An International Relations / World Languages & Cultures Joint Information Session will take place on Friday, Feb. 24, 12:30–1:30 p.m., in Medbury Honors Lounge, for students to learn about new opportunities being unveiled this year in the area of international studies at Drake.

The Department of World Languages & Cultures is introducing new minors in language and culture (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish), as well as minors in East Asian Studies and Latin American Studies.

The Department of Political Science is introducing new requirements for their international relations major, which include an enhanced commitment to teaching students about the global political economy and international law, as well as new course offerings in international security. In the current era of global change, there has never been a more exciting time to join these programs and become more aware of all the opportunities that they provide.

The information session will be an opportunity for students to learn more about the new major requirements and minors, as well as how to combine majors and minors across these two departments or with your current program of study in another department. For more information, contact Professor Mary M. McCarthy (mary.mccarthy@drake.edu) or Professor Marc Pinheiro-Cadd (marc.pinheiro-cadd@drake.edu).

—Mary McCarthy, Department of Political Science

Drake undergraduate, graduate, and professional students will receive an invitation this week from President Martin and Provost Mattison to complete the Drake Student Survey. By telling us about your Drake experience, you help us identify ways to improve curriculum, student support, and the campus environment.

—Kevin Saunders, Office of Institutional Research and Assessment

The Drake Association of Technology Advancement (DATA) Club is hosting a lecture by Brigadier General David A. Cotton, USAF retired, chief information security officer for the Iowa Regents universities and colleges, on cyber security. The event is open to the public and takes place Feb. 24 at 3 p.m. in Aliber Hall, Room 101. Cotton will speak about management of cyber, telecommunications, and information technology. He has served in the US. Air Force and Department of Defense and is an Iowa native. Refreshments and networking will take place after the presentation.

—YiFan Zhou

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.: Black History Month Meal at Hubbell. Sodexo and the Coalition of Black Students have designed a meal including succotash okra soup, country fried steak, mashed potatoes & gravy, fried catfish, mixed greens, baked mac & cheese, hush puppies, red beans & rice, pecan pie, and banana pudding.

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.: Memories From Home Lunch at Hubbell. Try some of Drake’s favorite home-made meals! Recipes submitted from students, faculty, and staff!

Wednesday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.: Vegan Lunch at Hubbell 

Friday, Feb. 24, 5 p.m.–7 p.m.: Breakfast for Dinner at Hubbell

Plus, meal block conversions run Feb. 13–24. Students on the 195- and 335-block meal plans can convert meals to flex dollars. A maximum of 100 meals per semester can be converted. See more information here.

—Jennifer Bowersox, Sodexo

Siblings Weekend will take place March 3–5. Show your siblings what Drake means to you and what Des Moines has to offer. Participate in fun activities, watch a women’s basketball game, and enjoy some entertainment! Register online today. Questions? Email branden.christensen@drake.edu.

Are you signed up for the Club Ped Program? We can help you reach your 10k steps by April! Come to the Group X Walking Group class on Thursdays from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. The class takes place on The Knapp Center track, and it is a fun way to socialize and get some exercise in to break up your busy day!

And don’t forget—Drake Wellness offers FREE body composition and fitness assessments for students. These evaluate your overall health and fitness as well as your current fitness level and risk of disease. From there, we can also help you develop a health and fitness plan to reach your goals. Email wellness@drake.edu to schedule your assessment.

Don’t miss these special meals:

• Thursday, Feb. 9, 5–7 p.m.: EPIC Adventure Dinner at Hubbell Dining
• Tuesday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.: Black History Month Meal

Plus, meal block conversions run Feb. 13–24. Students on the 195- and 335-block meal plans can convert meals to flex dollars. A maximum of 100 meals per semester can be converted. Click here for more information.

—Jennifer Bowersox, Sodexo

The Drake Weight Lifting Club is planning a trip to The Arnold Expo, March 3–5 in Columbus, Ohio. Transportation, hotel, and expo tickets will be paid for. Please contact Gary Haack (gary.haack@drake.edu) if you are interested in attending or if you would like more information. You do not have to be a member of the Drake Weight Lifting Club to attend.

—Gary Haack

Join this discussion on what barriers exist towards having a college education, what Drake can do to break down these barriers, and the importance that our society places on having such an education on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 6 p.m. in the Beach Room of Goodwin-Kirk.

—Mollie Clark

The Drake Broadcasting System is looking for any students interested in taking part in the 2017 Drake Relays Broadcast. We are looking for people to operate cameras, make videos, interview athletes, and even students interested in leadership and production roles. Anyone interested should contact gerald.tetzlaff@drake.edu with questions.

—Gerald Tetzlaff