The Financial Aid Office will soon be preparing 2025-2026 financial aid offers for continuing students. If you wish to be considered for need-based assistance or federal student loans in the summer 2025, fall 2025, or spring 2026 semesters and have not yet completed the 2025-2026 FAFSA, and please submit it at www.studentaid.gov as soon as possible.

If you need assistance completing the FAFSA, schedule an appointment or contact the Financial Aid Office for help.

Applications open until April 1, 2025, for The Harkin Institute D.C. Experience Scholarship and the Robert J. Waters and Patricia J. Beneke Endowed Washington, D.C. Experience Scholarship.

These scholarships help cover the costs of housing and travel expenses for those completing an internship in Washington, D.C.

Haven’t secured an internship yet? No problem. You can still apply for our scholarship while searching.

Click here to learn more and apply!

— Kathryn Kuckelman, Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement

Latinos Unidos of Iowa is providing 22 scholarships to students of Latino descent who are enrolled at Iowa colleges and universities. The application and more information are available here. The application deadline is June 15, 2025.

— Ryan Zantingh, Director of Financial Aid

Where Can Your Degree Take You? A&S Alumni Panel and Networking Event

Please join the College of Arts & Sciences for an evening of career stories, alumni connections, and networking in the Johansen Student Center Ballroom! On Thursday, March 27,  from 6-8 p.m., we will host a panel of five A&S alumni for a panel discussion, networking hour, and drawing for Drake swag and gift cards. This event has been planned by the Student Advisory Commitee for the benefit of current students who wish to explore career pathways, receive career advice, and have the opportunity to interact with alumni.

Featured Alumni:

• Rick Hunsaker, AS’88, MPA’90 – Geography, International Relations, and Politics major, Masters of Public Admin – Executive Director at Region XII Council of Governments
• Denise Rathman, AS’88 – International Relations major – Executive Director at National Association of Social Workers (Iowa Chapter)
• Madeline Goebel, AS’16 – International Relations major – Executive Officer III at Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
• Napoleon Douglas, AS’14 – Theatre major – Artistic Director of Pyramid Theatre Company and freelance Artist/Producer/Choreographer
• Finley Blakeman, AS’23 – Computer Science major – Software Engineer at Growers Edge

Students, faculty, and staff from any major or discipline are welcome to attend. Please pre-register for the event here and submit your questions for the panelists!

— Jill Allen, Associate Dean for College of Arts & Sciences

We’re inviting students to participate in the National Survey of Student Engagement to help us improve the Drake Experience. On February 18, first-years and seniors received an email invitation to participate. In appreciation, we will enter all students who complete the survey by March 30 into a drawing for 1 of 15 bookstore gift cards worth $50 each. Your chances of winning depend on how many complete the survey; the last time we administered this survey 441 students responded.

First-year and senior students who want to access the survey can also go to nssesurvey.org or use the QR code below.

— Kevin Saunders, Director of Institutional Research and Assessment

Come write letters to your legislators March 12 from 5–6 p.m. in Johansen Student Center, Room 230. This is a non-partisan space where students can make their voices heard. Letters and stamps will be provided, along with food.

— Chloe Lepak, College of Arts & Sciences

Join Drake Rec and Res Life for a yoga class for LGBTQIA+ folks and friends on March 5 at 7 p.m. Bring your own mat or use one of ours and get ready for some black-light and neon fun. Sign up on the Drake Rec app.

Are you interested in improving your money management skills? Do you wish you knew more about investing and credit? Do you need to learn more about the benefits that employers offer? Drake University has partnered with GradReady® to provide a free digital platform where you can learn about these topics at your own pace from any device.

Visit drake.gradready.com to create your account and get started today.

— Ryan Zantingh, Financial Aid Office

Come write letters to your legislators March 12 at 5 p.m. in Johansen Student Center, Room 230. This is a non-partisan space where students can make their voices heard. Letters and stamps will be provided, along with food.

— Chloe Lepak, College of Arts & Sciences