A new University policy, “Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones and Model Aircraft)” is posted on the University-wide policy website for your review. Please forward comments and concerns regarding the policy to dupolicies@drake.edu. In keeping with the policy on Policy Development, Approval and Communication, the comments will be submitted as a part of the president’s review and approval process.
—Submitted by Andrea McDonough, Senior Administrative Services Specialist
In fall 2015, Finance and Drake Technology Services (now Information Technology Services (ITS)) organized a committee comprising members from around campus to review the current state of managed print at Drake, which is currently contracted with Xerox. Managed print encompasses 100 leased Xerox multifunctional printing devices (MFD) and 70-plus University-owned non-Xerox printers such as HP’s.
After identifying managed print issues and opportunities for improvement, members of the committee attended presentations by vendors—pre-qualified as able to offer a viable solution—to assess their capabilities. The committee has narrowed the original group to two companies that will be asked to do an assessment of campus and submit a proposal: Laser Resources, Inc., and Marco. This assessment will include mapping printer locations, tracking number of prints per machine, and discovering any additional unmet needs from the current devices.
Following is a rough timeline for the other activities in this initiative.
Once a vendor is selected, all leased Xerox MFDs will be replaced, but not the University-owned printers. The new vendor will be responsible for providing all machinery, ink, and repairs as needed.
We will continue to update you as we move forward in the process. Feel free to contact Chris Gill (chris.gill@drake.edu) or Caron Findlay (caron.findlay@drake.edu) with any questions regarding this initiative.
—Submitted by Kristin Dunn on behalf of Chris Gill, CITO, and Caron Findlay, Director Purchasing and Business Services
As classes get underway, it is important that the Drake community be reminded of a campus-wide policy that was introduced in the fall: In order to accommodate the needs of individuals with severe allergies that rise to the level of a disability, Drake may at times implement restrictions on allergens, including latex, milk, peanuts, and wheat (a full list of allergens can be found in the policy linked below). Such restrictions could include prohibition of certain food and drink in classrooms, residence halls, or other campus spaces.
At this juncture, no widespread restrictions are in place, so students, faculty, and staff may proceed as usual, unless otherwise notified. In the case that you are asked to abide by certain restrictions, we ask that you do so immediately and respectfully. Creating and maintaining a campus community inclusive of all is vital to ensuring every student, faculty member, and staff member feels welcome and safe at Drake. After all, we are all Bulldogs.
You may review the policy in its entirety here. For additional questions or concerns, please contact Michelle Laughlin, coordinator of student disabilities services, at michelle.laughlin@drake.edu or 271-1835.
—Submitted by Michelle Laughlin
The University recently launched a website dedicated to keeping the community apprised of developments related to the STEM@DRAKE construction project. You’ll find updates, floor plans, and more details about the construction at www.drake.edu/buildingstem.
Drake Social, Morning Edition
To begin her transition to Drake, Sue Mattison, our provost-elect, will visit campus in February, as well as on other occasions during the spring semester. These visits are intended to extend her familiarity with Drake (and ours with her); to hold conversations with those with whom she will be working closely; and to provide opportunities for her to meet more Drake faculty, staff, and students. To assist her transition, Drake faculty and staff are invited to spend some informal time with Sue at our next Drake social, a morning edition on Thursday, Feb. 11, 8–9 a.m. in Levitt Hall, Old Main. Coffee and pastries will be available, and I hope all of you will be as well. Please join me to welcome our provost-elect back to campus!
David E. Maxwell Distinguished Professor of International Affairs
I am delighted to announce that at its January meeting the Drake University Board of Trustees awarded the David E. Maxwell Professorship in International Affairs to Debra DeLaet, professor of political science. Established through the generosity of Patricia and L. Daniel Jorndt and designed to honor President Maxwell’s years of service to Drake and his devotion to international study, the David E. Maxwell Professorship in International Affairs recognizes a Drake faculty member at the full professor rank in a discipline directly linked to international affairs, including (but not limited to) international business, international relations, politics, sociology, and global public health.
Nominated by her dean, recommended by a selection committee of other distinguished professors, and supported by the provost and president, it is a recognition that Professor DeLaet richly deserves. In her 20 years at Drake she has achieved a record of effective teaching, rigorous scholarship, and engaged service animated by her interest and expertise in international relations, human rights, and global public health. She has previously been selected as the College of Arts & Sciences Outstanding Teacher of the Year, invited to present the Stalnaker Lecture, elected to serve as Faculty Senate president, and awarded the Herb & Karen Baum Chair of Ethics and the Professions, a title she will cede to her successor at the end of this year. Please join me in congratulating our newest distinguished professor.
Herb & Karen Baum Chair of Ethics and the Professions
In 2010, a generous gift by Herb & Karen Baum established the Herb & Karen Baum Chair of Ethics and the Professions. The appointment to this chair is for a three-year period for full professors at the University whose teaching and/or research examines issues of ethics and the world of practice, and who are nominated for the chair by their dean. I am proud to announce that after being nominated by her dean, recommended by a committee of distinguished professors, and approved by President Martin, Professor Jennifer Harvey will succeed Professor DeLaet as the next Herb & Karen Baum Chair of Ethics and the Professions. Jennifer is a professor of religion and currently also serves as director of the Humanities Center and faculty director of the Crew Scholars Program. Her focus in teaching and research is liberation ethics, and she has authored three books on race and social justice, published a wide range of essays, and has been invited to give many talks to community groups and professional organizations. She has been recognized as the Honors Teacher of the Year and as the Madelyn M. Levitt Mentor of the Year.
Provost Mobile Office Hour
With the start of the new semester I am resuming my roaming, open office hours. You can find me this week on Friday, Feb. 5, 1–2:30 p.m., in the Olmsted coffee shop. No appointments needed.
—Provost Joe Lenz
In an attempt to improve response time for classroom emergencies, we have created a new classroom emergency phone number, ext. 3002. Calls to this number will receive top priority. Calls to the old classroom emergency line (ext. 3001, option 1) will still work, but we hope, this new system will help faculty return to teaching and learning with technology more quickly.
—Drake Technology Services
Drake University Student Senate, Drake College Republicans, Drake University Democrats, and the Drake Political Review will host a practice caucus at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, in the Shivers Basketball Practice Facility’s hospitality suite in the Knapp Center on Drake’s campus. The event will include a simulation of both the Republican and Democratic caucuses, and is designed for students, staff and faculty to learn how the Iowa Caucuses work. Read more in the Drake Newsroom.
NPR host David Greene will broadcast Morning Edition live from Smokey Row Coffee in Des Moines on Monday, Feb. 1, and Tuesday, Feb. 2, from 4 to 9 a.m. Drake faculty, staff and students are invited to come for a behind-the-scenes look at radio journalism and to meet David at anytime either day. (Although they are especially eager for people to be there at 4 a.m.) Plus, you’ll have the chance to participate in live discussion about the Iowa caucuses with such people as political commentator David Yepsen, pollster Ann Selzer, and maybe a presidential candidate or two.
—Kathleen Richardson, Dean, School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Please join us at Cowles Library on Jan. 29, 1:30–2:30 p.m. in the Reading Room as we celebrate the dedicated 45-plus year career of Liga Lacis, associate professor of librarianship, as she retires from Drake.
—Jordan Flynn, Office Manager
Contemporary Urban Mexico
The messages we hear about Mexico do not capture the rich complexity of this nation. Drake students from across campus drew this conclusion after completing the interdisciplinary immersion course, Contemporary Urban Mexico, in Guadalajara during the 2016 J-Term.
This was a hands-on course. We learned about the city through visiting a dozen field experiences, using the five senses and writing journals about each. Additionally, Mexicans from all walks of life shared their perspectives and expertise. After cheering on Lucha Libre wrestling “good guys,” observing interactions in public markets, learning about history through artwork, and touring a community garden, students completed research projects on a topic of their choice, ranging from documentary film to gender in religion.
Urban spaces create possibilities and limits that we explored through field site visits, writing, socializing, reflection, and lectures. The course is already being planned for 2017 through a joint collaboration between the Spanish and Sociology programs and the campus of Monterrey Tec, Guadalajara.
—Darcie Vandegrift, Associate Professor of Sociology, Department Chair
Families, Lifestyles, and Annuity Tables: Why Corporations are Interested in Chile
During their time in Chile, students visited and toured a new soccer stadium, Estadio Sausalito, in Vina del Mar. The city is very proud of their 21,000-seat stadium, reopened after completing major renovations last year following a devastating earthquake in 2010. The stadium hosted the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in October and November. The class’ visit was highlighted on the city’s website.
—Dorothy Pisarski, Associate Professor of Journalism