The Global Learning Scholarship application is live for students who are studying abroad spring 2017 and J-Term 2017. These scholarships are designed to enable students to reach their full potential as responsible global citizens. All global learning scholarships are need-based. The application deadline is Oct. 15. To learn more and to apply, visit this link. If you have any questions, please contact Maria Rohach at maria.rohach@drake.edu.

—Maria Rohach, Assistant Director, Drake Administered Programs Abroad

Like service? Like meeting new people? Want to be part of a national organization that is easy to fit into your schedule? Then Alpha Phi Omega may be for you! APO Service Fraternity is having recruitment week Monday–Friday, Sept. 19–23! Come sign up or get more information in the Olmsted Breezeway 11 a.m.–4 p.m. every day during recruitment week. Questions? Email recruitment.apo.omega@gmail.com.

—Grace Baumgartner

Thinking about studying abroad for a J-Term, summer, full semester, or yearlong program? Drake has a new application system that will now let you search for study abroad programs by term, subject, and location to make finding the perfect program easier for you. To start the search, visit www.drake.edu/studyabroad.

—Breanne Ellis, Education Abroad Advisor

Are you going to a Spanish speaking country during J-Term or next spring? Would you like to begin learning a few words in Spanish for an upcoming study abroad semester or travel seminar? Do you want or need to keep up your foreign language fluency? Drake’s Department of World Languages and Cultures wants to help.

Spanish Conversation Hours are scheduled three times a week this semester: Mondays, noon–1 p.m.; Wednesdays, 2–3 p.m.; and Wednesdays, 4–5 p.m. in Meredith 204.

All levels of Spanish speakers from all areas of the Drake community are welcome. The group warmly supports all participants with an opportunity to practice Spanish; no long-term commitment is required to attend. A native speaker facilitates the conversation in Spanish in a fun and casual setting.

For further information, contact Assistant Professor Inbal Mazar at inbal.mazar@drake.edu

—Drake International

The Drake Writing Internships program is pleased to again offer the free Fundamentals and Introduction to Grant Writing workshop to students on Friday, Sept. 23, 1–4 p.m. in Aliber Hall, Room 108. Perfect for students seeking pre-professional development or for those students who have personal projects or aspirations that require funding, this workshop fills up quickly! Register for your spot by emailing Lisa Boes (lisa.boes@drake.edu) no later than Monday, Sept. 19.

—Carol Spaulding-Kruse, Professor of English

The Activities Fair is tomorrow, Sept. 13, in Upper Olmsted from 4 to 7 p.m. Student organizations and activities will be handing out information about their groups. Stop by and sign up for a group or two!

—Kodee Wright, Coordinator, Student Activities and Organizations

Drake is forming a Sexual and Interpersonal Misconduct Student Advisory Committee and is looking for at-large members. The purpose of the committee is to open up communications between students and the staff most closely involved in matters related to sexual and interpersonal misconduct on campus. The staff who will be involved include the Title IX coordinator, dean of students, and the new prevention coordinator (once hired), as well as staff from Drake Public Safety and Residence Life.

The committee will have representatives from the following groups: Student Senate, Unity Roundtable, Residence Hall Association, Drake Athletics, Fraternity and Sorority Life, graduate/professional programs, and 4–5 at-large positions.

If you are interested in serving in one of the at-large positions, please contact Title IX Coordinator Katie Overberg at titleix@drake.edu by Sept. 30. You can also contact Katie with any questions about the new advisory committee.

—Katie Overberg

For those students with meal plans that allow for meal conversions, you can convert meals on the following dates this fall:

• Sept. 19–30
• Oct. 24–28

Students on the 335- and 195-block plans can convert up to 100 meals each semester to flex dollars. To convert meals, you can stop at the Student Services Center and fill out a form to indicate how many meals you would like to convert. You can also visit www.drake.edu/studentservices/mealplans to find the form at the bottom of the page titled “Meal Plan Conversions.”

—Jerry Parker, Interim Dean of Students

Through the help of our community partners, professional advocates are holding regular office hours on campus this academic year. The advocates are available in Cowles Library, Room 109 on Tuesdays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

An advocate is a confidential resource who can provide support, talk through options, and address concerns related to sexual misconduct or dating/domestic violence or stalking. These confidential advocates are not Drake employees and are not required to report any details to the University or to law enforcement.

In addition, confidential student advocates through VIP (Violence Intervention Partner) are always available 24/7 by phone or text at 515-512-2972.

Confidential advocates are also available through Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services at 515-286-3600—they can meet you on or off campus at your convenience.

Please send any questions to prevention@drake.edu or titleix@drake.edu, or contact the Title IX coordinator directly at 515-271-2982.

—Katie Overberg, Title IX Coordinator