The Community Engaged Learning Office is currently recruiting Drake students to become College Positive Volunteers (CPV). The program trains students to be ambassadors of higher education with a goal of increasing college enrollment and success for all students, with special attention to traditionally underrepresented students.

The community partnerships developed through College Positive Volunteers at Drake will center around school and community-based youth groups. Through these partnerships, CPVs will host Des Moines middle and elementary school students on campus, provide college access programming for Des Moines students at all levels, and serve as mentors/tutors in existing programs. Through various activities, CPVs will build a college-going culture and increase college knowledge around college preparation, paying for college, career selection, financial resources, etc. CPVs may oversee a scavenger hunt on campus with middle school students, lead a workshop on scholarship essay writing for high school students, or visit schools to talk about what life in college is all about.

This opportunity is great for any student interested in working with youth. Contact Jeffrey Czerwiec in the Community Engaged Learning Office at jeffrey.czerwiec@drake.edu.

—Jeffrey Czerwiec

The Drake Community Action Board (CAB) is currently seeking applicants for the 2017–2018 Community Action Board. If you are passionate about the relationship between service and social justice, and you want to be a part of a collaborative team dedicated to engaging students in the community in meaningful and reciprocal ways, apply for CAB! Apply by this Friday, March 31, at 11:59 p.m. Questions? Contact jamie.willer@drake.edu.

What: Be a Better Neighbor Dialogue
When: March 28, 7 p.m.
Where: Cowles Reading Room

On March 28, Drake CAB and the Neighborhood Relations Committee will be hosting a dialogue to share the results of the neighborhood relations survey, administered earlier this academic year. In addition to discussion of survey results, we hope to create a productive space for students, faculty, and staff to discuss Drake neighborhood relations and perceptions of the neighborhood in order to begin the process of establishing a sustainable and reciprocal relationship with our community members.

—Mollie Clark

Stop by Drake’s Sextival, a sexual and reproductive health festival, Thursday March 30, 3 to 5 p.m. in the Pomerantz Stage area on the first floor of Olmsted. Learn, ask questions, and find resources related to sexual and reproductive health, sexuality, and consent.

—Tess Cody, Prevention Coordinator for Sexual and Interpersonal Misconduct

Join study abroad alumni and international students to learn about regions of the world! Cultural activities and snacks will be available to enjoy with friends. Students can also get information and ask questions regarding how to study abroad at Drake.  The event will be held Wednesday, March 29, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in upper Olmsted, Conference Rooms 312-313.

—Karen Williams, Drake International

The initial deadline to apply for J-Term 2018 Travel Seminars is April 1! Apply at: https://drake-sa.terradotta.com, or click here for more information. Questions? Contact studyabroad@drake.edu or 515-271-2084.

—Maria Rohach, Drake International

Drake offers several confidential resources on campus for students wanting assistance in dealing with sexual assault, physical assault, relationship violence, or stalking. All of these resources are confidential—your name will not be shared with the University or others without your permission.

• The Student Counseling Center is available for all students to receive counseling. Several staff members are specifically trained in dealing with trauma and one counselor is trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), which can be helpful for anyone experiencing PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Contact 515-271-3864 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
• There is a professional sexual assault advocate from Crisis Intervention Services holding regular office hours during the Spring term in Cowles Library, Room 109, on Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m. An advocate is a resource who can provide support, talk through options, and address concerns related to the student’s experience.
• Certified student advocates are also available through VIP (Violence Intervention Partners) and can be reached by phone or text 24/7 at 515-512-2972. Similar to a professional advocate, student advocates can talk through options, listen, and provide support.
• The Drake University Spiritual Counselor is an ordained minister who can speak with students of any faith or belief in a confidential setting. Contact 515-274-3133 to learn more or to schedule a time to talk.

—Tess Cody, Prevention Coordinator for Sexual and Interpersonal Misconduct

Are you interested in global affairs, war crime prosecution, the Fulbright program, global business connections, global research, or experiential learning?  Then please register this week to attend all or parts of the Nelson Conference April 5–8.  More information and conference registration can be found here. If you’ve created a poster, photo book, etc. to share your global experiences at Drake, please contact denise.ganpat@drake.edu.

It’s not too late to apply to have lunch at The Harkin Institute with Thomas Ahart, Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools. This lunch takes place tomorrow: Tuesday, March 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Apply here!

The second lunch hosted by The Harkin Institute this week is with Izaah Knox, associate executive director of Urban Dreams. Apply here to join him this Friday, March 24, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

—Erin Austin, The Harkin Institute

The Harkin Institute D.C. Experience Scholarship provides financial assistance to a Drake undergraduate student who has secured an internship in a congressional office, government agency, or nonprofit in Washington, D.C. This opportunity is open to students of every major, area of study, and political party affiliation.

The scholarship covers:

• Travel expenses up to $500
• Housing accommodations for a 12-week period from May to August 2017 with Washington Intern Student Housing (WISH)

Apply and learn more at drake.edu/harkininstitute/scholarship. Applications are due April 4.

—Erin Austin, The Harkin Institute