All posts by Linda Feiden

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Spring programming to support faculty and staff

In response to what we heard from employees who participated in the September 2020 survey, our Spring 2021 faculty/staff wellbeing programs will focus on five key areas: social connection, mental health resources, recognition, financial resources, and self-care.

Social Connection. The All Staff Council in partnership with Human Resources offered two virtual “watercooler” events in January as a way for faculty and staff to informally connect with colleagues across campus. Look for more in the coming months. Another great way to connect is using group chats through Microsoft Teams. Here are three groups you should consider joining:

Mental Health Resources. The 2021 Spring Term BUILD Schedule includes a variety of virtual classes addressing mental health. Make it Ok in the Workplace on Feb. 9 from 2-3 p.m., discusses how to reduce stigma by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness.  On Feb. 26, the Occupational Therapy students will share a presentation on Emotional & Mental Health Wellbeing, and on March 25, Employee & Family Resources will moderate a discussion titled Behavioral Health in the Workplace.  Details on all classes can be found on myDrake.

Recognition. Recognizing employee contributions, and creating meaningful recognition and awards programs, is an important part of the Drake culture.  In March we will focus on ways we can recognize our colleagues. March 5 is National Employee Appreciation Day, but the goal is to share gratitude and appreciation every day.

Financial Resources. Uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, and its economic impact on the University and our personal lives, has created a surge in financial stress and anxiety.  In April we will focus on available resources and tools to assist you in making the best decisions for you and your family. We will roll out a financial wellness program, share TIAA resources you may have overlooked, and offer a presentation on financial planning.

Self-Care. In May we will focus on self-care. This includes being active, eating right, and getting enough sleep. It also includes addressing stress and knowing the resources and tools to assist you when needed.

One important, but often overlooked resource is Employee & Family Resources (EFR). They offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all full-time Drake employees and their family members. You can reach EAP by phone (800-327-4692) or visit their website at https://www.efr.org/login/. All EAP benefits are confidential and available 24/7/365.

In addition, EFR offers webinars, podcasts and COVID-19 resources to help us navigate these stressful times.

For more information on current and upcoming wellbeing programs, please contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

For Students Archive

Lunch and Learn: ‘Let’s Rethink How We DU Service’

Join Jazlin Coley, service coordinator for Equity and Inclusion, for a four-part lunch ‘n learn series titled Let’s Re-Think How We DU Service. All sessions will be from 12-1 p.m. Click the links to register. Reach out to jazlin.coley@drake.edu for more information.

Diversity in Service – Feb. 18. Learn more about diversity and how it applies to your student organization. Definitions, types, and issues relevant to diversity will be explored in this intro session.

Addressing the Barriers to Service – Feb. 26. This session will provide you with an opportunity to reflect and discuss the barriers faced by students that prevent them from participating in your service experiences. We will explore the dynamics of language, privilege, and oppression and their impact on students and our communities to leave you with concrete tools on how to break down those barriers of service.

Organizing To Support An Inclusive Environment – March 10. This session will provide an overview of effective practices in developing and implementing strategies within service experiences that will assist you in aligning all of your efforts under a diversity commitment.

Cultivating Diverse Experiences – March 18. Need guidance on strategically planning and supporting service experiences that are accessible, safe, and engaging for all? This session will provide you best practices on co-creating experiences that will guide you through rethinking traditional service experiences so that you can offer a variety of volunteer opportunities.

— Jazlin Coley, College of Arts & Sciences

Campus Announcements Archive

Rec Services updates

The Bell Center and Underground Fitness will be open the following hours Feb. 15–May 14. 

Bell Center
Monday–Friday: 6 a.m.–9 p.m.   
Saturday: 9 a.m.–9 p.m.   
Sunday: 12 p.m.–9 p.m.  

Underground Fitness
Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–10 p.m.   
Saturday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.   
Sunday: 12 p.m.–8 p.m. 

Please make note of the following IM Registration Deadlines. Sign up on the Drake Rec App or imleagues.com/drake.

Badminton – Feb. 12
Indoor Volleyball – Feb. 17 
Madden – Feb. 17
3-Point Contest – Feb. 28 

Wellness updates:
In person GroupX classes begin Feb 15.
Virtual On- Demand classes are still available and will be throughout the semester.
Sign up on the Drake Rec App or imleagues.com/drake

— Emily Madsen, Recreational Services

For Students Archive

Get fit this spring with Bulldog Bootcamp

Are you interested in making personal fitness a priority this semester? My name is Alex Klosterman, and I’m organizing Bulldog Bootcamp through Drake Wellness this spring. Bootcamp will look a little different from previous years due to the pandemic. The four-week long, guided program will begin Feb. 21 and run until March 15. The registration deadline is Thursday, Feb. 18. Sign up here.

— Alex Klosterman, PH’21

For Students Archive

PMAC applications due Feb. 14

Applications to become a Peer Mentor/Academic Consultant (PMAC) are due Feb. 14. Apply today. Visit the PMAC website to learn more about the program.

An informational session will be held on Thursday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. (CST) via Zoom. Register for the info session.

PMACs leave a lasting impact on incoming first-year students. They aim to assist new first-year students in feeling welcome, comfortable, and connected at Drake.

Contact pab@drake.edu with any questions.

— Kyle Tekautz, JO’21

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Limited tickets available for Drake Women’s Basketball Pink Game

The Drake women’s basketball team will host its annual Pink Game presented by MercyOne Medical Center Des Moines during the upcoming Southern Illinois series, Feb. 11–12. The team will wear pink jerseys for each game and fans are encouraged to wear pink to the games as well.
 
Traditionally, every year Drake Athletics recognizes cancer survivors on court at halftime of the Pink Game. Since Drake Athletics is limiting court access to essential personnel, we will honor those people who have fought or are still fighting cancer with a special recognition on the video board. Please complete this questionnaire for you or someone else to be a part of this special digital recognition that will take place at halftime of the Friday, Feb. 12, game against the Salukis. All submissions are due by midnight on Feb. 9.

— Aimee Lane, Athletics

For Students Archive

The Harkin Institute is hiring

The Harkin Institute is looking for undergraduates interested in public policy research, communications, or graphic design to join our student team. The Harkin Institute offers a unique professional experience to Drake students and is a great way to develop existing skills alongside other students. The Harkin Institute conducts policy research and programming in four focus areas, including disability policy, labor and employment, retirement security and wellness and nutrition. These positions are open to all students and you do not need to be pursuing a career in politics or research to apply.

Applications can be found on Handshake by searching The Harkin Institute and are due on Feb. 19 at 11:55 p.m. Please email kasey.springsteen@drake.edu with any questions.

— Kasey Springsteen, JO, AS’21

For Faculty Archive

IOWAWHE webinar: Issues in Higher Education with Terry Hartle

Terry Hartle is one of America’s most effective and experienced advocates for higher education. At the American Council on Education (ACE), where he has served for more than 20 years, he directs comprehensive efforts to engage federal policy makers on a broad range of issues including student aid, government regulation, scientific research and tax policy. Register here.

— Kayla Jenkins, Office of the Dean of Arts & Sciences

For Students Archive

Balanced Man Scholarship Spring 2021

Are you a Drake male student who is looking for a scholarship which recognizes your achievements inside and outside of the classroom? Our organization is offering multiple scholarships—up to $500—for the Balanced Man Scholarship.

The Balanced Man Scholarship rewards students who have displayed academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to their health and well-being. Our organization believes in recognizing students who demonstrate an all around balance in their everyday lives. We are committed to helping Drake students develop the skills they need to succeed in the classroom, future careers, and social organizations.

These scholarships will be awarded to the applicants who exemplify being a balanced man in their everyday lives. The awards will be presented at the socially distant Balanced Man Scholarship Ceremony early in the semester of Spring 2021. After applying online, applicants will be notified if they receive an interview. Interviews will be with 1 or 2 members of the scholarship committee to be completed on zoom.

The requirement for this application is that you are a current first-year, or sophomore male student at Drake University. The application deadline is Feb. 14 at midnight—it only takes 5-10 minutes to apply!

If you have any questions about the scholarship, please don’t hesitate to contact Jay Dichter via phone or email:

Phone: (651) 270-9099
Email: drakebalancedmanscholarship@gmail.com

— Jay Dichter, BN’23

For Students Archive

Become an orientation leader

Orientation leaders are dedicated to providing incoming students and their families with all of the information and resources necessary to ensure their transition to Drake is a smooth and enjoyable one.

We need you to help make this happen. Each year we recruit current Drake students to become part of the orientation leader staff. Orientation leaders play a vital role in this exciting process, working closely with new students and their families on a wide variety of topics including academics, student involvement, housing options, and more.

We highly encourage you to attend our final information session being offered via Zoom on Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 6 p.m. Sign up.

You will be compensated for your time and effort and gain valuable skills in this position. Learn more about the position and how to apply.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Marina Verlengia at marina.verlengia@drake.edu.

— Marina Verlengia, New Student Programs