Category Archives: Strategic Updates Archive

New Drake homepage

On Saturday, Feb. 4, Drake launched its new homepage and revamped look and feel for the top four sections (primarily those pages targeted at prospective students) of the website.

Over the last eight months, Information Technology Services (ITS), University Communications, and the Office of Admission have been working to update the design and technology behind the top-level webpages with the following goals:

  • Refresh the web technology with better responsive design and web accessibility.
  • Expand the homepage strategy to provide more information up front for prospective students and their families.
  • Revamp the web design for increased readability and close coordination with printed recruitment materials.

The updates were tested externally with prospective student and parent groups, as well as internally reviewed by President’s Council, Deans Council, and other leadership groups around campus.

This milestone represents the first phase in a number of web improvements being implemented this year. It is important to note that the pages affected by this first phase are mainly the prospective student targeted pages. More relevant to most of campus will be subsequent stages of this project. After the homepage launch, the Terminal Four Content Management Software (CMS) will get a major version upgrade, which will add performance improvements and the ability to edit pages on mobile devices. The final phase will be  to upgrade college/school and department templates.

Special thanks to everyone involved in the project thus far from the IT Infrastructure and Application Services Teams in ITS; our designers, photo/video, and writers in University Communications; and the entire Admission team.

—Jeremy Sievers (x2795)
Director of Web Communications

Update from Chief Information Technology Officer

ITS is taking seriously President Martin’s call to focus on continuous improvement. Last fall, we collaborated with Chief Administration Officer Venessa Macro’s division to conduct a survey of satisfaction with administrative services. The ITS portion of the survey asked 14 questions, divided into three sections. Respondents rated each question on a 1-5 (low to high) scale. The survey results were both encouraging and constructive.

Satisfaction with ITS staff—Total Average 3.98: Respondents assessed their satisfaction with ITS staff including their courtesy, professionalism, knowledge, timeliness, and resolution of issues. Satisfaction with ITS staff was generally high, but was lowest for timeliness (3.60) and satisfactory resolution of issues (3.59).

Satisfaction with ITS support and communication—Total Average 3.72: In general, satisfaction was not as strong, particularly regarding training support (3.52) and informing campus about changes to technology (3.42).

Overall satisfaction—Total Average 3.71: Overall satisfaction is above average, but we clearly have room for improvement.

In reviewing the data and reflecting on the comments provided by the more than 450 respondents, I have concluded that:

  • ITS staff are generally well regarded, but respondents are less satisfied with the timeliness of issue resolution and lack strong confidence that issues will be fully resolved. Many respondents noted inconsistent levels of support among individuals and units within ITS.
  • ITS continues to struggle with timely and effective communication. We need to pay particular attention to communicating around training resources and notifying campus about service interruptions and technology changes.
  • Aging technology continues to cause frustration and disruption for many on campus.

Addressing these issues will take time, but we are actively developing strategies to improve our service to the campus community

Over the coming year, ITS makes the following commitments to you.

We will:

  1. Reduce our backlog of service requests and maintain overall lower levels of open issues.
  2.  Focus on providing reliable enterprise technology services.
  3. Ensure that we meet our promised response and resolution timeframes.
  4. Partner with you to find reasonable and supportable long-term solutions.
  5.  Strive to understand issues and requests before we begin work.
  6. Confirm that we have completed your request to your satisfaction.
  7. Improve our communication related to support requests and technology changes.
  8. Work as a team to provide technology-related services on behalf of Drake.

In May, ITS will be introducing a new service request and management (ticket) system. We anticipate that campus satisfaction with ITS will improve as we adopt this new system. Watch OnCampus and the ITS website for more information beginning in March.

Finally, please save the date for an ITS all-campus town hall to be held on March 23 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. It will be your chance to learn more about ITS and our strategic vision, and to ask questions. The town hall will take place just before the provost’s all-employee social. We look forward to seeing you there.

—Chris Gill, Chief Information Technology Officer

Administrative services survey update

An important aspect of our Continuous Improvement Plan is consistently and repeatedly examining our delivery of exceptional service as well as the services we provide to the campus community. Last fall, we launched the first administrative services survey designed to provide feedback on service levels in Human Resources, Facilities Planning and Management, and Information Technology Services. The survey was developed with key input by the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment and in close collaboration with key President’s Council members.

We were very pleased with the response rate for the survey, with 453 responses. In addition to answers to survey questions, survey takers provided significant comments, which will be extremely helpful in contextualizing the data. For each department covered by last fall’s survey, an action plan will be developed. Each department will reflect on the findings and consider ways to enhance, expand, or improve service. Watch OnCampus for additional information from Human Resources, Facilities Planning and Management, and Information Technology Services about their individual departmental results and how they plan to build on the information gleaned from this survey.

—Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer

Reminder: Associate Provost for Campus Equity and Inclusion (APCEI) interviews

Two finalists are participating in on-campus interviews on Tuesday, Jan. 31, and Thursday, Feb. 2. Understanding that the new APCEI will work closely with students, faculty, and staff in diversity initiatives, we invite each of you to be a part of the upcoming interview process and let your voice be heard.

We have two very qualified finalists to participate in on-campus interviews:

  • Erin Lain, Associate Professor of Law and Assistant Dean for Academic Services
  • Darcie Vandegrift, Associate Professor and Department Chair for the Study of Culture and Society.

The curriculum vitae and cover letter for each candidate can be found online.

We invite you to mark your calendars for the following events:

  • Tuesday, Jan.31, at 4 p.m. in Sussman Theater for an hour-long open session with finalist Darcie Vandegrift. The candidate will present for 20–30 minutes, followed by a 30–40 minute open Q&A time.
  • Thursday, Feb. 2, at 4 p.m. in Sussman Theater for an hour-long open session with finalist Erin Lain. The candidate will present for 20–30 minutes, followed by a 30–40 minute open Q&A time.

You can find important documents regarding the Quality Initiative, Strategic Diversity Action Team’s work, and Campus Climate Survey on the climate assessment website.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support.

—APCEI Search Committee

New list of benchmark opportunities now available

Using benchmark institutions for comparison is a common method to address the demand for data-driven decisions. In summer 2016, President’s Council affirmed the need to review Drake’s set of benchmark institutions. The Office of Institutional Research and Assessment (OIRA) conducted an analysis of key indicators in national data to identify a set of institutions that are comparable to Drake.

As a result of that analysis, Drake has a new set of 15 benchmark institutions, which includes three sets of institutions—direct competitors (undergraduate admission), peer institutions (close alignment on key indicators), and aspirant institutions (high performance on key indicators). We will use this list for benchmarking purposes at the institution level. Individual units can also use this list, while recognizing that specific needs may require the use of a specialized set (e.g., athletics conference).

Benchmark Institutions

Direct Competitor Peer Aspirant
Creighton University Bradley University Santa Clara University
DePaul University Butler University University of Tulsa
Loyola University Chicago Elon University Villanova University
Marquette University Gonzaga University Loyola Marymount University
St. Thomas University Valparaiso University Texas Christian University

Please contact Kevin Saunders if you would like additional information. This set of institutions will continue to be listed on the OIRA website.

—Kevin Saunders, OIRA

World Languages and Cultures announces new minors

Beginning in Fall 2017, the world languages and cultures department will offer majors and minors, and no longer offer certificates, concentrations, or interdisciplinary minors. Students who have previously declared the formerly available options will be able to complete their program of choice.The following minors will be available:

  •  East Asian Studies
  • Latin American Studies
  • Arabic Language and Culture
  • Chinese Language and Culture
  • French Language and Culture
  • German Language and Culture
  • Japanese Language and Culture
  • Spanish Language and Culture

There are three approved options students may select from when they declare their minor:

  • An emphasis on languages
  • An emphasis on study abroad
  • An emphasis on integrated studies

Students will work with an adviser in world languages and cultures to select the most appropriate option. Additionally, students who select one of these approved options while pursuing a major in international relations are strongly encouraged to work with advisers from both areas. For additional information, please contact Marc Pinheiro-Cadd at marc.pinheiro-cadd@drake.edu.

—Dorothy Pisarski, Drake International communications liaison

IMPORTANT campus budget discussion

The President’s Council invites you to attend a campus community budget discussion on Dec. 15 at 3:30 p.m. in the Shivers Hospitality Suite. We will be discussing the draft budget for FY18 that has been compiled with projections received from all departments this fall. There will be a presentation with plenty of time for Q&A.

Following the event, everyone is invited to stay for a Drake Social event from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Attendees will receive one complimentary ticket for beer or wine, water, soda, etc. Nearby parking is available in Lot 2 east of Shivers at the northeast corner of Forest Avenue and 25th Street.

Sponsored by the Office of the Provost.

—Kim Lammers, Office of Dean of Students

New chief of staff announced

I’m pleased to announce that Nate Reagen will serve the University as my chief of staff beginning tomorrow, Nov. 16. Nate has been working with colleagues across the University for the past 14 months on our continuous improvement efforts, positioning him well for this important role on campus.

Nate has 20 years of experience managing complex projects and programs, including time at The Principal Financial Group, Aviva USA, and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. He specializes in strategic planning; project and program management; and business process improvement. Nate earned his BA in management with an emphasis in marketing and organizational leadership from St. John’s University.

As chief of staff, Nate will manage the day-to-day operations of the Office of the President; support University-wide strategic initiatives; coordinate the institution’s continuous improvement work; and provide support and coordination to the President’s Council. The chief of staff serves as an important resource in delivering on our mission promise to students and the greater Drake community.

I am confident that Nate’s past year of experience building relationships on campus and years of expertise in the areas of strategic planning and project management will serve Drake well. Please join me in congratulating Nate on his new position.

—Marty Martin

Don’t forget to vote!

Modified from President Martin’s Oct. 24 message:

 In addition to the presidential election that has gotten so much attention, there are many upcoming state and local elections that will shape our more immediate community. Drake University is committed to meaningful and thoughtful conversation about the issues that define our public life and we encourage informed participation in those conversations, including participation in the electoral process.

 As the 2016 election approaches, I’d like to share some information about Iowa’s electoral process and how you can participate. Although many of you are active Iowa voters, it’s helpful to check your registration status and familiarize yourself with the process.

 You must be registered to vote in Iowa if you want to vote here. You may only be registered to vote in one location, so if you would like to remain registered in another location, you are subject to the rules and procedures of that jurisdiction. By registering in Iowa and voting in Iowa elections, you are relinquishing your right to vote in any other state in the 2016 elections. You may change your registration any time you move to a new location.

To find out if you are registered at your current address, click here. If you are not registered at your current address and you meet the requirements to register, you may register to vote at the voting location provided you have the required proof of identification and residence. Information about election day registration is available here.

On Tuesday, you can vote at your regular polling location between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.

To find a list of all the current elections in Polk County, Iowa please visit www.polkcountyiowa.gov/media/328851/2016_canlist.pdf. If you have questions or concerns about voting, you may want to visit the Iowa Secretary of State’s website. For information specific to college students, click here

 Don’t forget to vote!