All posts by Aaron Jaco

HR Information Archive

Don’t forget your biometrics screening!

If you’re on Drake’s health plan, you can save $300 off your health insurance premium in 2016 by participating in the Drake Wellness Incentive. In order to qualify, you must complete a biometrics screening and online wellness assessment. Only four dates for on-campus screenings remain!

On-campus biometrics screenings will take place between 6:30 and 10:30 a.m. in the Bell Center on the following dates: Nov. 3, 4, 10, and 13.

To schedule your screening, click here, and use the username DRAKEU and password SCREEN2015 to log in. Once you sign up, please make a note of your screening date and time, as you will not receive a reminder email.

If you need to cancel your on-campus screening, email jennifer.umphfleet@unitypoint.org with your name and date and time of cancelled appointment. You will need to re-register online for a new appointment. Changes can be made up to 48 hours prior to the screen time.

Signed up but don’t remember your date/time? Look at your received or deleted emails for an email confirmation sent to you by unitypointhealth.desmoines@gmail.com with the subject: Health Screen Confirmation.

You can also complete your biometrics screening at a participating Hy-Vee by Nov. 13. Full details and a list of participating Hy-Vee stores can be found here. Hy-Vee will submit your screening results to Wellmark, which will automatically update your online assessment.

If you’ve already completed your biometrics screening, don’t forget to take the online wellness assessment via myWellmark by Dec. 4.

Visit the Wellness Incentive Program site to learn more about the wellness incentive, your options, and for a FAQ document. Questions may be directed to Dianna Lei-Butters at diana.lei-butters@drake.edu or 271-1871.

—Submitted by Cindy Adams, Associate Director, Human Resources

Campus Announcements Archive

Protecting your identity—tips for campus

Is it possible to prevent identity theft?

Experts say yes and no.

Think of identity theft like someone attempting to break into your home.

Can you prevent someone from breaking in? You can definitely make it difficult. Door and window locks and alarms, security cameras, even guards are possible deterrents.

Would it still be possible for a break-in to occur with these things in place? Yes, if they are determined enough and had more manpower or better technology.

The same is true for protecting your identity. You can make it more difficult to misuse or steal, but it’s impossible to 100 percent guarantee that it won’t happen. Making some thought-out choices will greatly reduce your chances of being a victim.

Your personal information is a goldmine.

Below are some practical ways to prevent or reduce the chances of identity theft, as well as put a stop to existing fraud that may be occurring without your knowledge.

Minimize exposure of your Social Security and credit card numbers. Do you know how many websites currently have your information on file? Most companies offer to save this information for you, but if the company suffers a breach, information may be disclosed that you’d forgotten was entrusted to them.

Credit cards are still a relatively safe option. Credit card companies limit the liability of fraud victims, often better than banks do with debit cards. Keep the contact information of your financial institutions in a place you’ll remember in case you do suspect fraud.

Watch out for phishing emails and calls. Phishing schemes can take many forms, but have a general theme: coercing you into giving up personal information, whether passwords protecting financial data, or account information via phone. If you’ve suffered from fraud in the past, you are at additional risk. Additional information on how to spot these scams is located on Drake’s information security website.

Manage your passwords effectively. We all use dozens of websites that require passwords. Using a password manager or even a written list kept in a locked drawer is safer than using weak passwords or the same password on multiple sites. Think of your most valuable sites such as online banking, retirement, healthcare, etc., and focus on creating strong, unique passwords for these sites to that they are not at risk if passwords at other sites are stolen.

Upgrade authentication where possible. Some companies are starting to offer two-factor authentication, or “2FA”—a smart phone app or automated phone call used to confirm your identity in addition to a password. It does introduce a layer of complexity and hassle, but it could be a small price to pay to secure your finances and other online accounts.

Protect mobile devices. Your phone and tablet probably have your email account, which can easily give a thief access to other accounts through password resets or social engineering. Using screen locks and encrypting these devices are two easy steps to protecting yourself if they are lost or stolen. Apple and Google both offer a service to remotely wipe the device if it’s ever lost so that your information is safe, even if the device is gone.

If you receive notification from a company that holds your personal information, such as a financial institution or the IRS that your information has been compromised or that they suspect fraud on your account, the following steps can help limit the damage and get your life back to normal.

  • Place a fraud alert on your financial accounts and credit reporting bureaus so they are aware of the situation.
  • Order your credit reports. The credit reporting bureaus provide copies for free once notified of potential fraud.
  • File an identity theft report with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) and your local police.
  • Monitor your accounts and dispute any fraudulent charges on your account as soon as you notice them

There is quite a bit more information online about this topic through the FTC and IRS websites. Information security staff within Drake Technology Services can also provide information and assistance; they can be reached at informationsecurity@drake.edu.

—Submitted by Jeff Sabin, Information Security Officer/Head of Infrastructure and Security

Campus Announcements Archive

Annual Benefits Fair Friday

When: Nov. 6, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Where: Olmsted Center, Parents Hall

Stop by and chat with representatives from Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Advantage Administrators, Delta Dental of Iowa, TIAA-CREF, Long Term Care Strategies, Principal Life Insurance Company, Employee and Family Resources, and Human Resources. This “come-and-go” event will provide an opportunity for you to:

  • Ask questions and learn about the wide range of benefits available at Drake
  • Enter a drawing to win a $25 VISA Card by submitting your flexible spending account enrollment form.

—Submitted by Marlene, Heurtz, Assistant Director, Benefits

Campus Announcements Archive

Campus-wide benefits meeting

How do Drake benefits compare? What is Drake’s philosophy when it comes to employee benefit decisions? What changes are planned for this year and beyond?

The answers to all of these questions and more will be discussed at a session entitled: A Report to Faculty and Staff: The Status of the Drake Medical and Dental Plans. Mark your calendars to attend; these are important opportunities to learn more and to ask questions:

Nov. 6
1 p.m.
Room 301, Olmsted Center

Nov. 11
3 p.m.
Drake Room, Olmsted Center

—Submitted by Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer

Campus Announcements Archive

When the skies of November turn gloomy

It’s that time of year again when we begin to prepare ourselves for inclement weather. This is a reminder for all members of the Drake University community about winter weather policies and procedures as well as parking rules and regulations during periods of snow removal.

While uncommon, official class cancellations, University delays, and closings may be required in extreme conditions. The provost will make such determinations after considering multiple factors (e.g., snowfall, ice, wind chill) and consulting with appropriate members of the University community.

Information about cancellations or closures will be available through the Cancellation Line (515-271-4545) or on the Drake University website (www.drake.edu). Local television and radio stations will also be notified.

When making the decision to cancel, delay, or close the University, all efforts are made to finalize the decision by 6 a.m. so that information can be disseminated to media outlets and the University’s Cancellation Line before most people begin their trip to campus. For evening classes beginning after 4:30 p.m., all efforts are made to finalize the decision by 2:30 p.m. Full criteria and guidelines are available online.

Please be aware that it is virtually impossible to make a decision on the cancellation of classes or closing of the University that will satisfy the needs and concerns of all students, faculty, and staff. Thus, it is important for everyone to exercise good judgment with respect to personal safety. No one is expected to take undue risks.

Parking during snowfall

In blueView, Drake’s Department of Public Safety has posted subscription instructions for the City of Des Moines’ automatic snow route and odd/even parking notifications. The Des Moines Department of Public Works will use snowplows to clear designated snow routes beginning at accumulations of one inch and residential streets at accumulations of two inches.

It is illegal to park on a designated snow route once snowplow operations have commenced. Snow routes near the Drake campus include University Avenue, Forest Avenue, 30th Street, and 34th Street. You cannot park on either side of these streets during snow removal operations.

While city ordinance forbids parking on residential streets during snow removal operations, neighborhoods with limited amounts of off-street parking, including the Drake neighborhood, must use established odd- and even-side snow parking zones. Failure to comply with the odd/even parking regulations may result in the Des Moines Police Department issuing $35 fines and possibly towing vehicles.

Odd/Even Snow Removal Parking Details:

  • Snowplowing operations in designated odd/even neighborhoods will occur between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Odd calendar days of the month are matched with street addresses ending in an odd number. On odd-numbered days, vehicles should be parked on the odd side of the street. (Reverse for even.)
  • Vehicles must be on the correct side of the street by 7 a.m. to avoid a ticket.

NOTE: Parking tickets may be issued until 7 p.m.—even if plows have already cleared neighborhood streets. Furthermore, extraordinary conditions may require extension of the city’s snowplowing time period. Stay informed and up-to-date by subscribing to the City of Des Moines’ automatic snow route and odd/even parking notifications (noted above).

Finally, please remember that 27th Street is now designated as a Commuter Parking Lot. As a Commuter Parking Lot and in order to facilitate snow removal, 27th Street must remain free of cars from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. each day. Cars parked on 27th Street between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. will be ticketed and may be towed to facilitate snow removal.

Thank you for your kind attention to these winter weather policies and procedures.

—Submitted by Provost Joe Lenz

News & Achievements Archive

Drake Relays Parade survey

As a result of declining participation in the Drake Relays Parade, a committee has been formed to identify ways to generate renewed excitement as well as campus and community-wide participation. In order to re-evaluate the purpose, goals, and outcome of the Relays Parade, we are asking faculty, staff, and students (as well as neighbors and local businesses) to provide us with feedback and ideas for the future of the parade. We understand what a big part this long-standing tradition played in the week leading up to the Drake Relays and want to be sure we consider the support, sustainability, and impact of this Relays standby.

We appreciate your opinions as we move forward. Follow the link to complete the brief survey: http://tinyurl.com/drakeparadesurvey

—Submitted by Marina Verlengia, Director of Student Programming

News & Achievements Archive

Foreign language conversation hours

Do you want or need to keep up your foreign language fluency? Drake’s Department of World Languages and Cultures wants to help.

Spanish Conversation Hours
Spanish Conversation Hours are scheduled for Mondays, 2–3 p.m., and Thursdays, 12:30–1:30 p.m., in Meredith Hall, Room 228. All levels of Spanish speakers are welcome. The group supports participants with an opportunity to practice Spanish, and no long-term commitment is required to attend. A native speaker facilitates the conversation in Spanish in an informal setting.
For further information, contact Visiting Assistant Professor Inbal Mazar at inbal.mazar@drake.edu

Arabic Club
Arabic Club offers the opportunity for students, faculty, and administrators to practice speaking in Arabic on Wednesdays in Medbury Hall, Room 219 between 1:15 and 3:15 p.m. All levels of speakers are welcome. In addition to practicing speaking, the group explores history, geography, culture, and others topics of interest to the group. Drop-in attendance is welcome.
For further information, contact Adjunct Instructor Nahed Waly at nahed.waly@drake.edu

—Submitted by Drake International

News & Achievements Archive

Drake faculty/staff days

All Drake University faculty and staff are eligible to receive up to four complimentary tickets to the events listed below. Tickets may be picked up at the Drake Athletics Ticket Office Monday–Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or at the ticket window on game day. Must show valid Drake Card (ID) at time of pick up.

Women’s Basketball
Drake vs. Creighton
Nov. 24 at 7 p.m.
Knapp Center

Men’s Basketball
Drake vs. DePaul
Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.
Knapp Center

Men’s Basketball
Drake vs. Bradley
Jan. 30 at 2 p.m.
Knapp Center

Women’s Basketball
Drake vs. Wichita State
Feb. 5 at 7 p.m.
Knapp Center

—Submitted by Tom Florian, Assistant Director of Ticket Sales

News & Achievements Archive

SJMC news: Nov. 2

Drake SJMC and Iowa Public Radio hosting “NPR Presents: Michel Martin”
National Public Radio journalist Michel Martin will bring her traveling program to Drake’s Sussman Theater on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m., hosted by the Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication and Iowa Public Radio. The program will focus on political engagement by young people and will include music by the local band Canby and a panel discussion featuring current and former Drake students. The program will be live-streamed and recorded for future broadcast on NPR.

News professor Jill Van Wyke’s audio reporting class recorded interviews with Drake students that will be incorporated into the program as well.


Drake students win local advertising challenge
Katherine Rousonelos and Zachary Allen (team Magitive) recently won Audience Choice and Client’s Choice awards at the American Advertising Federation of Des Moines GRIT contest for Iowa ad students. They created a campaign for the Diamond bike brand from Ruster Sports. Students participating in the event also visited agencies and participated in networking.


Public relations students and alumni honored
Drake public relations students and alumni were honored at the PRSA of Central Iowa annual fall institute. Laura Plumb, JO’15, won PRSA Central Iowa Student of the Year and Abby Delaney, JO’13, was named Outstanding New Member. The following students won PRIME awards for their work in last semester’s PR Planning class: Courtney Fishman, Jenna Sheldon, Lizzie Maassen, Rebecca Brown, and Ashley Beall; Adam Graves, Kimberly Hennen, Garrett Carty, and Katia Degtyareva; Alison Felsenthal, Abbey Schoenrade, Katie Ramsey, and Hope Waggoner. The contest was judged by the PRSA chapter in New Mexico.

—Submitted by Kathleen Richardson, Dean, School of Journalism and Mass Communication

News & Achievements Archive

Massage therapy for faculty, staff, and students

Drake Wellness is again making massage therapy available to Drake faculty, staff, and students in the Bell Center Room 113. Special Drake rates are offered at $30/30 minutes, $50/60 minutes, and $75/90 minutes. Add-ons and gift certificates for massage are also available. Contact massage therapist Anne Boal directly at 515-988-8760 or visit www.anneboalwellness.com to schedule an appointment. Extended morning and afternoon appointment times are available.

—Submitted by Anne Boal