Category Archives: 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.

— Kristi Fuller, Financial Aid Office

Be a Student Media Leader

The Board of Student Communications is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 academic year. You could be the leader of the Times-Delphic, Drake Mag, DUiN, Drake Broadcasting System, Periphery or Drake Political Review.

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter in PDF format to BSC co-chairs Professor Jeff Inman (jeff.inman@drake.edu) and SJMC Senator Cole Ferrao (cole.ferrao@drake.edu) by 5 p.m. March 13. Interviews will be held after Spring Break.

For more information, contact Professor Inman at jeff.inman@drake.edu.

Pappajohn Student Competition Round 1: Pitch For A Chance To Win $5,000

 Open to all majors and all experience levels. Early ideas are welcome.

  • 5-minute pitch + 5-minute Q&A
  • 3 winners receive $500
  • Winners advance to the statewide competition for a chance to win $5,000

Pitch Day: Wednesday, March 25 (Pitch scheduled after deliverables are received)
Deliverables due: March 13

Templates and details are available HERE

NOTE: If you have questions or would like help on your application for the Pappajohn Student Competition, the Entrepreneurship Center can assist!

Contact Chase Spencer at chase.spencer@drake.edu

Rec Center Workshops: Lifting 101 And Belly Dance


Lifting 101 Workshop

Have you resisted using free weights because you weren’t sure of proper form?  Come to this fun lifting workshop on Feb. 5 from 5–6 p.m. in the Bell Center Studio that will focus on working out with free weights. We’ll go over exercises that will cover both large and small muscles.  We’ll also go over variations to keep your workouts exciting.

Beginner Belly Dance Workshop

This beginner belly dance workshop on Feb. 13 introduces participants to the fundamentals of dance while focusing on the safe and confident use of a sword as a prop. Dancers will learn basic posture, balance, and simple belly dance movements, along with proper sword handling and safety techniques. The class includes a short, accessible choreography that can be performed both with and without the sword.

Sign up for both workshops on the Drake Rec app.

— Gail Witte, Rec Services

Reminder: Complete The 2026–2027 FAFSA

If you have not already done so, complete the 2026–2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (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. The FAFSA is available to U.S. Citizens and eligible non-citizens.

If you need assistance completing the FAFSA, please reach out to Drake’s Financial Aid Office for help.

— Kristi Fuller, Financial Aid Office

Last Chance To Sign Up For The Career Fair

All students from all majors are invited! 

Who: Employers, graduate/professional program partners, students, alumni, and more! 

  • Over 300 students attend the fair annually. 
  • Alumni from the Class of 2024 and 2025 are invited.  
  • Nearly 100 employers and educational representatives from graduate and professional programs.  
  • Drake Faculty and staff are also encouraged to attend.  

What: Networking, internship/job searching, learning about graduate/professional programs, career exploration, collecting free swag, and more!  

When: Thursday, February 12, 3:00 – 6:00 PM; Come and go as you are able! 

Where: Olmsted Student Center 

  • Student Check-In – Olmsted Breezeway 
  • Career Fair – Upper Level 

Why: Let us count the ways! 

  • New this year, University Communications and Marketing will be providing Drake students with an opportunity to have your professional headshot taken (images to be shared following the fair – approximately one week).  
  • Drake employers often recruit FIRST from the stack of resumes they receive at our Career Fair. 
  • Between 60-80% of jobs are secured through professional networks, and you must build your network BEFORE you need it! 
  • Opportunities exist that you never knew about with organizations you might never consider.  
  • Practice builds confidence. You may not be formally searching for an opportunity right now, but you can build your confidence for future fairs by practicing your elevator pitch, sharing your resume, and talking with employers NOW! 

Student Registration is open! 
Sign up on Handshake: https://drake.joinhandshake.com/edu/career_fairs/57887 

Professional attire required at the fair!
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 & Other Career Fair Resources: Thursday, February 5; walk-in, in-person anytime between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 

Become An Orientation Leader

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.

  • Tuesday, February 3, at 8 p.m. on Zoom
  • Wednesday, February 11, at 5 p.m. in JSC 250

You will be compensated for your time and effort and gain valuable skills in this position. Learn more about the position. For questions, contact Marina Verlengia at marina.verlengia@drake.edu.

— Marina Verlengia, New Student and Parent Programs

Join Drake’s Welcome Weekend Team

Peer Mentor/Academic Consultants (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.

  • PMAC Info Session – Thursday, February 5, at 6 p.m. in JSC 250
  • PMAC Info Session – Tuesday, February 10, on Zoom at 8 p.m.

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