If you have not already done so, complete the 2024–2025 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 2024, Fall 2024, or Spring 2025 semesters. The FAFSA is available to US Citizens and eligible non-citizens. If you need assistance completing the FAFSA, please reach out to Drake’s Financial Aid Office for help.

On January 30, the US Department of Education announced that schools will not begin receiving submitted FAFSA records until the first half of March. Until then, the Financial Aid Office will not be able to confirm receipt of your FAFSA.

— Ryan Zantingh, Financial Aid Office

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.

• Friday, Feb. 2, at 2 p.m. on Zoom
• Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 5 p.m. in Olmsted, Conference Room 310

You will be compensated for your time and effort and gain valuable skills in this position.

Learn more about the position. For questions, contact Lead Orientation Leaders at orientationleaders@drake.edu.

— Marina Verlengia, New Student Programs

Welcome Weekend 2024 planning is underway, and we want you to be a part of it. There are multiple opportunities to participate in the PMAC program this year, so we hope to see many applications. These roles include FYS PMACs (working with a group of students), Event Planner PMACs (planning Choose Your Own Adventure events and facilitating Welcome Weekend activities), and Social Media PMAC (a unique role within the Event Planner PMACs that will run the new Instagram page to showcase our awesome PMACs and all the fun activities of Welcome Weekend)

To hear more about these roles and get all your questions answered, please attend one of our information sessions. Click here to sign up for a session!

• Friday, February 9 4:00pm in Upper Olmsted Conference Rooms
• Monday, February 12 at 6:30pm on Zoom

In addition, you can follow the @drake.pmacs Instagram account for more information about the position.

Applications are due Feb. 18 at 11:59 p.m. For questions, email pab@drake.edu.

— Marina Verlengia, New Student Programs

Calling all Drake students. Do you want to be a part of a brand new campus organization focused on changing the purpose of public debate from attacking enemies to solving problems?

Students for Dignity educates, trains, and empowers students to become leaders who change the purpose of public debate from attacking enemies to solving problems.

Through grassroots organizing and networked communities, Students for Dignity sponsors experiences, conversations, and events that stir our conscience, change our habits, and lead to a tipping point where dignity replaces contempt as the accepted, respected and preferred problem-solving strategy in the United States.

Attend our Students for Dignity information session on Thursday, February 8, at 5 PM to learn more. Register here: bit.ly/3UfMbAl.

— Kathryn Kuckelman, Harkin Institute

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

Welcome back! We hope you had a restful break and are ready for an exciting new semester ahead. As you gear up for classes, we want to ensure that you have all the support you need to thrive academically. Here at Access & Success, we are committed to helping you make the most of your college experience.

Don’t forget to renew your accommodations: As you prepare for the new semester, please take a moment to renew your accommodations with us by filling out the Accommodation Renew form  Ensuring that your accommodations are up-to-date is crucial for a seamless transition into your classes. If you have any questions or need assistance with the renewal process, feel free to reach out to Michelle Laughlin and she will be happy to help.

Enhance your time management and study strategies: To help you succeed academically, we offer a range of services focused on time management and study strategies. Whether you’re looking to improve your organization skills, create effective study plans, or manage your time more efficiently, our team is here to support you. Schedule a meeting with one of our advisors to explore personalized strategies that align with your goals.  You can find tips and strategies on our website:  Access & Success.

We are here for you every step of the way. If you have any concerns, questions, or if there’s anything specific you’d like assistance with, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We believe in your potential and are excited to see you achieve your academic goals this semester.

Wishing you a fantastic start to the new semester!

— Michelle Laughlin, Access & Success

The Summer 2024 Uganda travel seminar is a three-week, six-credit course where Drake students visit Uganda to study sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa. The course will take place in the first three weeks of Summer 2024.

The application for the program is available at drake-sa.terradotta.com and the application deadline is Feb. 1. For questions, contact Professor Heath Henderson at heath.henderson@drake.edu.

— Heath Henderson, Zimpleman College of Business

Order your spring textbooks and course materials online now at drake.ecampus.com. Textbooks are a crucial part of academic success, and with Drake’s Official Online Bookstore, you have the option to either purchase or rent them online.

Choose the FREE 2-day ship-to-campus option at checkout and conveniently pick up your books at Bulldog Shop before classes start. Plus, we offer hassle-free returns up to 30 days after classes start, so there’s no risk in ordering early. With this flexibility, you can save time and focus on what matters most – preparing for classes.

Textbook pro tip: Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do! Don’t waste time shopping around for the best price. Rent from your online bookstore for the guaranteed best price.

Order your course materials online now and pick them up at the Bulldog Shop.

Special textbook pickup hours:

Jan. 22–Jan. 26: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Jan. 27 – Jan. 28: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

— The Bulldog Shop

The Drake University Career Fair will be held Thursday, Feb. 15, in the Olmsted Center. Meet with organizations and professional programs who are interested in recruiting Drake students. Don’t forget to bring copies of your resume.

Career Fair Times:
3–3:30 p.m. – Open to only seniors and O3 students
3:30–6 p.m. – Open to all students

Professional attire required:
No jeans or sweatpants.

A suit is recommended. If you don’t own a suit, wear trousers/dress pants/skirt and a button down shirt, blouse or sweater.

Need resume assistance?

Come to the drop-in Resume Critiques in upper Olmsted on Feb. 8 from 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.

OR

Join us virtually on Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.: https://drake-edu.zoom.us/j/89423574798?pwd=YVJCWWJueGtaMVgrSWxXUi9ZYVNsUT09

— Chrystal Stanley, Career Services

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2024-2025 is now available at studentaid.gov. US Citizens and eligible non-citizens should complete the 2024–2025 FAFSA to be considered for need-based grants, federal work-study, or to take advantage of federal student loan programs in the Summer 2024, Fall 2024, or Spring 2025 semesters.

Please note that the FAFSA will be unavailable intermittently when updates to the application are needed. If it is unavailable when you attempt to access it, try again later. If you need assistance with completing the FAFSA, please reach out to Drake’s Financial Aid Office for help.

The US Department of Education should begin sending submitted FAFSAs to schools by the end of January. Until that begins, the Financial Aid Office will not be able to confirm receipt of your FAFSA.

— Ryan Zantingh, Financial Aid Office