The University will hold a budget town hall on 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
Every fall, we ask for your input on how we fulfill our commitment to elevate service excellence. Your collective input is reviewed and acted upon. For examples from last year, see the responses from SPARC, ITS, and others.
It’s that time of year again and thank you for your input in advance! 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 Oct. 21. 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.
The survey was developed by the Office of Institutional Research & Assessment in collaboration with each area on the survey. Thank you in advance for your participation.
— Nate Reagen, Office of the President
Please join us in recognizing and celebrating Matt Miller, director of conferences and events, for his service to the University. An informal, farewell gathering will be held Thursday, Oct. 9, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the Drake Room, Olmsted Center.
Matt is leaving Drake University (his last day will be Friday, Oct. 10). His journey at Drake spans more than two decades—beginning as a student-athlete, continuing through his impactful work with Athletics, and culminating in his leadership in Conferences and Events.
Matt’s dedication, energy, and deep commitment to the Drake community has left a lasting mark. His contributions have shaped countless campus experiences, and his presence will be greatly missed.
We invite you to an informal going-away gathering to thank Matt and wish him well in his next chapter:
📅 Thursday, October 9
🕧 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
📍 Drake Room, Olmsted Center
Let’s come together to celebrate Matt’s legacy and send him off with our appreciation and best wishes!
— Scott Law, Public Safety & Operational Services
Throughout the year, faculty and staff may nominate staff members or teams for excellence in learning, integrity, leadership, teamwork, and commitment to the Drake community and mission. The Called to Be True Blue award is a great way to express that commitment to one another. Selected individuals and teams receive a framed certificate and are placed in the running for the coveted Sapphire Award in the Spring.
A staff member (or group) who is Called to be True Blue is someone who exemplifies Drake University’s Core Values:
If this sounds like someone you know, submit your nomination today: Called to be True Blue Award Nomination Please forward this link to your teams and spread the word!
— Betsy White, Events Management
The 2025 Great Colleges to Work For results are available here. Thank you to the 455 people who participated in the survey.
Our overall results were 66% positive; which is exactly the same score as our benchmark, peer institutions. Within the summary presentation, you’ll see areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.
All unit leaders received results for their respective areas this summer and are working with their teams on prioritizing areas for improvement.
As a reminder, and it cannot be said enough, we are all a part of creating great workplace culture. Please find ways to connect with your fellow co-workers (especially across departments) through the many opportunities offered. Whether it’s through Faculty Fridays, the Provost Socials, our book club, Wednesdays at Hubbell, or the many other opportunities to connect – please make some time to do so.
For any questions on the Great Colleges results, do not hesitate to reach out to Nate Reagen.
— Nate Reagen, Office of the President
The Center for Teaching and Learning is launching a new series of events to encourage community on campus this year. On the third Friday of each month, join faculty and staff at events throughout the day in the Howard Hall Faculty Lounge, Room 212. Events will include a book club, research and teaching talks, and facilitated conversations, culminating with a Faculty Social happy hour.
This month, the third Friday is Sept. 19. View the full schedule on the CTL News & Events page. Drop in whenever you are available!
— Bret Sikkink, Faculty Development Specialist
Join colleagues in the Howard Hall Faculty Lounge on the third Friday of each month this semester to discuss James Lang’s 2021 book “Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning“. Email bret.sikkink@drake.edu for a hardcover copy, or you can access the eBook through Cowles Library.
The first meeting will be on Friday, Sept. 19, starting at 9:30 a.m. to discuss the introduction and first chapter.
— Bret Sikkink, Faculty Development Specialist
Tuition Exchange applications for the 2026–2027 year are available now (complete online via the links provided below). Students receiving Tuition Exchange for 2025-2026 should not complete another application. (Tuition exchange renews automatically, as long as the employee and student remain eligible.)
Full-time Drake employees are eligible to participate in tuition exchange programs, which offer waived or discounted tuition at other participating institutions for employees, their spouse/partner, or eligible dependent(s). More information about tuition exchange at Drake can be found here.
Details about each of Drake’s tuition exchange programs are provided below:
Tuition Exchange, Inc. (TE)
TE has over 700 participating schools. Visit tuitionexchange.org to learn more, view participating schools, and to submit an application.
Council of Independent Colleges & Universities Tuition Exchange Program (CIC-TEP)
CIC-TEP has over 430 participating schools. Visit cic.edu/tep to learn more, view participating schools, and to submit an application.
— Ryan Zantingh, Financial Aid Office
Drake faculty and staff who exemplify the Core Value of Commitment to Mission will be recognized at the next Provost’s Social on Thursday, Sept. 25, in the Cowles Reading Room beginning at 4 p.m.
How do we define Commitment to Mission at Drake? We look for colleagues who are united in service to students and community, act with integrity and purpose, and are optimistic about our future.
To nominate a colleague, please use the Qualtrics form. All those nominated will be recognized on a rolling display during the event. When you nominate colleagues, be prepared to describe how each colleague meets these descriptions. From among those nominated, several will be chosen at random for prizes.
Refreshments will include an assortment of beverages and light snacks. This is a family friendly event. Feel free to bring your children or partner.
— Ann Guddall, Office of the Provost
ITS is committed to keeping our campus computers safe and running smoothly. As part of this ongoing effort, we’ll be rolling out important security updates to Drake-owned Windows computers over the coming weeks.
Most faculty and staff won’t notice anything different, since these updates will install automatically through the normal Windows Update process, usually in the background. Occasionally, your computer may restart and display a white screen with a message asking you not to turn it off. Don’t worry—this is perfectly normal and means the update is working as intended.
If you do happen to encounter this screen, simply let your computer finish the update. No action is required beyond waiting for the process to finish. This helps ensure your device stays secure and reliable.
ITS aims to be proactive and transparent so that, if you experience something unexpected, you know what’s happening and can rest assured your computer is being kept safe. Thank you for helping us keep our campus technology secure.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the Support Center by submitting a ticket online through our service portal, visiting Carnegie with your device, or calling 515-271-3001.
— Becky Klein, ITS