Join colleagues from across campus for the next Bulldog Connect lunch on Oct. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Hubbell Dining Hall (come and go as your schedule allows). Lunch is only $5. This is a great opportunity to meet and network with others from across campus. This event is held the first Wednesday of each month. Sponsored by All Staff Council’s Events & Community Service committee (faculty are welcome, too!).

— Elissa Johnson, On behalf of All Staff Council

For those who participated in a professional portrait session Aug. 21 with University Communications and Marketing, your headshots are available for download.

Photos can be found here: https://drakeuniversity.smugmug.com/Headshots-1/

Use the password BulldogSmile to login and download your photo.

— Jimmy Hoover, University Communications and Marketing

The annual Way Up Conference is designed to develop women leaders to enhance Iowa higher education, and is for faculty, staff, administrators and graduate students in higher education, and those aspiring to be leaders in higher ed.

This year’s conference is being held Nov. 2–3 in Des Moines. The theme of the conference is “Thriving Together in a Landscape of Change.” Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on advancements made by women in higher education in Iowa, discuss hot topics faced by many of us, and network with others across the state. Plan to join at Hilton Des Moines Downtown for enriching conversations on leadership, wellness, social justice, empowerment, networking, and so much more.

Registration is open. Visit the website to learn more about keynote speakers and workshop sessions, including Drake’s own Director of Access and Success, Michelle Laughlin. Contact Amanda Martin, amanda.martin@drake.edu, Way Up Conference committee member, with any questions.

The All Staff Council Recognition Committee is accepting True Blue nominations. A staff member who is called to be True Blue is someone who:

1. Epitomizes the values of leadership, teamwork, and integrity, and exhibits their commitment to the Drake community.
2. Has shown others what it takes to get a task or project done, and accomplishes that by working well with others.
3. Is able to be honest and fair in the situations they face.
4. Does all of these things for the betterment of Drake and its values and goals.

If this sounds like someone you know, make your nomination today.

— Betsy Wilson, On behalf of All Staff Council

Drake University is delighted to be hosting six international scholars from around the world this fall—the most we have hosted at once in more than a decade.  The international scholars are serving in various capacities, including teaching, research, and mentorship, and bring a unique global perspective to our community.

The Office of Global Engagement is hosting a welcome reception for the international scholars in Levitt Hall on Thursday, Sept. 28, from 4–6 p.m. Please come and meet the scholars, help welcome them to campus, and expand your global network!

The scholars include:

• Ines Rojas – Visiting Assistant Professor of Spanish and Communication & Cultural Literacy
  College of Arts & Sciences and Bright College

• Zahir Cerkini – Fulbright Scholar
  Law School

• Suryani Wijaya – Fulbright Scholar
  College of Arts & Sciences

• Yajuan Jiang – Research Scholar
  Law School

• Hua Zhang – Research Scholar
  Law School

• Juan Del Valle Rosales – Research Scholar
  College of Arts & Sciences

Please join us as we celebrate these scholars and their contributions to our campus community.

— Bonnie Ehler, Global Engagement

Please join President Marty Martin, Emeritus President David Maxwell, and the Board of Trustees in celebrating the life and leadership of Madeleine “Maddy” Maxwell on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 4:30–6 p.m. at the Patty and Fred Turner Jazz Center.

Maddy passed away June 14. Emeritus President David and Maddy Maxwell led the University from 1999–2015. As the University’s first lady for 16 years, Maddy worked tirelessly to bring the campus and community together. She was a true servant-leader, and she lived a life devoted to transforming lives and strengthening communities. Maddy’s joyful spirit, boundless energy, and deep commitment to students will serve as inspiration for generations of graduates and community friends.

Please RSVP by Sept. 29 to Erica Hartschen at erica.hartschen@drake.edu or 515-271-4990.  
Parking for the celebration can be found off Forest Ave across from the Knapp Center.

— Erica Hartschen, University Advancement

Full-time employees in a regular position at Drake University 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).

Those wishing to apply for tuition exchange starting in the 2024–2025 academic year can apply now. Applications should only be completed for students not already approved for tuition exchange—those who have been approved for tuition exchange in prior years will automatically be re-certified for consideration in the 2024–2025 academic year (assuming the employee remains eligible).

There are three steps in the tuition exchange application process:

1. Employee/student submits a tuition exchange application online through one or both of the tuition exchange programs listed below (the student should also apply for admission at each school listed on the tuition exchange application).
2. Drake’s Financial Aid Office will confirm and certify the employee’s eligibility to participate in the tuition exchange program. This is done on a rolling basis as applications are received.
3. Each school listed on the TE application will determine whether they can offer the student a tuition exchange award.

Schools have different application deadlines and timelines for announcing award determinations. It is the employee’s responsibility to submit the tuition exchange application early enough to allow time for step #2 to be completed in advance of each school’s deadlines.

Details about each of Drake’s tuition exchange programs are provided below:

Tuition Exchange, Inc. (TE)
TE has over 670 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 440 participating schools. Visit cic.edu/tep to learn more, view participating schools, and to submit an application.

— Ryan Zantingh, Director of Student Financial Aid

As we begin a new semester, please be reminded that Drake-owned technology is required by policy to be returned to the ITS Department.

When a faculty member, staff member, or student employee leaves Drake, the Drake-owned technology (e.g., laptops and docking stations) must be returned to ITS by the employee’s manager or direct supervisor within 10 business days of the last date of employment. For technology replacement or to receive a loaner computer, the previous technology must be returned within 10 days of deployment of the new technology. Please submit tickets to Computer/Peripheral Request in the ITS Service Portal.

For more information and detailed steps, please see the full Required Return of Drake-owned Technology Policy at https://www.drake.edu/its/about/itspolicies/.

Please reach out to Alicia Mann, Budget and Office Manager, at alicia.mann@drake.edu with questions or concerns.

— Alicia Mann, ITS