As a reminder, the University has an UAS (drone) policy and approval process. Drake is within five miles of the Des Moines International Airport. This proximity to the airport creates a no-fly zone unless several approvals are obtained to meet FAA regulations. Those requirements can be found online, as well as the B4U Fly Map App.

There is also a formal Drake UAS approval process to fly on campus that must meet FAA regulations and requirements. View the Drake approval process.

For questions, contact Kelly Foster or Donna Blunck.

Donna Blunck, Director, Risk and Insurance

Beginning this week, the parking lots south of University across from Old Main and Cole Hall between 26^th and 27^th Street (Lots 5 and 8) will not be available to Drake commuters due to continued work on the Nelson Construction & Development project. Commuters can refer to the Drake University Map for alternative parking options. Fencing will also be going up this Thursday.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Public Safety. 

Kelly Foster, Facilities, Planning, and Management Project Manager

Who do you know that shows good character by being trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair, caring, and being a good citizen?  Nominate them for an Iowa Character Award.

You can nominate an individual (youth or adult), school, educator, business, non-profit organization or community.

Nominations are due May 1, 2019.  Get started at IowaCharacterAwards.org.

Amy Smit, Robert D. & Billie Ray Center

Please join us for a retirement reception in honor of Donna Blunck, director risk and insurance, on April 24 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in Old Main, Suite 216. If you are unable to make it, you are invited to stop by at another time prior to April 24 and wish Donna well. We are grateful for Donna’s incredible service to the University.   

Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer

April brings a great energy to campus. With spring in the air and Drake Relays just weeks away the campus is buzzing. Without extinguishing all the excitement we want to acknowledge and participate in Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year VIP and several other organizations have come together to make sure Drake is supporting victims, discussing healthy sexual relationships, and bringing awareness to this issue throughout campus. Be on the look out for ways you can participate.

Victim Support Pledge
Tuesday, April 9, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Olmsted Breezeway

Condoms & Conversations-A Multicultural Discussion on Healthy Sexual Relationships
Tuesday, April 16, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Hellmick Commons

International Denim Day
Wednesday, April 24, 9 a.m.–9 p.m., All throughout campus

— Lynne Cornelius, Violence Prevention & Programming

On Friday, April 12, the first-grade class at Findley Elementary School will be visiting Drake for a day full of educational activities, an opportunity to see campus and a college classroom, and the chance to engage in physical activity with Drake athletes. We want to help the first-grade students feel welcome and right at home here at Drake from the moment they arrive. All Drake students, faculty, and staff are invited to come to the Olmsted parking lot close to the Olmsted building at 9:40 a.m. on April 12 to form a welcome tunnel for the students. The first-graders will be arriving at 9:45 a.m. Wear your Drake Blue and lend a high five! Contact amanda.martin@drake.edu for more information.

Amanda Martin, Assistant Director of Community Engaged Learning

Last month, we shared that our offsite data center is moving. Step one was successfully completed over spring break and included bringing new storage online and moving some servers. The team is now preparing to make internet connection changes. 

On Saturday, April 13, ITS will perform maintenance on the campus connections to the Internet. This maintenance will result in additional Internet bandwidth and redundancy. Work will begin at 5 a.m. and should be completed no later than 7 a.m. Every precaution is being taken to avoid disruptions during the maintenance window, but there could be brief periods between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. on April 13 where Internet connectivity to and from campus is down.

Throughout April, there will be additional OnCampus communications to share details of the next steps in the internet connection and data center move work.

Kris Brewster, ITS

Please be aware that Drake will not switch from heating to cooling season until overnight temperature are above 40 degrees. As a reminder, the University has a two pipe system that only allows for either heat or air conditioning in campus buildings.

Jolene Schmidt, Facilities Planning and Management