All posts by Ashton Hockman

Campus Announcements Archive

ICYMI: Update on Big Ideas

The following message was sent to campus from President Martin on Monday, Feb. 11.

Good afternoon,

In November, we launched the Big Ideas initiative to collect multidisciplinary, bold, ambitious, ideas from faculty, staff, and students that, if given the necessary resources, have the potential to dramatically transform Drake and positively impact the world. The deadline for submitting a Big Idea is this Friday, Feb. 15. So far, we have received fourteen proposals that span several disciplines and address issues facing the University, our Greater Des Moines community, and the world. In addition, I have heard from several individuals who are in the final stages of developing and defining their submission. It is important to remember that it is okay for ideas to be conceptual in nature at this stage. Ideas chosen to move forward will be expanded, investigated, and developed into white papers later in the process.

To everyone who has taken the initiative to participate in this process and shown great enthusiasm in advancing Drake’s future, thank you. The Big Ideas initiative is a reflection of our Core Values and collaborative culture: going all in on ideas that can truly further Drake and the greater good.

Following Friday’s submission deadline, the Big Ideas Steering Committee – comprised of faculty, staff, administrators, students, and Board representatives – will diligently review and discuss all ideas based on the scoring criteria: transformative impact, increases institutional recognition, fosters campus collaboration, builds off current strengths and potential, and aligns with the Continuous Improvement Plan. As part of the review, the Steering Committee may make recommendations to combine or re-envision proposals to increase their feasibility and impact. The Board of Trustees will evaluate the scored and recommended ideas during their April meeting. The Steering Committee will then notify and provide comprehensive and personal feedback to submitters on whether their idea was chosen to advance to the next stage in the process.

Ideas moving forward in the process will be announced to campus in May and then further developed into white papers. Once refined, the ideas will undergo feasibility studies and be marketed to external stakeholders, including prospective donors. Those ideas that demonstrate funding potential will become a priority in the next comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Throughout the course of the review, the Steering Committee is committed to a thorough and transparent selection process. Please reach out to a member of the Steering Committee for questions or utilize the comments form on the Big Ideas website. Thank you to everyone involved in this important effort.

Sincerely,

Marty

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Road Trip to Drake: Wear Drake Blue Monday

Road Trip to Drake, formerly known as the Chicago Bus Trip, is a 15+ year tradition and we want everyone to be a part of it. This Sunday and Monday, Drake is hosting over 180 prospective high school seniors for an overnight visit that will help solidify that Drake is the place they all will call home next fall. Let’s showcase why we love being a bulldog and why we bleed blue. On Monday, Feb. 18, we ask that all faculty/staff wear Drake blue.

Josefina Lopez Valdivia, Admission Counselor

For Students Archive

Career Fair Thursday

The Drake University Career Fair will be held Thursday, Feb. 14, in the Olmsted Center.  You can review a list of the organizations attending by logging into Handshake and clicking on the Career Fair (under “Events”).  Don’t forget to bring copies of your resume!

Career Fair Times:
Open to only seniors and O3: 3 to 3:30 p.m.
Open to all students: 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Professional attire required. No jeans or sweatpants.

Men: Suit and tie. If you don’t own a suit, wear trousers, a button down shirt, tie or blazer/sport-coat.

Women: Suit, if you don’t own a suit, wear dress pants or skirt and a nice blouse or sweater/blazer.

If you are uncertain about what to wear or have questions about the event, please contact your designated career staff.

Chrystal Stanley, Director of Professional & Career Development Services

For Students Archive

Upcoming activities in the Innovation Studio

Vinyl Sticker Creation Day: Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 1– 4 p.m.
Join Professor Chris Snider in the Innovation Studio (Meredith, 124C) to learn about our Silhouette Cameo and create your own vinyl stickers.

3D Printing and Prototyping: Thursday, Feb. 21, 3–5 p.m.
Join Brandon Hart, HartSmart Products, in the Innovation studio to learn about 3D printing and prototyping. If you have an idea for a product or item, Hart also leads Area 515’s 3D Printing Club and is a great community resource for all things 3D.

Sindoh 3DWOX: Friday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Innovation Studio
Join Innovation and Entrepreneurship intern Amulya Kakumanu to learn how to use the Innovation Studio’s Sindoh 3DWOX. Amulya will help you learn about 3D printing on campus.

Stephanie Cardwell, Buchanan Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership

HR Information Archive

2019-2020 holiday schedule

Drake provides eligible employees up to 8.5 days of paid holiday leave each year. While reviewing the calendar for the upcoming fiscal year, the timing of holidays during 2019 presented an opportunity for Drake to provide additional paid time off. 

Consequently, this year, Drake University has decided to sponsor additional paid leave by extending the Fourth of July holiday (to also include Friday, July 5th) – and the Holiday Break (to also include Monday, December 23rd.) We hope everyone enjoys this additional time away to celebrate with friends and family.

View the 2019-2020 Holiday Schedule.

Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Share how you are engaging alumni

Alumni want to stay connected to Drake by contributing to today’s student experience. Do you plan to have an alumnus speak in your classroom, participate in a career fair, serve on a panel, or mentor a student this semester?

If your answer is yes, there is an easy way to let Alumni Relations know so we can measure engagement, track interests, and communicate opportunities with our alumni. Please use the online form on the University Advancement Web page, or the link on myDrake under Employee Quick Links to submit your alumni engagement.

This past year we received notice that alumni volunteered in Drake classes more than 215 times. Please help us again this semester by using the submission form and helping us track this important alumni engagement.

Andy Verlengia, Director of Alumni Relations

HR Information Archive

2019 wellness screening information

Those on Drake’s health plan can qualify for the wellness health insurance premium discount in 2020 by completing a wellness screen in 2019. This is a savings in premiums of approximately $30 per month. There are three screening options:

1. Complete a physical with your health care provider and fill out a “2019 Physician Exam Completion Form” (available Jan. 1 through Sept. 30, 2019)
2. Complete a screening at a participating Hy-Vee location and fill out a “2019 Hy-Vee Wellness Screening Completion Form” (available July 1 through Sept. 30)
3. Complete a screening on campus through UnityPoint Health (online registration form opens early September with screening dates in October)

Option 1 is available now. If you choose this option, complete these steps:

• Take a copy of the “2019 Physician Exam Completion Form” to your appointment. This form is different from past physician forms. It does not contain biometric information. Contact Linda Feiden for a copy of this form.
• You and your physician both fill out and sign the form. 
• Send the completed form directly to Linda Feiden in Human Resources. This is a change from past years. The form must be received by Oct. 15, 2019.

Please note: If you complete your screening/physical by Sept. 30, your name will be placed in a drawing for a chance to win a prize.

Questions may be directed to Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu or 271-1880.

Linda Feiden, Human Resources

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Men’s Basketball Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day

Drake faculty and staff are eligible to receive up to four complimentary general admission tickets to the Men’s Basketball game vs. Valparaiso on Saturday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m. at the Knapp Center. Tickets may be picked up at the Knapp Center 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 at time of pick up.

For more information, contact the Drake Athletics Ticket Office at 515-271-3647 or visit GoDrakeBulldogs.com.

Ryan Harris, Athletics

HR Information Archive

Stop Stress This Minute program

Are you stressed out just thinking about managing your stress? You’re not alone. But managing stress is not as hard as you think. Join the Stop Stress This Minute program to gain valuable tools to help you conquer your stress. During this eight-week program you will receive a copy of the book Stop Stress This Minute by James Porter and a variety of stress management resources. Each week you will read portions of the book, complete a short quiz, record your stressors, and list any stress management activities you tried during the week. 

Stop Stress This Minute runs Monday, March 11, through Sunday, May 5. There is a limit of 25 in this program so don’t wait. To register, send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu. Last day to register is Friday, March 8, or when it is full.

Linda Feiden, Human Resources

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Drake Social is Wednesday

Please plan to attend the Provost’s Drake Social on Wednesday, Feb. 13, from 4 – 6 pm, at Shivers Hospitality Suite. 

Help us celebrate and honor those who have been nominated as examples of our third Drake Core Value: All in This Together. From among those nominated, three names will be chosen at random to receive prizes. We will also share the new Drake Core Value video for All in This Together. 

As always, come to enjoy conversation, snacks, and beer, wine or soft drinks.

Drinda Williams, Office of the Provost