Please join the Human Resources department in welcoming three new, full-time Drake University employees for the month of March.
Matthew Richardson, Public Safety, Campus Public Safety Officer
Kathryn Hamilton, Arts & Sciences, Research Scholar
Erin Bell, UC&M, Associate Director, Marketing–Live Mascot
— Laura Schwarz, Human Resources
Last week, Drake’s All Staff Council Recognition Committee celebrated the Grounds Crew with a surprise treat delivery, compliments of Drake Dining. Read the spotlight below to learn more about the Grounds Department. Thank you to the team for everything they do to make Drake’s campus beautiful and safe!
How many staff members are in the department?
We currently have eight grounds workers and one supervisor
What is the primary function of the team? Do you have a mission/vision/motto?
Our goal is to support the education, research, and athletic mission of the University by maintaining a safe, beautiful, and functional campus environment.
Who has been with the team the longest, and what is their job title and length of employment?
Dan Downey is the Grounds lead person. He has been with Drake for 28 years.
Who is the newest team member, and what is their job title and month/year of start?
Patrick Williams is the Grounds supervisor. He has been with Drake for 17 months.
What campus buildings do your team members “live” in?
The Grounds staff occupy an office and meeting space on the ground floor of Facilities, Planning, and Management. However, we consider the entire 144 acres of campus as the space where we live and do our work.
What are some recent challenges and accomplishments of note that others in the University might not know about?
This past year brought many challenges including five track meets, the rain event/flooding issues, and an abundance of snow and ice this winter. Despite the many challenges, I am proud of our team for their perseverance and dedication. FPM strives to work as a cohesive unit and that was reflected in our handling of the obstacles this year provided. For example, snow removal is a combined effort between Grounds, Custodial, Public Safety, HVAC, and Skilled Trades.
Anything else noteworthy/interesting/special about your department that bears mentioning?
Drake University was awarded Tree Campus USA designation again this year. We have been a Tree Campus since 2011.
— Cathy Williams, On behalf of All Staff Council Recognition Committee
University Communications and Marketing (UCM) holds open portrait sessions during the fall and spring semesters. The sessions rotate around campus making it more convenient for the campus community. These sessions are free to all faculty, staff, and students. High-resolution portraits are made available for download through SmugMug.
The next headshot day is April 12 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at CBPA, Aliber Hall, Room 108.
No appointment necessary.
— Jeremy Sievers, University Communications & Marketing
Graduating seniors, in celebration of your graduation and the enduring mark you’ve left on the University, you are cordially invited to join President Marty and Laura Martin at the 2019 Senior Wine and Cheese Reception on Thursday, May 2. Please RSVP by April 29.
Event Details
When: Thursday, May 2, 5:30 p.m.
— 4:45 p.m. Check in at Pomerantz Stage
— 5:15 p.m. Buses depart from Olmsted Center parking lot
Where: Home of President Martin
Must present a valid government-issued ID to receive a wristband, which is mandatory to board the bus and be served. Cocktail attire is encouraged.
For questions, contact Kim Jones, assistant director, Alumni Relations, at kim.jones@drake.edu or 515-271-3935.
— Kim Jones, Alumni Relations
The J-Term priority deadline is quickly approaching. Apply by April 15 to meet the priority deadline for your preferred Drake University travel seminar course. J-Term 2020 travel seminars include destinations to the Bahamas, England, Finland, Hawaii, India, Israel and Jordan, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, Rwanda, Thailand, and Washington D.C. Scholarships are available.
Search for programs and submit your application online. For questions, email studyabroad@drake.edu.
Karen Williams, Education Abroad Advisor
It is always best to book international flights through a Short’s travel agent rather than online. You can search online, however there are certain international airlines that do not participate in the ticket inventory available to agencies such as Short’s. The agent will be able to locate the lowest available price for your international trips.
If you have questions, contact jputz@shortstravel.com or caron.findlay@drake.edu.
— Caron Findlay, Director, Purchasing and Business Services
All Drake Polo shirts are 15% off April 9–22 through the online store. Stock up and save at shop.drake.edu.
— Caron Findlay, Director, Purchasing and Business Services
April brings a great energy to campus. With spring in the air and Drake Relays just weeks away the campus is buzzing. Without extinguishing all the excitement we want to acknowledge and participate in Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year VIP and several other organizations have come together to make sure Drake is supporting victims, discussing healthy sexual relationships, and bringing awareness to this issue throughout campus. Be on the look out for ways you can participate.
Victim Support Pledge
Tuesday, April 9, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Olmsted Breezeway
Condoms & Conversations-A Multicultural Discussion on Healthy Sexual Relationships
Tuesday, April 16, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Hellmick Commons
International Denim Day
Wednesday, April 24, 9 a.m.–9 p.m., All throughout campus
— Lynne Cornelius, Violence Prevention & Programming
Question: This is a fruit whose name is its color. Answer: What is an orange? If you are familiar with the game show Jeopardy and enjoy a little competition, this class is for you. In one entertaining hour you will learn fun facts on a variety of wellness topics while competing as a team for prizes.
Join game show hosts Linda Feiden, wellness and recognition specialist, and Lucas Flaherty, Sodexo campus dietitian, on Wednesday, April 17, from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Olmsted Center, Room 310/311. Register online or send an email to Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.
Participants will be entered into a drawing for BUILD prizes at the end of the semester.
Linda Feiden, Human Resources
Passwords are often described as the key to protecting our information. This is true, but we’re rarely given simple ways to securely manage them. Fortunately, there are ways to simplify passwords to protect our digital identities.
Passphrases
The days of complex passwords with character substitutions and symbols are over. They’re hard to remember and type, and easy for attackers to break. The solution is passphrases: longer passwords that use random words or make a sentence, including symbols if required.
Password Managers
It’s critical to use a unique password for every website and account. When a breach occurs, reused passwords allow attackers to quickly compromise multiple accounts. Password managers securely store your unique passphrases and only require you to remember a single master password. They also retrieve passwords as needed, and log into websites as you visit them. Additionally, the best password managers also store answers to your secret questions, warn of password reuse, and assist with changing old and insecure passwords.
Many options are available, so research to determine which one is best for you and your family.
Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication requires a secondary code or acknowledgement and your password to access an account. Even if an attacker has your password, they are unable to access your account. Enable this wherever possible, but especially for accounts containing financial or identifying information. ITS is implementing MFA in systems with confidential information, and we strongly recommend it for personal accounts.
ITS will continue phishing education this month sending emails that mimic real attacks. If you receive an email that you suspect is phishing, don’t click any links, download any attachments, or reply.
For more information on reporting phishing emails, see the IT Service Portal guide, Reporting a Phishing Message (How-to).
—Peter Lundstedt, ITS
