Interested in studying abroad in Japan?

The Incoming Team at Kwansei Gakuin University, located in Osaka, Japan, will host an info session in March for students who may be interested in studying abroad in Japan.

The session will include a short greeting from the Contemporary Japan Program Director, an introduction of the university and the exchange program, a mock class, as well as an introduction to KGU Campus life and a Q&A.

The Info Session is scheduled for Monday, March 10 at 8:00 pm. Register here to attend:  https://kgu-exchange-infosession.eventbrite.com

This session is aimed towards:

• Students interested in studying in Japan but still exploring options
• Students planning to study abroad at KGU
• Students already nominated to KGU but wanting to learn more
• Faculty or staff interested in learning more about the program

— Emily Erschen, Global Engagement

On Sunday, Feb. 23, from 3–5 p.m., Drake University’s The Comparison Project, in conjunction with the “Iowa Interfaith Exchange,” hosts “Roads to Religion” in the Olmsted Center (Parents Hall) on Drake’s campus. The event, which is free and open to the public, features dozens of local religious communities, collectively representing at least a dozen religious traditions. These communities will be arranged throughout the hall as if on a map of the metro area. Visitors will receive a map to guide them in their exploration of them. Refreshments will be provided by Drake’s catering service, Sodexo.

The ”Iowa Interfaith Exchange” includes Drake’s The Comparison Project and three other local nonprofits: CultureALL, the Des Moines Area Religious Council, and Interfaith Alliance of Iowa.

— Catalina Samaniego, College of Arts & Sciences

Drake Global Engagement is excited to announce students will apply to study abroad for fall 2025 and beyond through a new, more streamlined study abroad application system!  It will be going live soon with an update sent out in the next OnCampus.

If you are interested in studying abroad fall 2025 and haven’t already met with Global Engagement, set up a meeting with Drake’s Education Abroad Coordinator, Emily Erschen, through Starfish.  This will ensure we know who is interested and we will reach out to you directly when we go live.  As a reminder, the application deadline to study abroad Fall 2025 is April 1^st.

— Emily Erschen, Global Engagement

Join Drake Weightlifting Club for a special Heavy Weightlifting series adjustable to all levels. We will use the Athletic Training Gym in the Bell Center.  These classes are for everyone, please join the class that best suits your needs.  If you require any further accommodations, please contact gail.witte@drake.edu.

The series will run weekly until March 6..

Women’s+ classes: Mondays and Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

Mens’s+ classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Check the Drake Rec App for details and signup.

— Gail Witte, Rec Services

Join us for an adaptive fitness series at the Bell Center. These are classes targeting everyone, especially people who may not feel comfortable in typical fitness classes. We want everyone to be able participate in a way that will work for them and their body. Feel free to take a break at any time and we will be giving frequent breaks. We are also increasing the number of verbal instructions/cues.

We are also doing our best to make these classes sensory friendly so feel free to bring any sensory equipment you normally need/use. We will also be dimming lighting (expect for the pool), turning off tv, and playing any music at a lower volume. Contact suzanne.shoemaker@drake.edu with any questions.

— Gail Witte, Rec Services

 Welcome back, Bulldogs! We are excited to begin a new semester with expanded services and hours at the Student Services desk in Olmsted.  Hours at the SSC front desk (off the Olmsted Breezeway) are listed below, and in addition to our normal tasks, we’ll be taking over a few items that have traditionally been done in the Student Life Center, to assist as they transition to their new space in the Johansson Student Center.

Student Services Center Spring Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Contact Information:
studentservices@drake.edu
515-271-2000
www.drake.edu/studentservices

Basic Services:

• Drake ID’s (Mobile ID) Assistance
• Bulldog Bucks Account Assistance
• Parking Permit Distribution
• Parking Citation Payments
• Student Employment Paperwork Collection
• Student Employment Paycheck Distribution (12^th of the month)
• Key Distribution/Collection
• Olmsted Bike Checkouts
• GK Volleyball Court Reservations
• Student Org P-card and Print Card Checkout
• Olmsted Poster/Sandwich Board Approval

 — Sara Heijerman, Student Services Center

W-2 forms are available online through myDrake’s Employee Dashboard. To access and print your W-2, look to the “Taxes” section of the Employee Dashboard. Within this section, click “W-2 Wage and Tax Statement” and select the tax year for 2024.  Instructions are available for your reference. If you have questions, contact Human Resources at 271-3133.

— Lisa Etnyre, Human Resources

Get ready to hit the streets of downtown Des Moines! Grand Blue Mile registration opens Feb. 11, and for two days only, you can secure your spot for just $10—the lowest price of the year. Whether you’re aiming for a PR, walking with friends, or making it a family tradition, this is your chance to be part of the Midwest’s premier mile. Don’t miss out—sign up during the flash sale, February 11–12, and save!

— Ben Huftalin, Drake Relays

Stop by Cowles Library and explore the February Featured Collection, a celebration of Black voices, joy, and resilience.

In honor of Black History Month, we’ve gathered a selection of fiction and nonfiction by Black authors—stories that uplift, inspire, and illuminate. From triumphant personal narratives to imaginative tales that redefine possibility, these books showcase the richness and depth of Black storytelling.

Whether you’re looking for a powerful memoir, a moving novel, or a fresh perspective, you’ll find something to captivate and inspire. Come discover your next great read!

— Joanna Stankiewicz, Cowles Library