We’re inviting students to participate in the National Survey of Student Engagement to help us improve the Drake Experience. On February 18, first-years and seniors received an email invitation to participate. In appreciation, we will enter all students who complete the survey by March 30 into a drawing for 1 of 15 bookstore gift cards worth $50 each. Your chances of winning depend on how many complete the survey; the last time we administered this survey 441 students responded.

First-year and senior students who want to access the survey can also go to nssesurvey.org or use the QR code below.

— Kevin Saunders, Director of Institutional Research and Assessment

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

Join Drake Rec and Res Life for a yoga class for LGBTQIA+ folks and friends on March 5 at 7 p.m. Bring your own mat or use one of ours and get ready for some black-light and neon fun. Sign up on the Drake Rec app.

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

Come write letters to your legislators March 12 at 5 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

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

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

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