There’s a new addition to the lobby of Meredith Hall: Drake ITS is piloting a self-service laptop kiosk. If you are a student, faculty, or staff member, you can borrow one of 14 Macbook Pro laptops for up to four hours for free. Laptops are available to check out during building hours, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sundays from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Please stop by and take advantage of this new service.
— Carla Herling, ITS
As thousands of Bulldogs return to campus or join the Drake community for the first time, they will have two new buildings to become acquainted with––the Science Connector Building and Collier-Scripps Hall.
The two buildings are part of the STEM@DRAKE project, which began in 2016 with the renovation of several labs and classrooms in Harvey Ingham Hall and will conclude with the construction of the Ray Promenade, scheduled to be complete later this year.
Not only will these buildings enhance collaboration and meet high environmental standards, the Science Connector Building and Collier-Scripps Hall will further Drake’s goal of creating and sustaining an inclusive campus community. Here’s how:
The new STEM@DRAKE buildings are also an example of Drake’s financial stewardship. Construction of the buildings began in early 2016 and were completed this month, on time and on budget, which not only helps the University’s financial performance, but demonstrates responsibility and commitment to the donors who generously gave to the project.
The entire STEM@DRAKE project, a $52 million investment, involved students, faculty, and staff working together in both the design and management of the project. Through input from many different parties, the new space is designed to remain current and in touch with the needs and wants of students and faculty today and in the future.
This year Welcome Weekend will feature a new event, Strive to Be, that is open to the entire University community. Strive to Be will be held Thursday from 10–11 a.m. in the Knapp Center. The event will take the place of University Convocation, traditionally held on the Friday afternoon of Welcome Weekend. It will feature student speakers Ashley Blaze and Jose Garcia-Fuerte, who will share their Drake stories, and it will showcase the talents of Fermata the Blue, the Brocal Chords, and D+ Comedy Improv. Please join in welcoming the 2017–2018 student body by attending this special event.
— Melissa Sturm-Smith, Academic Excellence and Student Success
The Office of Residence Life is currently seeking to hire a team of students to serve as desk assistants for the upcoming academic year. Desk assistants will be employed starting Sep. 11 and serve in the residence halls through May 20. Applications are due Monday, Sep. 4 at 11:59 p.m. For questions, contact Betsy Collins at betsy.collins@drake.edu.
— Betsy Collins, Residence Halls
Drake Wellness is conducting free body compositions for students. A body composition analysis breaks down the percentage of body weight by estimating both adipose weight and lean weight. The results are helpful in determining certain health risks. Testing will be performed using the new InBody 270 analyzer. You will leave knowing your basal metabolic rate and body fat percentage and the national standards for these measurements. To schedule an appointment, email wellness@drake.edu.
Fifty Drake University faculty and staff competed against 10 other “large division” companies in this year’s Des Moines Corporate Games. It was a great way for faculty and staff to get to know colleagues from around campus and be active.
Drake brought home a number of medals including first place in men’s golf 4-person best shot, second place in sand volleyball, second place in women’s 3-on-3 basketball, and third place in kickball. Drake teams also won medals in a variety of individual events. A big thank you to everyone who participated. Way to show your Drake pride!
—Linda Feiden, Human Resources
Academic Excellence and Student Success is pleased to welcome Josh Wallace as the new academic success and retention specialist. Josh also serves as the staff director of the Crew Scholars Program in partnership with Jennifer Harvey, faculty director. Josh’s office will be located in Medbury Hall, Room 219. Josh is available for individual appointments with students seeking assistance with academic transition issues such as time management, study skills, note-taking, reading strategies, and more. Josh will provide presentations for classes and student organizations on these topics.
— Melissa Sturm-Smith, Academic Excellence and Student Success
Come see the newly remodeled Hubbell Dining Hall at an open house on Aug. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Faculty and staff can purchase lunch for just $5.
— Jennifer Bowersox, Drake University Dining
Many of us need a nudge to try something new or to continue to practice a healthy habit. To make it a bit easier, we are introducing Monthly Motivators. Each month we will introduce a simple wellness challenge. Our August challenge is all about eating your greens. The goal is to eat a green fruit or vegetable every day of the month.
Click here for a copy of this month’s flyer, including a tracking form and more information on the challenge.
Use this as an opportunity to try a new fruit or vegetable. Compete with your co-workers to see who can mark off the most days, share recipes that include a green fruit or vegetable, or have a fruit and vegetable potluck day. Have fun and be on the look-out for the next Monthly Motivator.
Other new offerings on the horizon:
—Linda Feiden, Human Resources
The following wellness classes will be held in Olmsted, Rooms 310–311. Contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu to register for a class. BUILD registration forms will be available soon.
Healthy Eating Made Easy: Sep. 19 at 10 a.m.
Join Lucas Flaherty for a presentation as he shares some easy and quick healthy meal planning ideas. The presentation includes both information on programs such as Blue Apron as well as more traditional tips if you are buying from a grocery store and cooking at home. And, learn about quick, low cost healthy snack options.
Work/Life Balance: Oct. 25 at 10 a.m.
The demands of work and family share importance in our lives but how do we budget our time? Learn how effective life skills can help us make informed decisions and manage our reaction to stress. Develop a blueprint for time management to help sort out what is and isn’t important and help restore balance in everyday life. Johanna Dunlevy from EFR will present.
What Do You Want to Know About Nutrition: Nov. 14 at 10 a.m.
This Q&A session will cover a variety of topics including hidden sugars, anti-inflammatory foods, what to look for in bottled smoothies, losing belly fat, and more. Bring your questions to Lucas Flaherty, registered dietitian, for this fun and informative presentation.
—Linda Feiden, Human Resources