Drake Facilities Planning and Management staff will be recognized at the next Provost’s Social on Tuesday, Dec. 2, in the Olmsted Center, CR10 and CR11, beginning at 12 p.m.

Please join us for an ice cream sundae bar to show your appreciation to our fantastic FPM team members!

— Anne Marie Greenwood, Office of the Provost

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

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

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

Our annual opportunity to contribute to the United Way of Central Iowa, as a University, is coming next week! Your optional contribution can be through monetary support, volunteering, and/or by donating needed supplies and food. We have some fun, giving-level incentives which includes the incentive of getting a full-day off on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving instead of a half-day—if we can hit our campaign participation goal of 30%!

The campaign will kick-off on Monday, Nov. 10, with an email from United Way of Central Iowa and will conclude on Friday, Nov. 14. 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)
• Serves more than 10,000 people in the 50311 zip code
• United Way financially supports many organizations that are partners with Drake including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa

This site contains all there is to know about the campaign with more details about the supply & food drive, volunteering opportunities, and giving level incentives.

You are encouraged to participate in a way that works for you!

— Nate Reagen, Office of the President

Cybersecurity Awareness Month may have wrapped up, but our commitment to digital safety continues. Nearly 30% of faculty and staff have finished the mandatory “Security Awareness Foundations” training—thank you to everyone who’s already taken action. If you haven’t yet completed the brief online module, there’s still time: the final deadline is Nov. 21. 

The training takes just 20 minutes or less and will help you recognize the latest cybersecurity threats, including those powered by AI. Protect yourself and our campus community by logging in and finishing your session as soon as possible. 

If you need assistance, reach out to the ITS Support Center at service.drake.edu/its or call 515-271-3001. Let’s work together to reach 100% completion and keep the Drake community secure.

— Becky Klein, ITS

Thank you to those of you who have completed the Survey of Administrative Services, but we still need to hear from more of you!  Your voice helps shape continuous improvement in these areas across campus: Facilities Planning and Management, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, Public Safety, University Communications & Marketing, and the SPARC (grants) office.

Click here to complete this year’s survey by today. It is completely anonymous and often takes less than five minutes to complete. You will only be asked to provide feedback on the areas you work with regularly.

Thank you in advance for your participation.

— Nate Reagen, Office of the President

Faculty and staff who exemplify the Core Value of Joyful Accountability will be recognized at the Provost’s Social today, Oct. 21, at 4 p.m. in the Schicklers Club (formerly known as Courtside Club). This is a family friendly event. Please join us to congratulate your colleagues who have been nominated for exhibiting Joyful Accountability!

— Ann Guddall, Provost’s Office