All posts by Ryan Zantingh

For Students Archive

Delayed release of 2024–2025 FAFSA

The release of the 2024-2025 FAFSA will be delayed until December 2023 (exact date TBD). The delay is due to the implementation of changes required by the FAFSA Simplification Act. The 2024-2025 FAFSA is the application for need-based assistance and federal student loan programs for the summer 2024, fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters. It is available to students who are US citizens or eligible non-citizens.

The delayed release for the 2024-2025 FAFSA is a one-time occurrence. We expect that future FAFSA releases (2025-2026 year and beyond) will return to an October 1 release date. When the exact release date for the 2024-2025 FAFSA is known, an update will be provided.

The changes include modifications to the formula that calculates the Student Aid Index (SAI) (previously known as the Estimated Family Contribution, or EFC). We anticipate that some students’ financial aid eligibility for 2024-2025 will be impacted by these changes. Therefore, we encourage students to use the Federal Student Aid Estimator (available now) to determine how their estimated Student Aid Index (SAI) for 2024-2025 compares with their Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) for this current year (2023-2024).

The Financial Aid Office is committed to helping students understand and plan for any changes in their financial aid eligibility.

— Ryan Zantingh, Director of Financial Aid

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Bulldog Connect Lunch Oct. 4

Join colleagues from across campus for the next Bulldog Connect lunch on Oct. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Hubbell Dining Hall (come and go as your schedule allows). Lunch is only $5. This is a great opportunity to meet and network with others from across campus. This event is held the first Wednesday of each month. Sponsored by All Staff Council’s Events & Community Service committee (faculty are welcome, too!).

— Elissa Johnson, On behalf of All Staff Council

Strategic Updates Archive

You’re invited: Major gift announcement Oct. 6 at 1:15 p.m. in Sheslow

The Center for Public Democracy will be receiving a major gift and will be hosting an event to honor the donors.

You’re invited!
Students, faculty, and staff are invited to join President Marty Martin, Co-Executive Directors of the Center for Public Democracy Rachel Paine Caufield and Scott Raecker, alumnus Ron Olson (BN’63) and his wife Jane, and members of the Drake Community for a special announcement celebrating Drake’s strong leadership in civic and political engagement.

When: Oct. 6 at 1:15 p.m.
Where: Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University

Drake University is proud to serve as the nation’s epicenter for democratic discourse, dialogue, and action focused on supporting a healthy democracy. For decades, Drake has been the place where policy makers, community members, and our nation’s future leaders convene to tackle society’s most pressing, complex, and vital issues.

This high level of civic engagement is the foundation on which we built the Drake University Center for Public Democracy in 2022, and now the Center is ready to embark on its next great era—ensuring that Drake is the school of choice for politically minded students everywhere.

Due to the confidentiality of this announcement, there are limited details we can provide at this time. It is our hope that you can trust the significance of this historic moment and accept the invitation to share this experience with the Olsons.

News & Achievements Archive

CPHS approved to pursue Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program

In June 2023, the Drake Board of Trustees approved the pursuit of an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Once approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing (IBON) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the first cohort will begin in Fall 2024. The College will also seek national accreditation.

Students enrolled in the 3 + 1 ABSN program will have the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, along with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. The accelerated BSN degree will require three semesters of full-time coursework throughout the fall, spring, and summer following the completion of prerequisites.

The program will partner with Broadlawns Medical Center which will provide preceptorships, clinical education, and additional facilities and laboratory spaces. The partnership will allow the program to offer students a range of experiences among diverse patient populations.

“The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences believes that investing in the education and preparation of nurses is important for the overall well-being of our communities,” said CPHS dean and professor Renae Chesnut. “By offering an intensive curriculum that compresses the requirements into a condensed timeframe, we are accelerating the pathway for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and helping bridge the gap between healthcare needs and the available nursing workforce.”

Applications to the program will become available following the IBON and HLC approvals.

Strategic Updates Archive

TODAY: Governor Ray Day ice cream social

Celebrate the legacy of Governor Robert D. Ray with an ice cream social on Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 2:30-4 p.m. on the Ray Promenade outside of Collier-Scripps Hall. Ice cream novelties will be served. The rain location will be inside Collier-Scripps Hall on the lower level.

Governor Robert D. Ray, the 11th President of Drake University and 38th Governor of Iowa, had an impact that extended beyond the state of Iowa and positively impacted people around the world. Best known for his humanitarian efforts and transformation of state government, Governor Ray’s legacy lives on through the work of The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University.

The Ray Center invites the entire Drake campus community to celebrate Tuesday, Sept. 26, as Governor Ray Day in the state of Iowa.

Learn more about Governor Robert D. Ray’s life and legacy.

— Megan Wesselink, Robert D. & Billie Ray Center

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Way Up leadership conference for women in higher ed

The annual Way Up Conference is designed to develop women leaders to enhance Iowa higher education, and is for faculty, staff, administrators and graduate students in higher education, and those aspiring to be leaders in higher ed.

This year’s conference is being held Nov. 2–3 in Des Moines. The theme of the conference is “Thriving Together in a Landscape of Change.” Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on advancements made by women in higher education in Iowa, discuss hot topics faced by many of us, and network with others across the state. Plan to join at Hilton Des Moines Downtown for enriching conversations on leadership, wellness, social justice, empowerment, networking, and so much more.

Registration is open. Visit the website to learn more about keynote speakers and workshop sessions, including Drake’s own Director of Access and Success, Michelle Laughlin. Contact Amanda Martin, amanda.martin@drake.edu, Way Up Conference committee member, with any questions.

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

True Blue nominations open

The All Staff Council Recognition Committee is accepting True Blue nominations. A staff member who is called to be True Blue is someone who:

  1. Epitomizes the values of leadership, teamwork, and integrity, and exhibits their commitment to the Drake community.
  2. Has shown others what it takes to get a task or project done, and accomplishes that by working well with others.
  3. Is able to be honest and fair in the situations they face.
  4. Does all of these things for the betterment of Drake and its values and goals.

If this sounds like someone you know, make your nomination today.

— Betsy Wilson, On behalf of All Staff Council

HR Information Archive

Sign up for an on-campus stroke and cardiovascular ultrasound screening

Every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke, and every 3.5 minutes, someone dies of a stroke. Common risk factors include age, obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, inactivity, poor diet, and family history.

Health Gauge will be offering vascular screenings on Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. through 2 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Parents Hall North. This includes stroke/carotid artery, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and peripheral artery disease screenings. You may also add an optional osteoporosis screening and EKG. These painless and non-invasive screenings are open to all Drake employees, spouses/partners, and retirees. The cost is $125 for the three vascular screenings payable at the time of your appointment. The optional add-ons are $35 each. You may pay with cash, check, credit or debit card, or FSA dollars.

Appointments are necessary. Call Health Gauge at 515-244-3080 to get scheduled.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources