Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa (BUS 067) is a three-credit, two-week course that will run during J-term 2026. The course will take place in and around Kampala, Uganda and will introduce students to a host of development-related topics through daily excursions, including a safari and a boat trip along the Nile River. Interested students can email any questions to Prof. Henderson (heath.henderson@drake.edu) or Prof. Mannetter (heidi.mannetter@drake.edu). Applications can be submitted through Via.

— Heath Henderson

Are you part of a student organization looking to bring exciting, community-focused events to campus? The Holistic Wellness fund, in collaboration with Campus Recreation, Counseling, Student Life, and Access & Success, is launching a brand-new initiative—Second Saturday Social.

We are inviting student organizations to apply for funding to host a social event on the second Saturday of select months: September, October, November, and February. Each event will take place between 7–11 p.m. at either Johansen or Olmsted and will receive $500 in event support from the Holistic Wellness fund.

This is a great opportunity to create fun, engaging, and inclusive experiences for students while fostering wellness, connection, and campus spirit. Whether you envision a game night, open mic, cultural celebration, wellness workshop, or something completely unique—your organization can help shape these dynamic Saturday nights!

Proposal Details:

• Who Can Apply? Any registered student organization
• Funding Available: $500 per event
• Event Timing: Second Saturday of September, October, November, and February (7:00 – 11:00 PM)
• Location: Johansen or Olmsted
• Application Deadline: Friday, May 9

Interested in hosting? Submit your proposal today and bring your vision to life!

For more information and to apply by May 9 at  https://forms.office.com/r/QGpMZr4L2f. Don’t miss this chance to make your mark on campus.

— Laura Shell

Commencement is just around the corner! Don’t forget to purchase your regalia at the Bulldog Shop—available in-store or online—now through graduation day, May 17th. Shop graduation gear online.

Grab a diploma frame so you can proudly display your hard-earned degree to commemorate your great accomplishment!

You’re about to be a Bulldog Alum! Celebrate your time at Drake with official alumni gear, and take that Bulldog spirit with you wherever you go. Shop Alumni Products.

Congrats, Class of 2025!

— The Bulldog Shop

Undergraduate and pharmacy (P1-P3) students who want to borrow federal student loans for the summer semester must complete the Summer Financial Aid Application.

Graduate and law students who are registered at least half-time (5+ credits) for summer and who have completed the 2025–2026 FAFSA will automatically be offered their federal student loan eligibility for the summer semester. These students should only complete this form if they receive a financial aid offer that does not include financial aid for the summer semester.

— Ryan Zantingh, Financial Aid Office

If you missed the priority application deadline for J-Term 2026 travel seminars, don’t worry. There are still many programs accepting applications. See the links below for more details on each program and/or to start an application:

• Australia: Comparative Equity & Access
• Austria: Comprehensive Patient Assessment and Interprofessional Collaboration
• Belize: Conservation, Development, and Indigenous Rights
• Florida: Zoo Design and Operations
• France: From Debussy to Ravel: French Composers and the Paris Conservatoire
• Ghana: Drake Experience Ghana (DrakeX GH)
• India: International Health Topics
• Malaysia & Singapore: Crossroads of Globalization
• New York City: Auditions
• Uganda: Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa

There is no fee to apply, and applications submitted now are considered on a rolling basis. Students can contact Chelsea Funk (chelsea.funk@drake.edu) with any questions.

— Chelsea Funk, Global Engagement

Staying in Des Moines over the summer? Interested in gardening or working with youth? The Sprout Garden needs you. Find more information about our Maintenance Coordinator and Youth Program positions on Handshake (links below). Both positions are also open for the 2025–2026 school year. Apply by April 25 by sending your resume and cover letter to mallary.allen@drake.edu.

Summer Sprout Garden Maintenance Coordinator:
https://app.joinhandshake.com/emp/jobs/9782821

Summer Sprout Garden Youth Education Coordinator:
https://app.joinhandshake.com/emp/jobs/9782952

— Mallary Allen, Community Engaged Learning

Are you part of a student organization looking to bring exciting, community-focused events to campus? The Holistic Wellness fund, in collaboration with Campus Recreation, Counseling, Student Life, and Access & Success, is launching a brand-new initiative—Second Saturday Social.

We are inviting student organizations to apply for funding to host a social event on the second Saturday of select months: September, October, November, and February. Each event will take place between 7–11 p.m. at either Johansen or Olmsted and will receive $500 in event support from the Holistic Wellness fund.

This is a great opportunity to create fun, engaging, and inclusive experiences for students while fostering wellness, connection, and campus spirit. Whether you envision a game night, open mic, cultural celebration, wellness workshop, or something completely unique—your organization can help shape these dynamic Saturday nights!

Proposal Details:

• Who Can Apply? Any registered student organization
• Funding Available: $500 per event
• Event Timing: Second Saturday of September, October, November, and February (7:00 – 11:00 PM)
• Location: Johansen or Olmsted
• Application Deadline: Friday, May 9

Interested in hosting? Submit your proposal today and bring your vision to life!

For more information and to apply by May 9 at  https://forms.office.com/r/QGpMZr4L2f. Don’t miss this chance to make your mark on campus.

— Laura Shell, Academic Success & Retention

Drake students can now claim their free tickets to all four sessions of the 115th Drake Relays taking place April 24–27 at Drake Stadium by clicking here. Be sure to log in using your Drake email to claim your tickets. Once claimed, tickets can be added to your Apple or Google Wallet for easy access. Don’t wait—secure your spot today as we push toward our 59th consecutive Saturday sellout! View the full schedule of events.

— Greg Kay, Athletics