Due to dangerously cold air temperatures combined with high winds, Drake University classes and offices will be closed from 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, through all day Wednesday, Jan. 30. Only essential staff should report to work. This designation includes employees who are in operations such as public safety, food service, power plant, animal care, critical maintenance, and snow and ice removal. Supervisors should communicate with their employees regarding individual schedules. Dress appropriately if you need to go outside during this time of bitter cold. It is best to wear layers and properly cover all extremities, including hands and face, as frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes. While classes are canceled and offices closed, please note that NCAA regulations govern sporting event schedules. The Drake Bulldogs men’s basketball game against Illinois State on Wednesday evening, Jan. 30, will be played as scheduled. View more information.
All posts by Ashton Hockman
Drake Road Race Specialty Pricing for Faculty, Staff, and Students
Sign up now for the 51st annual Drake Road Races on April 20. The 5k, 10k, and half marathon all start just outside of Drake Stadium and finish on the world famous Blue Oval. Drake faculty, staff, and students can get discounted pricing through April 3 by using their drake.edu email address and registering at drakerelays.org/roadraces. Your Drake discount allows for $20 5k pricing, $30 10k pricing, and $40 for the half marathon. You must use your Drake email account to get the specialty pricing but are allowed to sign up family members under your account. Just use coupon code drake2019 on the last page of registration. Grand Blue Mile registration opens on Feb 12 with a two day $10 Flash Sale—sign up for both events to earn a Bulldog Double medal. Find more info at www.GrandBlueMile.com and www.DrakeRelays.org/roadraces.
Dan Hostager, Assistant Drake Relays Director
Big Ideas submissions open through Feb. 15
Reminder: The time for your Big Ideas is now! Submissions for Drake University’s Big Ideas initiative is open now through Feb. 15. Proposals can be submitted on the Big Ideas website.
The Big Ideas initiative calls upon Drake faculty, staff, and students to develop bold, forward-thinking ideas which dramatically advance Drake’s strengths and mission, and create momentum for the University’s next comprehensive campaign. Since the submission period opened on Jan. 14, seven proposals have been submitted.
For those who have already submitted a Big Idea or planning to submit an idea, consider joining the Drake University Big Ideas Facebook Collaboration Group. The private Facebook group is a place where faculty and staff can collaborate and seek insight around which to enhance their Big Idea. In addition, submitters are encouraged to utilize members of the Big Ideas Steering Committee as a resource for support and feedback.
For those in the process of forming a proposal, think about what will advance the University for decades to come. What will transform lives in our local communities, throughout our state, across the nation, or around the world? What will inspire students to forge meaningful personal lives and accomplished futures? No idea is too big.
John Smith, University Advancement
Drake Basketball Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night
All Drake University faculty and staff are eligible to receive up to four complimentary general admission tickets to the Women’s Basketball game versus Missouri State on Friday, Feb. 1, at 6 p.m. in 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, Drake Athletics
ITS Support Center Back in Carnegie Hall
The ITS support center returned to its usual location in the lower level of Carnegie Hall over break. The support center was relocated during the fall semester due to the rain event. The support center is open for walk-in assistance Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also get 24/7 tech support by calling 515-271-3001 or submitting a request online at service.drake.edu/its.
W-2 forms available online
If you worked at Drake University in 2018, your W2 is available online through myDrake. To access and print your W-2, sign into myDrake and access myDUSIS through the Commonly Used Apps. Go to the EMPLOYEE section and click TAX FORMS. Within this section, click W-2 Year End Earnings Statement and select the tax year for 2018. After viewing the W-2, you may click the “Printable W-2 Button” to print the form. If you have questions, contact Human Resources at 271-3133.
Debra Wiley, Human Resources
BUILD your personal and professional development in 2019
The BUILD Program for Spring 2019 is now available. The program offers opportunities to help you personally and professionally by learning how to beat the winter blues, taking control of your calendar, finding the perfect balance of work/life integration, and learn more about FERPA, just to name a few. The BUILD Program is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues from across campus, in 1–2 hour increments. The entire Spring 2019 BUILD Program is available online through myDrake. Registration for sessions is preferred, but not required.
Debra Wiley, Human Resources
Summer Student Coordinator Positions Open for Young African Leaders Initiative
From June 19–July 28, Drake University will host the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. Twenty-five fellows from various nations in Africa, age 25–35, will spend nearly six weeks learning from Drake faculty and engaging in the Greater Des Moines community. Learn more at drake.edu/yali.
We are recruiting two undergraduate or graduate students to work with a collaborative team throughout the course of the Institute.
Responsibilities:
• With another student coordinator, serve as the main YALI staff points of contact in Drake West Village. Live in Drake West Village in a private room.
• Troubleshoot any issues with keys, laundry, rooms, etc.
• Orient YALI Fellows to campus, walk them to dining hall and classroom at start of the institute
• Assist in mediating interpersonal conflicts between Fellows
• Communicate with Fellows to ensure timeliness to events
• Attend various YALI site visits, cultural events, and outings
• Help Fellows navigate the bus system
• Create weekly online evaluation forms and take feedback into consideration
• Take photos, write blogs, and help spread the word of YALI
Work approximately 40 hours a week; nights and weekends required.
Pay rate: $12/hr
Most meals provided, plus a weekly meal allowance
Desired qualifications:
• Sensitivity to and awareness of other cultures
• Experience resolving conflict
• Organizational skills
Please submit application to Amanda Martin at amanda.martin@drake.edu no later than Feb. 22. In your application, include a resume, cover letter, and contact information of at least one reference.
Amanda Martin, Assistant Director of Community Engaged Learning
Route 66 Challenge
This four-week wellness challenge begins Monday, Feb. 4. The goal is to make your way from Chicago to Santa Monica, Calif., along historic Route 66 by participating in activities that will get you moving and making smart lifestyle choices (7–8 hours of sleep, wearing your seat belt, etc.).
Participants will receive a travel packet which contains a scoring sheet, tracking log, and map. Weekly emails will help keep you on course and share notes about some unusual tourist destinations along the way. Challenge yourself or compete with co-workers to see who can reach Santa Monica first.
To get started, send an email to Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu with the subject line Route 66. Deadline to register is noon on Friday, Feb. 1.
Linda Feiden, Human Resources
Faculty opportunity for community engaged scholarship and teaching
The Office of Community Engaged Learning and Service will support up to six faculty who want to attend the Midwest Campus Compact conference. Support covers conference registration ($300), transportation (van carpool from Des Moines) and two-night stay at University of Minnesota residence hall (or you may book a room at the conference hotel using your own funds, cost is $160/night).
Whether you are new to community-engaged learning and scholarship and curious about learning the basics of community-campus partnerships, or you are a seasoned engaged scholar who is seeking innovative approaches and discussion of important issues, this conference will provide you with the opportunity to learn, explore, connect, leave prepared for bold and thoughtful action.
Faculty interested in this opportunity should contact Renee Sedlacek, director of Community Engaged Learning, by March 1 at renee.sedlacek@drake.edu. Preference will be given to faculty who submit a conference proposal for consideration. Proposals are due Feb. 8. Visit https://midwest.compact.org/ for more information.
Amanda Martin, Assistant Director of Community Engaged Learning