All posts by Aaron Jaco

Women’s basketball heads to MVC Tournament

Women’s Basketball
Missouri Valley Conference Tournament
March 10–13
iWireless Center (Moline, IL)
www.mvcquadcities.com

Men’s Tennis
Drake vs. Brown
March 11 @ 6 p.m.
Roger Knapp Tennis Center

Women’s Tennis
Drake vs. Northern Illinois
March 12 @ 10 a.m.
Roger Knapp Tennis Center

Women’s Tennis
Drake vs. Wisconsin-Milwaukee
March 12 @ 4 p.m.
Roger Knapp Tennis Center

Men’s Tennis
Drake vs. Wisconsin
March 13 @ 11 a.m.
Roger Knapp Tennis Center

Study abroad in Chile

Students, come learn about study abroad opportunities at Universidad de los Andes in Santiago, Chile. Join us at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, at Drake’s International Center (The Point).
A representative from the University’s International Programs office will be available to tell you about some exciting opportunities in Santiago.

If this date is not convenient but you wish to learn more about Universidad de los Andes, contact Gretchen Beckley at gretchen.beckley@drake.edu

—Drake International

Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition is open

The Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition is open. This annual competition could be your opportunity to get up to $5,000 for your business idea. To learn more, come to an information session on March 8 at 6 p.m. or March 23 at 7 p.m. Both sessions will be held in Aliber Hall on the 3rd floor. More info available online at tinyurl.com/2016pappajohnstudent. To learn more about Iowa entrepreneur and philanthropist John Pappajohn, visit www.pappajohn.com

—Submitted by Stephanie Cardwell, Administrative Assistant 2

Apply to be a Violence Intervention Partner

The Violence Intervention Partner peer advocacy team is now accepting applicants for the 2016–2017 school year. You can find job duties and the application online. Applications are due by Friday, March 25, with interviews starting the week after with the advisory team.

—Alysa Mozak, Coordinator for Sexual Violence Response and Healthy Relationship Promotion

Seeking former Peace Corps volunteers

Following the recent announcement that Drake is a top producer of Peace Corps volunteers, Drake International wishes to reach out to former Peace Corps volunteers who are Drake employees. You may be a valuable resource for current students considering volunteering. Any staff or faculty who have served in the Peace Corps, please contact Karen Leroux, associate professor of history and coordinator, post-graduate scholarships, at karen.leroux@drake.edu.

—Submitted by Drake International

Iowa Network for Women in Higher Education conference

The Iowa Network for Women in Higher Education (IowaWHE) Annual Leadership Conference brings women together from all corners of the state to network and discuss the issues facing leaders in higher education today. The theme of the 2016 conference is “Preparing for Leadership Challenges.” What are some of the major challenges confronting higher education today? How do women leaders prepare themselves to meet those challenges? An outstanding panel of women leaders will share their insights and experiences on some of the issues so relevant for current and aspiring leaders. This year’s conference is being hosted by Iowa State University on April 8. More information can be found online.

 

—Submitted by Maria Bohorquez, Professor of Chemistry, Department Chair

Updated policy—University Closings, Delays and Class Cancellations

Changes have been incorporated from the comment period and the University Closings, Delays and Class Cancellations policy is now final and posted.

The most significant change to the policy is compensation for most staff when classes are cancelled and campus is open. Based on history, this situation is a rare and infrequent occurrence.

President Martin said it best in his Feb. 12 email: “My firm belief is that everyone is committed to our students and our mission, and to moving toward a culture of joyful accountability where we trust each other, enjoy our work, and are committed to doing our best.” The changes to this policy foster trust and inclusion by providing employees the ability to make decisions about personal safety, without having to unduly worry about taking a vacation or personal day, in the rare instances where classes are cancelled and campus is open.

Please familiarize yourself with the updated policy. Questions? Review the FAQ, discuss with your manager, and/or contact Cindy Adams at cindy.adams@drake.edu or x3676.

—HR Team

Faculty and staff celebrate employment anniversaries

Full-time employee anniversaries in March:

Qalbi Abdi
Craig Blaker
Steven Blaylock
Kathryn Coleson Horner
Leslee Cran
Susan Dittmer
Kristi Fuller
Raymond Giacoletti
Sarah Grady
Douglas Graham
Aaron Harpold
Renee Hennessy
Patsy Johnson
Heidi Kramer
Douglas Lampe
Eric Lindstrom
Peter Lundstedt
Sharon Moran
Eric Murphy
Lori Richman
Mary Sanders
Bartholomew Schmidt
Donald Severs
Lucas Shelton
John Smith
Pamela Smith
Gareth Smith
Allen Smith
Thad Smull
Michael Spoerl
James Wu

Nominate a colleague for community service and employee excellence awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the Madelyn M. Levitt Distinguished Community Service Award and the Madelyn M. Levitt Employee Excellence Awards. These awards will be presented at the Faculty / Staff Recognition Event on Tuesday, May 3, in Parent’s Hall, Olmsted Center. The deadline to submit nominations has been extended to April 7 at 4:30 p.m.

Madelyn M. Levitt Distinguished Community Service Award

Madelyn M. Levitt established the Distinguished Community Service Award to recognize outstanding contributions of Drake faculty and staff to the Drake community. Criteria for the award include:

  • a demonstrated personal commitment to volunteerism and community service;
  • an outstanding record of leadership or substantial involvement in community projects, services and activities contributing to the quality of life in our region, state and/or the nation;
  • professional and personal values and behavior that typify the ideals of giving back to others and making a difference in the lives of others.

The nominee must be a current faculty or staff member with at least five years of service at Drake.

Madelyn M. Levitt Employee Excellence Awards

The Employee Excellence Award is presented to up to two staff employees who demonstrate exceptional commitment to excellence in the performance of their duties. Criteria for the award include:

  • exceptional performance as an employee of Drake University;
  • outstanding dedication to providing courteous, prompt, and quality service;
  • demonstrated commitment to University programs, initiatives, and services;
  • professional values and behavior that demonstrate exceptional service to others and a commitment to Drake University.

Nominees must be a current staff member with at least one year of service at Drake.

NOMINATION PROCESS

Submit a letter of nomination to the Levitt Award Committee c/o Human Resources. Nomination letters may be sent via campus mail or to laura.schwarz@drake.edu.

A nomination letter detailing specific examples of how the nominee exemplifies each of the applicable criteria is desirable. Additional letters of support are not necessary. A review committee will make award recommendations to the President’s Council. Nominations must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 7.

—Submitted by Laura Schwarz, Human Resources