This is a final reminder that the deadline for student paper (or concept) submissions for the Spring 2022 Nelson Student Research Symposia is Friday, Feb. 18, 2022. This year, the symposia seeks student presentations focused on the theme “what it means to be a changemaker in their discipline and how their discipline is addressing a contemporary global issue or societal challenge.” I encourage students to submit papers that they have written for their coursework during the past fall, J-Term, or other terms for presentation at the Spring 2022 symposia. Please keep in mind that while research presentations that support the theme are encouraged, all global topics from any academic discipline are welcome. Information regarding the submission and participation can be accessed here or https://www.drake.edu/nelsoninstitute/students/researchsymposia/callforproposals/.

— Jimmy Senteza, CBPA

Ambassador Terry Branstad began office hours as part of his role as Ambassador in Residence here at Drake University on Monday, Feb. 7.  Ambassador Branstad will be available to meet with faculty and students and speak to classes and student organizations. This is an exceptional academic opportunity to hear the perspective, reasoning, and experiences of someone who helped shape Iowa and U.S. history.

If you would like to meet with him personally to ask questions about the many experiences he has had throughout his career, please use Starfish to schedule an appointment.

If you would like him to speak to your class or your organization’s event, please complete this Qualtrics survey and you’ll receive a notification after it has been reviewed.

— Sara Hughes, Law School

There is a national shortage of blood supplies, and you can help! Staff can use Community Service Leave time to donate blood, if you are an eligible donor. Some local donation sites include LifeServe Blood Centers and the American Red Cross. Thank you for the gift of life!

— Lauren McCarthy, Office of the Registrar

View hours of operation for the Spring 2022 semester for the Bell Center, Bell Center pool, Underground Fitness, and tennis center.

Join entrepreneurship and innovation fellows on campus for National Entrepreneurship Week, starting Feb. 14.

• On Tuesday, Feb. 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., we’ll be in the Innovation Studio (124C Meredith) making buttons and stickers. Bring a design or create one while you’re there.
• Wednesday, Feb. 16, we’ll be in the Innovation Studio from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to make buttons, stickers, vinyl heat transfers (bring a T-shirt!) and more.
• The final event for the week will be on Thursday, Feb. 17 on the top level of Carnegie. Learn about the vintage printing press and make your own bulldog print from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

If you want to use the vinyl cutter for stickers or designs for the heat transfer machine, download the software.

To learn more about National Entrepreneurship Week and other programming, visit natleshipweek.org/events.

— Stephanie Cardwell, Buchanan Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership

Social distancing and remote learning have reduced or altered opportunities to practice oral communication techniques that we all need in a variety of situations. Drake University’s Speaking Center is here to support students, faculty, and staff in our shared efforts to develop and advance these crucial skills.

The Speaking Center is now open for both online and campus appointments. Students can book appointments to meet with a tutor for help in preparing, composing, and delivering speeches and presentations—or even to get advice for initiating difficult conversations and participating in interactive discussions. The Speaking Center Director is also available to consult with faculty and staff or to offer classroom presentations and workshops.

Location and hours: The Speaking Center will be holding appointments online through Blackboard and also in the tutoring space downstairs in Cowles Library. Tutoring appointments are available Monday through Wednesday in the afternoons and evenings.

To make an appointment: Visit library.drake.edu/speaking to schedule a personal meeting with a tutor. Please enter a note specifying whether you prefer a virtual or campus appointment. Virtual tutoring sessions are held on Blackboard Collaborate Ultra at the following link: https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/7989fbe8f9314fa98d680dca692582e9

Appointments are scheduled for 30 minutes each, and students are encouraged to schedule multiple times while preparing for a single event if they wish. Any questions or concerns should be directed to speaking-help@drake.edu.

Speaking Center Services: Speaking Center tutors have experience and training in speech pedagogy and are prepared to assist students when selecting and narrowing topics, organizing ideas, drafting and revising an outline, preparing visual aids, and practicing delivery. The Speaking Center’s staff also facilitates access to research and resources that can help speakers and presenters, and can address a variety of oral communication issues.

— Joan McAlister, College of Arts & Sciences

Drake University thanks Jessica Morgan-Tate for serving as the University’s Title IX administrator since 2018. Jessica is leaving Drake to accept a position in Arizona.

Assistant Director of Public Safety and Operational Services Tricia McKinney will serve as interim Title IX coordinator until the position is filled. Tricia has experience in Title IX matters and is trained in Title IX, VAWA, and Clery reporting. We are grateful for Tricia’s willingness to serve as a resource to students, faculty, and staff. 

The search process for the Title IX coordinator role is underway—watch for updates in future issues of OnCampus. The Title IX office can be contacted at  (515) 271-4956 or titleIX@drake.edu.

— Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer

As a request from our insurance provider and as part of the updated University Driver Approval and Vehicle Operation Policy, all approved drivers will need to watch a distracted driving video annually to continue to be an approved driver with the University. The Risk and Insurance department will send out an email to each faculty and staff member that is listed as an approved driver with a login and instructions for the video. This will need to be completed in the month of February.  If you receive an email and are no longer driving on behalf of the University, please let us know so as we will update our records.

Coming in August, the Risk and Insurance Office and Environmental Health and Safety Department will be implementing a new golf cart safety program. We will update you as we finalize this program early this summer.

— Kelly Foster, Finance and Administration

Recreational Services will have adjusted hours Jan. 24 through Feb. 6. Create a reservation for the pool and tennis center at rec.drake.edu.

— Emily Madsen, Recreational Services