The following message was sent to campus from President Martin on Monday, Feb. 11.

Good afternoon,

In November, we launched the Big Ideas initiative to collect multidisciplinary, bold, ambitious, ideas from faculty, staff, and students that, if given the necessary resources, have the potential to dramatically transform Drake and positively impact the world. The deadline for submitting a Big Idea is this Friday, Feb. 15. So far, we have received fourteen proposals that span several disciplines and address issues facing the University, our Greater Des Moines community, and the world. In addition, I have heard from several individuals who are in the final stages of developing and defining their submission. It is important to remember that it is okay for ideas to be conceptual in nature at this stage. Ideas chosen to move forward will be expanded, investigated, and developed into white papers later in the process.

To everyone who has taken the initiative to participate in this process and shown great enthusiasm in advancing Drake’s future, thank you. The Big Ideas initiative is a reflection of our Core Values and collaborative culture: going all in on ideas that can truly further Drake and the greater good.

Following Friday’s submission deadline, the Big Ideas Steering Committee – comprised of faculty, staff, administrators, students, and Board representatives – will diligently review and discuss all ideas based on the scoring criteria: transformative impact, increases institutional recognition, fosters campus collaboration, builds off current strengths and potential, and aligns with the Continuous Improvement Plan. As part of the review, the Steering Committee may make recommendations to combine or re-envision proposals to increase their feasibility and impact. The Board of Trustees will evaluate the scored and recommended ideas during their April meeting. The Steering Committee will then notify and provide comprehensive and personal feedback to submitters on whether their idea was chosen to advance to the next stage in the process.

Ideas moving forward in the process will be announced to campus in May and then further developed into white papers. Once refined, the ideas will undergo feasibility studies and be marketed to external stakeholders, including prospective donors. Those ideas that demonstrate funding potential will become a priority in the next comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Throughout the course of the review, the Steering Committee is committed to a thorough and transparent selection process. Please reach out to a member of the Steering Committee for questions or utilize the comments form on the Big Ideas website. Thank you to everyone involved in this important effort.

Sincerely,

Marty

Drake University this month will mark the 50^th anniversary of Tinker v. Des Moines, the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that established the free speech rights of students in public schools. “Stand Up, Speak Up! Tinker v. Des Moines Turns 50” will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Cowles Library Reading Room. Mary Beth and John Tinker, plaintiffs in the case, along with Drake students, will lead a conversation on the values and challenges of freedom of expression. The event is co-sponsored by the Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication, the Drake Law School, Cowles Library, the Drake School of Education and the Drake Department of Political Science. It is free and open to the public.

For more information about this event, contact Kathleen Richardson, dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, at Kathleen.richardson@drake.edu or (515) 271-2296.

Kathleen Richardson, School of Journalism and Mass Communication

University Communications and Marketing holds open portrait sessions during the fall and spring semesters. The sessions rotate around campus making it more convenient for the campus community. These sessions are free to all faculty, staff, and students. High-resolutions portraits are made available for download through SmugMug. No appointment is necessary.

• Feb. 15, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Collier-Scripps Hall, 2nd Floor, Dean’s Conference Room.
• April 12, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., location TBD

Jeremy Sievers, University Communications & Marketing

Grand Blue Mile registration opens Tuesday, Feb. 12, with two days of flash sale pricing. Adults and youth can sign-up for only $10 at GrandBlueMile.com. Included at this unheard of price point is a commemorative 10th anniversary technical shirt. Mark your calendar and spread the word. As the Midwest’s premier community street run for all ages and abilities, the Grand Blue Mile is one of the largest street mile races in the United States. Held annually since 2010, the Grand Blue Mile has hosted more than 30,000 participants from 26 states, six countries, and four continents and has included Olympic medalists, American record holders, and many of the world’s finest milers.

Dan Hostager, Assistant Drake Relays Director

The University Career Fair is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 14. The Career Fair is one of the few events that the University closes the Olmsted lot for. Please plan for extra time on Thursday, Feb. 14, to find parking on campus. 

Scott Law, Director, Public Safety and Operational Services

Due to dangerously cold air temperatures combined with high winds, Drake University classes and offices will be closed from 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, through all day Wednesday, Jan. 30. Only essential staff should report to work. This designation includes employees who are in operations such as public safety, food service, power plant, animal care, critical maintenance, and snow and ice removal. Supervisors should communicate with their employees regarding individual schedules. Dress appropriately if you need to go outside during this time of bitter cold. It is best to wear layers and properly cover all extremities, including hands and face, as frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes. While classes are canceled and offices closed, please note that NCAA regulations govern sporting event schedules. The Drake Bulldogs men’s basketball game against Illinois State on Wednesday evening, Jan. 30, will be played as scheduled. View more information.

Sign up now for the 51st annual Drake Road Races on April 20. The 5k, 10k, and half marathon all start just outside of Drake Stadium and finish on the world famous Blue Oval. Drake faculty, staff, and students can get discounted pricing through April 3 by using their drake.edu email address and registering at drakerelays.org/roadraces. Your Drake discount allows for $20 5k pricing, $30 10k pricing, and $40 for the half marathon. You must use your Drake email account to get the specialty pricing but are allowed to sign up family members under your account. Just use coupon code drake2019 on the last page of registration. Grand Blue Mile registration opens on Feb 12 with a two day $10 Flash Sale—sign up for both events to earn a Bulldog Double medal. Find more info at www.GrandBlueMile.com and www.DrakeRelays.org/roadraces.

Dan Hostager, Assistant Drake Relays Director

The ITS support center returned to its usual location in the lower level of Carnegie Hall over break. The support center was relocated during the fall semester due to the rain event. The support center is open for walk-in assistance Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also get 24/7 tech support by calling 515-271-3001 or submitting a request online at service.drake.edu/its.

Numerous injuries result from slips and falls on icy sidewalks, parking lots, roads, and other outdoor locations. Here are 10 tips to reduce injuries from wet and icy surfaces.

1. Snow removal and salting of slick areas can help. However, many times, total elimination of the hazard is impossible.
2. Be aware of your surroundings. Anticipate the fact that you are apt to fall at any moment when walking on ice. Often ice will appear in the morning, in shady spots, or where the sun shines during the day and melted snow refreezes at night.
3. Wear appropriate footwear. Footwear should have low heels with soles constructed of a slip-resistant material. Don’t wear footwear that is not able to grip the surface on which you are walking.
4. Be careful when shifting your weight. When stepping off a curb or getting into a car, shifting your weight may cause an imbalance and result in a fall.
5. Adjust your stride. Take shorter steps and walk with your feet spread further apart laterally so that your center of gravity is maintained directly above your feet at all times.
6. Plan ahead. While walking on snow or ice, walk consciously. Instead of looking down, look up to see where your feet will move next to anticipate ice or an uneven surface. Occasionally scan from left to right to ensure you are not in the way of vehicles or other hazards. Be careful about what you walk under. Injuries can result from falling snow/ice as it blows, melts, or breaks away from buildings.
7. While seeing the environment is important, you also want to listen for approaching traffic and other noises. Avoid listening to music or engaging in conversation that may prevent you from hearing oncoming traffic or snow removal equipment.
8. Take steps slowly. When walking down steps, be sure to grip handrails firmly and plant your feet securely on each step.
9. Don’t take shortcuts. A shortcut path may be treacherous if it is located where snow and ice removal is not possible.
10. Watch out for wet entryways. When you get to your destination, be sure to look at the floor as you enter the building. The floor may be wet with melted snow and ice. Try not to track snow into buildings. Wipe your feet off at the entrance so others won’t slip and fall on melted snow.

Chris Nickell, Environmental Health & Safety