Drake University invites all interested singers to participate in the Drake University/Community Chorus, which will begin weekly rehearsals on Tuesday, Aug. 28, from 6:30–8 p.m. in Sheslow Auditorium. The ensemble will rehearse and perform Ralph Vaughan Williams’ evocative Dona nobis pacem, a large-scale work with orchestra, on Nov. 10 and 11.  The chorus is conducted by Aimee Beckmann-Collier, director of choral studies. For more information, contact Aimee at aimee.beckmann-collier@drake.edu or 515.271.2841.

Aimee Beckmann-Collier, Music

Welcome back for the 2018-2019 school year. As a reminder, if you have purchased a Drake Parking Permit for the 2018-2019 school year or would like to do so, you can pick them up in the Student Services Center (SSC) starting Aug. 1. The SSC is temporarily located in the lower level of Hubbell and is open Monday—Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the summer.

To help you become familiar with Drake’s parking regulations, below are answers to six of the most frequently asked questions. For detailed information on parking regulations, visit the Public Safety web page.

Parking Regulations Overview: Vehicles may only be parked in clearly designated, legal parking spaces. Areas posted with signs restricting parking (handicap, service vehicles, loading zones, fire lanes, etc.) must be observed and complied with. Parking in any travel lane, taking more than one parking space, blocking another vehicle, or parking on the lawn are all prohibited. Vehicles are prohibited from all lawns, except when specifically authorized. Driving or parking on sidewalks or pedestrian ways is strictly prohibited.

When can I park for free on Campus? Parking regulations are in effect year-round, including breaks in the academic calendar.

How many cars can I register? All students, faculty, and staff may register up to two vehicles to park on campus. Only one vehicle may park on campus at a time with the valid parking permit.

If I have a commuter permit can I park in a residential lot? Commuter Permits are only valid in commuter lots. For convenience, they are also allowed in Residential lots 18N and 24 from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. There is no overnight parking in commuter lots.

If I have someone visiting, can they get a short term permit to park on campus? Yes, visitors may purchase daily permits.

Does Drake tow cars from lots? Drake reserves the right to tow illegally parked cars, cars without permits in Drake owned lots, or cars with multiple unpaid parking citations.

How can I appeal a ticket? You can appeal a ticket online or by stopping into the Public Safety office.

Scott Law, Public Safety & Operational Services

After many months of research and collaboration, Drake has entered into an air travel contract with Short’s Travel Management, headquartered in Waterloo, Iowa. Through this new vendor relationship, Drake will have access to the lowest air travel rates, one stop shopping for travel needs, comprehensive reporting of travel activity, and most importantly, “duty of care,” enabling us to identify traveler’s locations in case of a national or international emergency.

An interdepartmental team is working on a phased implementation schedule and will provide information as the project timeline is further developed. There will be on-site training sessions held for employees to learn about the services offered by Short’s for air and other travel needs. For now, and until further notice, please continue to book air travel as your department has in the past. We will let you know in advance the information you will need to begin working with Short’s Travel.

If you have questions, please reach out to caron.findlay@drake.edu.

Caron Findlay, Finance and Administration

The University Book Store is having a sale now through Sept. 11. Clearance items are discounted an additional 30 percent in-store and online. The discount is reflected in the price. Sale items exclude textbooks, graduation items, computer hardware, and all Apple® products. Visit the store for complete details. Don’t miss out on these great deals!

Katie Wilz, University Book Store

As we prepare to begin the new academic year, Campus Postal Operations wants the campus to be aware of the mail delivery schedule for the fall semester.

Postal Operations will continue to make one daily mail pickup and delivery to each mail location on campus, as has been the process this summer. Each building has a scheduled morning or afternoon mail delivery time. If you miss your pickup time, and have an urgent package or letter, Postal Operations will work with you to try to accommodate your needs. Urgent mail can be dropped off to Postal Operations, located in the lower level of Olmsted, by 2:45 p.m. for processing that day. Postal Operations can also be contacted by phone or email to make arrangements for additional assistance.

By changing from two to one pickup and delivery each day, Postal Operations is able to achieve greater operational efficiencies and fulfill our obligation as stewards of the resources entrusted to us, while also maintaining a focus on customer service and support.

Please review the ingoing and outgoing mail processes below. For additional questions, contact Mary Cecil at mary.cecil@drake.edu or 515-271-3162.

Sending mail:

• If you wish to mail your package via UPS or Fedex, you will need to create labels and input billing information prior to pickup. Contact Mary Cecil if you need assistance setting up an account on these sites. If a package is picked up in campus mail without a UPS or FedEx label, it will be sent out via US Postal Service.
• If you would like to mail your package via FedEx, you will need to request a pickup from your location when you are preparing your mailing label (additional fee required – we do not have a daily pickup from FedEx). This process is also where you are able to input your billing (FOAPAL) information.
• If a package has a UPS label, it will be picked up by noon on the next business day (if you require next day delivery, we suggest using UPS, as they are more frequently on campus. We have daily pickups with UPS).
• There are two UPS drop boxes on campus (near Old Main and Olmsted) – feel free to drop small packages or flats in those boxes if you would like it picked up on their evening route.
• International mail needs to be separated in your mail bag. When mailing an international package, you need to fill out a customs form. Contact Postal Operations if you have questions about this process.

Receiving mail:

• Any package or mail piece can be addressed to the main campus address (2507 University Ave). Mail will be delivered to your building during the next available mail route.
• For direct package delivery to your buildings from FedEx or UPS, we suggest using your physical mailing address. This is particularly helpful if you are receiving something via next day air.

Mary Cecil, Campus Mail Operations

The University Book Store is hiring temporary team members to help with back-to-school duties from August to early September. Interested candidates should enjoy working in a fast-paced, fun, customer-service environment. If interested, apply online.

— Katie Wilz, University Book Store

Beginning Aug. 1, there will be a new director of the Drake Undergraduate Science Collaborative Institute (DUSCI). Brian Gentry, associate professor of pharmacology from the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, will step into the director role, replacing John Gitua, associate professor of Chemistry from the College of Arts and Sciences. John diligently served as director for the past five and half years.

Brian has been an active member of DUSCI for many years. He has served as a DUSCI faculty advisory board member, has been a student research mentor for summer research students, and has been active in DUCURS as a moderator/judge every year.

— Kayla Jenkins, College of Arts & Sciences

Work to repair a steam line located between the Olmsted Center and Aliber Hall began this week. The project is expected to take approximately 10 days to complete. Immediately following its completion, repairs will begin on a steam line located between Cline Hall and Forest Avenue. The repair will limit access of the east entrances of Cline Hall and Harvey Ingham Hall. Those on campus should use the south entrance of Cline Hall to access Harvey Ingham Hall.

The repair work is scheduled to be complete prior to the start of the fall semester. Facilities Planning and Management is working diligently with the contractor, Stroh Corporation, to minimize inconveniences to those on campus. There will be signage in place to direct pedestrians around campus. See the attached map for locations.

— Jolene Schmidt, Facilities Planning and Management