Student Services

Student Services Center

The Drake Student Services Center is designed to provide assistance with common campus needs, including:

If you have questions or need any additional information about these services, visit Student Services Center web site or contact them at studentservices@drake.edu. You can also visit the office in the Olmsted Center or call at 515-271-2000.

Student Services Center web site

Cowles Library

Cowles Library is the main library of Drake University and the largest private college library in Iowa.  The Library provides extensive print and electronic resources used in class assignments and research.  Faculty librarians and Library staff work with researchers and students at every stage of the research process and provide instruction in cutting-edge research methods.  Library faculty teach a variety of courses in the Drake curriculum, including First Year Seminars and courses that satisfy the Information Literacy and Engaged Citizen AOIs. 

Cowles Library houses more than 280,000 print books, government documents, and scholarly journals. Students can also access an extensive collection of online resources, including an ever-expanding collection of more than 1.2 million eBooks and more than 240 databases covering the entire range of academic disciplines at Drake.  Other resources available include physical and streaming video, datasets, technology and software, and physical and streaming music. The high quality and broad scope of the library's electronic resources is a distinguishing feature of the Drake learning experience. Cowles was the first library in Iowa to offer an online service (SuperSearch) that accesses dozens of databases in a single search. 

In addition to providing materials in our own collections, Cowles Library partners with libraries around the globe to expand access to scholarly materials at no additional cost to students. Students can directly borrow books from libraries across Iowa through FastTRAC, and they can request books and journal articles through the library's interlibrary loan service. 

Students can obtain assistance in person, chat, or text message through our popular "Ask a Librarian" service. Students can also get full access to the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal using their Drake credentials.  Subject and class-specific research guides, compiled by Librarians and Drake faculty, are found in the Research Guides. 

The Library provides high-quality study spaces that include quiet study areas, study rooms, group study space, computer collaboration equipment, whiteboards and a popular campus café.  The Midnight Hall section of the Library is open for study when the rest of the Library is closed. The Library collaborates with other departments to provide direct academic support through the Writing Center and the Speaking Center, and through Academic Access and Success to support tutoring in courses such as Accounting, Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology, as well as assistance with time management and study skills. Many campus groups and organizations meet in the Library, and a wide variety of cultural events and speakers are supported throughout the academic year. 

Drake University Archives & Special Collections is responsible for collecting, preserving, and making accessible the permanent records of the University as well as rare and unique collections that document the history of the Drake Neighborhood, Des Moines, and the state of Iowa. The Archives is a place where history comes alive for students, faculty and staff, alumni, and the community through primary source research and instruction. This unit also provides internships and student work experiences related to archival practice, exhibit curation, and digital projects.   

Cowles Library web site 

Information Technology Services

Drake Information Technology Services (ITS) supports the innovative use of technology to enhance the experience for students, faculty, and staff in support of Drake’s mission.

Electronic Resources

All students are given a Microsoft 365 account providing access to Drake technology services and campus systems, including password management, internet access, file storage, printing, and more. Drake email is an official means of campus wide communication.

Technology Support

The ITS Support Center provides in-person, phone, and remote assistance with passwords, software, network, and general technology issues and requests. To report issues or request service, submit a ticket through our support portal at service.drake.edu/its, call 515-271-3001, or visit the lower level of Carnegie Hall.

The ITS support portal also provides technology resources online, such as step-by-step articles, laptop recommendations for new students, and up-to-date information on Drake technology news and alerts. Learn more about departmental services at drake.edu/its.

Access and Success

Students looking for ways to enhance their academic success (improving reading comprehension, studying efficiently and time management) are encouraged to contact the Access and Success Coordinators. One-on-one consultations are available by appointment only. Students are encouraged to utilize the various resources (tutoring labs, supplemental instruction, writing workshop) offered. 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 Associate Provost for Academic Excellence and Student Success.  PMACs are not course-specific tutors; they are generalists who focus on issues that are applicable to student success regardless of a 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:

  1. Goal-setting and decision-making
  2. Time management
  3. Studying efficiently
  4. Questioning strategies
  5. Approaching faculty
  6. On- and off-campus resources (to address academic, personal and social issues)
  7. Transitional adjustments and involvement inside as well as outside the classroom

Transfer students come to Drake with experience from another institution and are offered an orientation session in either the fall or spring semester, called the New Student Program.  The New Student Program is tailored to transfer and nontraditional students’ needs and is enhanced by Peer Mentors. Peer Mentors are students who also transferred to Drake from another institution and serve as a student resource for the university. If you are interested in assisting with transfer student programs or have questions, please email orientation@drake.edu.

Access and Success

Career Services

Drake’s Career Services supports students’ professional and career development in and outside of the classroom and provides resources for faculty and staff to integrate career exploration, readiness, and development into university programs, events, and classes. Career development, at its best, begins your first year and builds with each class, internship, research study, service project, and part-time job. The focus on Drake True Blue Skills will help students learn to tell their story effectively to potential employers and graduate/professional programs. Ultimately, this process culminates in students finding success after gradation through employment or by continuing their education in graduate/professional programs.

Career Exploration

Career Services has many tools to assist students with major and career exploration at any point in your academic career. Career assessments are used to gather information to make major and career suggestions based on your interests, skills, and values. Completing an assessment should be followed by a meeting with a Career Liaison who can help coach students through deeper exploration into areas of interest.

Career Fairs & Events

Career Services hosts an All-University Career Fair each spring. Additionally, smaller fairs are hosted for students in actuarial science, business, and technology disciplines. Representatives from many employers and graduate/professional schools attend to recruit students and alumni for internships, part-time opportunities, and full-time positions. Additional career events and workshops focused on specific majors and career areas, career development topics (e.g., resume writing, interviewing, etc.), and networking opportunities are provided in the classroom, through student clubs and organizations, within college/school programming, and across campus.

Job Search Strategies

Career Services supports students’ search for internships, research experiences, part-time, and/or full-time positions, offering opportunities, coaching, and programs to:

  • Network with employer partners & alumni
  • Explore Handshake (Drake’s online job posting board)
  • Contact internship and job shadow providers
  • Develop a resume and/or cover letter
  • Complete mock Interviews
  • Reflect on and develop True Blue Skills
  • Negotiate job offer and salary conversations

Graduate/Professional School

Career Services offers additional support for students pursuing admission into a graduate/professional program after Drake. Career Services can help pre-professional students:

  • Identify graduate/professional programs of interest
  • Understand application and admission requirements
    Develop application materials (e.g., personal statement, resume, work samples, etc.)
  • Practice for an admissions interview

Visit the Drake University Career Services website for additional information.

Student Disability Services

Student Disability Services assists students with disabilities in identifying and requesting necessary accommodations.  Staff members work with students with all types of disabilities, including but not limited to learning disabilities; attention deficit disorder; mobility restrictions; mental health; 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.

Student Disability Services web site

Division of Global Affairs

Drake International helps provide an exceptional learning environment and prepares students for responsible global citizenship by:

  • Coordinating study-abroad opportunities for students seeking Drake degrees
  • Facilitating the success and involvement of international students on campus and in the community

Study Abroad

At Drake University, study abroad is embedded in the Drake student experience, as studying abroad is one way Drake delivers on a key tenet of its mission statement – to prepare students for responsible global citizenship. Drake students are encouraged to take advantage of the exceptional learning environment study abroad offers to widen their global perspective and engage with new cultures. Through a wide variety of program and course offerings intended to keep students on track for graduation, as well as a desire to make study abroad accessible to all students at Drake, we support students seeking out opportunities that align with their academic, professional, and personal goals. The Division of Global Affairs is available to assist students along this journey – guiding students through the study abroad process and helping them explore the transformational experiences available to them as a Drake student.

Drake is committed to offering students a variety of approved study abroad options ranging from an intensive two-week travel seminar taught by a Drake faculty member during J-term, to participating in a language immersion program at one of our international institutional exchange partners for an academic year. Program types consist of Drake semester cohort programs, J-term travel seminars, exchange and direct enroll offerings, and programs through affiliate partners.

Studying abroad is not limited to simply taking courses, but can include other experiential learning opportunities including internships, service-learning, research, field studies, student teaching, pharmacy rotations, and more. Having a certain level of fluency in a foreign language is not required to study abroad as many programs offer courses in English and/or the local language. For students studying a foreign language, it is highly recommended to take language courses abroad to further develop language fluency. Beginning language courses are available on many programs for students who are new to the language but are eager to learn.

Credits earned abroad through an approved program, either Drake credits or transfer credits, can be applied to a Drake degree to fulfill AOIs, major, minor, and concentration requirements. To determine what credits will meet these requirements, students seek approval from with their Academic Specialist and/or Faculty Mentor, and then their Dean’s Office. Early planning is essential to determine what term, program and courses abroad will keep students on track for graduation. Many students find the most feasible time to study abroad is their sophomore or junior year.

Students must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher to study abroad, pass a disciplinary check through the Division of Student Affairs, be more than one year beyond high school graduation, complete a study abroad application through Drake’s application management system, Via, and be approved by the Division of Global Affairs to study abroad through Drake.

The cost of studying abroad varies depending on the length, type, and location of the program abroad. For semester programs, students are billed Drake University tuition and program-specific non-tuition fees (such as room and board). For short-term programs, students are responsible for the program fee, and in some cases, tuition. As it can vary based on full-time student status, and the number of credits students are registered for, students are encouraged to meet with the Office of Financial Aid as well as schedule a study abroad advising appointment with the Division of Global Affairs. Financial aid packages can be applied to approved programs and students are encouraged to apply for additional global learning scholarships through Drake and other outside scholarship sources.

International Student Services

Drake hosts over 150 international students and scholars from more than 50 countries. To facilitate their success, the Division of Global Affairs provides:

  • Pre-arrival information
  • Volunteers to greet new students
  • Orientation tailored to the needs of international students
  • Advising and workshops regarding immigration regulations and employment issues.
  • Programs and peer advisers to promote adjustment to life in the United States, Des Moines and at Drake.
  • Activities with the International Students Association.
  • Monthly electronic newsletters to students.
  • Economical, mandatory group health insurance.
  • Opportunities for international students to share their cultures with local schools and community groups

Division of Global Affairs Website