Category Archives: For Faculty Archive

For Faculty Archive

Fall 2026 FYS Call for Proposals

We are excited to invite proposals for the Fall 2026 First-Year Seminars (FYS). As a cornerstone of our first-year experience, the FYS provides a structured, welcoming environment where students begin building academic confidence, habits, and sense of belonging that will carry them through their Drake journey. These seminars provide incoming students with transformative opportunities to connect with faculty, peers, and ideas in meaningful and developmentally supportive ways.

To propose an FYS for next fall, please complete the Qualtrics proposal form before Monday, Feb. 2, 2026.

If you have any questions as you complete the proposal, contact Bret Sikkink (bret.sikkink@drake.edu) in the Center for Teaching & Learning.

—Kendra Colbert, Drake Online and Continuing Education

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Upcoming System Updates for Campus Computers

In early January, ITS will start rolling out important required system updates to all Mac and Windows computers across campus.

  • Windows users: Your devices will receive the Windows 25H2 update.
  • Mac users: Your devices will be upgraded to macOS Tahoe.

These updates will be delivered through the usual update process. When you see a notification to install the update, please do so promptly to help keep your computer and our campus network safe and running smoothly.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please visit our online portal at service.drake.edu/its. You can also contact the Support Center by phone at 515-271-3001. We’re here to help with any concerns you may have regarding the update process.

Thank you for helping us maintain secure and up-to-date technology on our campus!

— Becky Klein, ITS

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Survey of Administrative Services: ITS Progress and Opportunities 

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Survey of Administrative Services. Of the 290 survey participants, 66% (192 people) reported working with ITS regularly. The respondent group was 74% staff/administrators and 26% faculty members. The average satisfaction score across all survey responses was 4.5 out of 5. As shown in the chart below, satisfaction scores have steadily increased since 2021 and reached their highest level since the survey began. 

Key Highlights 

  • Overall Satisfaction: 87% of participants reported being satisfied or very satisfied with ITS overall. Staff continued to be recognized for courtesy, professionalism, and knowledge. 
  • Positive Trends: Most respondents agreed they have the tools and support needed to work effectively on campus and remotely. A large majority recognized ITS staff as exemplifying Drake’s core values.

Areas of Growth

Training Awareness: Last year, 84% of all survey respondents said they knew how to access training to learn new technology. This year, awareness among faculty declined: only 74% of faculty members reported knowing how to get technology training, compared to 88% of faculty last year. In contrast, staff awareness of training resources increased slightly. To better understand these findings, we will collect additional feedback on where campus members seek technology training resources and what types of training they need. This approach will enable us to tailor our efforts and collaborate with campus partners to provide more responsive and effective support. 

Communication and Response: Most respondents remain confident in ITS’s ability to resolve issues and provide regular status updates. However, some noted inconsistencies in communication and response times, which often depend on frontline staff availability. To address this, we are prioritizing staff cross-training and enhancing self-service and remote support options to ensure faster and more consistent assistance. 

Thank you for your continued engagement and feedback. Your insights are essential in strengthening ITS services and empowering every member of the Drake community to thrive in a digital world. 

— Keren Fiorenza, Deputy CITO & Chief Information Security Officer

For Faculty Archive

Call for Nominations: Global Scholar/Practitioner-in-Residence

The Principal Center for Global Citizenship invites nominations for the Global Scholar/Practitioner-in-Residence program for Fall 2026, seeking to attract talented individuals from academia or the professions who have outstanding international expertise to teach a course, mentor students, give public lectures, work on joint research with faculty, and aid the global capacity-building of the institution through fruitful external collaborations. One scholar will be selected. 

Nomination Instructions 

Candidates should be nominated by the academic unit to which they will be attached. Please submit the following supporting materials: 

A nomination letter discussing the qualifications of the candidate and expected contributions to the department and University as a whole 

Candidate’s biographical information and CV 

A letter of interest from the candidate 

A letter of support from the department chair and college/school dean, including how the scholar advances departmental and college/school strategic goals related to internationalization 

Nominations should be directed to Annique Kiel, Chief Global Affairs Officer and Dean of Global Programs, by January 23, 2026. Preference will be given to practitioners or scholars from one of Drake’s global partners. Units considering a nomination are encouraged to consult with Annique prior to submission. 

Among the criteria to be considered for the nominee: 

A record of recognized international leadership and distinguished professional accomplishment in their field 

A demonstrated commitment to global capacity-building and responsible global citizenship 

An ability to bring a uniquely global perspective to the Drake community 

A willingness and ability to offer courses that complement the existing curriculum and meet rigorous academic standards. 

In recognition of their contributions, Global Scholars/Practitioners receive a stipend, a travel allowance, an appropriate workspace in the host college/school, and access to university facilities. Global Scholars/Practitioners will be affiliated with an appropriate academic unit for the semester and will offer at least one course. 

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Mark Your Calendar for this Year’s Holiday Cheer Event

All Staff Council and Human Resources invite faculty and staff to attend this year’s Holiday Cheer gathering on Tuesday, Dec. 16, by the Pomerantz stage in the Olmsted Center. You are welcome to come and go as you please from 9 to 11 a.m.

Relax and enjoy some tasty holiday treats and beverages with friends and colleagues. Griff II will make an appearance near the beginning of the event, so if you time it right, you may be able to get your picture taken with him in your favorite holiday attire.

If you bring at least one non-perishable food or other goods for Drake’s Free Little Food Pantries, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a prize.  We would love to stock the pantry before the holiday break.

This event is a chance to give back to others in the Drake community, while mingling with coworkers.  Please take a moment to stop by, grab some cheer, and drop off a donation.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Bulldog Shop Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day Sale

To our amazing Drake University faculty and staff, thank you for all you do!

The Bulldog Shop is celebrating Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day on Tuesday, Nov. 25. Faculty and staff can enjoy an exclusive increased discount of 25% off in-store purchases.

Take a well-deserved moment to treat yourself. From Bulldog gear to gifts and everyday essentials, it’s the perfect time to shop, save, and celebrate your hard work.

Visit the Bulldog Shop in Olmsted. This in-store exclusive deal is one day only!

— Bulldog Shop

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Third Fridays: Faculty and Staff in Community

Join faculty and staff colleagues from around the University on Friday, Nov. 21, in the Howard Hall Faculty Lounge, Room 212. This will be the last of the Third Friday series for 2025.

  • At 11 a.m., hear from Adrien Halliez, A&S Political Science, about American political opinion, polarization, and what all those yard signs can tell us.
  • At 1 p.m., join Leanne Purdum, A&S Law, Politics, and Society to discuss the role of technology in college classrooms.
  • And from 2–4 p.m., stop by to socialize and enjoy a refreshment and snacks before the weekend.

— Bret Sikkink, Faculty Development Specialist