Academic Assistance and Student Services

Students looking for ways to enhance their academic success (i.e. improving reading comprehension, studying efficiently and time management) are encouraged to contact the Academic Achievement Coordinator at 271-3752. One-on-one consultations are available by appointment only. A fall “Connections” seminar series addresses the basics of academic success and is open to all students. Students are also encouraged to utilize the various resources (labs, supplemental instruction, writing workshop) offered through the academic departments as noted on the Drake Web site at http://www.drake.edu/acadassist. Whether full- or part-time, undergraduate or graduate student, you can experience academic success if you: (1) go to every class; (2) go to every class prepared; (3) initiate and maintain contact with faculty; and (4) take advantage of the academic resources offered by the academic departments.

In addition, the Office of the Provost at Drake University sponsors the Peer Mentor/Academic Consultant (PMAC) program (including Welcome Weekend) under the direction and supervision of the Vice Provost. PMACs are not course-specific tutors, but the description of “generalists” is more appropriate because of their focus on issues that are applicable to student success regardless of students’ college, school or major.

Having a better understanding of what to expect inside and outside the classroom, becoming more aware of resources available on and off campus, and being able to make “informed” decisions are the objectives of semester-long interactions with the PMACs. Programming focuses on:

  • goal-setting and decision-making
  • time management
  • studying efficiently
  • questioning strategies
  • approaching faculty
  • on- and off-campus resources (to address academic, personal, and social issues)
  • transitional adjustments and involvement inside as well as outside the classroom

Transfer students require less one-on-one and ongoing attention than direct-from-high-school students; however, in addition to orientation in the fall and spring semesters, there are PMACs available to work with transfer and non-traditional students. Contact the Office of the Provost at 271-3751 to be paired with a PMAC.

Professional and Career Development Services

Professional and Career Development Services encourages students to develop an appreciation for exploring and connecting intellectual study to personal life and social responsibility. This results in an increased likelihood of students participating in service learning and volunteer activities, undergraduate on- and off-campus employment, job shadowing experiences and internships, as well as acceptance to graduate and professional schools and obtaining full-time employment in their areas of study or interests.

Whether a student is exploring interests or has determined professional goals, Professional and Career Development Services has several resources to assist. Additional information is available on the Web site www.drake.edu/career.

Counseling Center

The Counseling Center provides a setting in which a student may confidentially discuss any personal problem with a psychologist or counselor. The center maintains a limited number of psychological tests designed to assist Counseling Center staff in their work with students about their concerns. There is no charge for counseling.

Student Health Services

The American Republic Student Health Center provides outpatient services to full-time students with illnesses, injuries and routine health care needs. The center is located on the Drake campus at 3116 Carpenter Avenue, and health professionals are available on site Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Services include health screening, immunizations and injections, acute care for illnesses and injuries, annual physicals and health education and counseling. If students require emergency treatment or specialized care beyond services provided by the Health Center, they are referred to local physicians, specialists and emergency departments as necessary.

Students are expected to assume financial responsibility for health care obtained from another facility. The American Republic Student Health Center’s phone number is 515-271-3731.

Center For International Programs And Services

Drake's Center for International Programs and Services helps provide an exceptional learning environment and prepares students for responsible global citizenship by:

  • coordinating study-abroad opportunities for students seeking Drake degrees, and
  • facilitating the success and involvement of international students on campus and in the community
  • developing familiarity with US culture and English language proficiency for non-native speakers.

Individuals who want to know more about these programs should contact:

The International Center
Drake University
2507 University Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50311-4505 USA
Telephone: 1-515-271-2084
Fax: 1-515-271-4588
http://www.drake.edu/international

Study-Abroad

Drake's study-abroad opportunities are characterized by variety. Qualified students may choose from programs in more than 60 countries. Students are encouraged to choose programs that include independent study, internships, language immersion or direct enrollment with students from the host country. Housing options may include apartments, residence halls or home hosting. Exciting opportunities range from an intensive three-week international study seminar led by a Drake faculty member to a full year of direct enrollment in a foreign university.

While all credits taken on affiliated programs transfer to Drake, students must work closely with their advisers to ensure that courses chosen will meet specific degree requirements. Early planning is recommended. For some programs, the sophomore year is the best time to spend a semester abroad.

Grade-point requirements for study abroad vary by program. Students with stronger grades have a wider range of opportunities, including programs at prestigious universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, the Sorbonne and the University of Sydney.

Fluency in a foreign language also broadens options, though many programs do not require previous foreign language study. This is true even in countries where the official language is not English, although students who learn the local language have richer experiences with local people.

The cost of a program abroad varies widely, but students with financial concerns can usually find a program that meets their needs. Most students report that a semester abroad costs approximately the same as a semester at Drake. Many forms of financial aid may be applied to study abroad with a Drake-affiliated program, and some programs offer scholarships.

For information about Study Abroad, contact The International Center (see above) or go to http://www.drake.edu/international/studyabroad/

International Student Services

Drake hosts approximately 300 international students and scholars from over 60 countries. To facilitate their success, the Center for International Programs and Services provides:

  • pre-arrival information.
  • volunteers to greet new students at the airport.
  • orientation tailored to the needs of international students.
  • advising and workshops regarding immigration regulations and employment issues.
  • programs to promote adjustment to life in the United States, Des Moines and at Drake.
  • activities of the International Students Association.
  • monthly electronic newsletters to students.
  • economical, mandatory group health insurance.
  • a host family program (not live-in) coordinated by community volunteers.
  • opportunities for international students to share their cultures with local schools and community groups.

For information about admission to a degree program, contact the

Office of Admission
Drake University
Des Moines, IA 50311-4505
http://www.choose.drake.edu
USA Telephone: 1-515-271-3181 outside the U.S., or
1-800-44-DRAKE toll-free within the U.S.
The fax number is 1-515-271-2831.
Drake's e-mail address is admitinfo@acad.drake.edu

More information for international students can be found at.

The International Center (see above) or go to http://www.drake.edu/international

Intensive English Program (English as a Second Language)

This program offers intermediate and advanced-level English language study, focusing on proficiency for academic purposes and orientation to U.S. culture. Courses are designed primarily for students seeking full enrollment in Drake's undergraduate and graduate degree programs, although individuals also enroll to satisfy personal and business goals.

Drake's IEP prides itself on flexibility, high quality and personalized attention to students' needs. Small classes of up to 15 students are taught by faculty members dedicated to the student's total experience in the United States. Full-time students spend approximately 18 hours per week in classroom study which involves reading, writing, speaking, listening, pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary.

To benefit from Drake's IEP, students should have completed beginning-level English study and have the equivalent of a U.S. secondary school diploma. IEP admission may be granted with or without admission to a Drake degree program.

For information about Intensive English Program, contact

The International Center (see above) or go to http://www.drake.edu/international/esl

Services For Students With Disabilities

Student Disability Services assists students with disabilities by coordinating necessary academic accommodations. Staff members work with students with all types of disabilities, including, but not limited to, learning disabilities; attention deficit disorder; mobility restrictions; and visual, hearing, physical and psychological disabilities.

Disability services include assessment of learning and support needs; classroom and test accommodation assistance; campus accessibility consultation; and support for faculty and staff. The telephone number for disability services is 515-271-1835 ; TDD, 515-271-2825. For more information, visit the Web site at http://www.drake.edu/sds.

Student Identification Card

Each student is provided a photo identification card that is used for admission to Drake University athletic events, theatre productions, Bell Center workout facilities and other activities. It is also a dining hall pass for students who are provided meals through Drake's Dining Services. Lost identification cards can be replaced for a charge of $20.

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