Category Archives: For Students Archive

Apply to be a Resident Assistant (RA)

The Office of Residence Life is accepting Resident Assistant Applications for the 2026–2027 school year. RA’s must be leaders, role models, and resources for their residents; however, just as important, they must be team players that work with and support other staff in their own hall as well as other halls on campus.

The application can be found at: https://drake.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5pXxVd9fMFxpwGO

The application deadline is Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (during J-Term).

There are two RA Informational sessions:

  • Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, 6 p.m., CR 310, upper Olmsted
  • Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, 6 p.m., Pomerantz Stage, Olmsted (first floor by the bookstore)

For questions regarding the application or interview process, contact Randy E. McMullin, associate director of residence life, at randy.mcmullin@drake.edu. Consider reaching out to your own RA or another RA should you have questions about the position from a student perspective.

— Randy E. McMullin, Office of Residence Life

Become a Bulldog Shop Content Creator

Do you love social media, building connections with fellow students, and Drake University?

Bulldog Shop is looking for a Content Creator—applications are open now!

What you’ll do:

  • Create engaging social media content
  • Champion the Bulldog Shop brand
  • Connect with fellow students
  • Gain real-world marketing experience for your resume

Why apply?

  • Expand your campus network
  • Flexible hours that fit your schedule
  • Paid opportunity—plus exclusive merch perks

Apply Today!

Link: https://forms.gle/qwoEQF4nXrBZ4Wdi7

— Bulldog Shop

Undergrad Night at Drake Law Nov. 11

If you are considering law school—at Drake or anywhere—Drake Law School’s chapter of Delta Theta Phi invites you to Undergrad Night at Drake Law on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 6 p.m. Associate Dean Gaughan will share brief remarks, followed by a candid Q&A with current Drake Law students, and a tour of the law school.

The event is open to any undergraduate student. The conversation will cover law school broadly (applications, academics, careers, and day-to-day life) with examples from the Drake Law experience.

Please RSVP by filling out this link: https://forms.gle/MjbUwjVHw636vLZH6. More information to come.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Zach Noonan (zach.noonan@drake.edu) or Noah Crist (noah.crist@drake.edu).

— Zach Noonan, Drake Law

Communicating Across Difference Series

 As part of Drake University’s Communicating Across Difference series, we invite you to reflect on what it means to engage in open, honest, and respectful dialogue—especially when we disagree.

Spotlight: Uncensored by Zachary Wood

In Uncensored: My Life and Uncomfortable Conversations at the Intersection of Black and White America, Zachary Wood shares his journey from growing up in Washington, D.C. to leading “Uncomfortable Learning,” a student group at Williams College that welcomed controversial speakers.

When he visited Drake for the 2019 Sussman Leadership Conference, Wood challenged us to:

  • Move beyond ideological echo chambers
  • Listen with empathy
  • Confront our own biases with courage

His message echoes Drake’s values of curiosity, respect, and dialogue grounded in integrity.

Like Wood’s memoir, here’s another piece worth reading: Truth Matters by Cornel West and Robert P. George.

Despite holding very different beliefs, West and George model how authentic friendship and truth-seeking can flourish amid disagreement. Their dialogue reminds us that understanding doesn’t require uniformity of thought.

Why this matters:

Together, these works embody Drake’s Statement of Principles:

“An environment of open inquiry and mutual respect where freedom of expression and civil discourse are central to the pursuit of truth.”

Each of us has a role in creating spaces where dialogue can challenge, enlighten, and unite us.

Take the next step

  • Read Uncensored or Truth Matters and reflect on your own experiences engaging across difference.
  • Want a free copy? Email me (while supplies last).
  • Explore more:
    • TED Talks with Zachary Wood
    • Truth Matters: Fruitful Disagreement in an Age of Division

Let’s keep building a campus culture where disagreement leads not to division – but to deeper understanding and shared growth.

— Jerry Parker, Vice President & Dean of Students

 

Register for Drake’s Annual Student Leadership Conference

Every interaction—whether in class, at an interview, or meeting someone new—shapes how others see you as a leader. How can you show up with confidence and authenticity so your presence makes a lasting impact?

Join us at the 2025 Sussman Leadership Conference to explore these questions. Featuring keynote speaker Stephanie Salasek, founder of LookUp Communications, you’ll learn practical strategies and tools to build professional presence, elevate emotional intelligence, and create meaningful moments that inspire others as a Drake student leader.

Free for all Drake students—registration includes a gourmet brunch, a keynote address, and several choose-your-own interactive breakout sessions. If you register, please arrive on time and plan to stay for the entire event.

Space is limited! Register by Wednesday, Nov. 5.

Questions? Contact Kristin Economos at kristin.economos@drake.edu.

— Kristin Economos, Senior Director, Adams Leadership Institute

Fencing Workshop

Join us Friday, Oct. 24, at 5 p.m. in the Bell Center Studio for an exciting introduction to the art of fencing. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this hands-on workshop covers footwork, technique, and strategy in a fun and supportive environment. All equipment provided—just bring your energy and curiosity. Come experience the thrill of the duel!

— Gail Witte, Rec Services

Dogtown Student Specials

Check out these great specials in Dogtown! These specials are for students only and require a Drake student ID.

  • Platinum Kutz –A fresh cut on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for just $27
  • Gursha – 15% off
  • Lucky Horse: $7 Cheeseburger, fries, and soda.
  • Mars: 10% off
  • Varsity: $9 tickets instead of $12. A free movie ticket after 4 card punches.

Visit dogtowndsm.com to see everything Dogtown has to offer.

— Nate Reagen, Office of the President

WELLCON25: Wellness Convention Oct. 29

Join us on Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 3–5 p.m. for this year’s wellness convention as we explore the 6 Dimensions of Wellness—physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, and occupational. Discover campus resources designed to support student success and find self-care practices that fit your lifestyle. Plus, enjoy free food while you recharge, learn, and connect. WellCon25 is your space to thrive and grow well.

 — Gail Witte, Rec Services

Learn About Studying Abroad in Japan, Info Session Oct. 21

The Incoming Team at Kwansei Gakuin University, located in Osaka, Japan, will host an info session in October for students who may be interested in studying abroad in Japan.

The session will include a short greeting from the Contemporary Japan Program Director, an introduction of the university and the exchange program, a mock class, as well as an introduction to KGU Campus life and a Q&A.

The Info Session is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 8 p.m. Register here to attend: https://kgu-exchange-infosession.eventbrite.com

This session is aimed towards:

  • Students interested in studying in Japan but still exploring options
  • Students planning to study abroad at KGU
  • Students already nominated to KGU but wanting to learn more

— Emily Erschen, Education Abroad Coordinator