The J-Term and Spring 2026 schedule of classes and related registration information is available online. Registration begins Monday, Nov. 3.

View registration information, including the registration time table that shows when you become eligible to register. View the schedule of classes.

Some courses will be temporarily reserved for students who have declared a certain field-of-study (major, minor, concentration, or endorsement). On Monday, Nov. 17, those reservations will be removed. Note that some courses have restrictions that are permanent.

If you are an undergraduate or pharmacy student intending to make any changes to your field-of-study and have those changes take effect before registration begins, file your changes via the change of record request no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27. Requests submitted after this date may be delayed.

The change of record request can be found by navigating to myDrake, selecting Self-Service under commonly used apps, and clicking on the link for the change of record request under Student Records.

— Ryan Trump, Office of the Registrar

October brings Cybersecurity Awareness Month—a dedicated opportunity to elevate our community’s understanding of online safety. As digital threats evolve, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), it’s crucial to ground ourselves in the essentials and sharpen our awareness of new risks. This article highlights the trusted “core 4” of cybersecurity and introduces practical tips for staying safe in the age of AI.

The “Core 4” of Cybersecurity 

Start with the four foundational habits known as the “core 4″—practices that greatly reduce your vulnerability to cyber threats:

• Use strong passwords and a password manager: Create unique, complex passwords for each account and store them with a trusted password manager for convenience and security.
• Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of protection by requiring additional verification—like a code sent to your device—when logging into important accounts.
• Update your software: Regularly install updates for your devices and applications. These updates often include critical security patches that fix known vulnerabilities.
• Recognize and report scams: Stay alert for suspicious emails, messages, or links. If something feels off, don’t click—report it promptly to campus IT so others are protected, too.

Staying Safe in the Age of AI: New Challenges & Practical Tips

As artificial intelligence becomes woven into everyday technology, cybercriminals are using it to create new, sophisticated threats. Alongside the “core 4,” here are additional tips to help you remain secure:

• Be skeptical of hyper-realistic content: AI-generated images, videos, and audio (deepfakes) can be hard to spot. Verify any unusual or extraordinary content through another trusted channel before reacting or sharing.
• Watch for AI-powered phishing scams: Attackers use AI to craft convincing, personalized phishing messages. Double-check sender information and be wary of urgent requests for personal or financial details.
• Protect your data from AI scraping: Review your privacy settings on social media and limit the personal information you post online, as AI tools can collect and misuse public data.
• Use trusted AI tools: Stick to reputable, well-reviewed AI apps and services. Check privacy policies and be selective with permissions, especially for apps requesting access to sensitive data.
• Stay informed about AI threats: Cyber risks change quickly. Follow campus alerts and subscribe to reliable cybersecurity news to keep up with new developments.
• Understand AI in everyday apps: Many popular tools employ AI for convenience—like smart assistants or automatic photo organization. Learn how these features use your data and adjust your settings to control what’s shared.

For a quick and engaging overview of how to spot AI-driven deception, check out our 4-minute video, “Seeing Through the Deception,” available on our internal website. This short video provides practical examples and tips to help you recognize deepfakes, manipulated content, and AI-powered scams—empowering you to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. We encourage everyone in our campus community to watch and share this resource as part of your ongoing cybersecurity learning.

What To Do If You Suspect a Security Incident

If you encounter an AI-driven scam, suspicious content, or a possible breach, contact the ITS Support Center right away. Fast reporting helps protect your data and our campus community.

 

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By following the “core 4” and staying vigilant against AI-powered risks, you help build a safer digital environment for all. Let’s use Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025 to reinforce smart habits and adapt to tomorrow’s challenges.

— Becky Klein, ITS

Have you ever wanted to tour a fraternity or sorority house? Want to meet more students and learn what fraternity and sorority life is like? Please join us on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 4:30–6 p.m. to meet members of fraternity and sorority life and take tours of some of our houses. This is a casual come-and-go type event so we welcome you to join us anytime within that window when you are available. Fraternity and Sorority members will be available on 34th Street and Forest Avenue (between 32nd Street and 33rd Street) to direct you to houses you wish to see and visit. If you have any questions, please reach out to drakeFSL@drake.edu.

— Liz Itzen, Director, Fraternity and Sorority Life

On Oct. 7, the Varsity Theater (1207 25th Street) will be showing The Librarians, a 2025 documentary about librarians on the frontlines in the fight against censorship, the impact of book restrictions on students, and the essential role of intellectual freedom in democracy. Following the showing, a small group will share how the issues raised in the movie are being experienced in Iowa and what communities can do. Showtime is at 6:30 p.m. with tickets for $12, $9 for seniors and students, and $7 for Varsity Cinema members.

The following day, Oct. 8, Drake University is proud to host Amanda Jones, activist, author, and librarian. Her book, That Librarian: Fighting Book Banning in America, explores the importance of libraries serving a wide range of perspectives and the pushback she and other librarians have faced speaking up for the right to read. The fireside chat will be moderated by the current American Library Association president, Sam Helmick.  A book signing will follow the presentation, and a range of challenged and censored titles will be available for purchase from Beaverdale Books.  The event is at 7 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Parents Hall.  The event is free, and free parking passes (if needed) can be obtained through registration on Eventbrite.

— Hope Bibens, Cowles Library