Drake’s Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows participants to set aside pre-tax dollars for child or adult daycare. Per IRS Regulations, participants may adjust their current FSA contribution if a change in status occurs. Such changes include an increase or decrease in the cost of care, or an increase or decrease in the need for care.

To reduce or discontinue your current Dependent Care FSA election, please complete/return the mid-year change form within 30 days of the change in status. Should your need for daycare change in the future, you may adjust your election again within 30 days of the change in status.

For questions, contact Advantage Administrators at 800-383-1623 or Marlene Heuertz at marlene.heuertz@drake.edu.

— Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

If you have some extra time at home while practicing social distancing, why not use it to learn a new skill, brush up on current skills, or take a deep-dive into a topic that has always interested you?

Welcome to “e-learning” where you can learn just about anything you want without setting foot in a classroom. Online courses are offered for credit, not for credit, or just for fun. From learning new computer and tech skills to adopting a new hobby, learning opportunities are available.

If you are not entirely sure what course to focus on first, think about your current position and what skills would help you at work. Also think about something outside of your daily duties that you have always wanted to learn.

Once you have a topic, where do you find classes? While there are a number of available websites, two of the more familiar sites are Coursera and edX. Each site offers both free as well as for a fee courses.  They are often free to audit, or listen to, but you can pay to receive a certificate. Class Central is another good site with a seemingly endless amount of free online courses on a range of topics.

If you are ready to take it a step further, Drake University has a wonderful and growing list of online classes, including bachelor and master’s degree programs. Finally, if you would like to learn a new language, Cowles Library offers free Mango languages training. To access this resource, go to myDrake and click on Mango Languages under Learning Resources.

If taking a full online course is more of a time commitment than you are ready to take, consider watching a webinar. Webinars are a great way to learn more about a specific topic in a short period of time. Check out free webinars on websites such as Hubspot. Or plug into a motivational speaker at Ted Talks.

Taking a class could be the beginning of a journey to more learning. But, even if the completion of a single course is enough, learning a new skill or discipline may be the perfect way to socially connect with others, while expanding your boundaries.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Employee and Family Resources (EFR) is offering weekly webinars to help address our stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Past topics include All about Attitude, Coping with COVID-19, Stress and Resiliency, and Navigating Change in Times of Uncertainty. Access past webinars and view upcoming webinars.

EFR has also created a series of podcasts called Emotion Well Podcast.  These can be found on Apple Podcasts.

If life is weighing you down, EFR offers a variety of Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) resources to help you now or anytime. You can reach EAP by phone (800-327-4692) or visit their website at efr.org/login. All EAP benefits are confidential and available 24/7.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Drake’s Mandatory and Voluntary Retirement Plans provide financial advice at no cost. Participants may obtain education regarding retirement savings and investment strategies with TIAA Field Consultant Paige Philips.

To schedule a Virtual Counseling Session April 29 or May 21 please call TIAA at 800-732-8353.

— Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

This is your last chance to join us for a HealthyU BINGO challenge in May—with a twist.

Throughout the month, participants will fill up a blank BINGO card (or two) with healthy activities completed from a provided list. But instead of getting together in-person to play HealthyU BINGO for prizes in June, we will set up a video BINGO game using Microsoft Teams.

To get started send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu. Deadline to register is Thursday, April 30. All participants will receive an email with an attached packet that includes directions, a list of HealthyU BINGO activities, and a blank BINGO card. You are welcome to make multiple copies of this card for your whole family.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources