete a physical exam with an in-network provider between Dec. 1, 2024 and Nov. 30, 2025, and submit a completed Premium Discount-Annual Physical Form by Dec. 1, 2025. This form must be filled out annually to continue to receive the premium discount.
If you cannot get an appointment with your doctor by the Dec. 1, 2025 deadline, or you do not have a primary care provider, you may contact the Broadlawns Community Clinic by Drake (2970 University Ave.) at 515-216-5100 to make an appointment. Let them know you are from Drake and need to make an appointment for a wellness exam. Most individuals can get in within two or three days, but please do not wait until the last week to contact them.
Besides receiving a premium discount, an annual physical is a great way to receive important health information through age and gender specific examinations, schedule recommended preventative screenings, and create a doctor-patient relationship.
Please contact linda.feiden@drake.edu with questions.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
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
The J-Term and Spring 2026 schedule of classes and related registration information is available online. Registration begins Monday, Nov. 3.
View registration information, including the registration time table that shows when you become eligible to register. View the schedule of classes.
Some courses will be temporarily reserved for students who have declared a certain field-of-study (major, minor, concentration, or endorsement). On Monday, Nov. 17, those reservations will be removed. Note that some courses have restrictions that are permanent.
If you are an undergraduate or pharmacy student intending to make any changes to your field-of-study and have those changes take effect before registration begins, file your changes via the change of record request no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27. Requests submitted after this date may be delayed.
The change of record request can be found by navigating to myDrake, selecting Self-Service under commonly used apps, and clicking on the link for the change of record request under Student Records.
— Ryan Trump, Office of the Registrar
The deadline to submit a Summer study abroad & scholarship application is March 1
The deadline to submit a Fall study abroad & scholarship application is April 1
Students interested in studying abroad the fall semester, next academic year, or summer can find a full list of approved study abroad programs and begin an application through our application portal, Via Global. To find more general information on joining an international program, please visit Drake’s study abroad website.
If you have questions about studying abroad while at Drake, you can schedule a study abroad advising meeting through Starfish.
Questions? Email studyabroad@drake.edu
— Emily Erschen, Education Abroad Coordinator
The University will hold a budget town hall on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 3 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Parents Hall. All faculty and staff are encouraged to attend to learn more about the fiscal year 2025 results, overall financial health, fiscal year 2026 budget, and a look ahead to future fiscal years.
If you have questions you would like addressed at the town hall, please send them to president@drake.edu.
— Adam Voigts, Chief Financial Officer
October brings Cybersecurity Awareness Month—a dedicated opportunity to elevate our community’s understanding of online safety. As digital threats evolve, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), it’s crucial to ground ourselves in the essentials and sharpen our awareness of new risks. This article highlights the trusted “core 4” of cybersecurity and introduces practical tips for staying safe in the age of AI.
Start with the four foundational habits known as the “core 4″—practices that greatly reduce your vulnerability to cyber threats:
As artificial intelligence becomes woven into everyday technology, cybercriminals are using it to create new, sophisticated threats. Alongside the “core 4,” here are additional tips to help you remain secure:
For a quick and engaging overview of how to spot AI-driven deception, check out our 4-minute video, “Seeing Through the Deception,” available on our internal website. This short video provides practical examples and tips to help you recognize deepfakes, manipulated content, and AI-powered scams—empowering you to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. We encourage everyone in our campus community to watch and share this resource as part of your ongoing cybersecurity learning.
If you encounter an AI-driven scam, suspicious content, or a possible breach, contact the ITS Support Center right away. Fast reporting helps protect your data and our campus community.
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By following the “core 4” and staying vigilant against AI-powered risks, you help build a safer digital environment for all. Let’s use Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025 to reinforce smart habits and adapt to tomorrow’s challenges.
— Becky Klein, ITS
Have you ever wanted to tour a fraternity or sorority house? Want to meet more students and learn what fraternity and sorority life is like? Please join us on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 4:30–6 p.m. to meet members of fraternity and sorority life and take tours of some of our houses. This is a casual come-and-go type event so we welcome you to join us anytime within that window when you are available. Fraternity and Sorority members will be available on 34th Street and Forest Avenue (between 32nd Street and 33rd Street) to direct you to houses you wish to see and visit. If you have any questions, please reach out to drakeFSL@drake.edu.
— Liz Itzen, Director, Fraternity and Sorority Life
