Category Archives: For Students Archive

For Students Archive

Tax Benefits for Higher Education

Did you know that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides tax benefits for education? The tax benefits can be used to get back some of the money you spend on tuition or loan interest or to maximize your college savings.

Even if you normally wouldn’t file a tax return because of your income level, be sure to do so. If you don’t, you could miss out on tax credits that would put money in your pocket.

Learn more about tax benefits for higher education here.

—Ryan Zantingh, Director of Financial Aid

For Students Archive

Commuter Student Johansen Student Center Tours

Welcome back to campus bulldogs! We are excited to have you back and to introduce students to the Johansen Student Center. This new student center has plenty of great space for students, especially our commuter students. The space offers areas for students to study, relax in between classes, lock up personal items, and more. We are happy to offer tours of the space for our commuter students on the following dates and times:

  • Thursday, January 30, at 9 a.m.
  • Wednesday, February 5, at 1 p.m.
  • Tuesday, February 11, at 3:30 p.m.

Please plan to meet in the main lobby on the ground floor (yellow carpeted area).

—Marina Verlengia, New Student Programs

For Students Archive

Peer Leader Opportunities Info Sessions

Orientation Leaders

Orientation leaders are dedicated to providing incoming students and their families with all of the information and resources necessary to ensure their transition to Drake is a smooth and enjoyable one.

We need you to help make this happen. Each year we recruit current Drake students to become part of the orientation leader staff. Orientation leaders play a vital role in this exciting process, working closely with new students and their families on a wide variety of topics including academics, student involvement, housing options, and more.

We highly encourage you to attend one of the information sessions being offered. Click here to sign up for a session.

  • Wednesday, February 5 at 8:00pm on Zoom
  • Thursday, February 13 at 5:00pm in Meredith Hall 102

Learn more about the position. For questions, contact Marina Verlengia at marina.verlengia@drake.edu.

Peer Mentor/Academic Consultants (PMACs)

PMACs aim to assist new first-year students in feeling welcome, comfortable and connected at Drake. They do this by initiating communication with incoming first-year students in July, facilitating peer connections during Welcome Weekend and continuing to assist students as they navigate their first semester at Drake.

We highly encourage you to attend one of the information sessions being offered. Click here to sign up for a session.

  • Wednesday, February 5 at 6:30pm in upper Olmsted Conference Rooms 310-311
  • Monday, February 10 at 8pm on Zoom

For more information about the role and application, visit our website.

— Marina Verlengia, New Student Programs

For Students Archive

Get LinkedIn with Drake Alumni: A Networking Breakfast

Join Career Services and the Office of Alumni Relations for breakfast, networking, and a keynote address from Drake alumna and Senior DEI Associate at the Weitz Company, Shekinah Fountain, on using LinkedIn as a tool for professional networking and career engagement. The event will take place Friday, Feb. 28, in the Olmsted Student Center, Parents Hall South, from 8:30–10 a.m.  

Did you know?

  • With over 830 million members worldwide, LinkedIn is the “cornerstone of professional networking.” 
  • “LinkedIn posts with images receive 98% more comments than those without.”  
  • “97% of HR and staffing professionals use LinkedIn in their recruiting efforts.” 
  • “LinkedIn Learning offers over 16,000 courses” to build new skills and advance careers (Product London Design, 2024).  

Event Agenda

8:30 AM – Check-In
8:45 AM – Breakfast & Networking
9:00 AM – Keynote Address
9:30 AM – Open Networking 

Our keynote address, delivered by Drake alumna and Senior DEI Associate at The Weitz Company, Shekinah Fountain, will highlight using LinkedIn for professional networking and career development.  

Students will also have opportunities for networking with alumni who graduated from different colleges, schools, and majors at Drake and are now working in all different professional areas. 

Space is limited. Registration required via EventBrite.  

Thanks to our event sponsor, The Principality Group of Wells Fargo Advisors.

Questions? Contact career.services@drake.edu.  

— Jill Batten, Office of Advising

For Students Archive

Drake Career Fair and resume reviews

’Twas a few weeks before the fair, and all through Drake’s campus,
Students were stressing out but preparing with focus.
Polishing their resume, practicing their pitch,
Each student ready to impress, without any hitch. 

The emails were sent and OnCampus invites,
“Sign up for the Career Fair!” in flashing lights.
From business to STEM, education and journalism, too,
So many employers and graduate programs will be looking for talent like you.
(modified from OpenAI, 2024)

Drake students from all majors and Class of 2023 and 2024 alumni are invited! 

When: Thursday, Feb. 13, 3–6 p.m.
*3–3:30 p.m. is reserved for recent alumni and graduating students 

Where: Olmsted Student Center
Student Check-In – Olmsted Breezeway
Career Fair – Upper Level 

Student Registration is open NOW!
Sign up on Handshake: https://app.joinhandshake.com/stu/career_fairs/49427  

Professional attire is required.
No jeans or sweatpants. A suit is recommended. If you don’t own a suit, wear trousers/dress pants/skirt and a button-down shirt, blouse or sweater. 

Polish Your Resume and Practice Your Pitch:
Thursday, Feb. 6; drop-in, in-person anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

—Jill Batten, Strategic Director of Advising & Career Services

For Students Archive

New semester, new looks

The fresh semester means fresh fits! Explore the Bulldog Shop’s newest arrivals and refresh your Drake styles to start the new semester looking your best and showing your school spirit. Not back on campus yet? No problem. Shop your favorites online and select “Ship to Campus” at checkout for easy, convenient in-store pickup when you arrive on campus.

And don’t forget to gear up for basketball season too. Find exclusive basketball gear at the Bulldog Shop or visit us at Spike’s Locker Room on game days. We’re open at all men’s and women’s home games. Go Bulldogs!

— Bulldog Shop

For Students Archive

Fitness On Demand Launch Party

Get ready to level up your fitness game! 🎉 Join us for the Fitness on Demand Launch Party—a high-energy event designed to make wellness fun and accessible for everyone. Experience the hottest virtual workouts, sample healthy snacks, and win prizes. Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or just looking to try something new, this party is your ticket to sweat, socialize, and stay inspired. Let’s make fitness your favorite new habit—don’t miss out!

The launch party will take place from 10:00 am – Noon on Saturday, February 8 in the Bell Center Studio

– Gail Witte, Recreational Services

For Students Archive

Complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA Now!

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2025-2026 is now available at studentaid.gov. We recommend that you review Tips for Completing the FAFSA to help avoid the most common issues that students experienced with the 2024-2025 FAFSA.

U.S. Citizens and eligible non-citizens should complete the 2025–2026 FAFSA to be considered for need-based grants, federal work-study, or to take advantage of federal student loan programs in the Summer 2025, Fall 2025, or Spring 2026 semesters.

– Ryan Zantingh, Director of Financial Aid

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive, For Students Archive

Everclass: Overcome the Holiday Hustle: Simple strategies for an organized life

As the holiday season approaches, many struggle to balance work, family, and endless tasks, often feeling overwhelmed and disorganized. While responsibility and dependability are crucial skills, few of us have formal training in mastering them, leading to reliance on complex systems that add to the stress.

Everclass: Overcome the Holiday Hustle: Simple Strategies for an Organized Life will focus on simplifying life during the holiday rush by creating easy routines and habits to stay organized and reduce stress. Learn how to align your calendar, to-do list, and priorities without worrying about missed deadlines or commitments.

Join us at 12 p.m. on Thursday, December 12th to discover strategies for surviving the holidays with less stress and more ease! This session will be facilitated by Kristin Economos, Senior Director, Adams Leadership Institute at Drake University.

—Andy Verlengia, Alumni Relations