I noticed a friend dragging his menu bar into view while in an app. Is there a setting that permits this function? Sorry to be so basic, but I just got my iPad.

Ask your friend???

It may have been "SBS settings" in cydia.this provides a drop down menu for toggling basic functions.pretty handy I might add.

Thanks for both responses (). My friend finally got back to me and the answer about the instant access to the dock is as follows (in case anyone is interested):

That option will be available with the new update coming out in November. It's only for developers at this time.
It will happen automatically when you sync your ipad. Then double click the hard button to bring up the Dock.

Stay well.