Category Archives: For Faculty Archive

Final grades due tomorrow

The deadline for final grade entry for the spring semester is 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 22. Exception: final grades for the Law School are due on Tuesday, May 28.

View instructions on how to send your final grades from Blackboard to MyDUSIS.

Those of you who want to submit grades directly into MyDUSIS should begin by clicking the Grading button in the “Faculty & Advising” menu in myDrake and then finding the “Final Grades – Submittal Link.”

Note that access to MyDrake requires enrollment in a two-factor authentication system known as DUO.  Read more about DUO.

Kevin Moenkhaus, Associate Registrar

In memoriam: Marie Fisher

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Marie Fisher, retired administrative assistant for the Departments of Chemistry and Physics and Astronomy. Marie provided her dedicated service for 35 years until she retired in 2014. She was the first friendly face to meet when one entered the areas of physics or chemistry and the virtual mother of the two departments, keeping us all organized and well taken care of. We will always value all her contributions, remember her with great fondness, and honor her life.

A visitation is scheduled for Monday, May 13, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. A service will follow at 1 p.m.

Marie is survived by her husband John A. Fisher, her children: Stephanie (Kevin) Jones, Anthony (Jerriane) Fisher, Kaylianna, Marguerita and Mesha Fisher, Zemira Fisher, her step-children: Julie Jackson (Hatlas), Wanda (Mike) Carter, John Jr. Fisher, Terry Fisher, Clifford Fisher and Deanna Richardson. She is also survived by her father Allen (Ruth) Downey, Sr. and her siblings: Roberta Robinson, Robert (Lorreta) Lee, Cheri Downey, and Allen Downey. Read Marie’s full obituary.

Athanasios Petridis, Associate Professor/Department Chair, Physics and Astronomy

First donor appreciation breakfast presents philanthropy bug award

The philanthropic contributions of nearly 500 members of the faculty and staff were recognized during the first faculty and staff donor appreciation breakfast on May 8.

During the event, John Smith, vice president for University Advancement, presented the inaugural Philanthropy Bug Award. The Philanthropy Bug Award recognizes faculty and staff members who embody Maddie Levitt’s spirit of philanthropy and service to Drake University.

Maddie Levitt was a longtime volunteer, friend, and tireless advocate for Drake University. Throughout her years of service to Drake, her beloved yellow Volkswagen Bug was a constant presence outside Old Main, and it became a symbol of her enduring commitment to bettering Drake University for future generations of students.

This year, Dan Alexander, Deb DeLaet, and Jen Harvey received the Philanthropy Bug Award for their efforts to create and rally significant faculty and staff support for The Catalyst Fund.

The Catalyst Fund helps address the financial needs of low to moderate income students from historically or currently underrepresented groups. The Catalyst Fund is designed to help students who are at risk of dropping out due to financial difficulties by providing scholarships and emergency funds. So far, two students have received $15,000 in scholarship support that have helped them complete their degrees and $6,000 in emergency funds have been distributed.

Flexible work schedule and holidays

During the summer months, individuals often participate in flexible work schedules, commonly referred to as “Summer Hours.” Summer Hours involve working longer hours four days of the week, and then the fifth day, individuals work a half day.

For weeks that include a holiday, please remember the holiday only represents eight hours. The extra time that is typically worked should be made up on the remaining days of the week, or omitted for the week. The University will be closed for the Fourth of July holiday this year on Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5.

If you would like to participate in the Summer Hours, the Flextime Understanding form should be completed and returned to Human Resources prior to the commencement of the arrangement. This form is available on the Employee Home page of myDrake (Employee Forms under Human Resources).

Linda Feiden, Human Resources

TODAY: Drake (Ice Cream) Social moved to Shivers

Inclement weather forecasts have prompted us to move the final Provost’s Drake Social indoors to the Shivers Hospitality Suite. The event will be Tuesday, May 7, from 4–6 p.m.

This final social will also be a time to honor this year’s retirees, as well as those celebrating milestone work anniversaries. We will be serving ice cream sundaes, lemonade, and iced tea.

Drinda Williams, Provost’s Office

Learning Symposium call for proposals

Drake Tomorrow: Why We Change, How We Change is the theme of the 2019 Learning Symposium to be held Friday, Aug. 16, at the Olmsted Center. The Provost’s Council is currently accepting proposals for break-out sessions. Please visit the Learning Symposium website for additional information and the formal Call of Proposals.

Tentative Schedule

9–9:15 am:  Welcome
9:30–10:30 am:  Break out 1
10:45–11:45 am:  Break out 2
12–1:30 pm:  Lunch
1:45–2:45 pm:  Break out 3
3–3:45 pm:  Closing facilitated discussion
4–6 pm:  Drake Social, Cowles Reading Room

Drinda Williams, Academic Support Specialist, Office of the Provost

All Staff Council Kickball Tournament

Registration is now open for the annual All Staff Council Kickball Tournament scheduled for May 22 from 1:30–4 p.m. in Helmick Commons. Sign up as a team, free agent, or referee. All Staff Council will accept registrations for up to eight teams of no more than 12 Drake faculty and/or staff members. Individuals interested in playing may also sign up as a free agent, and you will be assigned to a team. Registrations are due by Friday, May 17, at noon. Fans are also welcomed and encouraged to cheer on their colleagues and enjoy some snacks. Fans are do not need to register. Questions? Contact ascspecialevents@drake.edu.

— Jill Batten, CPHS Director of Student Affairs, ASC Special Events Committee