Provost Sue Mattison will hold “Open Office @ Cowles” on the following dates in November. Stop by the Cowles Library coffee shop to say hello, pose a question, or share an idea.
Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 1–2:30 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 18, 2:30–4 p.m.
— Drinda Williams, Office of the Provost
The Beautiful Bulldog Contest at Drake University is a unique, historic, and now trademarked event that kicks off Drake Relays Week. The contest has grown from a small gathering of alumni in downtown Des Moines, to a huge Bulldog festival in the Knapp Center.
The contest is attracting more people to Drake University and the committee needs your help! We are seeking applicants to join the contest committee, which oversees all aspects of what Buzzfeed once called “the Coachella of Bulldog festivities.”
Specifically, the committee is looking for help with the Family Fun Zone and general hospitality when welcoming our two and four-legged guests to campus.
If you are interested in joining the committee, please fill out this application for members to review and consider.
— Niki Smith, University Communications & Marketing
Drake Online and Continuing Education is offering two discounted seats for faculty or staff to participate in the 2020 Drake Leading Others program, a unique executive development leadership program serving leaders from our region’s top organizations. A 40% discount will be applied to the program fees for the first two qualified faculty or staff applicants.
This program is designed for mid- to senior-level leadership roles charged with creating organizational value. Participants are calling this executive program a “master class in leadership.” You will appreciate the opportunity to set intentions for your leadership growth, as well as learn how to drive your function-level plans to better Drake’s overall vision and mission. Enjoy a diverse and rich cohort based learning experience with minimal time away from the office.
Reach out to Sarah Ramsey for more information at sarah.ramsey@drake.edu by Nov. 6, 2019, and visit the Drake Online and Continuing Education’s Executive Leadership website for more information on the program.
— Sarah Ramsey, Director, Business and Professional Development at Drake’s Online and Continuing Education Department
Provost Sue Mattison will be holding “Open Office @Cowles” on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 8:15–9:45 a.m. Please stop by to chat, share an idea, or ask a question. Sue will be in the Cowles Coffee Shop.
— Drinda Williams, Office of the Provost
The third Friday FYS lunch/discussion is Friday, Nov. 1, at noon in TMR 133. While these meetings are designed for those currently teaching FYS, we also welcome those with an interest in possibly teaching FYS in the future. It is too late to order a lunch, but you are always welcome to attend without ordering a lunch.
— Art Sanders, Associate Provost
Each month, a faculty member, nominated by their dean, is recognized for their efforts to integrate innovative technology into their classroom. October’s digital faculty member of the month is Megan Brady, assistant professor of athletics training/coordinator of clinical education, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Read an interview with Megan below:
Which course do you use this technology in? Human Anatomy labs
What type of technology do you use? zSpace and Visible Body, 3D human anatomy dissection
In what context do you use this technology? Lab setting. Students “dissect” the human body to look at anatomical structures using the zSpace systems and Visible Body software. Students work in pairs, two students per zSpace system.
How does this type of technology align with your teaching pedagogy? The human anatomy labs are very hands-on, so students learn by doing. My teaching pedagogy is surrounded by hands-on learning experiences, which I feel are very beneficial to learning.
Where did you get the inspiration to make a change? The zSpace systems and Visible Body software were introduced to me by a colleague. In years prior to my arrival at Drake, human anatomy labs were taught using anatomical models. The zSpace systems and Visible Body software provide students not only with visuals of the anatomical structures, but also added information related to each structure, as well as pathologies of each structure. The zSpace systems and Visible Body software provide students a solid foundational learning and understanding of human anatomy.
How long did it take for you to implement this technology? The zSpace systems and Visible Body software were purchased during the Fall 2016 semester, and we implemented them into the human anatomy labs in the Spring 2017 semester.
Did Drake ITS assist you in implementing this technology? Yes definitely. Anthony [Squire] has been an integral member of the zSpace systems/Visible Body software team. He set up all of the systems, ensured they were all working properly, and conducts regular updates and maintenance on all of the systems. If we have any hardware issues, Anthony also takes care of those. Our human anatomy labs would not be successful if Anthony were not a part of them.
Are you interested in trying out new technology in your classroom? Want help from ITS? Schedule a technology adoption consultation.
—Jon Hurdelbrink, CPHS, and Carla Herling, ITS
Drake faculty and staff who exemplify the Core Value of Generosity of Spirit will be recognized at the next Provost’s Drake Social on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 4–5:30 p.m. in Cowles Library Reading Room.
To nominate a colleague, please use this Qualtrics form . You can nominate up to five colleagues on each form. Feel free to fill out multiple forms. All those nominated will be recognized on a rolling display.
How do we define Generosity of Spirit? We look for colleagues who trust, empower, and presume the best of each other; who practice civility, caring, and respect; who are committed to equity and inclusion. When you nominate colleagues, think about referencing some of these descriptions. From amongst those nominated, several will be chosen at random for prizes.
The November Drake Social will be preceded by a Town Hall at 3:30 p.m. regarding International Education Week. Several of our international partners will be in attendance.
Refreshments will include wine, beer, soft drinks, and light snacks. This is a family-friendly event.
— Drinda Williams, Office of the Provost
— Caron Findlay, Director, Purchasing and Business Services
We’ve all got clutter. It is one of those things that we think about and put on a list to tackle, but we just never seem to find time. Besides the obvious benefit of decluttering, did you know that getting your stuff organized can actually improve your physical and mental health?
Join Cindy Torvik from Straighten Your Paths, on Oct. 24 from 2–3 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Rooms 310 & 311, as we “dig” into this topic. Not only will you get valuable decluttering tips, but one lucky person will win a prize!
— Linda Feiden, Wellness & Recognition Specialist, HR
The second Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) lunch is Friday, Oct. 25, at 12 p.m. 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. While it is too late to order a lunch, you are still welcome to join us, and bring your own.
— Arthur Sanders, Associate Provost
