The deadline to enroll in Drake benefits for the 2022 Plan Year is fast approaching.  If you wish to change your current health, dental, or voluntary life insurance coverage, you must elect or terminate participation in the Benefits Portal in myDrake.  Additionally, if you wish to participate in Drake’s health or dependent care flexible spending account (FSA) plans during 2022, you must enroll or re-enroll in the Benefits Portal.  To learn more about Drake’s comprehensive benefits, visit the new Benefits Guide here.

Instructions and information about how to access the Benefits Portal are available here.  If you have not yet made benefit elections for 2022, please don’t wait until the last minute.  All benefit elections for the 2022 Plan Year must be made no later than 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, November 30, 2021.

— Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

Did you know that the average person will consume 3,000 calories on Thanksgiving dinner and gain one to four pounds between now and the end of year? That may not sound like a lot, but most individuals don’t lose the weight, which can add up over the years.

The good news is that you can still enjoy a great meal, and a day with family and friends. Here are a few tips that may make the day even better.

Eat breakfast. You may think it’s better to save calories for the big dinner but eating a small meal in the morning can help you control your appetite. Include some protein and fiber such as an egg with a slice of whole wheat toast or a bowl of oatmeal with nuts and fruit.

Be active. Take a walk early in the day, just before dinner, or after dinner. Go outside and play touch football with family, instead of watching it on TV. Start a new family tradition that includes activity like a scavenger hunt. The goal is to stay active.

Choose water. Limit your intake of alcohol and sweetened beverages. Try some fruit infused water instead. If having a cocktail, choose a glass of wine over a higher calorie mixed drink.

Lighten up. If you are the cook, make your recipes healthier with less fat, sugar, and calories. Try some new recipes or healthy substitutes. If you are the guest, bring a healthy dish to share, and make healthier choices. For example, opt for grilled veggies over a green bean or sweet potato casserole, pumpkin pie over pecan pie, and go easy on the gravy.

Watch your portions. If you can’t resist some of the fattening delicacies, survey the choices and select small portions of the foods you enjoy the most and may only get at the holidays. Another tip – use a smaller plate and avoid having seconds.

Slow down. Savor the food you are eating by putting down your fork between bites. Eating slowly and tasting each mouthful is a great way to enjoy your meal and feel satisfied with one plateful of food.

Focus on family and friends. Thanksgiving is not just about food. It’s a time to celebrate relationships with family and friends. Focus more on spending quality time together and the day will be a success, even without that extra helping of pie!

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Don’t forget to register for DU Well Healthy Holiday BINGO. This five-week program runs from Monday, Nov. 29, 2021 through Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022. The goal is to fill up a blank BINGO card (or two), between Thanksgiving and the New Year, with healthy activities completed from a provided list. This is a great way for you and your family to have fun while making healthy choices.

In January, participants will be invited to meet virtually to play BINGO for prizes with their completed cards. You are welcome to fill out the BINGO card without playing the BINGO games as well.

To register, please send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

In the September HR Monthly email, we reminded employees that as a not-for-profit Drake University is a qualifying employer for public service loan forgiveness (PSLF). Employees who have Federal Direct Loans and have made at minimum 120 payments on the Federal Direct Loans (after Oct. 1, 2007) may be eligible for the remaining loan balance to be forgiven. Only payments made under certain repayment plans may be counted toward the required 120 payments, and loans must not be in default to be forgiven.

Last month, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) expanded the types of loans and loan payments that count toward that 120 payment total. The DOE is calling the temporary expansion the “Limited PSLF Waiver” program. The waiver program will temporarily relax several rules governing the PSLF program.

Previously, only Direct federal student loans, and certain types of repayment plans based on a borrower’s income, would count towards a borrower’s student loan forgiveness term under PSLF. However, for most of 2022, the DOE will count past payments on non-Direct federal student loans, such as FFEL loans and Perkins loans (previously not eligible for PSLF relief), towards the 120 “qualifying” payments that a borrower must make to get student loan forgiveness.

The Limited PSLF Waiver will also allow payments made under any repayment plan to count as well; previously, only payments made under income-driven repayment plans and a 10-year Standard plan could qualify.

Visit a page explaining the PSLF form. Access the most current version of the form (expiring 08/31/2023).

Maureen in Human Resources can complete page two and sign it on behalf of Drake. If you want to complete the form you have three easy options to get HR’s assistance:

• Come by HR any time and drop off the form. We can let you know when it is ready for pick up.
• Set up a time to meet with Maureen and have page two completed while you wait.
• Email drakehr@drake.edu requesting assistance. We can email you a pdf of page 2 completed with your information—minus your social security number (we don’t email those).

If you have outstanding student loans and think there is even a possibility that you could qualify for the loan forgiveness program, we encourage you to look into this opportunity for loan forgiveness. For more information, visit the Public Service Loan Forgiveness information on the Federal Student Aid website.

— Maureen De Armond, Human Resources