Thanks to generous donations from the Lees’ family, Nellis and Coolidge families, Polk County Supervisors, and Wells Fargo, work will begin this summer on a new plaza in front of Old Main. As you can see from the conceptual images below, the plaza will feature a bronze bulldog statue in the likeness of Griff. 

Also, the area will feature new landscaping and hardscape that will welcome families to campus on the path toward The Office of Admission at Cole Hall. 

The bulldog statue is positioned in a way to create a unique photo opportunity for visitors and the campus community with the bell tower of Old Main in the background. The new plaza work is anticipated to be completed in July 2020.

— Michelle Huggins, Facilities Planning and Management

As a reminder, Drake University is requiring temperature self-monitoring for faculty, staff, and students who come to campus. Additionally, those who come to campus, including visitors, are required to wear a mask inside University buildings, and also expected to do so on University grounds when they are within six (6) feet of others. 

The University provides essential employees in Facilities, Mail, Public Safety, and Student Life with masks; other Drake employees have the option to choose from a University-provided mask (as supplies last) or one they already own. In addition, residential students still residing in Drake residence halls are required to wear masks while in common areas on campus. The University has provided one reusable cloth face mask to each residential student.

The University will not provide non-residential students or visitors with face masks. These individuals are encouraged to acquire a face mask from another source. These masks can be purchased from various vendors, or be homemade following the CDC or Iowa Department of Public Health guidelines. A YouTube video of the Surgeon General making a version of the mask that does not require sewing can be found here.

This process is not because of any case or concern specific to the University, but rather is in accordance with directive from the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Polk County Health Department (PCHD). Thank you for adhering to these requirements in an effort to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of the Drake community.

Read complete details of these guidelines.

In an effort to help minimize the spread of COVID-19, Drake will soon require temperature self-monitoring for faculty and staff who must come to campus, in accordance with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Polk County Health Department (PCHD). This new process is not because of any case or concern specific to the University. In Iowa, residential colleges and universities fall within the state’s definition of long-term care facilities for communal living as long as we have students staying in residence halls; as such, PCHD has directed that Drake University take additional steps.   

Beginning this Wednesday, April 15, all Drake University faculty and staff members (including sub-contracted employees) who must come to campus to perform their job functions will be required to measure and record their own body temperature from home or at one of several self-serve stations on campus for indications of a COVID-19 like illness. This step will be required before each work shift or work session on campus.

Additionally, PCHD directed that Drake faculty and staff who come to campus be required to wear fabric or cloth face masks. The University will provide essential employees in Facilities, Mail, Public Safety, and Student Life with masks; other Drake employees will have the option to choose from a University-provided mask (as supplies last) or one they already own. 

Students and visitors to campus (other than delivery drivers) are exempt from the temperature self-monitoring and face mask requirements.

See complete details of these new guidelines.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Supplemental Paid Leave plan is now available to all benefit-eligible employees. This plan offers employees enhanced time-off benefits to be used for personal health situations or to care for children or other dependents as a result of the current pandemic. The plan is effective April 1, 2020.

View the full plan.

Read a list of FAQs regarding the plan and other time off provisions:

Q. How long will the Supplemental Paid Leave plan be in effect?
A. The plan is designed to address the immediate challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and will be in effect until at least May 31, 2020. An end date will be determined when more is known about the evolving pandemic and associated public health risk.

Q. Do I have to use my vacation or personal leave first before applying for Supplemental Paid Leave?
A. No. Supplemental Paid Leave is available once sick leave accruals are depleted, regardless of whether you have vacation or personal time remaining. You do not have to use your vacation or personal leave before applying for Supplemental Paid Leave.

Q. I am a faculty member. How does the Supplemental Paid Leave plan apply to me?
A. The Drake University Faculty Short Term Disability Policy provides pay continuation when a faculty member is unable to work due to illness. In other situations, where circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic require time away, including to care for a family member, the Supplemental Leave Plan provides added paid time off options.

Q. How do I apply for Supplemental Leave?
A.  If you need to use supplemental leave for a qualifying situation, please complete the Qualtrics form.

Q. How do I record Supplemental Paid Leave on my timecard or monthly leave report?
A.  You and your manager will receive an email response following submission of your request to use the leave. Non-exempt employees will record the time off in the Supplemental Paid Leave area of the timesheet, and exempt employees will submit the Supplemental Paid Leave on the monthly leave report.    

— Mary Alice Hill, Human Resources

Admitted Students Day is a time where Bulldogs from every corner of campus come together, working to shine a spotlight on the incredible things that happen at Drake each day. Every year, their hard work pays off as high school students from across the world attend these visit days to find that Drake is the place they want to spend the next phase of their lives learning and growing.

This year, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University made the decision to recreate the experience online, allowing prospective students to attend remotely. On March 27 and April 3, Drake held its first Virtual Admitted Students programs. More than 450 students from over 30 states and 10 countries participated—a record for any group visit program!

During the virtual visits, potential new students and their families connected with Drake students, staff, and faculty to see a mix of live and pre-recorded content. Administrators answered students’ questions about financial aid, residence life, campus safety and health, and everything that makes Drake home. Professors from each college gave students a glimpse into academic life at Drake, including virtual classes, and students from all over campus filmed vlogs and campus tours.

Thanks to the adaptability and hard work from Drake students, faculty, and staff, the Admissions team in close collaboration with University Communications and Marketing, was able to virtually bring students helpful and engaging content designed to answer common questions and to replicate the information they would have received during an on-campus visit. Students who attended the virtual visit overwhelmingly described it as fun, welcoming, informative, and friendly.  

High school students didn’t ask to be making such a pivotal decision in the midst of such unprecedented global circumstances, but they are making the most of it, and so are we. We are #draketogether, and will continue to work together to bring the Drake experience to as many future Bulldogs as possible.

— Meredith Ponder, University Communications & Marketing

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, University leaders are working diligently to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our entire campus community. For the latest updates, please visit drake.edu/coronavirus. The website serves as a repository of information, including:

• Campus messages from President Martin and Provost Mattison
• Operational updates, such as building access and closures
• FAQs pertaining to human resources, travel, Athletics, events, and student life
• Guidance on teaching, learning, and working remotely
• CDC resources and guidelines

In addition, stay connected through Drake’s social media accounts. To promote a sense of community, faculty, staff, and students are invited to engage with one another through Drake’s social content using the hashtag #DrakeTogether.