Category Archives: 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

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

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

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

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

United Way Campaign: Thank You For Your Generosity!

As shared in President Martin’s email to campus, what a great response from our campus community in support of United Way of Central Iowa! We vastly exceeded our participation goal, we raised more than $36,000, donated well over 100 pounds of supplies and food, and many people signed up to volunteer. Enjoy the full day off on Wednesday, Nov. 26!

— Nate Reagen, Office of the President

University Budget Town Hall is Today at 3 p.m. in Olmsted Center

The University will hold a budget town hall today (Tuesday, Nov. 4) 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 2025 results, overall financial health, fiscal year 2026 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.

— Adam Voigts, Chief Financial Officer