All posts by Aaron Jaco

Advisers: Encourage intercultural learning

Drake University and the Principal Financial Group Center for Global Citizenship offers students a unique learning opportunity to earn a Global Ambassador certificate. The purpose of the program is to:

  1. Provide students with a combination of concentrated study, personal experience, and reflection that will inform their understanding of global issues and perspectives,
  2. Provide students with the intercultural skills that will allow them to make the most of future international opportunities in business, the professions, or public service.

Students in the Global Ambassador certificate program participate in a variety of classes, cocurricular experiences, a credit-bearing study abroad experience, and service-learning. Additionally, participants enjoy several special opportunities with visiting speakers and scholars. The program capstone is a group learning experience designed to put the concept of global citizenship into practice by educating the campus and/or community about a global issue or cultural perspective.

Advisers are reminded that this certificate program complements a student’s central program of academic study. Students in any major can apply. Advisers can find more information and the downloadable application at www.drake.edu/cgc/globalambassadorprogram/

—Submitted by Drake International

New library resource geared toward business students

Cowles Library is pleased to announce a new e-book collection, Business Expert Press. This collection includes more than 300 ebooks oriented to concise, practical course readings and reference works for business students. Plus, there are no complicated Digital Rights Management to negotiate, fully downloadable PDFs, and unlimited users!

For more information, please visit the Cowles Library blog.

—Submitted by Marc Davis, Coordinator, Program Staff Services, Planning & Projects

All Staff Council updates

On Sept. 9, All-Staff Council representatives brought puppy chow around campus to staff areas as a welcome back treat. ASC will continue to host a variety of events throughout the year. You can learn more about these events and how to get involved with All Staff Council here.

Also, committee meetings for ASC are open to all staff on campus:

Executive Committee
Carnegie Conference Room 009, 1–2 p.m., contact: Chrystal Stanley
Oct. 6
Nov. 3
Dec. 1
Jan. 5
Feb. 2
March 1
April 5
May 3

Communications Committee
A&S Conference Room, FAC 268A, 3–4 p.m., contact: Jennifer Tran-Johnson
Sept. 29
Oct. 27
Nov. 24
Dec. 15

Governance
Old Main 208, 1–2 p.m., contact: Chrystal Stanley
Sept. 15
Oct. 20
Nov. 17
Dec. 15

Recognition
Location TBD, 10–11 a.m., contact: Jen Hogan
Sept. 30
Oct. 28
Nov. 25
Dec. 16

Special Events
Old Main 319, 10–11 a.m. contact: Renee Sedlacek
Oct. 13
Nov. 10.
Dec. 8
Jan. 12
Feb. 9
March 8, 2016
April 12, 2016
May 10, 2016
June 14, 2016
July 12, 2016

—Submitted by All Staff Council Communications Committee

Updates for budget and office managers

Budget and Office Managers:

Please note that the form for reporting gifts, prizes, and awards given to employees, students, and non-employees has been updated. The updated form eliminates the need to collect social security numbers and provides additional information regarding taxability of gifts to the recipients.

I would also like to take this opportunity to inform you that procedures for awarding gift cards has also changed. Departments will no longer be required to order gift cards through accounting. Instead, departments can purchase gift cards as necessary, providing greater flexibility and efficiencies in the purchasing process.

Please contact accounting at accounting@drake.edu or x2125 with any questions you might have.

—Submitted by Heather Travis, Controller, Finance

Save money with Drake’s Wellness Incentive

Those on Drake’s health plan can save $300 in 2016 by participating in the Wellness Incentive Program. You simply need to complete a biometrics screening and online wellness assessment this fall.

There are three options for completing your biometrics screening, including on-campus screenings by UnityPoint and making an appointment at a participating Hy-Vee store. The newest option is completing a physical with your physician.

If you have had a physical—with bloodwork—on or after June 1, the results can be submitted as your biometrics screening. To do so, your physician must complete and sign a form and send it to Wellmark. A few things to note:

  • You must complete a screening/appointment with your physician between June 1 and Oct. 19.
  • The signed form must be received directly from your doctor’s office by Oct. 29.
  • Human Resources will not check to make sure Wellmark has received the signed form. It is up to you to ensure your physician’s office submits the appropriate paperwork by the Oct. 29 deadline. To determine whether your paperwork has been received, contact Wellmark on their 24/7 help line at 1-877-252-8412

Visit the Wellness Incentive Program site to download the form and for more information about the wellness incentive and your options. (You will need to sign in with your Banner ID and password.)

Questions may be directed to Diana Lei-Butters at diana.lei-butters@drake.edu or 271-1871.

Grant opportunities

Selected Federal & Foundation Grant Opportunities
September 14, 2015

STEM

ADVANCE: Increasing the Participation and Advancement of Women in Academic Science and Engineering Careers (ADVANCE)
Agency: National Science Foundation
Deadlines: Letter of Intent Due October 5, 2015; Full Proposal Due November 3, 2015;
Letter of Intent Due November 5, 2015; Full Proposal Due January 20, 2016;
Purpose: The goals of the ADVANCE program are (1) to develop systemic approaches to increase the representation and advancement of women in academic STEM careers; (2) to develop innovative and sustainable ways to promote gender equity in the STEM academic workforce; and (3) to contribute to the development of a more diverse science and engineering workforce.
Note: Primarily undergraduate institutions are encouraged to apply.

NSF Discovery Research PreK-12 (DRK-12)
Agency: National Science Foundation
Deadline: December 7
Number of Awards: 35-45
Cost Share: Not Required
Purpose: This National Science Foundation program seeks to significantly enhance the learning and teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by preK-12 students and teachers, through research and development of innovative resources, models and tools.

Minority STEM Professionals
Agency: Nat’l Science Foundation
Program: Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation
Eligibility: Public and private colleges and universities, including community colleges
Funding: $45.6 million for 38 awards
Deadline: Nov. 20, 2016
Purpose: Grantees use these funds to improve the number of minorities graduating with science, technology, education and mathematics (STEM) degrees. Particular emphasis is focused on the following populations: African Americans; Alaskan Natives; American Indians; Hispanic Americans; Native Hawaiians; and Native Pacific Islanders.

Early Career Researchers
Agency/Program: Office of Science (Energy Dept.) – Early Career Research Program
Eligibility: Unrestricted
Funding: $18 million for 30 awards
Deadline: Nov. 19, 2015
Purpose: The program supports research programs led by outstanding scientists early in their careers. Research areas of interest include advanced scientific computing and biological and environmental research.

Studies to Uncover K-12 Improvements
Agency: Nat’l Science Foundation
Program: Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers
Eligibility: State, tribal and local governments, public and private colleges and universities, nonprofits and for-profits
Funding: $35 million for 30 awards
Deadline: Nov. 13, 2015
Purpose: The program improves STEM programs in K-12 schools. ITEST funds research projects to pinpoint innovative strategies, tools and models for engaging students in STEM course and to prepare them for careers in these fields.

Advancing Informal STEM Learning
Agency: National Science Foundation
Deadline: November 4, 2015
Eligibility: Universities and Colleges, Non-profit, Non-academic organizations, For-profit organizations, State and Local Governments.
Summary: The Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program seeks to advance new approaches to and evidence-based understanding of the design and development of STEM learning opportunities for the public in informal environments; provide multiple pathways for broadening access to and engagement in STEM learning experiences; and advance innovative research on and assessment of STEM learning in informal environments.

Therapeutic Strategies Research
Private Funder: Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Opportunity: Therapeutic Pipeline Program
Funding Focus: Research, higher education, health
Geographic Focus: National
Eligibility: State and local governments, public and private colleges and universities, nonprofits and for-profits
Funding: Multiple awards
Deadline: Oct. 28, 2015 (pre-proposals)
Purpose: The program supports the development of Parkinson’s disease therapeutic devices that can assist along the entire preclinical and clinical path. Applications should focus on efforts to address one of the following treatment challenges: (1) disease-modifying strategies; (2) alpha-synuclein therapeutics; and (3) symptomatic strategies.

Advanced Technological Education (ATE)
Agency: National Science Foundation
Deadline: October 8, 2015
Award Amount: $25K-$4M (depending on project type)
Expected Number of Awards: 40-55
Summary: The Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program focuses on the education of technicians for the high-technology fields that drive our nation’s economy. The program involves partnerships between academic institutions and industry to promote improvement in the education of science and engineering technicians at the undergraduate and secondary school levels. The ATE program supports curriculum development; professional development of college faculty and secondary school teachers; career pathways to two-year colleges from secondary schools and from two-year colleges to four-year institutions; and other activities. Another goal is articulation between two-year and four-year programs for K-12 prospective STEM teachers that focus on technological education. The program invites research proposals that advance the knowledge base related to technician education.

Aging Research
Agency: Nat’l Institutes of Health (HHS)
Program: Networks to Develop Priority Areas of Behavioral and Social Research (CFDA Number: 93.866) (Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-AG-16-008)
Eligibility: State, tribal and local governments, public and private colleges and universities, public housing authorities, nonprofits and for-profits
Funding: $750,000 for three awards
Deadline: Sept. 30, 2015
Purpose: The program will provide infrastructure support for advancing development of specific high priority areas of behavioral and social research of relevance to aging. Applicants must focus on at least one of the following three areas: (1) the measurement of biological risk in population aging studies; (2) decision neuroscience and aging; and (3) the harmonization of cross-national longitudinal aging studies to U.S. Health and Retirement Study. The infrastructure support will facilitate research networks through meetings, conferences, small scale pilots, educational opportunities and dissemination.

OTHER

Financial Education Grants
Foundation: Metlife Foundation
Funding Focus: Youth
Geographic Focus: National
Eligibility: Nonprofits
Deadline: Rolling
Purpose: The foundation supports financial education programs to help low-income households and businesses become self-supporting and sustainable. MetLife partners with researchers, academics, and non-governmental organizations to better understand the problems and potential solutions within the financial inclusion field.

Librarians Can Apply for Career Development Grants
Agency/Program: Institute of Museum & Library Sciences – Laura Bush 21st Librarian Program
Eligibility: Nonprofits
Funding: 22 awards ranging from $50,000 to $1 million each
Deadlines: January 15, 2016
Purpose: The program supports early career development of new library faculty members who are likely to become leaders in library and information science. The grantees will conduct research on any topic in library and information science.

Youth Athletes
Foundation: Finish Line Youth Foundation
Opportunities: The foundation has two funding categories: (1) Youth Athletic Programs; and (2) Youth Camps
Funding Focus: Children, youth, physical activity
Geographic Focus: National (areas with Finish Line stores)
Eligibility: 501 (c)(3) nonprofits
Funding: Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 each (funds may be used for scholarships)
Deadline: Sept. 30, 2015
Purpose: The foundation focuses on improving the lives of youth through physical activity. Youth athletic programs should be community-based and address active lifestyles and team building skills. Camps must have an emphasis on sports and active lifestyle. Those serving disadvantaged and special needs kids receive preference.

Educating Young Women
Foundation: Lalor Foundation – Anna Lalor Burdick Program
Funding Focus: Women, health
Geographic Focus: National
Eligibility: Nonprofits
Funding: Multiple awards up to $50,000 each
Deadline: Nov. 1, 2015
Purpose: The foundation educates young women about human reproduction in order to broaden and enhance their options in life. The program educates young women about healthy reproduction, with a special focus on those who have inadequate access to information regarding sexual and reproductive health.

Footwear Company to Support Outdoor Projects
Private Funder: Keen Footwear – 2016 KEEN Effect Grant Program;
Funding Focus: Environment, community development;
Geographic Focus: National;
Eligibility: Nonprofits
Funding: $100,000 for 10 awards of $10,000 each; 2016 Nomination
Deadlines: March 1 and Aug. 1.
Purpose: The program supports organizations inspiring responsible outdoor participation as a way to build strong communities, promote creative and sustainable thinking and introduce new audiences to the outdoors. The KEEN Effect encourages KEEN customers and the general public to nominate nonprofits that are aligned with the company’s core, outdoor-focused values.

National Partnership Competition
Private Funder/Program: Best Buy Foundation – 2015 National Partnership Program
Funding Focus: Education and youth;
Geographic Focus: National
Eligibility: Nonprofits
Funding: Multiple awards, up to $200,000 each
Deadline: Nov. 1, 2015
Summary: The Best Buy Foundation offers an array of support. The community grants promote programs that give teenagers access to opportunities through technology to help them excel in school and develop 21st century skills. Grants support nonprofit organizations that create hands-on learning opportunities for underserved teens to engage them in learning, experimenting, and interacting with the latest technologies. The overall goal is to provide youth with access to new technologies and help them become interested and fluent in digital learning while developing skills to better prepare them for future education and career success. After-school programs are eligible. Eligible programs must serve a diverse population, build skills in teens ages 13- 18 and show positive results.

Children’s Obesity
Private Funder: Children’s Obesity Fund
Funding Focus: Childhood nutrition
Geographic Focus: National
Eligibility: Nonprofits
Deadline: Rolling.
Summary: To win funding, projects must educate parents, teachers and other caregivers about the rising obesity rates in America. Applicants must also submit projects that will reverse the statistics and dangerous trends and help prevent the next generation from continuing down this alarmingly unhealthy road. The focus is on increasing awareness and understanding of how to raise healthy and happy children and make sure that ensuing generations are strong and live vital, active lives.

Humanities Summer Stipends
Agency: Nat’l Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
Program: Summer Stipends
Eligibility: Scholars
Funding: Multiple $6,000 awards
Deadline: Oct. 1, 2015
Purpose: Summer Stipends support individuals pursuing advanced research that is of value to humanities scholars and general audiences. Recipients usually produce articles, monographs, books, digital materials, archaeological site reports, translations and editions. Stipends support continuous full-time work on a humanities project for a period of two months.

Soccer Programs
Foundation: U.S. Soccer Foundation
Opportunities: Safe Places to Play Grants and Program Grants
Funding Focus: Physical activity, nutrition, children, youth
Geographic Focus: National
Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofit soccer programs
Funding: Multiple awards ranging from $8,000 to $200,000 each
Deadline: Oct. 2, 2015 (Applicants need to submit a letter of intent by Sept. 25).
Purpose: The foundation supports soccer programs and field-building initiatives nationwide. The Safe Places to Play program provides grants to build or enhance soccer fields. Program Grants fund all aspects of soccer programs, including operations and equipment purchase.

Capacity Building Grant
Foundation/Private Funder: Nat’l Environmental Education Foundation, in partnership with Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc.;
Funding Focus: Environment, communities, volunteerism
Geographic Focus: National
Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits in existence for at least two years
Funding: Multiple awards up to $5,000 each, while event grants may be up to $2,000 each
Final 2015 Deadline: Oct. 30, 2015
Purpose: The program builds the capacity of nonprofits working to improve and promote responsible use of public land sites in the United States. These grants can go for strategic planning, marketing and communications, leadership capacity (board or executive), improved fundraising, assessments and staff training.

Arts Studies to Gauge Impact
Agency: Nat’l Endowment for the Arts
Program: NEA Research: Art Works, FY 2016 (CFDA Number: 45.024) (Funding Opportunity Number: 2016NEAORA);
Eligibility: Public and private colleges and universities and nonprofits
Funding: Multiple awards up to $30,000 each
Deadline: Oct. 20, 2015
Purpose: The program supports research that investigates the value and impact of the arts, either as individual components of the U.S. arts ecology or as they interact with each other and with other domains of American life. By providing financial support to deserving projects, the NEA anticipates that this program will spur growth in the number of people experienced in and knowledgeable about arts-related research in the United States.

—Submitted by Jayne Smith, Director of Sponsored Programs and Grants Management

Tips to avoid workplace injuries

While some hazards are more obvious, such as slip, trip, and fall hazards—which was covered in the OnCampus piece last week—some hazards are not as noticeable because the effects they have on our bodies are not immediate. There are tasks in nearly every workplace that put stress on our bodies, and while most people tend to associate workplace injuries with physically demanding jobs, numerous injuries can occur from working in an office setting. It is important to understand what these injuries are, how these injuries occur, and what can be done to prevent them.

One way to prevent or reduce workplace injuries is with good ergonomics practices. The goal of ergonomics is to identify potentially dangerous tasks and change the way you perform those tasks to help prevent injuries. Ergonomics has a wide range of benefits and can be applied to most job tasks. Something as simple as adjusting the height of your chair or moving your computer screen to a different position can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing neck or back soreness or a serious long-term injury.
These types of injuries, often referred to as repetitive strain or overuse injuries, can be a serious problem because they are often written off as stiffness or mild soreness when they can actually be much worse—especially left untreated.

Some of the most common causes of ergonomic related injuries in office settings are:

  • Sitting or standing in the same position for too long
  • Sitting in awkward positions (slouching in your chair or having your head constantly turned to look at a computer screen)
  • Picking up or moving heavy items (boxes of papers, printers, or file cabinets)
  • Typing for long periods of time without a break or typing with your hands in a poor position
  • Staring at a computer screen for long periods of time or reading in poor lighting

The severity of any potential injury depends on the duration, frequency, and intensity of exposure to the hazard. While most people don’t suffer severe back pain on a daily basis from sitting at a desk all day, long-term exposure to a sedentary work day can lead to chronic pain in the back, neck, and joints. Below are some easy steps to help avoid injuries in office settings:

  • Get up and move around: Not only will getting up from your desk help reduce stiffness and soreness, it can also increase productivity by giving you a chance to refocus on your work.
  • Stretch throughout the day: It is also a good idea to do some light stretching to help alleviate muscle soreness and tightness.
  • Ask for help with lifting: Attempting to lift or move heavy objects, such as file cabinets or printers, can very easily lead to injuries, especially if you’ve been inactive for a majority of the day.
  • Adjust the setup of your work station: Having your chair at the proper height so that your head is level or tilted slightly forward and positioning your monitor directly in front of you can reduce neck and back strain. Make sure your keyboard is not too far away and at a height that minimizes bending in the wrist.
  • Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated can help reduce joint pain and inflammation.
  • Live an active and healthy lifestyle outside of work: Being active and healthy outside of the office can help combat some of the damage we do to our bodies sitting at a desk all day. Even something as simple as taking a walk around your neighborhood after work can have a significant impact on your long-term health.

Using one or more of the suggestions above can help reduce or eliminate injuries that might occur from working in an office setting. As always, it is important to relay concerns you may have to a supervisor or the head of your department. Always report any symptoms early; what seems like something minor could turn out to be something much worse if left untreated.

Many resources are available to Drake employees to help maintain a healthy lifestyle including free use of the Bell Center fitness areas, a wellness incentive program, and the SHAPE program. We in the Environmental Health and Safety department encourage everyone to take advantage of these great programs and to live a healthy lifestyle.

—Submitted by Chris Nickell, Director, Environmental Health & Safety

Construction update

In anticipation of the construction of the School of Education and Math and Computer Science facility and the new Science Connector building between Olin and Fitch Halls, several pre-construction steps are underway. You will start to see activity near the future construction site as work begins to relocate electrical and communication infrastructure. This will require digging and trench work, which will be noticeable to those in and around the area. We are focused on safety and security as well as minimizing disruption. With a project this size we know there will be a variety of things to work through, including significant digging, construction noise, and altered pathways. Watch OnCampus and blueView for announcements about work schedules and locations. If at any time you have questions or concerns please contact Venessa Macro at 271-3962 or Jolene Schmidt at 271-3957.

Later this fall, there will be additional opportunities to learn more about the project through in-person meetings and online resources.

—Submitted by Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer

Provost search commences

The Provost search committee is pleased to announce that the process to hire a new academic affairs leader has begun. The advertisement will soon go live. You can view a list of search committee members [here – linked text]. Everyone serving on the committee encourages you to contact them or stop them on campus with any input or questions you have about the search.

Committee

  • Darcie Vandegrift, Associate Professor of Sociology (Chair)
  • Gretchen Bataille, Board of Trustee Member
  • Sally Beisser, Professor of Education
  • Sandy Hatfield Clubb, Athletic Director
  • Royce Fichtner, Associate Professor of Business Law
  • John Gitua, Associate Professor of Chemistry
  • Annique Kiel, Director, Drake Administered Programs Abroad
  • Teresa Koch, Professor of Librarianship
  • Kevin Maisto, Student Body President
  • Kathleen Richardson, Dean, School of Journalism and Mass Communication
  • Stacy Salazar, Law Student (3L)
  • Bob Soltis, Professor of Pharmacology
  • Bryan Thomas, Coordinator, Student Success Programs
  • David Wright, Associate Professor of Journalism
  • Ellen Yee, Professor of Law

—Submitted by Darcie Vandegrift, Associate Professor of Sociology, Department Chair

From the Office of the Provost

Drake Social Club
If you attended the Learning Symposium (see next item), you heard me remark about the strong interest on campus in opportunities to meet and mingle with faculty and staff who are not in our daily circulation. I like to think that one reason the attendance at the Symposium has been so strong is that the event affords us one of the few opportunities we have to connect with each other in ways outside than our normal routines. Indeed, this topic comes up at nearly every gathering of faculty and staff, as President Martin can confirm from his various meetings with campus groups.

So, thanks to a suggestion by John Edwards and an offer by Sandy Hatfield Clubb, I am pleased to invite you to the inaugural “Drake Social Club,” sponsored jointly by the Offices of the Provost and the Chief Financial Officer. The event will be held on Thursday, Sept. 24, 4–6 p.m. in Shivers Hospitality Suite, adjacent to The Knapp Center. Attendees will receive two complimentary tickets for beer or wine. Water, soda, etc. are also on the house.

There will be no speeches, no presentations, no power points, no need to register or RSVP, no agenda other than casual conversation and better acquaintance. Please feel most welcome, even if you can only come for a short while. Depending upon the response, this is an event we hope to repeat periodically throughout the year.
2015 Learning Symposium Evaluation
Speaking of the Learning Symposium, if you attended, Please take a few minutes to share feedback on the 2015 Learning Symposium using the link below. Your responses will help shape the development of future programs and the identification of potential follow-up needs.
Please follow this link to the Survey:
Take the Survey
Or copy and paste the URL below into your Internet browser:
http://drake.qualtrics.com/SE?SID=SV_9AJc0ci2Owd9rg1&Q_CHL=email&Preview=Survey

On the Move
In my years as dean of A&S, I began the practice of holding “mobile office hours,” when I would designate an hour or two each week and locate myself in various places around the college. Appointments were not needed—faculty, staff, and students were welcome to show up to talk about whatever happened to be on their minds, even if it was just to say hello. This is a practice I want to continue this year as interim provost. So, if you are looking for me, you will find me this Thursday (Sept. 17) at the Cowles Library Cafe between 10 a.m. and noon. The next date is Friday, Sept. 25, 1–3 p.m. in the Olmsted Cafe. (You’ll notice a common denominator here.) Future dates will be posted here, or feel free to call Cherie Moen (x3751) to ask where the heck I am.

In Memoriam
This summer I relayed the sad news about the passing of Emeritus Professor of History Charles Nelson. I have learned through Solveig Nelson that there will be a memorial service on Saturday, Sept. 26, at noon. It’s to be held at Luther Memorial Church, 1201 Grandview Ave., in Des Moines.

—Submitted by Joe Lenz, Interim Provost