Category Archives: For Faculty Archive

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Writing in Your Academic Field Faculty Development: Spring 2025

Written communication is important in almost any academic field, but the genres and accepted conventions of writing vary from discipline to discipline. In this project, we will discuss ways to integrate writing instruction into courses for which written communication is not necessarily the primary learning outcome, as well as courses that require students to communicate in field-specific ways (for instance, lab reports or business memos).

Instructors who participate in this project will have a one-semester commitment that will include:

  • Working with the Director of Writing, Megan Brown, on the development of a writing assignment, writing activities, or a writing project for one of their spring classes.
  • Attending hour-long meetings of all participants in the program in February, March, and April (or early May) 2025.  These meetings may be structured as two sessions each month, with half of the group at each session, to facilitate more in-depth discussion.
  • Requiring all students enrolled in their class to attend tutoring sessions at the Writing Center at least twice during the semester.

After completing the project and attending the final meeting, participants will receive a $500 stipend.

Participation is limited to 10 individuals.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Madison Bemus (madison.bemus@drake.edu) by Monday, January 6.

If you have questions, please contact Megan Brown (megan.brown@drake.edu).

Megan Brown, College of Arts & Sciences 

University Budget Town Hall, December 3rd at 3 pm, Parents Hall; Provost’s Social to Follow

As President Martin shared in a recent message to campus, the University will hold a budget town hall on Tuesday, December 3rd at 3 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Parents Hall. All faculty and staff are encouraged to attend to learn more about the fiscal year 2024 results, overall financial health, fiscal year 2025 budget, and a look ahead to future fiscal years. 

If you have questions you would like addressed at the town hall, please send them to president@drake.edu.

Provost’s Social immediately following the town hall 

The Provost’s Social will be held following the town hall in Olmsted 312, across from Parents Hall.  Refreshments at the social will include an assortment of beverages and light snacks. 

Adam Voigts, Finance & Administration

Panopto Update: Enhancing Blackboard Access

ITS is making an important update to Panopto, our streaming video content management system for Blackboard. Effective December 19th, the “Ultra Course Panopto Video Library” link will be renamed to “Course Video Library – Panopto” to improve accessibility.

Action Required:

  1. Remove the existing link (“Ultra Course Panopto Video Library”) from your Blackboard content area.
  2. Re-add the link with the new name (“Course Video Library – Panopto”) from the Content Market in Blackboard Ultra.

Please update all references to Panopto in your course materials, including syllabi and Blackboard instructions, to avoid student confusion.

If you have questions or need assistance, submit a Blackboard Ultra Request and specify “Consultation.”

Thank you for your cooperation.

Karly Good, ITS

United Way of Central Iowa Campaign Results

Thank you to everyone who donated to United Way of Central Iowa generating nearly $30,000. One hundred percent of these donations stay in central Iowa (Polk, Dallas, & Warren counties) with over 10,500 people served in the 50311 zip code last year. We also held a successful supply drive benefiting local DMPS schools. Thank you! You have demonstrated Drake’s commitment as an anchor institution and this is best exemplified by this quote from Bryan Coffey at United Way:

“United Way of Central Iowa strives to further develop stronger and more equitable communities. We were able to UNITE our influential partner, Drake University and five Des Moines schools! Drake University stands as one of our top supportive education entities in Central Iowa and we are proud of this partnership!”

Nate Reagen, Chief of Staff

Grant Proposal Opportunity for Educational Research

The Spencer Foundation offers a Large Research Grants on Education Program which will fund research projects that contribute to the improvement of education. The allowable budget is $125,000 – $500,000 total for projects ranging from one to five years. Letters of Intent to Apply are due on January 14, with a full proposal deadline of February 11, if invited to submit.  Check out the website for more information or contact the SPARC office (lori.byrd@drake.edu or preston.miller@drake.edu) with questions and/or to let us know of your interest.

Lori Byrd, Sponsored Programs Administration and Research Compliance

Join the Stop, Drop, and Roll, Holiday Challenge

The holiday season can be a challenge when it comes to taking care of ourselves, so we are bringing back the Stop, Drop, and Roll holiday challenge to help.  ‘Stop’ the potential holiday weight gain, ‘Drop’ some of the bad habits, while picking up a few good ones, and ‘Roll’ into the New Year on a healthier path.

Each week we will focus on a different topic from healthier eating and physical activity to sleep, taking a breath, and making social connections.

Even if weight gain isn’t a problem or priority for you, this program will cover wellbeing topics pertinent to everyone.

Send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu by Friday, Nov. 22 to register.

Linda Feiden, Human Resources

EXTRA DISCOUNT: Faculty & Staff Appreciation Day at Bulldog Shop

Save the date: Tuesday, November 26

It’s the season for thankfulness and giving, and Bulldog Shop wants to show our appreciation to all Drake faculty and staff. For one day only, all Drake employees can DOUBLE THEIR DISCOUNT on in-store purchases at Bulldog Shop. Enjoy your 15% off staff discount plus an additional 15% off. Simply show your employee ID at checkout to redeem. Don’t miss out! Set that reminder in your calendar now!

Bulldog Shop

University Budget Town Hall, December 3rd at 3 pm, Parents Hall; Provost’s Social to Follow

 As President Martin shared in a recent message to campus, the University will hold a budget town hall on Tuesday, December 3rd at 3 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Parents Hall. All faculty and staff are encouraged to attend to learn more about the fiscal year 2024 results, overall financial health, fiscal year 2025 budget, and a look ahead to future fiscal years. 

If you have questions you would like addressed at the town hall, please send them to president@drake.edu.

Provost’s Social immediately following the town hall 

The Provost’s Social will be held following the town hall in Olmsted 312, across from Parents Hall.  Refreshments at the social will include an assortment of beverages and light snacks. 

— Adam Voigts, Chief Financial Officer & Sue Mattison, Provost 

2024 United Way of Central Iowa Giving Campaign For Faculty & Staff

The season of giving is upon us and it is time for our annual United Way of Central Iowa giving campaign! Your optional contribution can be financial or needed supplies for area Des Moines Public School food pantries, or both. We have reinstated some fun, giving-level incentives as well.

The campaign will kick-off on Monday, November 18 with an email from Mary Sellers from United Way of Central Iowa. Some highlights to share:

  • The campaign is part of our commitment as an anchor institution and to the Des Moines community
  • One hundred percent of the funds donated remain in central Iowa (Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties)
  • 10,544 people were served last year in the 50311 zip code
  • United Way financially supports 15 organizations that are partners with Drake including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa

For any financial contributions to the campaign, we have reinstated giving level incentives to celebrate our participation. From free parking passes, many Starbucks gift-cards, basketball game tickets, and more! See this page for the details and thank you to our many campus partners who made these incentives possible.

New this year: a supply drive in partnership with Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) will be Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Olmsted Breezeway.  DMPS has requested:

  • Plastic grocery bags (yes, the hundreds of these you have at home)
  • Peanut butter
  • Canned fruit & vegetables
  • Cereal: bagged or boxed
  • Rice: bagged or boxed
  • Beans: canned
  • Paper products: toilet paper, paper towels, and diapers

Overall, our 2024 United Way of Central Iowa campaign goal is to exceed 33% participation from our full-time faculty and staff.

If you have any questions or do not receive the email from Mary Sellers on November 18th and wish to participate, please reach out to Nate Reagen.

Thank you for your support and generosity in advance!

Nate Reagen, President’s Office