Category Archives: For Students Archive

For Students Archive

Join us for A Room Full of Sisters

A Room Full of Sisters is a program for undergraduate students who identify as women and/or have been socialized as women. This is a place where students, presenters and panelists will engage in intergenerational conversations about topical issues that affect and shape our life experiences as women, such as healthy relationships, leadership, attending a PWI, and financial literacy.

Date: Saturday, March 23, 9:30a.m. to 2 p.m. (breakfast and lunch provided)

Location: Aliber (morning sessions), Olmsted (lunch program)

This program is provided to students at no cost.

Register in advance: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-room-full-of-sisters-tickets-830519916427

The event’s sponsors include: The Dean of Students Office, Broadlawns Counseling Center, Office of Community Engaged Learning and Service, Campus Equity and Inclusion, and the Provost Office.

March is Women’s History Month; take advantage of this community gathering!

— Amanda Martin, Community Engaged Learning

For Students Archive

Write a letter to a legislature

Join Student Senate and Delta Theta Phi on March 20 at 5:45 p.m. for a letter writing event. If you are passionate about politics, law, or just want to see social change, this is the event for you. Letter writing supplies and snacks will be provided. The location is still being determined. Watch for a future communication with further details.

— Chloe Lepak, sophomore

For Students Archive

December commencement ceremonies

Beginning in the Fall 2025 semester, Drake University will no longer hold a December commencement ceremony. Instead, the University will return to its prior tradition of celebrating all graduates at its spring commencement ceremonies in May. 

Drake’s December 2024 commencement will be its last December commencement.  

This decision was not made lightly and was based on several factors including participation, logistical considerations, fiscal responsibility, and our commitment to providing an exceptional experience for our graduates.  

We understand this change may impact some of our students and families who were planning to participate in a December commencement ceremony in 2025 and beyond. Our hope is that this decision will bring all students of the same graduating class together—whether graduating in December, May, or August—for one culminating celebration of their accomplishments and time at Drake. 

If you have questions about this decision or commencement in general, please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@drake.edu. 

— Jenny Tran-Johnson, Registrar

For Students Archive

Study Abroad Fall 2024 on Drake’s cohort program, DU England at Harlaxton

Apply for the DU England: Harlaxton program through Terra Dotta.  Priority deadline and scholarship deadline: Friday, March 15.

Drake is currently accepting applications for DU England: Harlaxton, where you can study abroad fall 2024 at a Victorian Manor set in the English countryside, just an hour outside of London.

This upcoming fall, a cohort of Drake students will study at Harlaxton with Drake Professor of Politics and International Studies, Mary McCarthy. Students enroll in one or two Drake courses and round out their semester credits taking a variety of courses taught by British and visiting faculty.  Harlaxton courses can be pre-approved to count toward your major(s), minor(s), concentration, and/or AOIs.

Drake courses offered:
POLS 149: Sites of Memory (AOIs: Historical Foundations or Global & Cultural Understanding; Approved for Honors credit and as an elective for the following majors, minors, and concentrations: Politics, International Relations, Human Rights, Women & Gender Studies, Black Diaspora Studies)
POLS 178: International Law (AOI: Engaged Citizen; Required course for International Relations; Elective for Politics)

Studying abroad on DU England: Harlaxton, students are charged Drake tuition and keep their scholarship package, making your experience abroad comparable in cost to staying right here in Des Moines.  In addition, we award over $100,000 in study abroad scholarships every year!

To learn more, attend an information session offered later today and tomorrow.

INFORMATION SESSIONS:
Tuesday, February 20th at 5 pm
Wednesday, February 21st at 12 pm
Pomerantz Conference Room, Olmsted Student Center, main-level

If you have questions or want to schedule an advising appointment, reach out to studyabroad@drake.edu.

— Maria Rohach, Director, Education Abroad

For Students Archive

The Harkin Institute D.C. Experience Scholarship applications now open

Applications are now open for The Harkin Institute D.C. Experience Scholarship and the Robert J. Waters and Patricia J. Beneke Endowed Washington, D.C. Experience Scholarship.

Our scholarships help cover the costs of housing and travel expenses for those completing an internship in Washington, D.C.

Haven’t secured an internship yet? No problem. You can still apply for our scholarship while searching.

Click here to learn more and apply!

— Kathryn Kuckelman, Harkin Institute

For Students Archive

Introducing the new Green Grad Program

Sign up to be a part of Drake’s new Green Grad program. The program aims to incentivize and provide recognition to students who advocate for sustainability on campus. It involves students tracking sustainable actions and reporting them, with the goal of achieving 10 sustainability points. The point scale can be found on the sustainability website, with instructions on how to report points. Participating in this program will promote engagement in sustainability research, education, service learning, and events.

Green graduates will receive a certificate and have their names displayed on the sustainability website. If you are interested in being a Spring 2024 Green Grad, please fill out the intent form and submit all points by May 3. More information and all forms can be found here.

Email hannah.remke@drake.edu with any questions and follow drakeu.sustainability on Instagram to stay updated on new initiatives.

—Hannah Remke, Sustainability Coordinator 

For Students Archive

Super Smash Bros. tournament Feb. 24 at 8 p.m.

Come play in a free Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament and eat some snacks in Herriott Lobby this Saturday, Feb. 24, at 8 p.m. We’re planning to have GameCube controllers, Pro Controllers, and a couple Nintendo Switch setups, including projecting a big display on the wall. At least one Switch has all DLC characters.

— Jake Elafros, senior

For Students Archive

Fulbright presentation: Des Moines as a walkable city?

Want to discuss the issues of Des Moines’ transportation system and sustainability? Come join Dr. Dian Nostikasari and our Fulbright Scholar Dr. Suryani Wijaya in an informal discussion around Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). This will be an information conversation where you will be able to contribute your thoughts in how to make walkable cities more of a reality.

Join us on Friday, Feb. 23, from 3–4 p.m. in Cowles Library, Room 201 (the Fishbowl Room). Light refreshments will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there.

— Jorona Johnson, Global Engagement