Category Archives: Campus Announcements Archive

Cowles Library October featured collections

Join us at Cowles Library this month as we celebrate two vibrant cultural cornerstones: jazz music and America’s favorite pastime, baseball!
Immerse yourself in the rich history of jazz with our curated selection of books and DVDs that explore the genre’s evolution and its profound cultural impact. Be sure to browse our LP record collection, where we’ve highlighted iconic jazz titles for music lovers to enjoy.

Celebrate the World Series with our baseball display, where the excitement of America’s pastime comes to life! Dive into the legacy of the sport with stories about legendary players, unforgettable moments, and the game’s influence on American culture. Whether you’ve been a lifelong fan or new to the game, there’s something here for everyone!
Visit us in the library or explore our Featured Collections page online to discover more. We can’t wait to share these exciting collections with you.

— Joanna Stankiewicz, Cowles Library

Be your own cybersecurity superhero: Strong passwords and MFA save the day

It’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM), and you have the power to protect your accounts like a superhero. October was established as CSAM in 20024 and gives us the opportunity to reinforce the importance of practicing smart habits to better protect ourselves against cyberattacks and identity theft. 

We’re also excited to announce the annual CSAM quiz – because every hero needs to test their skills. The first 150 people to complete the quiz will get a $1 coupon to use at the campus Starbucks in Olmsted.

So how can you be your own Cybersecurity Superhero? 

First, establish your secret identity by using strong passwords. Just like a superhero’s secret identity, your password should be unique, tough to guess, and well-guarded. Need some quick tips for creating a “bulletproof” password? Check the tip sheet on our Internal Site for suggestions

Next, make sure to activate your superpower by using multi-factor authentication (MFA) as much as possible. MFA is like having an extra superpower – it provides an additional layer of defense against villains (aka hackers). Our Internal Site has a tip sheet with steps to enable MFA on all accounts, personal and professional. 

Finally, protect all your bases by applying the strongest security everywhere. You wouldn’t protect only your hero HQ – make sure all your accounts (personal and work) have strong defenses. Consider using a password manager – it’s like your trusty utility belt. What’s a password manager? Visit our Internal Site to learn more.

Your digital world is safer when you’re a cybersecurity superhero. Stay vigilant, create strong defenses, and don’t forget to take the CSAM 2024 quiz to level up your hero skills.

— Becky Klein, ITS

National Week Without Driving Challenge

Imagine a world where driving is not an option. How would that change the way you view transportation?

Join in fostering a healthy and inclusive community by taking part in National Week Without Driving, happening Sept. 30 to Oct. 6. This is a week-long challenge for drivers to learn about the barriers and challenges nondrivers face on a daily basis. Nearly a quarter of people in the United States, including those with disabilities, seniors, and low-income individuals, rely on walking, biking, public transit, or asking for rides. Their experiences highlight the importance of connected, accessible, reliable public transit, and safe transportation options for all.

To participate in the challenge, all you need to do is opt out of driving yourself for at least one day the week of Sept. 30 to Oct. 6. After that, you can aim for two days or even the whole week! You can bike, walk, take public transit, or ask for a ride.

Even if you cannot participate in the challenge, this is a great opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint. Check out one of the many sustainable transportation options available at Drake.

  • DART: Utilize your DART benefit and ride the DART bus for FREE with your Drake ID. Check out routes and schedules here. Reach out to sustainability@drake.edu or gregory.lin@drake.edu if you want to sit down with someone and find a bus route that works for you.
  • BCycle: Drake has partnered with the Street Collective to provide students, faculty, and staff with the opportunity to purchase a $20 annual bike share membership. This means unlimited 30-minute rides on a classic or e-bike. Sign up on the app using a drake.edu email, select annual membership, and enter promo code: bulldogsbike24.
  • Drake Bike Library: Drake employees and students can check out a bicycle for the day for free by bringing their Drake ID to the Student Life Center in Olmsted. You must sign a liability waiver and will be given a helmet to wear and a key to the bike lock.
  • Walk: Embrace Healthiest State Month and grab your walking shoes! Walk the Bulldog Mile on October 2nd as a part of the Healthiest State Walk and take your chance at winning a prize.

— Hannah Remke, Sustainability Coordinator

ITS: Microsoft Remote Desktop app update

Microsoft is updating the Remote Desktop application used to access Azure Virtual Desktop. The new app, called “Windows App,” offers a modern interface for accessing Drake’s virtual applications and desktops.

Some devices, including both Windows and Mac computers plus some iPads, may already have the updated app installed. The app icon and name have changed from “Remote Desktop” to “Windows App.” Others will receive the new app in the coming days.

During the transition, both the Remote Desktop and Windows App will coexist temporarily. Once the Windows App appears on your computer, you can start using it. If it hasn’t appeared yet, follow the installation instructions in our knowledge base.

Please note: ITS will remove any remaining Remote Desktop apps beginning on Thursday, Oct. 10. Be sure to transition to the Windows App before that date for your virtual desktop needs. 

If you have questions, contact us by submitting a ticket though the ITS service portal at service.drake.edu/its or by calling the Support Center at 515-271-3001.

— Shawn Madsen, ITS

Internal site for student finances at Drake

The Offices of Student Accounts and Financial Aid are pleased to announce the launch of an internal site for Student Accounts and Financial Aid. This site brings together content from multiple offices on campus, making it easier for students or campus partners to find the information they need.

Links to this site can be found on myDrake under the Student Account & Financial Aid menu or on the Internal Sites Directory under “Campus Services”.

— Student Accounts Office & Financial Aid Office

Sign up to get your flu vaccine on campus

The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is partnering with Broadlawns Medical Center Outpatient Pharmacy to offer flu vaccinations on campus in Harvey Ingham, Room 107, for Drake University faculty, staff, and students.

The flu vaccinations are available through a scheduled appointment (strongly preferred), or on a walk-up basis. Walk-up vaccinations will require additional time on the day of vaccination for completion of paperwork. Signing up at least two days in advance is highly encouraged. 

Appointments will be offered the following dates/times in Harvey Ingham, Room 107:

  • Friday, Sept. 27, 1–4 p.m.
  • Monday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

Sign up for a flu vaccination appointment athttps://tinyurl.com/DrakeFlu2024

IMPORTANT: 

  • Prescription insurance is required for this flu vaccination clinic.
  • You must bring your ID and prescription insurance card to your appointment. (We are unable to accept cash/credit card payments for services at this clinic).
  • Wear a shirt to your appointment that will allow access to your upper arm.
  • COVID vaccines will not be available at this clinic, only flu vaccinations.

Please contact Nora Stelter at nora.stelter@drake.edu with questions.

— Nora Stelter, CPHS

Drake Women’s Soccer mental health awareness game this Thursday  

Join the Drake Women’s Soccer team at Mediacom Stadium on Thursday, September 19 at 1 p.m. for a game dedicated to highlighting the important issue of mental health. Admission to all soccer matches is free.  

New Options at Mediacom Stadium
Drake students now have the option to use both Dining Dollars and their Bulldog Bucks at Mediacom Stadium during both men’s and women’s soccer matches. Check here for the schedule of events in Mediacom Stadium this season.  

–Greg Kay, Drake University Athletics

Upcoming classes at Drake Rec

It is a busy month at the Bell Center. Here’s what’s happening:

Sept. 20: Join Drake Rec for a Circus Arts workshop on Sept. 20 at 5 p.m.

Sept. 19: Join the Coalition of Black Students for a fun workout class on Sept. 19 at 4 p.m.

Sept. 27: Join La Fuerza Latina for their dance marathon from 5–8 p.m. on Sept. 27.

As always, check the Drake Rec app for more details and be sure to check out our weekly classes, including Spin, Karate, Dance Fusion, and Ballet Sculpt.

— Gail Witte, Recreational Services

Cowles Library featured collections

At Cowles Library, we are committed to curating a diverse range of digital and physical materials, available for the entire campus to explore and enjoy. Every month, our librarians spotlight important topics that resonate with the community, supporting both academic and personal interests.

This month, we are proud to feature Banned Books Week and Hispanic Heritage Month.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Cowles Library honors Hispanic Heritage Month with a curated collection that celebrates the rich and vibrant history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic communities. Dive into a selection of fiction, nonfiction, and films that showcase this legacy through art, history, and powerful storytelling.

Banned Books Week: September 22–28
Join us in recognizing Banned Books Week, a celebration of the freedom to read. Since 1982, Banned Books Week has highlighted the importance of open access to information. Our collection sheds light on challenged and banned books, inviting you to reflect on the ongoing efforts to protect intellectual freedom.

Stop by Cowles Library or visit our Featured Collections page online to explore these and other highlighted materials. We look forward to sharing these collections with you!

— Joanna Stankiewicz, Cowles Library