Category Archives: For Students Archive

Letters to Legislators Event

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

Intramural Deadlines Approaching

The next session of Intramural sports are almost here, and if you are looking for some competitive fun then here is your chance to get in on the action. Innertube Waterpolo registration deadline is March 10 at 4 p.m. Teams or free agents can register through the Drake Rec App or IM leagues / Drake to reserve their spot today. Bags and Pickleball registration ends on March 12 at 4 p.m. Multiple divisions and nights will be offered—don’t miss out on the fun! Show off your skills whether it’s in the pool or on the court—become an intramural legend this season.

For questions, email Intramurals@drake.edu.

Free Personal Finance Development Tool

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

J-Term Fair March 12

The J-term Fair is happening on Wednesday, March 12, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in Upper Olmsted. Join us to learn more about the travel seminars that will be offered in January 2026, speak with the faculty leaders, hear from program alumni, and find your next destination. Tables for our DU Cohort programs (DU England & DU Spain) will also be available if you’re thinking of a full semester abroad. We look forward to seeing you there!

— Chelsea Funk, Global Engagement

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

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

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

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