Intramural deadlines are approaching; sign up before it is too late. The Bags tailgate Tournament is taking place during family weekend at Drake Stadium during the Drake Football game vs Dayton. Students can play with anyone, including family members. At least one player per team must be able to register on IMLeagues. All Non-Drake Students require a ticket to the game for entry. Sign up for all Intramurals using the DrakeRec app or by visiting the registration portal online.

Bags Tailgate Tournament:

Registration deadline: Sept. 30th at 4 p.m.
Season start: October. 3rd

One of the most important ways every member of the Drake community can contribute to campus safety is by reporting concerns when they arise.

Most unfamiliar people on campus have legitimate reasons to be here. However, there are times when individuals may be attempting to access buildings without authorization, trespassing, or engaging in behavior that raises safety concerns. If you observe suspicious activity, trust your instincts and report it.

If you notice someone attempting to enter a secured facility, lingering in restricted areas, or acting in a way that seems unusual:

• Do not confront the individual.
• Maintain a safe distance.
• Move to a well-lit, populated area.
• Contact Drake Public Safety at 515-271-2222.
• Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to life or safety.

The same principle applies after dark. If you are walking on campus at night and observe suspicious activity, change your route, if necessary, move toward populated areas, and contact Public Safety as soon as it is safe to do so.

No concern is too small. Public Safety would rather investigate a situation and determine everything is okay than miss an opportunity to assist someone who may need help.

Campus safety is a shared responsibility, and timely reporting helps prevent situations from escalating while keeping our community safe and welcoming for everyone.

— Scott Law, Public Safety & Operational Services

The Office of Alumni Relations reaffirms Drake’s commitment to diversity by recognizing and nurturing different identities. Starting this week, Alumni Relations will host two receptions to welcome our LGBTQ+ and BIPOC students to campus for another great year. These welcome receptions serve to create community among diverse students, alumni, faculty, and staff. For students, this is an opportunity to meet individuals like you who have been where you are. And of course, there will also be refreshments (and Griff III…shhh)! 

On Thursday, Sept. 17, from 5–7:30 p.m., we welcome all BIPOC students, alumni, faculty/staff of color and allies for the Multicultural Welcome Reception.

Then, on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 5–7:30 p.m., we welcome all LGBTQ+ students, alumni, faculty/staff, and allies to the Alumni House for the Rainbow Welcome Reception.

— Greg Lin, Alumni Relations

Last academic year, more than 1,000 Drake alumni volunteered their time and talents back to Drake for almost 1,500 different volunteer opportunities. We love seeing our Drake alums be all in this together and give back, and we need your help to keep it going.  

The Office of Alumni Relations will release its Fall 2026 Alumni Volunteer Newsletter in October 2026 and need your help to identify any upcoming volunteer opportunities where you might want assistance from alums. This could be from working an event to speaking in a class or to a student group to providing consulting on a project or even being a featured alumni on social media or in a communications story or profile.  

If you have any volunteer opportunities you’d like us to advertise to our alumni, please email Gregory Lin at gregory.lin@drake.edu.  

— Greg Lin, Alumni Relations

WellCon 26, the fourth annual Wellness Conference for Drake students, faculty, and staff, will take place Oct. 29 from 3–5 p.m. in Upper Olmsted. You’ll have the opportunity to win various prizes and engage in a variety of wellness activities hosted by on- and off- campus partners. With a focus on the six dimensions of wellness—physical, emotional, intellectual, social, occupational, and spiritual—the conference is a great opportunity to reset and prioritize your well-being at the midpoint of the semester. We invite you to register and join us!

Register to attend: WellCon 2026 Attendee Registration – Fill out form

Register as a student organization: WellCon 2026 Student Org. Interest Form – Fill out form

— McKinleigh Holland, CPHS

Check out the new group exercise schedule for the Fall 2026 semester. These classes are offered by trained students and staff to accommodate all fitness levels. Classes are held in the Drake Bell Center fitness studio and all equipment is provided. Download the Drake Rec app to sign up for classes. Register for and attend 10 classes per semester and earn a free T-shirt!

— McKinleigh Holland, CPHS

Starting this semester, everyone will need to use the Grubhub app to enter On the Go.

Getting Started

1. Download the Grubhub app and select Campus Dining.

2. Search for Drake University and select your category: undergraduate class year, graduate student, faculty/staff, or guest.

3. In Payment, connect your campus ID. You may also add a credit/debit card if you choose.

Entering On the Go

Open Grubhub → select On the Go under Restaurants → tap Get Access → scan the QR code at the entrance.

Payment & Entry — Important!

You can pay with Dining Dollars, Bulldog Bucks, or Commuter Dollars, as well as a credit/debit card if connected.

Please remember:

*Select your payment method EVERY TIME you enter. If you don’t, your default primary payment method (your credit/debit card) will be charged.

*You must have at least $25 available on your selected payment method to enter.

*ONE PERSON PER QR CODE. Each person must scan their own QR code.

* If multiple people enter using one QR code, one account will be charged for all items purchased.

We’re excited to welcome you back and make grabbing your favorite snacks, drinks, and essentials easier than ever!

— Taylor Webb, Dining Services

Drake University Reminds Community of Safety Expectations for E-Scooters and Other Personal Transportation Devices

As the use of electric scooters and other personal transportation devices continues to grow across campus, Drake University is reminding students, faculty, staff, and visitors of existing policies and safety expectations designed to maintain a safe and pedestrian-friendly campus environment.

The University has received reports of increasing scooter traffic both outdoors and inside campus buildings. While these devices offer a convenient means of transportation, their use must be balanced with the safety of the entire campus community.

Personal Transportation Devices Prohibited Inside Campus Buildings

Drake University’s current policy prohibits the operation of electric scooters and other personal transportation devices inside University buildings. In addition, electric scooters and other personal transportation devices that are not designated mobility devices for ADA-related use are not permitted to be brought into campus buildings.

Hallways, classrooms, offices, laboratories, common areas, and other interior spaces are designed for pedestrian traffic. The presence and operation of scooters and similar devices inside buildings creates unnecessary safety hazards, particularly in confined spaces, stairwells, doorways, and areas with limited visibility.

The University recognizes that mobility devices used as accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are distinct from recreational or convenience-based transportation devices and are not affected by this restriction.

Drake Remains a Pedestrian-Friendly Campus

Drake University is committed to maintaining a campus environment where pedestrians can move safely throughout academic, residential, and recreational spaces. Students and employees should expect that campus walkways are shared spaces where courtesy, awareness, and responsible operation of personal transportation devices are essential.

Individuals using electric scooters, e-bikes, skateboards, longboards, one-wheel devices, and similar forms of personal transportation are expected to:

• Operate their devices safely and responsibly.
• Yield to pedestrians at all times.
• Maintain speeds appropriate for pedestrian traffic and environmental conditions.
• Exercise caution when approaching intersections, building entrances, crosswalks, and areas with limited visibility.
• Avoid reckless, aggressive, or distracted operation.
• Follow all applicable University policies and local laws governing the use of these devices.

Users should remember that many scooters and other electric-powered devices operate quietly, making it difficult for pedestrians to hear them approaching. Extra caution should be exercised in heavily traveled areas of campus.

Policy Review Underway

The Department of Public Safety, Environmental Health & Safety, and Student Affairs are currently reviewing existing practices and policies related to scooters and other personal transportation devices. The review is intended to ensure that University expectations remain consistent with Drake’s commitment to safety, accessibility, and a pedestrian-friendly campus environment.

Additional information and guidance will be shared with the campus community as this process moves forward.

Reporting Safety Concerns

Community members who observe unsafe operation of scooters or other personal transportation devices, whether inside or outside campus buildings, are encouraged to promptly contact the Department of Public Safety. Timely reporting allows the University to address concerns, identify individuals involved when appropriate, and take action to help prevent injuries and future incidents.

Maintaining a safe campus is a shared responsibility. Through responsible use of personal transportation devices and respect for fellow community members, we can ensure that Drake remains a welcoming and safe environment for everyone.

— Scott Law, Executive Director, Public Safety & Operational Services

— Sydney Dvorak, Sustainability Coordinator