All posts by Ashton Hockman

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

10 tips to avoid winter injuries

Numerous injuries result from slips and falls on icy sidewalks, parking lots, roads, and other outdoor locations. Here are 10 tips to reduce injuries from wet and icy surfaces.

  1. Snow removal and salting of slick areas can help. However, many times, total elimination of the hazard is impossible.
  2. Be aware of your surroundings. Anticipate the fact that you are apt to fall at any moment when walking on ice. Often ice will appear in the morning, in shady spots, or where the sun shines during the day and melted snow refreezes at night.
  3. Wear appropriate footwear. Footwear should have low heels with soles constructed of a slip-resistant material. Don’t wear footwear that is not able to grip the surface on which you are walking.
  4. Be careful when shifting your weight. When stepping off a curb or getting into a car, shifting your weight may cause an imbalance and result in a fall.
  5. Adjust your stride. Take shorter steps and walk with your feet spread further apart laterally so that your center of gravity is maintained directly above your feet at all times.
  6. Plan ahead. While walking on snow or ice, walk consciously. Instead of looking down, look up to see where your feet will move next to anticipate ice or an uneven surface. Occasionally scan from left to right to ensure you are not in the way of vehicles or other hazards. Be careful about what you walk under. Injuries can result from falling snow/ice as it blows, melts, or breaks away from buildings.
  7. While seeing the environment is important, you also want to listen for approaching traffic and other noises. Avoid listening to music or engaging in conversation that may prevent you from hearing oncoming traffic or snow removal equipment.
  8. Take steps slowly. When walking down steps, be sure to grip handrails firmly and plant your feet securely on each step.
  9. Don’t take shortcuts. A shortcut path may be treacherous if it is located where snow and ice removal is not possible.
  10. Watch out for wet entryways. When you get to your destination, be sure to look at the floor as you enter the building. The floor may be wet with melted snow and ice. Try not to track snow into buildings. Wipe your feet off at the entrance so others won’t slip and fall on melted snow.

Chris Nickell, Environmental Health & Safety

Applications open for Olson global service-learning match grants

Are you teaching a spring, May, or summer course with a global service-learning component? Olson Global Service-Learning Match Grants are awarded to global service-learning projects with faculty/staff support where funds or in-kind donations have been appropriated or raised but where additional funds would be beneficial. Apply here.

Requirements include:

  • Funds or in-kind donations of at least $500 must have already been raised
  • Projects must have a strong global service-learning emphasis
  • Student applicants must have demonstrated faculty/staff support
  • The grant is not able to reimburse individual mileage or personal costs.

Amanda Martin, Assistant Director of Community Engaged Learning

New faculty development calendar

The new Center for Teaching Excellence Faculty Development Calendar can be found within the University’s events calendar at calendar.drake.edu/facstaff-development.

Please visit the calendar to see development opportunities for faculty and staff. The calendar is the first step in developing a virtual Center for Teaching Excellence. More information about that Center will be forthcoming soon.

Arthur Sanders, Associate Provost for Faculty Development and Success

Enjoy Wicked Wings during the game on Sunday

Ready for the Big Game on Sunday? Complete the fun with an order of saucy wings or mozzarella sticks! We’re setting up Wicked Wings and serving a dozen wings for just $6 in Quad Creek from 4–5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Available while supplies last. You can also order your wings early at any cashier in Quad Creek to guarantee your appetizer will be ready. Orders must be placed by Wednesday, Jan. 30.

Jennifer Bowersox, Drake Dining

Rescheduled: Peer Mentor/Academic Consultant (PMAC) session

Due to University closures this week, Peer Mentor/Academic Consultant (PMAC) information session scheduled for today, Tuesday, Jan. 29, is canceled. The session has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 6:30 p.m. in Olmsted Center, Rooms 310–311. It is not mandatory to attend a session to apply for the PMAC position. Applications are due Sunday, Feb. 10, by 12 p.m. Click here to apply.

Information on becoming a PMAC:

PMACs serve as a resource and motivator for first-year students. Based on research findings and past experiences, peer-to-peer interaction with an emphasis on students’ academic success and personal development is particularly important to overall growth during the first year in college. PMACs play an essential role in making sure new students are acclimated to their new environment before classes begin. Communication with new students will begin over the summer and continue throughout the fall semester.

Contact the Peer Advisory Board at pab@drake.edu or Marina Verlengia at marina.verlengia@drake.edu with any questions.

Marina Verlengia, Director of New Student & Parent Programs