Category Archives: For Students Archive

You did it, Class of 2020! Let’s celebrate.

There’s no doubt that your time spent at Drake University has been full of hard work, achievements, meaningful experiences, and lasting memories. Although we won’t be able to recognize you in person this May, we want to still commemorate you properly, and we’ve created a virtual experience to do just that.

The new Virtual Commencement website will serve as the hub for the virtual celebration on May 16, so bookmark the page and save the date!

Feel free to send the link to your friends and family so they can celebrate with you on this special day. Can’t celebrate on May 16? No problem, the commencement site can still be viewed by Bulldogs and their families through December.

For questions, visit the frequently asked questions section on the hub or visit the Drake University Virtual CommencementFacebook Event page.

We are bound together by our Drake experiences, and we can’t wait to celebrate all that the Class of 2020 has accomplished.

— John Smith, Virtual Commencement Committee Chair/Vice President, University Advancement

Reminder: Submit your commencement photo/video by May 4

Graduates: As part of the virtual commencement experience on May 16, we want to feature an image of you to recognize your achievements. Please email one photo or short video clip of yourself to commencement2020@drake.edu no later than Monday, May 4.

Five things to keep in mind with your submission:

  • Please include your full name.
  • If submitting a video, film it horizontally with no sound and keep it to five seconds or less.
  • Formal attire is preferred but not required. We fully understand that most graduates do not have caps and gowns, so any nice photo will do.
  • For large files, we suggest using WeTransfer.com to upload and send your file for free. 
  • Please adhere to the May 4 deadline. We hope to feature as many graduates as possible.

Additionally, we are planning to launch the virtual commencement hub in early May. This will be where the virtual commencement celebration will take place, as well as a single location where you can view all commencement information and specific content from your college/school. Keep an eye out for an email with more details, which will include a link to the virtual hub.  

— Drake University Virtual Commencement Committee

Student ambassador applications due May 1

The Office of Admission is currently accepting applications for new student ambassadors for the 2020–2021 academic year. The primary role of a student ambassador is to interact with prospective Drake students and their families by giving campus tours, participating in visit programs, and more.
 
The deadline to apply has been extended to May 1. More details about the position and the application process are available at: tinyurl.com/rve8akg.
 
For questions about the position or the application process, contact admissioncoleition@drake.edu.

— Evan Favreau, Admission

Apply for a Fulbright Scholarship

Drake University is a Top Producing Institution in 2019–2020 for student Fulbright Scholarships, and has been for several years running.  Fulbright Scholarships are open to graduating seniors and recent graduates who are not enrolled in a degree program at another school or university. They provide valuable international experience and funding for teaching English, working on research projects, or attending a graduate program in another country. Now is the time to begin working on your application! Applications will be due in early September.  Support for Drake applicants is provided by the Post-Graduate Global Programs Coordinator. Please contact Eleanor Zeff at eleanor.zeff@drake.edu to set up a virtual appointment for more information.

— Annique Kiel, Drake International

Move-out for residential students May 8–24; Review procedures

Students who had been or are still living in Drake residence halls received an email April 17 regarding move-out procedures. Students will be able to move out of their residence hall beginning May 8 with all move-outs to occur by May 24.

Students will sign up for a two-hour move-out time slot through the Housing & Meal Plan Selection Portal. Each two-hour time slot will be limited to five students per residence hall, with the exception of Goodwin-Kirk which we will limit to ten students per time slot. Time slots must be reserved no later than noon on May 7.

Time slots will be made available each day as follows: 7–9 a.m., 9–11 a.m., 11 a.m.–1 p.m., 1­–3 p.m., 3–5 p.m., and 5–7 p.m. You must move out only at the time you sign up forDo not travel to campus until it is time for your assigned move out time slot. Hall access will only be granted during your designated move out time slot.

To sign-up for your move-out time slot

  1. Login to my.drake.edu  
  2. Click the fork & knife icon to open the Housing & Meal Plan Selection Portal
  3. Click on Move Out Time Slot Form tab
  4. Choose the Academic Year 2019–2020 Term, Save & Continue
  5. Sign up for your Move Out Time Slot, Day and Time

Please review all move-out instructions online at drake.edu/coronavirus/students

If you would like to discuss individual concerns not addressed above, please contact the Residence Life Office by email at housing@drake.edu.

Important commencement announcement from President Martin

Watch the video for an announcement from President Martin regarding May 2020 commencement.

A virtual commencement celebration is scheduled for May 16 – Save the date!

The following message was sent via email from President Martin to May 2020 graduates on April 14.

Drake University will hold a virtual commencement celebration on May 16 to recognize and commend graduates of the Class of 2020. In addition, graduates are invited to attend December 2020 commencement exercises in tandem with December graduates. 

The University is working hard to create a meaningful online experience that recognizes the many, well-deserved achievements of the Class of 2020. The specifics of the celebration are still being determined. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks, including a link to a virtual commencement web page. 

For now, mark your calendars for May 16 and invite your family and friends to tune in at any time and from any location (there will not be a specific start time) to celebrate this remarkable milestone.

For questions, see a list of FAQs regarding spring commencement.

Graduation attire available for order

Graduates: If you want to order bachelor’s or master’s attire this spring for delivery, the University Bookstore is accepting orders online. Important to note: Academic attire is not required for the virtual commencement celebration. The Bookstore is offering this option for pictures and personal celebrations.

Make a purchase. In the comment field at checkout, please include height, weight, and college/degree for tassel color. If you need an honor cord, fill out comment field as well. The Bookstore has attire in stock and ready to ship.

For questions, contact Katie Wilz, University Bookstore manager, at kwilz@follett.com.

— Katie Wilz, University Bookstore

Video conferences on jobs, careers, internships

Two video conferences for students regarding jobs, careers, and internships:

Ask Us Anything! A video conference for seniors on jobs and careers
Wednesday, April 8, at noon CST: Join here

Seniors, we understand that you may be feeling anxious. Are you looking for resources in your job search? Are you wondering how to proceed during this uncertain time?  We’re here to help.  Join us on this video conference where you can ask us anything regarding careers and your job search. We will share the most current information we’re gathering from employers, as well as tips, but the agenda is yours.

You can submit questions ahead of time here, and we’ll answer during the conference. You can ask questions during the conference also. We’ll record it and compile the list of FAQs after the call and share it on our website. Seniors from all majors welcomed!

Hosted by Drake career services professionals Chrystal Stanley, Annette Watson, Leah Berte, and Carlyn Crowe.

Ask Us Anything! A video conference regarding jobs and internships. All students welcome.
Friday, April 10, at noon CST: Join here

Students looking for jobs and internships are welcome to attend an open forum regarding careers and internships during this time of uncertainty. We want to answer your questions (and try to ease your anxiety) by providing advice and resources. You can submit questions ahead of time here, which we’ll answer during the conference. You can ask questions during the conference call also.  We’ll record it and compile a list of FAQs after the call and share it on our website. Students from all majors are welcome!

Hosted by Drake career services professionals Chrystal Stanley, Annette Watson, Leah Berte, and Carlyn Crowe.

— Carlyn Crowe, School of Journalism and Mass Communication