We’ve now been using Duo multi-factor authentication with Office 365 and other applications for over a year, and I appreciate the positive response we’ve had to this important security enhancement. Here are a few metrics that show the massive scale and usage of this security tool.

• 154,428 logins using Duo over the last 365 days, averaging more than 423 per day.
• 34,116 logins expedited through the Remember Me function.
• 1,881 faculty, staff, student worker, and vendor accounts protected.

Top authentication methods:

Duo Push: 75%
Phone Call: 20%
Duo Mobile Passcode: 2.5%
SMS Passcode: 2.1%
Invalid Passcode: 0.4%

If you’re not already using Duo Push as your primary method to log in, I’d encourage you to try it. Duo Push comes from an app installed on your smartphone that provides a quicker, easier, more secure, and cheaper method than receiving phone calls or text messages.

Why is Duo Push the best method?

• It’s quicker than a phone call or text. You simply approve a notification on your smartphone.
• It’s more secure. Duo Push uses end-to-end encryption that SMS and phone calls can’t, and the screen displays detailed information about the application and device the initiated the request.
• Each push uses very little data. 500 pushes to your device will use about 1 MB of data, roughly equivalent to loading one webpage on your smartphone.

The Duo Mobile app required to use Duo Push does not have any control over your phone. It cannot change settings, read emails, see browser history, and requires your explicit permission to send notifications. You are always in control of the app.

If you don’t have wi-fi or cell reception, you can still log in using the app. Tap the ▼icon to generate an authentication passcode anytime, anywhere.

Read more about how to set up a device with the Duo Mobile app in the IT Service Portal guide Using the Duo Self-service Portal (How-to).

Duo is designed to prevent attackers from using lost or stolen passwords to access personal information. The primary way passwords are lost and stolen is through phishing. If you encounter an email or webpage that you suspect is malicious, don’t click links, download attachments, or reply. ITS will be continuing phishing education this month using emails that mimic real attacks.

For more information on how to report phishing emails, see Reporting a Phishing Message (How-to).

—Peter Lundstedt, ITS

The first in our monthly Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) lunches is Friday, Sept. 27, at noon in TMR 133.  These discussions are opportunities for those engaged in SoTL projects at any level—from just thinking about starting one to almost complete—or those simply curious about SoTL to share ideas, seek advice, or ask questions of colleagues engaged in this process. Please register before 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, to receive a lunch.

—Arthur Sanders, Associate Provost

Today’s Drake Social has been moved to Levitt Hall in Old Main due to rain.  The social will begin at 4 p.m. and feature a popcorn bar, warm cider, and lemonade. Faculty and staff who have childcare responsibilities right after work are invited to bring the kids along, as well as spouses and partners.

—Drinda Williams, Office of the Provost

New to Drake? Want to get away from your desk and interact with other Bulldogs? The All Staff Council Special Interest committee is launching a networking luncheon series this fall called Bulldogs Connect.

Join your fellow Bulldogs for the $5 staff lunch at Hubbell Dining Hall for the Bulldogs Connect lunch networking series. Members of the Special Interest committee will be at each lunch and will bring networking topic suggestions. Anyone is welcome to come – bring a new Bulldog along with you! Look for the table with the Drake swag and a special Bulldogs Connect table tent in Hubbell!

The networking lunches at Hubbell Dining Hall are scheduled for the following dates from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

Wednesday, Sept. 18
Wednesday, Oct. 23
Wednesday, Nov. 6
Wednesday, Dec. 11

The spring dates are still being finalized. As a reminder, staff can take advantage of the $5 lunches at Hubbell every Wednesday, whether it’s a planned networking lunch or not.

—Niki Smith, University Communications & Marketing

Faculty, if you teach multiple sections of a course and would like to consolidate your course’s final exams into the same room at the same time during finals week, please email the Registrar’s Office at registrar@drake.edu no later than Monday, Sept. 16.  Requests received after Sept. 16 may not be accommodated.

Find more information on final exams. The full exam schedule, including courses with consolidated final exams, will be finalized by Oct. 1.

—Kevin Moenkhaus, Office of the Registrar

Volunteering certainly helps others, but volunteerism’s best kept secret is that it is good for you too.  It can combat stress, make you happy, and even help you to live longer.

Join Amanda Martin, assistant director of Community Engaged Learning, on Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 10 to 11 a.m., in the Olmsted Center Rooms 310/311, as she shares valuable information and answers questions about volunteering and opportunities in our area.

To register, please send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Whether you are new to Drake or a seasoned employee, this presentation is a must.  Hear the fascinating stories behind many of the buildings and grounds and the people who made the University what it is today.  Discover the origins of Chancellor’s Elm, the Kissing Rock, and Maddie Levitt Lane.

Diane Caldbeck, associate vice president for Alumni & Development, will lead this classroom Power Point tour on Thursday, Sept. 26, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Olmsted Center, Rooms 310/311.

To register, please send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

With the new year beginning, here are a five reminders as you book travel:

1. When booking international fares, please contact an agent rather than booking online if there are multiple legs to your trip.
2. When splitting a fare between your P-Card and a personal credit card, please contact an agent.
3. When creating your login profile, please be sure to use only your official Drake University email address.
4. Please enter all of your personal frequent flyer information into your profile so you will receive those benefits.
5. If you are choosing Basic Economy Fare (the no frills fare), you will need to call Short’s rather than book online. Please remember to tell them that you would like Basic Economy.

If you have any questions, please contact jputz@shortstravel.com

—Caron Findlay, Finance & Administration