Drake University is adjusting to the economic climate by expanding its curriculum to offer courses that help people cope with the current recession.

Today, Drake’s Center for Professional Graduate Studies in Drake’s College of Business and Public Administration announced that it has partnered with Dardis Communications Inc. to provide a new seminar series aimed at helping laid-off individuals or people who are striving to keep their jobs.

The series, which will be held on the Drake campus in Aliber Hall, will offer three seminars that are centered on practical ways people can strengthen their communication and presentation skills, conduct effective job searches and explore opportunities to start businesses, said Tom Root, an associate professor of finance at Drake.

The first seminar will be held Feb. 6 and will focus on professional presentation. Dardis Vice President Micah Craven will discuss presentation skills, professional image and selling skills. On March 6, the second seminar will provide information on how to navigate through the job market.

The final seminar will be held March 27, when multiple speakers will discuss the benefits of entrepreneurship and how to get started as an entrepreneur.

All of the seminars will take place from 8:30 a.m. until noon on Fridays. Each session will cost $10 to attend, or participants can pay $25 to attend all three. More information and registration can be found online at www.cbpa.drake.edu/cps/events.htm.