The Olmsted Center will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, for the Francis Marion Drake Dinner.

All spaces in Olmsted, including Starbucks, On the Go, study spaces and lounges will not be accessible.

The Olmsted Center will reopen on Saturday, Oct. 18, at its normal time.

—Scott Law, Public Safety & Operational Services

Each year, Drake University and the National Alumni Association Board of Directors proudly honor outstanding graduates through the Drake Alumni Awards. These awards recognize alumni whose achievements, service, and loyalty embody the Bulldog spirit. Nominations for the 2026 awards are now open—submit yours by Monday, Nov. 3, to help us celebrate the alumni who inspire us all.

Here is the link to register: https://drake.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5tjvrYvWGiTaXlA

— Andy Verlengia, Alumni Relations

The J-Term and Spring 2026 schedule of classes and related registration information is available online. Registration begins Monday, Nov. 3.

View registration information, including the registration time table that shows when you become eligible to register. View the schedule of classes.

Some courses will be temporarily reserved for students who have declared a certain field-of-study (major, minor, concentration, or endorsement). On Monday, Nov. 17, those reservations will be removed. Note that some courses have restrictions that are permanent.

If you are an undergraduate or pharmacy student intending to make any changes to your field-of-study and have those changes take effect before registration begins, file your changes via the change of record request no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27. Requests submitted after this date may be delayed.

The change of record request can be found by navigating to myDrake, selecting Self-Service under commonly used apps, and clicking on the link for the change of record request under Student Records.

— Ryan Trump, Office of the Registrar

October brings Cybersecurity Awareness Month—a dedicated opportunity to elevate our community’s understanding of online safety. As digital threats evolve, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), it’s crucial to ground ourselves in the essentials and sharpen our awareness of new risks. This article highlights the trusted “core 4” of cybersecurity and introduces practical tips for staying safe in the age of AI.

The “Core 4” of Cybersecurity 

Start with the four foundational habits known as the “core 4″—practices that greatly reduce your vulnerability to cyber threats:

• Use strong passwords and a password manager: Create unique, complex passwords for each account and store them with a trusted password manager for convenience and security.
• Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of protection by requiring additional verification—like a code sent to your device—when logging into important accounts.
• Update your software: Regularly install updates for your devices and applications. These updates often include critical security patches that fix known vulnerabilities.
• Recognize and report scams: Stay alert for suspicious emails, messages, or links. If something feels off, don’t click—report it promptly to campus IT so others are protected, too.

Staying Safe in the Age of AI: New Challenges & Practical Tips

As artificial intelligence becomes woven into everyday technology, cybercriminals are using it to create new, sophisticated threats. Alongside the “core 4,” here are additional tips to help you remain secure:

• Be skeptical of hyper-realistic content: AI-generated images, videos, and audio (deepfakes) can be hard to spot. Verify any unusual or extraordinary content through another trusted channel before reacting or sharing.
• Watch for AI-powered phishing scams: Attackers use AI to craft convincing, personalized phishing messages. Double-check sender information and be wary of urgent requests for personal or financial details.
• Protect your data from AI scraping: Review your privacy settings on social media and limit the personal information you post online, as AI tools can collect and misuse public data.
• Use trusted AI tools: Stick to reputable, well-reviewed AI apps and services. Check privacy policies and be selective with permissions, especially for apps requesting access to sensitive data.
• Stay informed about AI threats: Cyber risks change quickly. Follow campus alerts and subscribe to reliable cybersecurity news to keep up with new developments.
• Understand AI in everyday apps: Many popular tools employ AI for convenience—like smart assistants or automatic photo organization. Learn how these features use your data and adjust your settings to control what’s shared.

For a quick and engaging overview of how to spot AI-driven deception, check out our 4-minute video, “Seeing Through the Deception,” available on our internal website. This short video provides practical examples and tips to help you recognize deepfakes, manipulated content, and AI-powered scams—empowering you to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. We encourage everyone in our campus community to watch and share this resource as part of your ongoing cybersecurity learning.

What To Do If You Suspect a Security Incident

If you encounter an AI-driven scam, suspicious content, or a possible breach, contact the ITS Support Center right away. Fast reporting helps protect your data and our campus community.

 

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By following the “core 4” and staying vigilant against AI-powered risks, you help build a safer digital environment for all. Let’s use Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025 to reinforce smart habits and adapt to tomorrow’s challenges.

— Becky Klein, ITS

Have you ever wanted to tour a fraternity or sorority house? Want to meet more students and learn what fraternity and sorority life is like? Please join us on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 4:30–6 p.m. to meet members of fraternity and sorority life and take tours of some of our houses. This is a casual come-and-go type event so we welcome you to join us anytime within that window when you are available. Fraternity and Sorority members will be available on 34th Street and Forest Avenue (between 32nd Street and 33rd Street) to direct you to houses you wish to see and visit. If you have any questions, please reach out to drakeFSL@drake.edu.

— Liz Itzen, Director, Fraternity and Sorority Life

Griff II is partnering with the Parent Advisory Board to collect items for Little Free Pantries in the Drake Neighborhood during Family Weekend. Bring non-perishable food and/or personal hygiene products to Griff in Olmsted on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 9–10 a.m. He will be there to pose for pictures, receive ear scratches, and field your compliments and positive affirmations. Griff will then make the rounds in the Griffmobile and fill up the pantries to help struggling neighbors. Griff hopes to see you! 

— Erin Bell, University Communications & Marketing

Are you interested in being a part of sustainability initiatives on campus? The Sustainability Committee is a great way to get involved. The focus of this year will be on communication and incorporating sustainability into curriculum in all departments. This committee is open to any interested students, staff, and faculty.

If you are interested or have any questions, email sustainability@drake.edu or Sydney.dvorak@drake.edu to be added to the email list. The first meeting will occur in October, based on committee members availability.

— Sydney Dvorak, Sustainability Coordinator

Celebrate the legacy of Governor Robert D. Ray with an ice cream social on Friday, Sept. 26, from 2:30–4 p.m. on The Ray Promenade outside of Collier-Scripps Hall. Ice cream novelties will be served. The rain location will be inside Collier-Scripps Hall on the lower level.

Governor Robert D. Ray, Drake University’s 11th president and Iowa’s 38th governor, made an impact that reached far beyond the state, touching lives around the world. Best known for his humanitarian efforts and transformation of state government, his legacy continues through the work of The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University.

The Ray Center invites the entire Drake campus community to join in celebrating September 26 as Governor Ray Day in the state of Iowa.

To learn more about Governor Robert D. Ray’s life and legacy, click here. 

— Emily Brown, Robert D. & Billie Ray Center

Drake students, faculty, and staff are invited to get their annual flu shot courtesy of Drake’s APhA chapter and Broadlawns on Sept. 26 or Oct. 3 from 12–3 p.m. in the Cline Atrium.

You can sign up for an appointment slot or walk-in and fill out paperwork the day of. Please be sure to bring a physical ID and prescription insurance card.

Please reach out to nora.stelter@drake.edu with any questions.