Access and Success is a combination of two existing Drake resources, Academic Achievement and Student Disability Services. Access and Success is designed to support students’ personal, academic, and social success at the University.

Access and Success will serve all Drake students and focus on a holistic, wellness centered approach. In addition to disability services and peer tutoring, other resources may include, but are not limited to; academic coaching appointments, webinars & workshops.

Access and Success provides the tools and support you need to be the best you can be academically, whether that means a serious need to raise your grade point average or giving you the edge you need to elevate that shaky B to a solid A. Please visit drake.edu/access-success to learn more.

— Michelle Laughlin, Director, Access and Success

If you’re interested in working and living abroad after graduation, Working Worldwide might be the perfect program for you. Working Worldwide is an opportunity for recent graduates to live and work in China or Kosovo for a year.

Applications for 2021–2022 are now live! You can apply through Terra Dotta, our online application system. Applications are due by March 1.

If you’re looking to expand your horizons, develop skills to be a competitive professional, and do something different after graduation, look no further than Working Worldwide!

Want to learn more? Attend an information session. Details found here.

If you have questions about Working Worldwide, please contact (nathan.jacobson@drake.edu).

— Nathan Jacobson, Education Abroad Coordinator

The Drake Undergraduate Social Science Journal (DUSSJ) is now accepting submissions for its Spring 2021 edition.

Any current Drake undergraduate (or recent graduate) is eligible to submit a paper on a topic in the social sciences (political science, international relations, anthropology, sociology, economics, history, and social psychology). Submissions may be short analytic essays or longer research papers. Papers that feature thoughtful, original analysis, polished writing, and careful citation are especially welcome.

The deadline for submission is Friday, Feb. 12, 2021.

No more than one submission per person will be considered. Submissions will be blind peer-reviewed by a student editorial board. When submitting a paper, please indicate if it is a research paper or short analytic essay. Also, please indicate the primary discipline and any secondary discipline(s).

See drake.edu/dussj for additional information. Questions and submissions should be sent to the DUSSJ faculty advisor, Professor Heath Henderson, at advisor.dussj@gmail.com.

— Heath Henderson, College of Business & Public Administration

Connect with alumni over J-Term and beyond
In the spirit of fostering connections between alumni and current students, we are excited to introduce a new initiative in partnership with the Alumni Relations team: #NetworkwithDrake.

We have created an ever-growing directory of alumni on LinkedIn, using the hashtag #NetworkwithDrake. You can search the hashtag to identify and connect with willing alumni in your chosen fields, find jobs or internships, seek career advice, and make connections around the globe.

Take part in True Blue Bingo
The @drakecareer Instagram account is featuring a contest to help you gain the True Blue Skills employers and graduate schools desire and tips to stay healthy at the same time. Be entered to win prizes by posting how you are staying healthy and building your True Blue Skills. Prizes include griff socks, bulldog flag, $50 Amazon gift card, and more. See the bingo card and examples for more details.

— Chrystal Stanley, Professional & Career Development Services

There are several tax credits and deductions for higher education expenses. Even if you are not required to file a tax return, you may be eligible for one or more of these benefits. Find more information.

— Ryan Zantingh, Director of Financial Aid

Students: As we prepare for the Spring 2021 semester, and keeping with safety protocols, we are asking you to order textbooks online through the University Bookstore website, universitybook.com, rather than in-store. If you believe you will be taking classes remotely, please choose to ship your books home. If you plan to be on campus or in the Des Moines metro, you may select free in-store pickup. We are planning a separate pickup area within the Olmsted Center to better protect you and those around you with social distancing. As with the rest of campus, masks are required in-store.

— Kyle McVay, University Bookstore