The Offices of Finance and Financial Aid would like to thank everyone for taking the time to complete the Survey of Administrative Services earlier this fall.  We have gained valuable feedback to help us maintain and improve the services we provide to students, faculty, and staff.

 Ratings were consistent with prior year ratings.  Each of the departments within Finance individually scored between 4.4 and 4.7 on the 5-point scale.  The overall satisfaction with the services provided by the Offices of Finance and Financial Aid score was 4.48 compared to 4.62 in 2024.  While there is always room for improvement, the unit’s staff are clearly doing their best to meet our service-oriented objectives to:

• Ensure our constituents are engaged and informed,
• Ensure integrity and transparency,
• Process university resources timely and accurately, and
• Improve service excellence.

The comments included in the survey were very helpful.  We appreciate the many positive comments that recognized outstanding service provided by staff.  A number of comments referenced the impact on services from staffing levels and turnover, along with the Workday implementation.  The Finance staff are doing our best to manage through the challenges and will come out of the Workday implementation in a better position.  We request your continued grace as we work to streamline and continually improve our operations.

Thank you again for participating in the Survey of Administrative Services and please know that your input is reviewed and analyzed by the entire staff of the Offices of Finance and Financial Aid.

— Adam Voigts, Chief Financial Officer

Drake faculty and staff who exemplify the Core Value of Generosity of Spirit will be recognized at the next Provost’s Social, Thursday, Jan. 22, in the Cowles Reading Room beginning at 4 p.m. 

How do we define Generosity of Spirit at Drake? We look for colleagues who trust, empower, and presume the best of others, practice civility, caring, and respect, and are committed to equity and inclusion. 

To nominate a colleague, please use the Qualtrics form. All those nominated will be recognized on a rolling display during the event.  When you nominate colleagues, be prepared to describe how each colleague meets these descriptions. From among those nominated, several will be chosen at random for prizes. 

Refreshments will include an assortment of beverages and light snacks. This is a family friendly event. Feel free to bring your children or partner! 

— Anne Marie Greenwood, Provost’s Office

This is a reminder that beginning this month, ITS will be rolling out essential system updates to all campus Mac and Windows computers. Please watch for update notifications and install them as soon as possible to ensure your device remains secure and up to date.

• Windows devices: Will receive the Windows 25H2 update.
• Mac devices: Will be upgraded to macOS Tahoe.

Updates will be delivered through your computer’s standard update process. Prompt installation helps protect both your device and the campus network.

If you need help or have questions, visit service.drake.edu/its or call the Support Center at 515-271-3001. Our team is ready to assist you.

Thank you for supporting campus technology security!

— Becky Klein, ITS