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

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

Join your representatives and water quality experts to learn how you can make an impact on Iowa’s water quality issue, and what the best way to be heard by your representative really is.

The event is Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 6–8 p.m. in Parents Hall South.

Contact sustainability@drake.edu with any questions.

— Sydney Dvorak, Sustainability Coordinator

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

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.

You asked, we listened! Introducing Lounge, a new application that centralizes student led events happening on campus, student organization communications and management, and student organization event planning.

Want to know what is going on this weekend? Lounge can help with that. Want to know what registered student orgs are active on campus Lounge can tell you that. Is you org or club in need of a centralized space to store documents for future members? Lounge does that too! Are you tired of searching multiple different websites to fill out forms and request rooms and order food? Lounge has it all!

The app is compatible for both mobile and desktop users and it’s free to download. This is to be used not only by student organizations, but all students on campus.

Please download the app using the QR code on the attached flyer, visiting the website here or email Tiffany Hach (tiffany.hach@drake.edu) with any questions.

— Tiffany Hach, Director of Student Life

Calling all transfer students! The Transfer Student Organization is hosting a fun social on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m. in Fisher-Stelter Hall (Johansen Student Center). Expect bingo, snacks, and lots of chances to connect with other transfer students. Whether you’re new or just looking to meet more people, this is the place to be!

— Marina Verlengia, New Student and Parent Programs

Level Up with AI: An Alumni Networking Breakfast—Your event questions answered.

Q: When and where is the event? 
A: Friday, February 6 at 8:30 – 10:00am in Olmsted Parents Hall.  

Q: Do I need to be an AI expert to attend? 
A: Heck no! Just bring your curiosity! 

Q: Should I register? 
A: Absolutely! Space is limited, so sign in eventbrite today! 

Q: Will there be free food? 
A: Of course! A breakfast buffet will be served. 

Q: Who else will be there? 
A: Drake alumni, who graduated from different colleges and schools at Drake and are working across various industries, using AI in real-world ways.  

Q: What will I gain? 
A: Professional connections with Drake alumni as well as clarity on how AI can support your career development and growth from the keynote, Ben Weinberg, Director of Talent Development at F&G.  

 Q: Is there anything else I should know? 
A: If you’re interested, you can read the full event details below.  

Event Details: 

Friday, February 6 
8:30 – 10:00 AM 
Olmsted Student Center, Parents Hall 

 AI is here. Students have questions, and Drake alumni have some advice! Join Career Services, Alumni Relations, and Drake alumni from diverse academic and industry areas for a conversation about IF, WHEN, & HOW to use AI to support your career development and enjoy a free breakfast! 

Keynote Speaker: 

Ben Weinberg (Class of 2017), Director of Talent Development at F&G and former religion major at Drake University, shares that most people don’t really understand AI, but everyone is going to need the knowledge to talk about it and the skills to use it. He’s excited to share is expertise about talent development, AI, and the power of relationships. Students will walk away feeling energized, informed, and ready to leverage new networking relationships! 

 Student Registration: 

Students can register in Eventbrite, and space is limited. The full agenda is below. 

8:30 AM – Check-In 
8:45 AM – Breakfast & Networking
9:00 AM – Keynote Address: Ben Weinberg ‘17
9:30 AM – Open Networking  

— Jill Batten, Strategic Director of Advising and Career Services