Drake University will switch from cooling to heating in mid-October based on outside temperatures. We are monitoring the forecast closely during the next few weeks and are tentatively setting the changeover date as beginning Oct. 24.

If the forecast changes we will adjust changeover dates according to the temperatures. The changeover process takes our department about a week to drain the loops and switch systems from one mode (cooling) to the other (heating).  We start with the residence halls first because these buildings are occupied 24/7.  Once the switch occurs, there is no changing back until the next cooling season (in mid-April).

Thanks for your patience during this fall season when air conditioning may not be available and we prepare to switch from cooling to heat.  During that time if a room is not comfortable, please let us know so our staff can see if adjustments can be made.

— Aaron Edwards, Facility Planning and Management

The IMT Des Moines Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 16. Drake University is proud to be part of this great Des Moines tradition. The marathon will impact roads and travel throughout Des Moines and specifically at the University at miles 11 and 12. Travel on and around campus will be impacted during the race.

Mile 11 travels down 25th Street and Forest Avenue to Drake Stadium as participants take a lap around the iconic Blue oval. Mile 12 leaves the stadium and enters the campus proper on the sidewalks at the Ray Plaza and continues to Carpenter Avenue and back out to 25th Street.

There is no parking on Sunday, Oct. 16, along the race route, including but not limited to, 25th Street from University Avenue to Forest Avenue, along Forest Avenue from 25th Street to 27th Street, and on Carpenter Avenue from 25th Street to Painted Street (in front of Carnegie, Old Main, the Law School and FAC) on campus. Vehicles parked in these areas or anywhere along the course route will be towed at the owners expense.

Please expect increased activity and noise during the race. Race marshals will be stationed along the path along with Des Moines Police and Drake Public Safety officers on the campus to keep the course safe for participants and spectators. We ask that you follow the direction of course marshals for everyone’s safety.

For more information about the IMT Des Moines Marathon and potential road closures or disruptions throughout the city, please see the race map.

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

Drake Dining will have modified hours for fall break. See a list of hours for Oct. 14–18.

— Shaelyn Hankins, Drake Dining

The Federal Trade Commission has announced that student loan scams are on the rise. Read the FTC’s recent announcement to learn how to identify and avoid scams. For official information about federal student loans visit studentaid.gov. You can also subscribe to updates from the U.S. Department of Education here.

— Ryan Zantingh, Student Financial Planning

The Office of Global Engagement is pleased to introduce Professor Inés Rojas as Drake’s Global Scholar-in-Residence for the 2022-2023 academic year. The Global Scholar-in-Residence program, sponsored by the Principal Center for Global Citizenship, allows accomplished academics abroad to bring their expertise to campus and engage with students, faculty/staff, and community members.

Professor Inés Rojas is a full professor at Universidad de Los Andes in Venezuela, where she teaches Intercultural Communication, Human Rights, and International Organizations. She received her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Language and her Master’s degree in Linguistics from Universidad de Los Andes. She was awarded a Fulbright scholarship in 2002-2004 to attend Georgia State University where she obtained a Master’s and a PhD in Political Science. Her research areas include social movements, women’s human rights and gender policy reform, and civic engagement through citizen participation and experiential learning.

This is Professor Rojas’s second time visiting Drake University. She was a visiting scholar in the World Languages and Cultures program during the 2012-2013 academic year, where she taught a course on Model Organization of the Americas and Latin American Identity. Returning to the World Languages and Cultures program, she is teaching Practical Spanish Speaking and Writing this semester, and in Spring 2023 she will be teaching a course on the Image of a Latin America. During IE Week in November, Professor Rojas will speak about her time on campus so far, and how it fits into her ongoing work abroad.

For more information about the Global Scholar-in-Residence program at Drake University, please visit https://www.drake.edu/cgc/globalscholarpractitionerinresidence/.

— Dawson Urquidez, AS

A steam valve replacement as part of the Meredith Hall Renovations will result in steam being shut off for a day during Fall Break. Beginning Sunday, Oct. 16, at 8 p.m. through Monday, Oct. 17, at 5 p.m. hot water will be affected across campus.

For students currently residing in Jewett or Morehouse, there is a backup hot water system for those buildings. The Bell Center will also have available hot water for other students who remain on campus during this period for showers.  The Bell Center is open Sunday, Oct. 16, from 1–6 p.m. and Monday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.

— Rob Ebel, Facilities Planning & Management

The Law School is hosting its annual Continuing Legal Education event, the General Practice Review. The 45th annual General Practice Review will be held on Dec. 8–9 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Parents Hall. This event serves to provide updates on current case law and a variety of other topics. All practicing or retired attorneys are invited to attend.

Topics that will be covered during the event include criminal practice and procedure, real estate, family law, ethics, Iowa civil procedure, employment law, insurance law, and more. Lunch will be provided both days.

This year, there are three ticket options available, including in-person, live stream, or recording. Tickets are $450 for two days or $225 for one day. This pricing is consistent for all ticket options. Participants can attend both days to earn a total of 15 CLE credit hours, including 3 ethics hours, or attend one day to earn 7.50 hours.

Register or find more information. For questions, contact Amy Cutler at amy.cutler@drake.edu or 515–271–3361.

— Taylor Johnson, Law School

Students are invited to come for free pizza before the Sussman Lecture on Monday, Oct. 24, at 5 p.m. at Pomerantz Stage with speaker Dr. Michael J. Nelson. Connect with other students who have an interest in The U.S. Supreme Court and have a chance to talk to an expert on the topic as well.

For more information on the fall Sussman Lecture, “The U.S. Supreme Court: Yesterday and Today,” visit The Harkin Institute website.

— Lila Johnson, The Harkin Institute

University Communications and Marketing is sponsoring a Professional Headshot Day Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Old Main, Conference Room 115. The sessions are free to all faculty, staff, students. High-resolution portraits are made available for download through SmugMug. 

Please sign up for a time slot. Click the Register button on the University calendar page. Space is limited.

—Jimmy Hoover, University Communications and Marketing