Drake University Facilities Planning & Management has announced a rescheduled power outage that will affect several central campus buildings on Tuesday, May 19.

The outage, originally planned for spring break, will now take place from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 19. During this time, there will be no power in the following buildings:

• Old Main
• Cole Hall
• Carnegie Hall
• Cartwright Law
• Opperman Law Library
• Olmsted Center

⚠️ Important Access Notice:
For safety reasons, all buildings impacted by the power outage will be strictly off limits for the duration of the outage. No access will be permitted between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. on May 19.

The outage is necessary to complete critical infrastructure work, including repairs to the transformer located outside Carnegie Hall and preventative maintenance and cleaning of the electrical switchgear inside Olmsted Center.

Facilities Planning & Management recognizes that power outages can be disruptive and appreciates the campus community’s cooperation and understanding. This work is scheduled during the first week of summer to minimize impacts and to ensure campus systems are fully operational ahead of Orientation and a very busy summer season of camps, conferences, and events.

Those who work, study, or normally use the affected buildings are encouraged to plan accordingly.

For questions or additional information, please contact Colin Atkinson, associate director, Facilities Planning & Management.

Drake University Law School will host its annual Constitutional Law Symposium April 11, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the James Albert Classroom, Cartwright Hall. Details and registration at drake.edu/conlaw/events.

This year’s symposium, “The Roberts Court, Executive Power, and the American Experiment in Self-Government,” brings together four notable scholars and legal experts to discuss the unitary executive theory, separation of powers, and what developments in executive power might portend for the American experiment in self-government. Proceedings will be published in the Drake Law Review.

Panelists include:

Andrea Scoseria Katz, associate professor of law, Washington University School of Law

Aaron L. Nielson, Charles I. Francis Professorship in Law, University of Texas at Austin School of Law, and former Solicitor General of Texas

Victoria Nourse, Ralph V. Whitworth Professor in Law, Georgetown Law School; vice chair, UnitedStates Commission on Civil Rights; former executive director of the Center on Congressional Studies

Peter M. Shane, Distinguished Scholar in Residence and adjunct professor, New York University School of Law; professor of law and Jacob E. Davis & Jacob E. Davis Chair in Law Emeritus, The Ohio State Moritz College of Law

The Drake Constitutional Law Center is one of only four such centers established by Congress. Throughout the year, the Center hosts multiple lectures and symposiums to bring the nation’s leading constitutional scholars to campus. The symposium is pending four hours of Iowa Continuing Legal Education credit. For more information, visit https://www.drake.edu/conlaw/events/.

— Taylor Johnson, Drake Law School

The following facilities will have adjusted hours during Relays week.

Bell Center

Thursday, April 23: 6:30 a.m.–8 p.m.

Friday, April 24: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Saturday, April 25: CLOSED

Sunday, April 26: Normal hours

Underground Fitness Center

Thursday, April 23: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Friday, April 24: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Saturday, April 25: 11 a.m.–2 p.m. (open to faculty and staff)

Sunday, April 26: Normal hours

Tennis Center

Thursday – Saturday: CLOSED

Sunday, April 26: Normal hours

Please join the Drake University Honors Program for a special event recognizing Charlene Skidmore for her extraordinary service and lasting contributions to the Honors program.

For 35 years, Charlene served Drake University and the Honors Program, providing continuity, leadership, and care across generations of students and through many changes in faculty leadership. In recognition of her remarkable legacy, the Honors Program will dedicate a plaque in her honor to be displayed in the Medbury Honors Lounge.

We invite members of the campus and alumni community to join us on Friday, April 24, from 2–3:30 p.m. in the Medbury Honors Lounge for remarks and light refreshments as we celebrate Charlene’s many years of dedication to the Honors Program and to Drake University.

— Kendra Colbert, Drake Online and Continuing Education

ISGC Spring Research Symposium

April 28, 2026

The Iowa Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) invites the Drake Community to attend the Spring Research Symposium on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, held at the Olmsted Center at Drake University.

The afternoon will feature selected scholar presentations and a poster session showcasing innovative research from ISGC-supported students.

This event is free, offering a great opportunity to engage with emerging research, connect with students and faculty, and expand your professional network.

Light refreshments will be provided.

12:45 – 12:50 pm       Welcome address: Dr. Sara D. Nelson, ISGC Director – Sussman Theater

12:50 – 2:20 pm              Presentations by select scholars and projects- Sussman Theater

2:20– 2:30 pm                 Break and move to Parents Hall

2:30 – 3:45 pm                 Poster session – CR310-313

3:45 – 3:50 pm                 Closing Comments – Parents Hall

— Lori Byrd, Sponsored Programs Administration and Research Compliance

Help the Office of Sustainability by volunteering with Relays Recycling. Join us for an hour shift to pick up and sort recycling throughout the Drake Stadium. Sign up on DUgood here.

— Sydney Dvorak, Sustainability Coordinator

As highlighted earlier this year in OnCampus, Drake University continues working closely with the City of Des Moines to enhance pedestrian safety in and around campus. These efforts are an important step toward creating a safer and more walkable environment for everyone.

With the change in weather, we expect to see an increase in people walking, running, and biking across campus. We ask all community members—students, faculty, staff, and visitors—to stay alert, follow posted traffic rules, and share campus pathways responsibly.

Key Safety Updates and Reminders

Reduced Speed on Forest Avenue

To promote safety along one of the busiest corridors near campus, the speed limit on Forest Avenue has been reduced to 30 mph. In addition, no parking is permitted on either side of Forest Avenue from 31st Street to 25th Street. These changes help improve visibility and reduce risks for pedestrians crossing or traveling near the roadway.  Even with these changes, we ask all drivers to be vigilant and pay extra attention in this area.

Sidewalk Access Restricted to Pedestrians

To further support a pedestrian‑friendly campus, we remind everyone that private vehicles are not allowed on University sidewalks at any time. The only exceptions include:

• Emergency response vehicles
• Approved clearly marked University vehicles
• Vehicles that have received prior approval from Drake Public Safety

Any private vehicle—including contractor vehicles—parked on sidewalks or pedestrian pathways are subject to ticketing and towing without notice. These restrictions protect pedestrian safety, prevent damage to walkways, and help preserve campus green spaces.

Everyone Plays a Part

Creating a safe campus environment requires cooperation from all members of our community. Whether you are driving, biking, or walking, please remain aware of your surroundings and follow posted signs and regulations.

Together, we can continue making Drake’s campus a safer, more welcoming place for everyone.

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