Drake University will host several career-related events during the fall. To accommodate visiting employer representatives, the Olmsted Lot will be closed or restricted on the following day:

• Friday, September 12 (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
  Business & Technology Career Fair
  Parking: The Olmsted Lot will be closed for event parking. Those with parking passes for the Olmsted lot may park in any other Commuter lot with the exception of the Ray Promenade lot (lot 13) on Friday, September 12th.

Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternative lots or transportation options on Friday, September 12th.

Thank you for your cooperation in supporting this important career development opportunities.

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

Faculty, students, and staff are reminded that the 2025 parking passes are no longer valid. Please make sure that your present pass has “26” printed on it.  Please ensure you are following all University Parking Policies to avoid citations or towing.

If you have any questions or need assistance, contact Drake Public Safety at publicsafety@drake.edu.

Thank you for your cooperation!

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

Sign up to attend a wellness workshop on Monday, Sept. 15, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Discover how to align your daily routines with the rhythms of the season. In this workshop-style class, you’ll learn simple wellness practices rooted in mindfulness, movement, and nutrition that support balance and focus during the fall semester. Perfect for students looking to manage stress, boost energy, and feel more grounded as the weather shifts. Sign up on the Drake Rec app.

Welcome, first-generation Bulldogs!

Drake defines a first-generation student as a college student whose parents/legal guardians have not received a bachelor’s degree from a four-year university. At Drake, about 20% of our incoming students are first-generation students.

The Office of New Student Programs and First-Generation Student Organization would like to invite you to attend the First-Generation Student Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 4–6 p.m. in Pomerantz Stage, Olmsted Center. Let’s get together to welcome our new first-gen Bulldogs and kick off the start of the academic year together. This is an opportunity to celebrate Drake’s first–generation students, faculty, and staff and to continue building relationships and support within the community. Feel free to drop in anytime between 4–6 p.m. for some ice cream and to mingle with other first-generation Bulldogs.

— Marina Verlengia, New Student Programs

Throughout September you can view proposed new DART bus routes and services for the Des Moines metro and give feedback.

The proposed changes are part of Reimagine DART, which aims to transform public transit in Greater Des Moines to meet Central Iowa’s evolving travel needs within a level of funding the region can afford through June 2027.

Here’s how to give feedback:

Visit reimagineDARTdsm.com to see what’s changing. After looking at a map and reading about the new network, you can fill out a brief survey and share what you like and what you think DART should reconsider.

You’re also invited to attend a public meeting in to learn more and ask questions.

Your Drake ID provides free and unlimited use of the DART bus system, so your input is valued.

— Nate Reagen, Office of the President

Tune in Sept. 11 at 12 p.m. for an insider Everclass with Brian Hardin, Des Moines native and Director of Athletics at Drake University. Since 2017, Hardin has led Drake through its “golden era,” marked by record academic, competitive, and fundraising achievements. In this session, Hardin shares candid insights on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and its impact on student-athletes, the evolving responsibilities of a Division I athletic director, and the realities behind NCAA tournament selection and seeding. Learn how he has shaped Drake into Des Moines’ Hometown Team and a national model for success. Don’t miss this conversation on leadership, innovation, and the future of college sports. Register for free: https://drake-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/A-xtBoHaTve4EPZjhCbCuQ#/registration

— Andy Verlengia, Alumni Relations

The Student Services Center has moved to the Johansen Student Center and can be found on the first level, on the south side of the building (the old Morehouse front desk).

The SSC is the location where you can pick up your parking pass, pickup and return keys, take an ID photo, pick up student payroll checks, and complete Student HR Paperwork for on campus employment.

Hours for the fall semester are:
Mondays–Thursdays: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fridays: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Additionally, the campus print shop will remain closed until mid-September to allow us to move our equipment to our new space.  We will post in OnCampus once we have resumed print operations, and are currently planning to be up and running again by Sept. 15.

Thanks for your patience as we kick off the year!

— Sara Heijerman, Student Services Center