Category Archives: Strategic Updates Archive

Strategic Updates Archive

Brand Preview: Learn why and how Drake will tell its story in a new way

This fall, Drake will begin telling its story in a bold and compelling way with the launch of a new brand strategy.

Join the University Communications team for an exclusive preview of the new brand platform on Friday, Oct. 6, at 2:30 p.m. in Sussman Theater. This faculty/staff event is an opportunity to learn about the brand strategy, what it means for the University, and how it will be brought to life. A separate preview will be held for students later this fall.

The University, along with national branding firm, 160over90, began a comprehensive initiative this summer to elevate and energize the Drake brand. The initial discovery phase included a deep dive into understanding what makes Drake distinctive as experienced and defined by those who know us best—our faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, external stakeholders, and community partners. That discovery process included both qualitative and quantitative research, which helped inform new messaging and a new creative direction.

Research findings confirmed that Drake is perceived as vibrant, engaged, accessible, globally aware, challenging, abundant, varied, valuable, spirited, and seriously fun. The University and 160over90 have leveraged these and other insights to start telling Drake’s amazing story in a fresh, relevant, and authentic way.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how the Drake brand will be transformed, and what you can do to help foster an even more powerful reputation and long-term success for the University.

—Dave Remund, University Communications

Strategic Updates Archive

Update from CITO Chris Gill

Your ITS team is excited to begin the 2017–2018 academic year in partnership with you. We have completed or made progress on several major projects this summer. Below are updates on improvements that have been made or are underway.

The new ITS service portal offers you a rich way to engage with us and better address your technology issues. By using the service portal at http://service.drake.edu/its you can keep up to date on service outages, search for Knowledge Base (self-help) articles, and help us resolve your issues more quickly by providing relevant information in issue-specific request forms.

Here are some resources that provide additional information about the service portal and how to use it:

  • Introductory video
  • Knowledgebase article on using the service portal
  • In-person training sessions (open to all faculty and staff):
    1. Monday, Sept. 11, 9:30–10:30 a.m., Cowles Library, Room 201
    2. Tuesday, Sept. 12, 11 a.m.–12 p.m., Cowles Library, Room 201
    3. Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2–3 p.m., Cowles Library, Room 201

ITS has added value through several other improvement projects over the summer:

  • Replaced more than 275 computers
  • Moved technology for more than 70 office relocations
  • Added a computer checkout kiosk with 14 Macbook laptops in Meredith Hall available to all students and employees, including adjunct faculty
  • Designed and installed technology in 45 spaces in the Science Connector Building (SCB) and Collier-Scripps Hall
  • Installed more than 100 new internet phones in SCB, Collier-Scripps Hall, and in other campus locations

As we move into the academic year, we are working with groups across campus on several complex projects that will extend throughout 2018:

  • Upgrading Banner to the newest version—Banner 9
  • Replacing blueView with a new portal based on Microsoft SharePoint and Office 365
  • Deploying technology and infrastructure to support online programs
  • Updating presentation technology in Sussman Theater and other classrooms
  • Implementing personal cloud storage for all students and employees using Microsoft OneDrive

Starting in September we’re launching a new program to campus, Tech Tuesdays. Join ITS staff in the Dial Center on the second Tuesday of each month from 2 to 2:50 p.m. Each month we’ll have a different topic designed to provide you with resources to use technology more efficiently in your job (and your life). Feel free to sign up for one session, or all four.

The first session on Sept. 12 will be a panel discussion with ITS staff on campus technology. Sign up and check out the topics for future sessions at itstechtuesdays.eventbrite.com.

We are also planning for the next administrative services satisfaction survey (which includes ITS). Please watch for this survey later in the fall and help us continue to improve our service to you by completing it. Speaking of continuous improvement, the ITS continuous improvement plan is always available on the ITS website.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any member of my team if you have questions, comments, concerns, and ideas for improvement.

—Chris Gill, Chief Information Technology Officer

Strategic Updates Archive

STEM@DRAKE: An example of inclusivity and financial stewardship

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:

  • Both the Science Connector Building and Collier-Scripps Hall have gender inclusive restrooms and dedicated space for nursing mothers.
  • The new buildings connect students and faculty of multiple disciplines, creating a welcoming environment for all––not just those of one particular discipline.

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.

Strategic Updates Archive

Next phase of construction: 27th Street and The Point demolition

The completion of the Science Connector Building and Collier-Scripps Hall is an exciting and monumental milestone. Now, construction crews are beginning work on the next phase of the project—completion of the Robert D. and Billie Ray Promenade encompassing the outdoor spaces just east of the STEM@DRAKE complex. This project will provide a welcoming and beautiful outdoor space while also enhancing accessibility and parking.

Over the next several months, there will be substantial work and disruption in this area. Fencing along 27th Street between Carpenter and Forest Avenues will be installed. No east-west pathways will be possible because the project includes removal of an old water main below the street. In addition, The Point, which is home to HR and International Programs, will be removed in early October. Information on their new office locations can be found here.

As part of this work, the Jewett Hall parking lot will be closed and removed. With the parking lot closure, we have made arrangements to allow for 30-minute vehicle unloading on Painted Street in front of Jewett Residence Hall during move-in weekend on Aug. 25-26 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vehicles may enter from 25th Street onto Carpenter Avenue. Des Moines Police will be available to direct traffic. Cars may unload on the north side of Painted Street, circle around, and then depart on the south side.

Several steps are being taken to provide information to students, visitors, faculty, and staff about alternative routes in the area. Safety and accessibility remain at the forefront of planning. For updated information, please check the project updates on the STEM@DRAKE website and watch OnCampus. Facilities Planning and Management will also distribute updates to building contacts in the affected area as the project unfolds.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as this significant aspect of the project is completed.

— Venessa Macro, Finance & Administration

Strategic Updates Archive

STEM@DRAKE enhances collaboration, meets top sustainability standards

The benefits of the STEM@DRAKE complex extend far beyond a clean, shiny new space. The buildings provide a collaborative and green learning environment for faculty, staff, and students.

Multiple heads are better than one

The new STEM@DRAKE buildings (Collier-Scripps Hall and the Science Connector Building) are intended to increase both the sharing of equipment and ideas. The facilities will bring science, technology, education, and math programs together to form one STEM hub on campus—boosting cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Some areas, such as the School of Education, have been housed off campus for years. By physically bringing Drake’s STEM departments together, in the heart of campus, faculty from different disciplines will easily be able to interact, problem solve, and form research partnerships. The STEM@DRAKE complex is designed to encourage this type of collaboration with an open classroom and lab structure.

Students will also benefit from engaging with their peers with other majors and skill sets who may think differently than themselves but provide a unique perspective into solving the same problem.

By forming a more cohesive environment, the STEM@DRAKE complex will be a catalyst for transforming the way we educate tomorrow’s scientists, doctors, researchers, innovators, and teachers.

Blue is green

The new spaces will receive Green Globe certification, demonstrating the University’s strong commitment to sustainable practices. This means the buildings were designed to meet high standards in energy efficiency and reduce environmental waste. The buildings are only the second project in Iowa to receive Green Globe certification.

Moving into new quarters

Faculty and staff are in the midst of moving into the new buildings; the School of Education will move into Collier-Scripps Hall this week. After the academic year has begun and once move-in is complete, faculty and staff from across campus are welcome to stop into Collier-Scripps Hall or the Science Connector Building to view the new facilities.

Tune in to the next issue of OnCampus for more features of the STEM@DRAKE facilities

Strategic Updates Archive

University Avenue project underway

Early signs of progress are visible at the lots located south of University Avenue and on both sides of 26th Street that will soon be redeveloped into a mixed-use space. Proposed plans for the development call for a hotel, apartments, urban-style row houses, and retail space.

This week, the construction area will be fenced off, including five Drake-owned houses that occupy the site. Prior to the start of the project, Drake placed the houses on the market in hopes of finding qualified buyers. Two of the homes were sold and will be relocated to the Sherman Hill neighborhood in mid-August. Drake is allowing a portion of the demolition costs that were saved on these houses to be used to help with the relocation effort. The three homes that did not sell will be torn down July 31. Habitat for Humanity has salvaged all materials and items from the houses and will reuse or resell them in its ReStore prior to demolition.

Since Drake sent out a request for proposals to redevelop the site, the University has been closely working with area neighbors and business owners as well as the Neighborhood Development Corporation in hopes of designing a project that will not only spur economic growth but develop pride among students and the neighboring community. The original committee that selected Nelson Construction and Development as the developer included three neighborhood residents and a neighborhood business owner.

Currently, Nelson is in the final stages of the design process and will solicit further feedback from neighborhood partners before finalizing the design. Read more on the project and view conceptual renderings here.

— Nick Valdez, Neighborhood and Community Relations Manager

Strategic Updates Archive

School of Education reaccredited by Iowa State Education Board

At the summer board meeting of the Iowa Board of Education, Drake’s School of Education received full accreditation for programs in undergraduate and graduate teacher education, school counseling, and school administration. The accreditation status, which is reviewed every seven years, runs through the 2023–2024 academic year.

The decision follows a comprehensive 18-month process that included a 400-page self-study, a review by an elected state panel, five meetings with state accreditation consultants, and a four-day onsite review that involved faculty, staff, students, and employers.
“The reaccreditation is an important validation of our licensure programs that enable teachers, counselors, principals, and superintendents to work in Iowa and throughout the U.S.,” said School of Education Dean Janet McMahill. “I’m extremely proud of all the faculty, staff, students, and employers who participated in the process. Associate Dean Catherine Gillespie earned the “True Blue” award for this one!”

McMahill noted that the accreditation standards were more rigorous than ever before due to revised statues in Chapter 79 – the Iowa law governing the accreditation of education programs. Drake was the first Iowa college subject to the new standards.

And while the accreditation affirms the high-level quality of Drake’s teaching programs, the School of Education strives for continued growth. Next month, the school will move into the new Collier-Scripps building in the heart of campus. The new facility will support faculty and staff as they strive to further grow and improve their programs.

Strategic Updates Archive

ICYMI: Drake’s online education program welcomes executive director

Drake is pleased to welcome Christina Trombley as executive director of Drake’s online education programs. Currently, Trombley serves as assistant vice chancellor for the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay, where she leads student recruitment, enrollment, and retention efforts. Trombley has worked within the UW system for nearly two decades, and will bring a wealth of administrative experience to Drake. One of her significant areas of expertise is in successfully launching, managing, supporting and expanding online degree programs. Trombley is also completing her doctoral studies in education at UW – Milwaukee, with a scholarly focus on faculty experiences teaching online. Her leadership will ensure that students receive an exceptional online education experience.

The formal launch of of online graduate programs will happen in January 2018, when Drake will begin offering online master’s degrees from the School of Education and the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Other degree programs, including the Master of Public Administration and a new master’s degree in data analytics leadership, will soon follow. The successful fruition of this initiative is due to the dedication and collaboration of many faculty and staff across campus.

— Sue Mattison, Provost