On Saturday, Nov. 25, from 4 to 6 p.m., all Banner (DUSIS) services will be unavailable. Access to blueView, MyDUSIS, DUSIS (INB) Forms, Workflow, eTranscripts, Job Submission, and ODBC (Microsoft Access) will be unavailable. This outage will allow ITS to install necessary software upgrades for the Banner/DUSIS system.
If you continue experiencing issues after the outage has ended, please call the Support Center at 515-271-3001, or report your issue using the Service Portal at service.drake.edu/its.
The Ray Center staff from left-to-right include: (Back row) Tim Tesar, Cheri McDaniel, Amy Smit, Jeff Kluever, Stephanie Oppel, (front row) Scott Raecker, Heidi Kramer, Deb Taylor, Deb Brewer-Cotlar, Georgia Sheriff, and Hilary Ortmann.
Mission: The mission of The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center is to improve civility and develop ethical leaders throughout the world.
Through public awareness and programming grounded in research, The Ray Center features two programs, Character Counts and Excellence with Integrity. These programs, as well as other resources available through the Center, benefit families, students, athletic organizations, nonprofits, organizations, and municipalities in Iowa and beyond. The Ray Center honors two of Drake’s most respected alumni—Robert D. and Billie Ray—whose humanitarian efforts, character, and leadership set an inspirational example for multiple generations.
Staff members: The 11 staff members at The Ray Center work to promote a more positive and respectful world. Staff members include:
Scott Raecker, director
Deb Brewer-Cotlar, program coordinator
Jeff Kluever, assistant director of programs
Heidi Kramer, development and project coordinator
Cheri McDaniel, executive assistant and project associate
Stephanie Oppel, associate director of applied research and national programs
Hilary Ortmann, assistant director of Events
Georgia Sheriff, assistant director of programs
Amy Smit, associate director of administration and communications
Deb Taylor, administrative assistant
Tim Tesar, advancement officer
Longest serving team member: Scott Raecker, 20 years.
Newest team member: Deb Brewer-Cotlar joined The Ray Center team as program coordinator last July.
Where is the Ray Center located? The Ray Center is located in the lower level of Collier-Scripps Hall. Stop in and visit them!
What else should you know? You’re invited!
The Ray Center is hosting an open house and everyone is invited. Please join them on Wednesday, Nov. 29, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. for donuts and to check out their new office.
The annual electrical switchgear cleaning will take place Nov. 24 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. During this time, electricity will be shut off to Aliber Hall, Goodwin-Kirk, Forest Ave. heating plant, Old Main, Carnegie Hall, and Cole Hall.
Jolene Schmidt, Facilities Planning and Management
Campus building hours will be adjusted for the Thanksgiving holiday. Most of campus will close on Wednesday, Nov. 22, and will remain closed to the general public through the end of the week. Wednesday, Nov. 22 is a University holiday, a result of meeting our United Way campaign goals. Students, faculty, and staff can still enter their authorized buildings during the break with their Drake Card. For the majority of buildings, regular access will resume on Sunday, Nov. 26.
Contact Public Safety at 515-271-2222 for door access emergencies during this time. For non-emergency related questions, please email studentservices@drake.edu.
Cowles Library open hours/after-hours can be found on its website.
The University Book Store is continuously trying to improve. Please take a short survey to provide feedback and insights on the Book Store’s services. The survey is open until Nov. 26.
Thank you to the 524 members of the campus community who took the ITS phishing quiz. We hope you learned more about how to spot potentially malicious emails and secure your digital life. Also, thank you to those who stopped by the ITS table in the Olmsted Center and spun the prize wheel.
Winners of the six prize packages are:
Alexus Kreft
Sophia Wroblewski
Phoenix Ford
Merrie Frentress
Sophie Behm
Heidi Sleister
Congratulations! And, don’t forget, if you were one of the first 300 people to take the phishing quiz, and haven’t done so already, be sure to stop by the Dial Center front desk during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to pick up your free Taco John’s certificate.
Let us know your thoughts on the quiz and the cybersecurity awareness campaign by emailing informationsecurity@drake.edu. We value your feedback.
Last spring, Drake completed a facility feasibility study of Cowles Library. As a result, the University decided to move forward with improvements to the east side of the library’s main floor. One of these improvements includes new furniture.
To help determine what furniture to purchase, Cowles staff are soliciting feedback from the campus community. Furniture vendors will set up and display furniture from Dec. 4 to 15 for students, faculty, and staff to test out and provide their feedback. Please stop by the library during this time to have a say in determining the new furniture.
Wondering what’s going on behind the construction fences on 27th Street? The area is being transformed into the Robert D. and Billie Ray Promenade, a welcoming and beautiful outdoor space that will enhance accessibility and parking.
Here are the most recent construction updates:
The new parking lot has been poured as well as most of the driveway from Forest Avenue to Opperman Hall.
Weitz Construction is getting ready to pour the new sidewalk along Forest Avenue, which will stretch east of Olin Hall.
A new water main has been installed and Jewett, Cartwright, Collier Scripps, and Olin will tap into the new water line later next week.
On Dec. 18, the parking lot and a new sidewalk between Harmon Fine Arts Center and Collier Scripps Hall is scheduled to open. The sidewalk will allow faculty, staff, and students to walk across campus without crossing Forest Avenue.
The south part of the construction site will continue to be fenced off into December and January. Attached is a map that notes the portion that will remain closed.
Jolene Schmidt, Facilities Planning and Management
Join Drake Dining for a Thanksgiving Feast in Parents Hall, upper level Olmsted Center, on Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Carved ham, turkey, and classic Thanksgiving sides will be served. Students can use a meal swipe. Faculty, staff and guests will be the cost of a regular meal: $7.40 plus tax.
Pre-order holiday pies
Preparing for a busy holiday season? Simplify your Thanksgiving plans by pre-ordering your pies through Spike’s C-Store. We’re offering all of your favorites including pumpkin, pecan, dutch apple, cherry, Boston cream, French silk, as well as two deluxe options of caramel apple granny and a gluten free rich chocolate torte. Order by Nov. 16 from the Olmsted or Cowles coffee shops or from Spike’s C-Store. Pies can be picked up Nov. 20–21 in the C-Store.
Holiday catering specials
Having a party or holiday get-together? You do the planning, and we’ll do the cooking. Drake Dining has a limited amount of hot deals waiting to warm up your party. These specials are available only during the holiday season. Party plates include fondue, lasagna, gourmet macaroni and cheese, chili, and more. Learn more online or contact Brett Lindman at 515-271-3518 or brett.lindman@drake.edu.
The Arabic Club’s first meeting of the semester will take place Friday, Nov. 17, from 3 to 4 p.m. at Gazali’s, located at 1205 25th St. (across from the east side of campus). The meeting is a good opportunity for Arabic students and others interested in developing their language skills to connect, enjoy free food, play some language games, and practice speaking in Arabic.
