All posts by Aaron Jaco

News & Achievements Archive

Drake news: Week of Aug. 22

Mark your calendar for music performances this fall
Drake’s large music ensembles have scheduled an eclectic series of free performances that are guaranteed to please fans of all ages and tastes.

The Fall 2016 Drake Ensembles Concert Series features performances by Drake’s symphony orchestra, wind symphony, wind ensemble and concert band, two jazz ensembles, and three auditioned choral groups, with special appearances by central Iowa high school groups and the non-auditioned Drake University/Community Chorus.

“Drake University’s large music ensembles enrich our community with world-class entertainment, usually at no cost to audiences,” said Clarence Padilla, director of the Department of Music. “On behalf of the department, its faculty, and the hundreds of talented students who perform in these ensembles, I’d like to personally invite you to join us this season.” For the full schedule, visit the Drake Newsroom.

37th Bucksbaum lecturer announced
Krista Tippett, an American journalist, author, and talk show radio host known for smartly and sensitively tackling life’s toughest questions, will deliver the 37th installment of the Martin Bucksbaum Distinguished Lecture Series at Drake University.

“Becoming Wise: An Evening with Krista Tippett” is scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 15, in The Knapp Center. The lecture is free and open to the public; no tickets are required. Learn more about Tippett in the Drake Newsroom.

News & Achievements Archive

CPHS news: Week of Aug. 22

Professor, students represent Drake at international pharmacy workshop
Erin Ulrich, assistant professor of social and administrative sciences, and pharmacy students Kelsey Japs and Ellyn Ross represented Drake at the 19th International Social Pharmacy Workshop in Aberdeen, Scotland, in July. The attendees were able to network with other scholars, develop leads for future research collaborations surrounding scholarly initiatives, learn what other nations are doing in pharmacy policy administration, as well as gain insights on practice change in pharmacy among countries across the globe. The delegates gained rich international perspective and represented Drake in an area not normally undertaken in the pharmacy profession.

In a competitive process, Erin and Kelsey were selected to share their peer-reviewed research, “Development of a theory-based framework on the relationship between the social environment and health care utilization of older adults.”

In addition, Ellyn attended the conference as part of an independent creative-writing project to merge her developing background in professional preparation and liberal arts education. She plans to start an online-based blog featuring innovative initiatives in healing arts and medicine practices from across the United States and the world.

Professor Geoff Wall named Pharmacist of the Year
Geoff Wall, professor of pharmacy practice, has been named the Next-Generation Pharmacist Health-System Pharmacist of the Year.
Pharmacy Times and Parata Systems, founding partners of the Next-Generation Pharmacist Awards, announced the award recipients during an gala on Aug. 6 in Boston.

Next-Generation Pharmacist is one of the profession’s leading national award programs, recognizing outstanding pharmacists, technicians, student pharmacists and industry advocates. More than 500 nominations were received across 11 award categories. Winners exemplify the highest standards of the pharmacy profession and stand as a testament to the role of awardees in helping patients lead healthier lives, according to Pharmacy Times editor-in-chief Troy Trygstad, PH’02, BN’02, chair of an independent panel of judges who evaluated the nominees.

To learn more about Geoff, visit the Drake Newsroom.

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Plus/minus grading in effect this semester

Beginning with the Fall 2016 semester, those instructors who elect to use the plus/minus grading system will have the ability to assign +/- grades (i.e. A-, B+, C-, etc.).  (Prior to this fall, Drake did not use + or – grades in its grading system, except for the Law School.)

The change will begin for all courses offered in the Fall 2016 semester and later. Grades for courses offered in semesters prior to Fall 2016 will not be affected. This includes grades for undergraduate, graduate, and professional health care students. The grading system for Law School students will not change.

For more information, visit the +/- grading FAQ on the Student Records Office web site.

—Melissa Sturm-Smith, Associate Provost for Academic Excellence and Student Success

For Faculty Archive

Cowles Library faculty welcome

Cowles Library would like to welcome faculty on Monday, Aug. 29, and Tuesday, Aug. 30, from 3 to 5 p.m. to learn more about what’s new at the library, including a new catalog, a new SuperSearch, updated Research Guides, and two new library faculty members. Light refreshments will be served.

— Leslie Noble, Assistant to the Dean and Manager, Library Support Operations

HR Information Archive

Faculty/staff Fall 2016 wellness opportunities

Snooze & Lose Presentation
Do you ever wonder why you feel so exhausted during the day but can’t seem to fall to sleep at night? Have you struggled to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight? Our sleep habits affect more than just how alert we are during the day. They influence how we communicate and interact with others, how much stress we feel, and even our hormones, which can cause a series of other health-related concerns. Learn how to gauge if you’re sleeping enough and how you can improve the quality of your sleep. Join us on Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. in Olmsted 310/311. Look for an online BUILD registration form soon. Please email Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for more information.

Iowa Financial Fitness Challenge
The Iowa Financial Fitness Challenge is an online financial wellness education program that provides you with unbiased instruction in personal finance, investment, and retirement fundamentals. This is a grant-funded, no-cost program sponsored by the Iowa Insurance Division. Start date is Sept. 26. More details to come.

Chair Massages
Back by popular demand—chair massages! Step away from your work and take a 10-minute vacation with a relaxing chair massage from licensed massage therapist Anne Boal.

Cost is $10 for 10 minutes (correct change cash or check). One name will be drawn from each month’s event and that person will receive a free 10-minute chair massage! Contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for more information.

Healthy4U—Small Changes, Big Impact
If you have ever tried to read a food nutrition label, determine how big a serving of meat really is, or wondered how to eat healthy at a restaurant, this class is for you. Join dietitian Lucas Flaherty for this four-part nutrition series. You may attend individual classes or the full series. The Sept. 21 class covers fad diets, portion control, MyPlate, behavior modification, and tools for change. The Nov. 8 class covers carbohydrates/fiber and fat/cholesterol/triglycerides. Both classes will be held in Olmsted Center Room 312/313 at 10 a.m. Look for an online BUILD registration form soon. Please email Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for more information.

CPR/AED/First Aid Classes
This FREE instructor-led course will teach you how to respond to first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies. Includes hands-on practice of lifesaving skills and certification for those who successfully complete the course. This four-hour course is taught over two days and will be offered twice this term. Minimum of four and maximum of 10 per class.

First session: Oct. 25 and 27, 1–3 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Conference Room 310
Second session: Nov. 2 and 3, 5–7 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Conference Room 310 (1st night) and TMR 132 (2nd night)
Instructor: Chris Nickell

Please email Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for more information or to register for these classes.

Healthiest State Walk
Grab your walking shoes and join this year’s Healthiest State Walk on Wednesday, Oct. 5. This one kilometer (0.62 mile) walk is part of the Healthiest State Initiative and its goal of making Iowa the healthiest state in the nation. We will meet at the north entrance of Cowles Library at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 5. All participants will be given a map of the route and a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes. If it rains, we will walk on the indoor track at Knapp. If interested, please email Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for more information.

Wellness Screenings
Don’t forget this year’s screenings! Those on Drake’s health plan can save $300 in 2017 by completing a biometrics screening and online wellness assessment this year. Choose one of the following options to complete your biometric screening:

  1. Complete a physical/screening (with bloodwork) with your physician by Aug. 31. Your physician’s office must complete, sign, and submit the Health Care Provider Biometric Screening Form by Sept. 30.
  2. Complete your screening at a participating Hy-Vee location July 1 through Sept. 15. View instructions and a list of participating Hy-Vee stores.
  3. Complete your screening on campus at the Olmsted Center through UnityPoint health between 6:30 and 10:45 a.m. on one of the following dates: Oct. 6–7, 12–14, or 18–20. You can schedule your appointment online starting Sept. 2, 2016. Sign in with username: DRAKE and password: SCREEN. Find additional information in the On-campus Health Screening Scheduling Guide.

For more information, contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu or check out the Wellness Portal under the employee tab on blueView.

Flu Shots
We will be offering flu shots to faculty and staff this fall through the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. More information soon, including dates.

Benefits/Wellness Fair
Grab some co-workers and spend a few minutes checking out the Drake Benefits/Wellness Fair on Friday, Nov. 4, 8:30–11:30 a.m., in the Olmsted Center. This come-and-go event provides an opportunity for employees to learn about the wide range of benefits and wellness opportunities available at Drake. We have lined up a terrific group of vendors and staff who will be available to answer individual questions. We will also offer blood pressure checks, bone density testing, chair massages, and more. Fair will be held in rooms 310/311/312/313 and the Drake Room. More details to come.

Food & Mood Presentation
When was the last time you monitored your mood as it relates to what and how much you eat? Emotional eating is a common response to stress and fatigue, and it can lead to unhealthy eating habits, which can lead to chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. In this presentation you’ll learn ways to track mood and food, and identify the difference between hunger, boredom, and stress eating. Join us on Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. in Olmsted 310/311 for this fun and informative presentation! Look for an online BUILD registration form soon. Please email Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for more information.

Holiday Trimmings Weight Challenge
Is it possible to celebrate the season without packing on pounds? You bet! This six-week program is designed to help you maintain or lose weight through the holidays. Weigh-ins will be held prior to Thanksgiving and after New Year’s. Names will be randomly drawn from those who maintain or lose weight and prizes will be awarded! More information to come.

—Linda Feiden, Assistant Director, Wellness & Engagement

HR Information Archive

Healthy 4U—Small Changes, Big Impact

If you have ever tried to read a food nutrition label, determine how big a serving of meat really is, or wondered how to eat healthy at a restaurant, this class is for you.

Join dietitian Lucas Flaherty for this four-part nutrition series. You may attend individual classes or the full series. The first class is Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. in Olmsted 312/313. It covers fad diets, portion control, MyPlate, behavior modification, and tools for change.

Future classes will cover carbohydrates/fiber, fat/cholesterol/triglycerides, exercise and protein + water, labels, menu planning, grocery shopping, and dining out.

Participants will earn BUILD (Bulldogs United in Learning Drake) credits and be entered into drawings for prizes each semester. Look for an online BUILD registration form soon.

Please email Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for more information on how to register for this class.

—Linda Feiden, Assistant Director, Wellness & Engagement

HR Information Archive

Snooze & Lose presentation

Do you ever wonder why you feel so exhausted during the day but can’t seem to fall to sleep at night? Have you struggled to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight? Our sleep habits affect more than just how alert we are during the day. They impact how we communicate and interact with others, how much stress we feel, and even our hormones, which can cause a series of other health-related concerns. Learn how to gauge if you’re sleeping enough and how you can improve the quality of your sleep.

Join us Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. in Olmsted 310/311 for this important topic.

Participants will earn BUILD (Bulldogs United in Learning Drake) credits and be entered into drawings for prizes each semester. Look for an online BUILD registration form soon.

Please email Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for more information on how to register for this class.

—Linda Feiden, Assistant Director, Wellness & Engagement

Campus Announcements Archive

New campus printers

Here’s what you need to know to get started with the new printers:

Just a reminder—a one-time activation is required to connect your Drake Card (ID) to your printing account. Before you can print or copy, you’ll need to activate your card by tapping it on a card reader on any of the printers and entering your Drake User ID number and password.

Need help activating your ID or have printing questions? Call the Support Center at ext. 3001 or stop by the lower level of Carnegie Hall.

—Carla Herling, IT Communications Manager

Campus Announcements Archive

Campus parking

The Student Services Center is the location to pick up or purchase annual or semester parking permits for the Drake lots for all faculty, staff, and students. All Drake parking lots require a 2016–17 Parking Permit as of Sunday, Aug. 21.

Parking permits may be denied to students, faculty, contract employees, or staff who have unpaid fines.

You may purchase a parking permit in any of the following ways:

  • Order through blueView and pay via credit/debit/ACH. Passes can be picked up in the Student Services Center.
  • Purchase in the Student Services Center during open hours.

Short-term passes are also available for online purchase if an annual or semester permit is not needed. Click on one of the links below to purchase a short-term pass.

Weekly Residential Pass
Daily Residential Pass
Daily Commuter Pass

Guest Parking:

Drake University requires a parking permit to park in Drake parking lots. Visitors can purchase a commuter lot pass or a residential lot (overnight) pass. Permits should be printed and placed on the dashboard of your car.

The Fine Arts parking lot (lot #1) does not require a permit after 4:30 p.m.

There are options for free parking on the streets around most of the campus. Please take note of any time limits and city regulations that are posted.

Illegally parked vehicles and vehicles with excessive tickets are subject to towing at the owner’s expense.

—Scott Law, Director, Public Safety

Campus Announcements Archive

Furniture and ergonomic aids

New furniture needs: Please contact Caron Findlay caron.findlay@drake.edu for any departmental furniture needs. She will obtain quotes for you based on current contracts and verify where standardization is necessary. Drake has standardized two models of Hon desk chairs, and you can contact Caron to set up a time to test the samples.

Ergonomic needs: Caron has multiple samples of items from Office Depot to choose from in her office. Please contact her to set up a meeting to look at these items after confirming need with your supervisor.

Surplus furniture: From time to time departments find they no longer need certain items. If these items are deemed to be in good condition and are able to be repurposed, they are stored in a warehouse. Please contact Caron if you are looking for used furniture for your department and she will determine if there is any surplus on hand that will meet your needs.

—Caron Findlay, Director, Purchasing and Business Services