Have changes you want to see in the library? Cowles Library is engaging in a process to update and refresh the master plan for the physical use and layout of the Library, and we want to hear from you on Nov. 3, 8–9 p.m., in Room 201 of the library. Let us know what you think of the library and get a $5 coffee card for your participation. More details (and an optional sign-up link) are available here: http://bit.ly/cowles2016
—Claudia Frazer, Cowles Library
Between Nov. 1 and Dec. 1, ITS is holding a Phishing Derby, a contest where you can take a quiz to learn more about how to identify phishing emails and fraudulent websites. Taking the quiz enters you for a chance to win a Bluetooth speaker or headphones. Visit its.drake.edu/phish to enter starting tomorrow.
The goal of this contest is to empower campus to be able to keep both their personal data and our institutional data secure.
Learn more about IT Security at our ITS Security blog at its.drake.edu/category/security-blog/
—Carla Herling, ITS
A fitness assessment is a valuable tool for evaluating your overall wellness. It is designed to evaluate health and fitness, including your current fitness level and risk for disease. Schedule your assessment by emailing wellness@drake.edu.
Do you have election fever? Cowles Library has a subscription to CQ Press Voting and Elections Collection. This database integrates a wealth of data, analyses, and historical material to provide a powerful research and reference tool on voters, political parties, campaigns and elections, historical and modern races for Congress, the presidency, and governorships. It also includes the ability to generate customized data about candidates, voter turnout, party control, and more! For more information visit http://bit.ly/cqelections
—Claudia Frazer, Cowles Library
The Faculty/Staff $5 Appreciation Lunch hosted by Sodexo was held on Friday, Oct. 7. The All Staff Council Recognition Committee held a raffle in connection with the event to help encourage staff to attend and to let them know that they are appreciated for all of their work on campus. Over 60 staff members participated in the raffle, and two were selected: Ron Cliff, Facilities Planning and Management, and Jon Dixon, Information Technology Services (ITS). Ron won a Drake-branded backpack and commented that it was like winning the keys to a BMW! Jon won Drake-branded gloves which will be perfect for winter. Both items were donated by the Drake University Bookstore.
A big thank you to everyone! We love the staff at Drake and recognize that, without you, things would not run as smoothly as they do. Thank you.
Mark your calendars for the next Faculty/Staff $5 Appreciation Lunch, which will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 9, in Hubbell Dining Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
—Sandra Harris, Chair, All Staff Council Recognition Committee
The Slay Fund for Social Justice at Drake provides funding for students, staff, and faculty engaging in social justice work. Through the generosity of the Slay family and other contributors, our campus has hosted high-profile activists and speakers; faculty and staff have developed pedagogies for social justice learning; and students have engaged in research, as well as direct social justice activism. Please join Professor of Law, Politics, and Society Renee Cramer, who directs the fund, on Nov. 10 from noon to 1 p.m. in Medbury Hall, Room 202, for a conversation about funding possibilities for your idea.
—Renee Cramer, Law, Politics & Society
In an effort to raise awareness and promote men’s health, All Staff Council is partnering with the Movember Foundation to encourage your participation on the Drake University No Shave November Team! Everyone who wishes to participate can create a profile and join the Drake Team. (Before and after photos are encouraged.) Participants can raise awareness by ditching your razors for the month, committing to health and movement, or donating to the cause. All registered participants will receive an extra drink ticket at the Faculty/Staff Social on Thursday, Dec. 15, in the Court Side Club sponsored by the Provost’s Office. Sign up today.
Students are joining the fun as well with Drake Colleges Against Cancer’s Mr. Movember competition! You can follow along and see participant spotlights on the Drake Colleges Against Cancer Facebook page. For additional information on the Movember Foundation, please visit their website.
—Jill Batten, All Staff Council
What: Did U Know: Cowles Library
When: Nov. 9, 11 a.m.
Where: Cowles Library, Room 201
About:
Welcome to Cowles Library—come and hear a brief overview of what we have to offer faculty and staff. Also, the Library is increasingly positioning itself at the “hub” of Drake University culture; hear from new Campus Engagement Librarian Sam Becker about efforts we are making to form and support partnerships across campus. Come ready to discuss and ask questions about how the Library can serve you!
Participants will earn BUILD (Bulldogs United in Learning Drake) credits and be entered into drawings for prizes each semester. The registration form for this class is accessible through blueView’s Employee tab, in the Learning and Development Channel under Human Resources, or by clicking here.
Please feel free to contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for additional information.
—Linda Feiden, Human Resources
As previously communicated, new investment options will be added to the Drake University Mandatory and Voluntary Retirement Plans effective Nov. 21.
To learn more about the upcoming CREF Money Market and Mutual Fund investment changes, please plan to attend a workshop presented by William Thorne, TIAA field consulting group director, on Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. in Olmsted Center, Room 310. Reservations are not required.
You may also contact TIAA with questions regarding your account(s) at 800-842-2252.
—Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources
Please plan to stop by the Annual Benefits and Wellness Fair Friday, Nov. 4, 8:30–11:30 a.m., in Olmsted Center, Rooms 310-313. This come-and-go event provides an opportunity to learn about the wide range of benefits and wellness opportunities available at Drake. Representatives from Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Advantage Administrators, Delta Dental of Iowa, TIAA, Long Term Care Strategies, Principal Life Insurance Company, Employee and Family Resources, and Human Resources will be present to answer individual questions. Our terrific line-up of vendors also includes the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, Iowa Sleep Foundation, Stroke Detection Plus, and Profile by Sanford, as well as Drake University’s College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Recreational Services, and Athletics/Tickets.
Bring a co-worker, and:
—Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources
