Category Archives: Campus Announcements Archive

New IT service portal and ITS website

Having a problem with technology? Want to find out what ITS can do for you? Visit the brand-new IT service portal at service.drake.edu/its to report a technology issue, review self-help information in our knowledge base, or see what services ITS offers. Learn how to use this new site at Using the IT Service Portal (How-to).

You can also check out the new ITS website now located at www.drake.edu/its. It has resources for faculty, staff, and students; contact information for ITS staff; and a real-time dashboard of the availability of major Drake services.

Questions? Feedback? Let us know.
—Carla Herling, IT Communications Manager

2017–2018 holiday schedule posted

The 2017-2018 Holiday Schedule is now posted on the Employee Tab of blueView in the HR channel. You will note that the Fourth of July holiday has been extended by one day this year. For those who are on campus this summer, we hope that you will use this extra day to enjoy some rest and renewal. Thank you for all you do for Drake University.

Some resources designed to promote safe summer activity are provided below. Be safe and have fun!

—Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer

New ITS service portal and website coming May 23

ITS is launching a new service portal on May 23. Starting then, you can visit service.drake.edu/its to learn about technology services available, browse our knowledge base for how-to technology guides, or get assistance with an issue. We’re also launching our new website on May 23, so check it out at www.drake.edu/its.

ITS is having several presentations to demonstrate these new sites and answer any questions that you might have.

Join us in Cowles Library, Room 201, for one of the following sessions (snacks will be provided):

  • TODAY, May 16, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
  • TODAY, May 16, 2–3 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 17, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

—Carla Herling, ITS

New paper towel dispenser update

In July 2016, Drake’s Facilities Planning and Management (FPM) transitioned to new management staff. Since then, FPM has been assessing all aspects of the campus in regards to our services and costs.

Currently Drake has approximately 700 proprietary paper towel dispensers around campus that require four D batteries each, which require annual replacement. Over the next couple years, Drake will be changing paper towel dispensers to a universal model, which is still a touch-free dispenser but will not require any batteries. These dispensers work by mechanically cutting and advancing a 10” sheet of paper when pulled by the user.

This change allows Drake to obtain pricing from multiple vendors, saving the University nearly 50 percent on the cost of paper, as well as the cost of batteries. On a sustainability standpoint, FPM will save the use and disposal of thousands of batteries a year and be able to choose a paper product based on quality and recycle content.

Over the winter break, FPM assisted a student-lead initiative LEAD Capstone project with installation of hand dryers in Crawford Residence Hall, removing the paper towel dispensers. This allowed Drake to become a more economically and environmentally sustainable campus. FPM is using this directive to continue with hand dryers in other first year residence halls and in Collier-Scripps Hall and Science Connector Building, both opening this summer/fall. Our intention is to continue installing hand dryers in high-traffic restrooms all over campus in the coming years.

—Mitch Wieczorek, Custodial Manager

State track parking on campus

Drake will host the statewide Iowa high school track meet from Thursday, May 18, to Saturday, May 20. This event will bring close to 35,000 visitors to campus over the three days and starts at 8 a.m. each day. Please plan for parking and traffic inconvenience as a result of the increased activity. It is also important to note that several parking lots will be affected by the event. Drake faculty, students, and staff with valid Drake permits may still park without paying in lots 1, 4, and 10 on Thursday and Friday as long as they arrive by 4:30 pm.

Please note the following parking lot restrictions:

Lot 18 North—Will be closed from Tuesday, May 16, to Saturday, May 20
Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 18 South, 33, Intramural Lot—Will be pay lots from Thursday, May 18, to Saturday, May 20

State Track Parking Map

—Scott Law, Drake Public Safety

Spring Commencement ceremonies

More than 900 students will participate in Commencement ceremonies this week, and you can help them celebrate. Each ceremony is open to the campus.

Athletics Alternative Commencement
Ten student-athletes unable attend the May 13 ceremony due to competition will be honored.
When: Monday, May 8
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Shivers Courtside Club

Unity Roundtable Graduation Celebration
When: Friday, May 12
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Fine Arts Center Performing Arts Theatre
This year will be the Inaugural Unity Roundtable Graduation Celebration. Unity Roundtable is a group of multicultural student organizations at Drake working toward inclusion and educational opportunities. This will be a chance for us to celebrate the achievements of our graduating students that advocate for multiculturalism and diversity. Please reserve your ticket here—tickets are free and the celebration is open to the campus community.

Law School Commencement
When: Friday, May 12
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: The Knapp Center

142nd Commencement Ceremony for Undergraduate Degree Recipients
When: Saturday, May 13
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: The Knapp Center

142nd Commencement Ceremony for Graduate and Doctoral Degree Recipients
When: Saturday, May 13
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: The Knapp Center