All posts by Ashton Hockman

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Update: Staff merit and market adjustments

Staff upgrade requests and limited market adjustments are included in the fiscal year 24 budget.  Managers will be notified in the next week if their requested upgrades were approved. If so, job upgrade adjustments will be effective July 1, 2023. A limited pool is also available for some staff market adjustments. In addition to our standard formula for assessing market adjustments, we are also faced with a potential change in the law that could inform market adjustment decisions.  

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced over a year ago that they would be proposing a new a new salary threshold for overtime eligibility. The anticipated proposal was originally supposed to be published last April, then last October, and it has most recently been pushed to this current month of May.  

If the DOL raises the salary threshold for exempt (salaried) status, employers will need to evaluate whether to increase a position’s salary to meet the threshold or adjust positions to non-exempt (hourly) status.  Clearly, without knowing what the new salary threshold will be, we cannot project what we will be able to do for each impacted position.  

We hope the coming months will bring with them answers—what the new threshold will be, when it will take effect, and what our approach to the new threshold will be.   

The waiting game will impact the decisions we need to make regarding staff market adjustments. As soon as we have more concrete information to share we will. Please know we understand this is a topic of both great interest and importance to staff. If the Department of Labor does not issue a new threshold by early June, we will determine whether to proceed with limited market adjustments effective July 1. Watch for additional information about this process from Human Resources.

At present, we are not far enough into the budget process to have any substantive update regarding staff merit adjustments. Going forward, the plan is to roll out any merit increases as of January 1 of the relevant fiscal year (January 1, 2024, for the next fiscal year).  

Please note that faculty salaries are being actively reviewed by the Provost’s Office, with support from Drake HR. Faculty fall under a different exemption category under the FLSA, so a change to the hourly threshold will not impact anyone holding a faculty position. Faculty market salary letters will be sent in June from the Provost’s Office, and faculty promotion salary letters will come from their respective deans. 

— Maureen De Armond, Human Resources

News & Achievements Archive

Professor of Sociology Nancy Berns shares expertise in Yahoo Life article on grief

Drake Professor of Sociology Nancy Berns, author of Closure: The Rush to End Grief and What It Costs Us, shared her expertise around grief and the pressure to “move on” and find “closure” in a recent Yahoo Life article.

In the article, titled, “How those who grieve feel pressured to ‘move on’ — and why that makes the loss hurt even more,” Professor Berns said,

“Closure grew in popularity particularly in the ’90s, but has roots in the ’60s and ’70s, with the rise of pop psychology and victim survivor movements.” The “made-up concept” has been exploited by groups including politicians pushing the death penalty and those in the funeral industry, she said.

“It carries a lot of baggage and can create more harm than help for those who are grieving. We grieve because we love. Even as it changes over time and people learn how to carry it, it’s still going to be part of our lives in many ways.”

But when people receive messages about closure, she adds, “What it sounds like is, ‘You don’t want to listen to my pain,’ and it shuts them down and isolates them further.”

Read the full article.

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Congratulations to the Drake faculty granted tenure and/or promotion

At its April meeting, the Drake Board of Trustees voted to approve the newest cohort of tenured and promoted faculty, the Sammons Endowed Professorship of Actuarial Science, the inaugural Flapan Professorship of Biology, and Troyer fellow.  Our colleagues’ hard work and passion as educators are truly extraordinary.

College of Arts & Sciences:

  • Vira Babenko, associate professor with tenure
  • Adam Case, associate professor with tenure
  • Jerry Honts, professor and inaugural Flapan Professorship
  • Erin Horst, associate professor with tenure
  • MaryAnn Huey, professor
  • Shauna Kaplan, associate professor with tenure
  • Vince Kenney, associate professor with tenure
  • En Li, associate professor with tenure
  • Kieran Williams, associate professor with tenure

College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

  • Stacy Gnacinski, associate professor with tenure, Troyer Research Fellow
  • Cassity Gutierrez, professor
  • Jon Hurdelbrink, associate professor with tenure
  • Abebe Mengesha, professor
  • Shankar Munusamy, professor
  • Nate Newman, professor
  • Jamie Pitlick, professor of pharmacy practice

School of Journalism and Mass Communication

  • Lakshmi Tirumala, associate professor with tenure

School of Education

  • Tonia Land, professor

Zimpleman College of Business

  • Doug Bujakowski, associate professor with tenure, Sammons Professorship of Actuarial Science
  • Lendie Follett, associate professor with tenure
  • Alanah Mitchell, professor

— Sue Mattison, Provost

Campus Announcements Archive

Zimpleman College of Business introduces new leadership structure

The Zimpleman College of Business is implementing a new leadership structure to enhance its ability to manage and develop faculty, recruit new students, and support current students in achieving their goals.

This new lineup, dubbed the Senior Leadership Team, supersedes the Administrative Council, and includes the promotion of several recognized leaders into college-wide roles and the continued contribution from a number of proven leaders. These changes will take effect July 1, 2023:

New and revised roles: 

  • Alanah Mitchell will become the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs with a focus on faculty management and development.
  • Kelley Ellis will become the Associate Dean of Student Affairs with a focus on recruitment and current student support.
  • Kailee Springer will continue to serve as Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Programs with an enhanced focus on current student advising and retention through the introduction of our blended advising model, and will collaborate with Kelley on admission and recruitment initiatives.

New leaders in current roles:

  • Lendie Follett will become the Information Management and Business Analytics Department Chair and serve as co-director of the Data Analytics program.
  • Lori Solsma will become the Department Chair and Director of the School of Accounting.
  • Doug Bujakowski will become the Department Chair and Director of the School of Actuarial Science and Risk Management.

Continuing roles:

  • Danette Kenne will continue in her role as Assistant Dean of Strategic Initiatives.
  • Jenny Jones will continue in her role as Director of Graduate Programs and will join the Senior Leadership Team.
  • Sheri Gavin will continue as the Zimpleman Budget and Office Manager.

I want to thank Sean Severe for the work he has done to move the Zimpleman College of Business forward during his tenure as Associate Dean. As he is welcomed back into the faculty, it is clear that his sensible, thoughtful, intelligent, passionate, and compassionate approach to leadership has been essential to the success of the College.

— Alejandro Hernandez, Dean of the Zimpleman College of Business

For Students Archive

Updates to Drake’s COVID-19 guidance upon conclusion of the national public health emergency

May 11, 2023, marked the end of the federal COVID-19 national public health emergency. Drake has adjusted its COVID-19 guidance to reflect the expiration of the PHE as indicated below.

  • Masking: Masks are not required on Drake’s campus. Individuals who choose to wear a mask based on their own circumstances are encouraged and supported to do so. Changes in this positioning will be predicated on community transmission levels.
  • Test Availability: PCR tests will no longer be available to Drake from the state of Iowa Department of Public Health as a state testing site. Students will be able to obtain tests at the Student Health Center.
  • Reporting Positive COVID-19 Tests: Faculty, staff, and students with a positive test will no longer be required to report test results to the University. Everyone, however, should refer to the CDC for guidance after a positive test and consult with their provider for appropriate care.
  • Relocation Procedures for Residential Students: As of the conclusion of the Spring 2023 semester, the University has discontinued relocation procedures of on-campus students who test positive for COVID-19. This means an isolation room in Ross Hall will no longer be offered as a temporary housing option. Prior to move-in this fall, residential students will be provided additional information about what to do should they test positive for COVID-19.

As always, the University will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation carefully and adjust these measures as needed. Although the official public health emergency has ended, please remain vigilant about protecting yourself and others.

For questions on Drake’s COVID-19 guidance, contact Scott Law at scott.law@drake.edu.

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Updates to Drake’s COVID-19 guidance upon conclusion of the national public health emergency

May 11, 2023, marked the end of the federal COVID-19 national public health emergency. Drake has adjusted its COVID-19 guidance to reflect the expiration of the PHE as indicated below.

  • Masking: Masks are not required on Drake’s campus. Individuals who choose to wear a mask based on their own circumstances are encouraged and supported to do so. Changes in this positioning will be predicated on community transmission levels.
  • Test Availability: PCR tests will no longer be available to Drake from the state of Iowa Department of Public Health as a state testing site. Students will be able to obtain tests at the Student Health Center.
  • Test Benefit for Faculty and staff: Drake’s medical plan will no longer pay the full cost for COVID-19 testing services or the purchase of over-the-counter COVID-19 tests as of May 12, 2023. Employees will be responsible for paying the required office visit co-pay amount for testing services as well as the full cost for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests.

Note: If you are on Drake’s medical plan and  wish to get tested for COVID-19 at a pharmacy, you will be required to submit a claim form to Wellmark for reimbursement. The service will be processed per the plan’s cost-share amount. Medicap and Hy-Vee Pharmacies can submit claims for testing services directly to Wellmark.

  • Employee vaccination benefit: Drake’s medical plan will continue to provide COVID-19 vaccinations at no cost. If you have questions about these changes, please contact Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield customer service at 800–362–2230.
  • Reporting Positive COVID-19 Tests: Faculty, staff, and students with a positive test will no longer be required to report test results to the University. Everyone, however, should refer to the CDC for guidance after a positive test and consult with their provider for appropriate care.
  • Relocation Procedures for Residential Students: As of the conclusion of the Spring 2023 semester, the University has discontinued relocation procedures of on-campus students who test positive for COVID-19. This means an isolation room in Ross Hall will no longer be offered as a temporary housing option. Prior to move-in this fall, residential students will be provided additional information about what to do should they test positive for COVID-19.

As always, the University will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation carefully and adjust these measures as needed. Although the official public health emergency has ended, please remain vigilant about protecting yourself and others.

For questions on Drake’s COVID-19 guidance, contact Scott Law at scott.law@drake.edu.

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Hazardous waste pick up requests due May 12

An important part of Drake’s ongoing compliance and safety efforts is timely disposal of hazardous waste. If you have waste to be picked up by EHS please complete the following form by Friday, May 12:

https://forms.gle/r1XwPXjHn2gnj4jQ9

Nick Crumpton, chemistry lab instructor, is coordinating the waste disposal effort this spring. If you have questions, reach out to Nick at nicholas.crumpton@drake.edu.

— Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Farewell reception for Deputy Provost Renée Cramer May 8

All faculty and staff are invited to join the Center for Public Democracy as we celebrate the contributions of Renée Cramer and wish her well in her new role at Dickinson College. Please join us Monday, May 8, from 5–6:30 p.m. at the Ray Center (lower level of Collier Scripps Hall) for drinks and light snacks. All are welcome to join us in bidding a fond farewell to our colleague and friend!

— Rachel Paine Caufield, Professor of Political Science

Strategic Updates Archive

COVID-19 reminders and resources

The University is currently experiencing a rise in reported cases of COVID-19 among our student population. As of this morning, we are aware of 76 confirmed student cases, 29 of whom are isolating in Ross Hall.

Here are eight reminders and resources to keep in mind to help prevent further spread:

  • Follow CDC Guidelines. We encourage all students, faculty, and staff to follow CDC guidelines, including staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Free Test Kits. Rapid, self-administered COVID-19 tests are available for free to all students, faculty, and staff in the Student Services Center in Olmsted.
  • Exposure. If you were exposed to someone who has tested positive, you should wear a mask while around others and monitor for symptoms.
  • COVID-19 Positive. If you tested positive or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you should refrain from attending classes or other activities in person and wear a mask while around others.
  • Student Reporting. Students should report positive COVID-19 test results through the notification form found on this page. Completing the form will provide more information about our COVID-19 protocols.
  • Employee Reporting. Faculty and staff should report positive test results by emailing ehs@drake.edu.
  • Finals Week. Students who test positive and isolate are still responsible for completing final assignments and exams and should work with their professors to coordinate the best method to do so. 
  • Isolation. Residential students who test positive are welcome to isolate at home or in Ross Hall. Students isolating in Ross Hall may be assigned a roommate with a shared bathroom. Additional details are included in the form.

Thank you for your continued vigilance in keeping our community a safe and healthy place to live, learn, and work as we close out the academic year.

— Jerry Parker, Chief Student Affairs Officer

News & Achievements Archive

Professor Edrington recognized as American Marketing Association Faculty Advisor of the Year

Professor Mary Edrington was recently named as the recipient of the 2023 Hugh G. Wales American Marketing Association Faculty Advisor of the Year. This award, announced at the 2023 International Collegiate AMA Conference in New Orleans last week, recognizes her outstanding contributions to our AMA Collegiate program. It is a notable recognition given there are over 320 AMA collegiate chapters worldwide. Professor Edrington has served as the Drake AMA Advisor from 1987 to 1993 and from 2003 on.  The Drake chapter has approximately 50 student members.  This award program began in 1977 and is named in honor of Dr. Hugh G. Wales, who was instrumental in founding the collegiate chapter at the University of Illinois–Champaign, and served as its first faculty advisor. Congratulations, Professor Edrington!