The web-based Drake University Social Science Journal (DUSSJ) is accepting submissions for its Spring 2019 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. 15. 

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).

Direct questions and submissions to theDUSSJ faculty advisors, Professors William Boal and Heath Henderson, at advisor.dussj@gmail.com.

Find previous editions of the journal at drake.edu/dussj.

From June 19–July 28, Drake University will host the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. Twenty-five fellows from various nations in Africa, age 25–35, will spend nearly six weeks learning from Drake faculty and engaging in the Greater Des Moines community. Learn more at drake.edu/yali. 

We are recruiting two undergraduate or graduate students to work with a collaborative team throughout the course of the Institute. 

Responsibilities:
• With another student coordinator, serve as the main YALI staff points of contact in Drake West Village. Live in Drake West Village in a private room.
• Troubleshoot any issues with keys, laundry, rooms, etc.
• Orient YALI Fellows to campus, walk them to dining hall and classroom at start of the institute
• Assist in mediating interpersonal conflicts between Fellows
• Communicate with Fellows to ensure timeliness to events 
• Attend various YALI site visits, cultural events, and outings
• Help Fellows navigate the bus system 
• Create weekly online evaluation forms and take feedback into consideration
• Take photos, write blogs, and help spread the word of YALI

Work approximately 40 hours a week; nights and weekends required.
Pay rate: $12/hr
Most meals provided, plus a weekly meal allowance

Desired qualifications: 
• Sensitivity to and awareness of other cultures
• Experience resolving conflict
• Organizational skills 

Please submit application to Amanda Martin at amanda.martin@drake.edu no later than Feb. 22. In your application, include a resume, cover letter, and contact information of at least one reference.

Amanda Martin, Assistant Director of Community Engaged Learning

Due to University closures this week, Peer Mentor/Academic Consultant (PMAC) information session scheduled for today, Tuesday, Jan. 29, is canceled. The session has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 6:30 p.m. in Olmsted Center, Rooms 310–311. It is not mandatory to attend a session to apply for the PMAC position. Applications are due Sunday, Feb. 10, by 12 p.m. Click here to apply.

Information on becoming a PMAC:

PMACs serve as a resource and motivator for first-year students. Based on research findings and past experiences, peer-to-peer interaction with an emphasis on students’ academic success and personal development is particularly important to overall growth during the first year in college. PMACs play an essential role in making sure new students are acclimated to their new environment before classes begin. Communication with new students will begin over the summer and continue throughout the fall semester.

Contact the Peer Advisory Board at pab@drake.edu or Marina Verlengia at marina.verlengia@drake.edu with any questions.

Marina Verlengia, Director of New Student & Parent Programs

Ready for the Big Game on Sunday? Complete the fun with an order of saucy wings or mozzarella sticks! We’re setting up Wicked Wings and serving a dozen wings for just $6 in Quad Creek from 4–5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Available while supplies last. You can also order your wings early at any cashier in Quad Creek to guarantee your appetizer will be ready. Orders must be placed by Wednesday, Jan. 30.

Jennifer Bowersox, Drake Dining

Due to university closures this week, Orientation Leader information session scheduled for tomorrow Wednesday, Jan. 30, will be canceled. This session will not be rescheduled. It is not mandatory to attend a session to apply for the Orientation Leader position. Applications are due this Friday, Feb. 1, by 12 p.m. Click here to apply.

Orientation leaders are dedicated to providing incoming students and their families with all the information and resources necessary to ensure their transition to Drake is a smooth and enjoyable one. If you have any questions about the position or application, please feel free to contact marina.verlengia@drake.edu.

Marina Verlengia, Director of New Student & Parent Programs

Students, final grades for J-Term courses are due on Wednesday, Feb. 6. You may view your final grades by clicking the My Grades link under the Student Records area in MyDrake.

Kevin Moenkhaus, Associate Registrar

As a new semester is starting, we wanted to provide an update that the Student Services Center will remain in the temporary location in Lower Hubbell Hall for the remainder of the spring semester. We will be happy to assist you with purchasing parking passes, paying parking citations, adding Bulldog Bucks to your account, picking up student payroll checks, or printing off new Drake ID cards. 

We’d also like to provide some helpful information regarding campus card access. Students from certain majors are granted extended access to buildings relating to their field of study—this is automated, and based off of either your major or specific classes in your schedule that may require access to a building. Students living in the residence halls also receive automated access to their hall, and ability to access other halls during the day.

Additional card access is available when needed, and includes an approval process and manual update (please be aware that some access is based on a specific approval process, and may not be granted). Most manual access updates are tied to specific campus jobs or research. If you think you are missing a plan, speak with your manager, main building contact, or submit an ITS Help Ticket so we can research your card issue. 

If your card is lost and needs to be replaced, you may purchase a new card in the Student Services Center. The lost card will be deactivated automatically upon printing of new card. If your card is no longer working (but has worked in the past), make sure that you are registered for your spring classes—cards will not function if you are not a current student or employee. Also make sure there are no cracks in the card—cracked cards cannot communicate with door readers, and will need to be replaced at the Student Services Center. 

Have a great semester, and feel free to reach out with questions or card issues.

Sara Heijerman, Student Services Manager

Job applications for communications assistants and public policy, office, and event planning assistants for the student staff at The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement will be available on Handshake from Jan. 14–Feb. 6. To access Handshake, log into myDrake, click Campus Resources, then click the Handshake icon.

Please direct all questions to Catherine Anderson at catherine.anderson@drake.edu.

Catherine Anderson, The Harkin Institute 

Final grades for non-Law School courses are due Wednesday, Dec. 19. Final grades for the Law School are due Tuesday, Jan. 15.

Generally, final grades are available to view by the first calendar day following the day the grade was entered. You may view your final grades by clicking the “My Grades” link under the Student Records area in MyDrake.

Have a wonderful and safe winter break.

—Kevin Moenkhaus, Associate Registrar