A new policy generally prohibiting the recording of conversations without the permission of all parties is now posted in the University Policy Library. The policy also covers when recordings are allowed in academic programming, the permissions needed to record, and limits on distribution of approved recordings. The purpose of the policy is to protect privacy, promote trust, uphold academic integrity, support accessibility, and ensure legal compliance. Thanks to those involved in providing input into the new policy and to those who submitted comments during the public comment period.

— Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer

Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) is offering a free replacement of lead water service lines for about 400 qualifying homes in the Drake Neighborhood (see highlighted map area). This project is part of DMWW’s commitment to provide safe, reliable drinking water for Des Moines families. While your water is safe to drink today, removing lead lines is a proactive step to ensure long-term health and safety. Best of all, it’s 100% free, and you can participate even if your bill isn’t up to date.

Sign and return your agreement today to secure your free replacement and help bring lead-free water to every home in the neighborhood. Didn’t receive an agreement or misplaced yours? Contact DMWW at lead@dmww.com or (515) 283-8754. And don’t forget to encourage your neighbors to sign up too. Together, we can make this project possible.

— Sydney Dvorak, Sustainability Coordinator

Do you have extra office supplies hanging around your office, or are you looking to stock up on something you don’t have? Look no further than the Office of Sustainability’s Office Supply Swap.

Stop by Pomerantz Stage in the Olmsted Center on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to pick up office supplies or drop off unwanted supplies. Please do not bring any broken items or junk.

Email sustainability@drake.edu with any questions.

— Sydney Dvorak, Sustainability Coordinator

Do you have unwanted e-waste in your office? You can now drop it off on the first floor of Johansen Student Center in break room 117 near the printer. Find the orange box. Batteries can also be dropped off here for collection. Email sustainability@drake.edu with any questions, or if the box is full.

Head to https://www.drake.edu/sustainability/resources/ for more E-waste information.

— Sydney Dvorak, Sustainability Coordinator

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