The Underground will be closed and there will be no more Group X classes for the rest of the semester. Thanks for a great semester!

— Emily Madsen, Rec Services

Starbucks in Olmsted will be open this summer Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

— Shaelyn Hankins, Dining Services

Global Engagement is pleased to announce a call for proposals to present at the International Education Week Forum: China taking place November 18, 2022.

About the Forum
The inaugural International Education Week Forum will coincide with the U.S.-China Symposium at Drake University and will also have a thematic focus on China. Students and faculty members from Drake and other select institutions will present on research and other projects related to China. This mini-conference will provide an opportunity for students and faculty across disciplines to present their work and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Call for Proposals – Eligibility & Criteria
Undergraduate students, graduate students, recent graduates and faculty members are encouraged to submit proposals. Research and academic papers, poster sessions and panel discussions are all acceptable. Proposals may be submitted from any academic discipline.

How to Submit a Proposal
Submit a proposal using this Qualtrics form. Proposals must contain the following:

• Title of presentation
• Type of presentation
• Abstract or brief summary of presentation topic, themes, objectives, etc.
• Preferred length of presentation

Proposals will be accepted until September 30, 2022.

Contact Hannah Sappenfield, Global Partnerships Coordinator, with any questions.

— Hannah Sappenfield, Global Engagement

 Drake University is the proud host of the Iowa boys and girls state high school track meet. The meet will run from Thursday, May 19, through Saturday May 21. Staging and set up will begin on Tuesday, May 17, impacting Lot 18 north and south. This meet brings hundreds of high school athletes to Drake as well as thousands of guests. 

This event will impact parking on campus. The following lots will have restricted access or will charge for non-Drake permitted vehicles: Lot 1 (FAC), Lot 4 (Tennis), Lots 18 N & S (STAH  & Stadium), Lot 33 and the intramural field lots. Expect these lots as well as many lots on campus to be full early in the day and stay that way until early evening. 

We ask that Drake students, faculty, and staff that need to be on campus Thursday–Saturday, plan accordingly, use public transportation if available and give yourself additional time to find parking and get where you need to be if you must drive. In keeping with our new remote work policy, those that can work remotely during this time period may wish to do so to avoid bringing vehicles to campus during this time. 

Thank you in advance for your cooperation as we showcase our campus and the hospitality that is the hallmark of the Drake University community. 

— Scott Law, Public Safety & Operational Services

Join us as we bring the Caribbean to you on Saturday, May 7. Drake University’s African Caribbean Student Association presents the first Bacchanal Day Fest where Dancehall & Soca meet Afrobeats: the ultimate water celebration! Be there from 12–5 p.m. in Helmick Commons (the first 150 students who present their student ID get in for free).

This one is for the ages, you don’t want to miss it! Follow our socials for exclusive info: Instagram: @bulldogs.acsa and Facebook: ACSABulldogs.

— Lauren Igbanugo, JO

A lesser known but common problem among Drake students is basic needs insecurity. Meaning, many students struggle to access food, water, housing, transportation, healthcare, and safety. The Drake LEAD capstone created an initiative called Drake Cares, where they localized many of the University’s resources into a few key areas: an infographic, brochure, and website. The goal of Drake Cares is to increase the accessibility of resources on and around Drake. If students know about what Drake has to offer, they are more likely to ask for help when they need it. Find printed copies of the infographic and brochure around campus, or at drake.edu/acadsuccess/basicneedsresources/.

— Kate Franke, JO, AS

Please join the Office of the Provost in extending congratulations to the Drake faculty granted tenure and/or promotion by the Board of Trustees on Friday, May 29.

— Drinda Williams, Office of the Provost

As you’re packing up and moving out, if you come across items (non-perishable foods, school supplies, hygiene items, etc.) that you don’t want to keep, put them in the designated boxes for collection.

Look for a yellow plastic bin or cardboard box near the entryway or lobby of your residence hall. The Interfraternity Council is holding a similar drive in fraternity houses, and there will be a bin at Alpha Phi and potentially other sorority houses. There will also be a bin near the C Store. If you have leftover flex dollars, consider using them to purchase food for this drive!

This drive is planned to last until mid-afternoon on May 13. It is organized by Next Course Food Recovery.

Items will be donated to the Little Free Pantries in the Drake Neighborhood or a nearby food pantry. Please don’t donate any perishable items or things that will not fit in the Little Pantries.

Contact andrew.kenanrd@drake.edu with questions about the Next Course drive and brian.orellana@drake.edu with questions about the Interfraternity Council Drive.

— Andrew Kennard, Junior

Join us for a campus-wide celebration of student leadership at Drake University. The Adams Leadership Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 4, at 6 p.m. in Sheslow Auditorium. All Drake students, faculty, and staff are invited and encouraged to attend. Nominees and selected winners will be announced for 18 student leadership awards, including:

• Outstanding First Year Student
• Outstanding Transfer Student
• Outstanding Student Organization
• Oreon. E Scott Senior of the Year Award

…and many more! Students in the Adams Leadership Institute and the leadership studies minor will also be recognized. No RSVP required; note the time and date on your calendar and show up with your friends and colleagues across campus. Appetizer reception to follow in Levitt Hall for award winners and their nominators. We hope to see you there!

— Kristin Economos, Student Leadership Programs

The Drake Relays brings thousands of athletes, alumni, and guests to campus. As a result, parking and travel on and around campus will be significantly impacted during Relays, April 23–30.

If you are commuting to campus, it is highly recommended that you use public transportation if possible. If you do plan on driving, give yourself plenty of time to find parking. Please remember that cars that are parked on the grass, illegally in handicap spaces, or blocking operations will be towed without notice.  

Saturday, April 23: Packet pick up at the Knapp Center for the Drake Road Races and Grand Blue Mile from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., about 4,000 people will come to campus throughout the day.

Sunday, April 24: Drake Road Races will impact vehicular traffic on Forest Avenue and 25^th Street, and throughout the city of Des Moines, between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. 

Sunday, April 24–Sunday, April 30:
Lot 17 (Facilities Lot) will be closed/No Parking allowed

Wednesday, April 27, 12 pm – Saturday, April 30, 6 pm:
Forest Avenue will be fully closed from 27^th Street to 29^th Street and will allow for only limited access from 24^th Street to 27^th Street and from 29^th Street to 31^st Street. No street parking is allowed along Forest Avenue. 

Wednesday, April 27–Saturday, April 30:
27^th Street will be intermittently closed between Forest Avenue and Clarke street.

Wednesday, April 27–Saturday, April 29:
Lot 18 S (Studio Arts) will be closed/No Parking allowed

Wednesday, April 27–Saturday, April 29:
Part of Lot 13 (Ray Promenade Lot) will be closed

— Scott Law, Public Safety and University Operations