The task force is actively working on its set of recommendations and is still on track to complete them in October. These recommendations will heavily influence how Drake considers the future of flexible work arrangements.

“The task force continues to benefit from the feedback provided from the campus community,” said Megan Franklin, task force member and senior associate athletic director and senior woman administrator in the Athletics Department.” Task Force members have been considering how to take the special qualities of Drake employment and translate that into a range of flexible work options—including remote work. Our goal is that the resulting policy provides managers and employees the flexibility to consider a menu of options that best fit the position and the employee.”

Another task force member, Keren Fiorenza, chief information technology officer, said, “As we dig deeper into the examples, brainstorming, and discussion, it’s easy to see that this will be a significant shift for Drake. We are identifying so many details that need to be considered—including use of space, equipment needs, and technology support. Enabling this change in how we work will require careful thought and planning in addition to policy development.”

Part of the due diligence being exercised by the task force includes reading current literature on flexible work arrangements and reviewing sample policies and forms from other institutions.

Franklin explained, “The task force members have had the opportunity to learn about emerging best practices for remote work and flexible work arrangements from across a variety of industries and institutions. As expected, the more we learn about the opportunities we also have more questions to research and discuss. When we get to the end of this exercise, we really want to deliver meaningful recommendations that will work for Drake and the wonderful staff who work here.”

— Maureen De Armond, Human Resources