All posts by Carla Herling

Campus Announcements Archive

Reminder: Single sign-on now available for Blackboard

Single sign-on (SSO) for Blackboard was implemented on Dec. 19. You now sign in using the standard Drake login page rather than the Blackboard login screen.

SSO is an authentication process that allows a user to access multiple applications with one set of credentials and a single login instance. Once a user logs in once, they gain access to different Drake applications, without the need to re-enter login credentials for each application.

Example: You log into myDrake first thing in the morning to check your email. While reading your email, you see that you need to check your Blackboard courses for upcoming assignments. Since you already logged into myDrake from checking your email, you can access Blackboard without being prompted to re-enter your Drake credentials.

Learn more about SSO and the additional systems Drake ITS is working on integrating with it by reading Single Sign On (SSO) and Drake applications (FAQ).

— Carla Herling, ITS

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Reminder: DUFacStaff was replaced with eduroam

The eduroam network replaced the DUFacStaff wireless network on Dec. 31.

You must log into eduroam using your Drake email address, rather than your Drake ID number. This ensures that your credentials are passed securely.

The eduroam network is available in over 1,000 locations in 100 countries, so if you visit another campus or educational institution, you may be able to take your wireless network with you.

Learn more about eduroam on our FAQ page.

— Carla Herling, ITS

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Short’s travel management update

The following contains an update from Short’s Travel Management, Drake’s travel services provider:

On Oct. 22, the FBI issued a warning to travel management companies, such as Short’s Travel, advising that stolen credentials are being used to book international travel for fraudulent passengers. These individuals are obtaining names, job titles, contact information, or a combination thereof to impersonate employees of travel management company clients. Due to this industry-wide increase in fraudulent requests, Short’s Travel is requiring a profile for all travelers or travel arrangers.

Effective Jan. 1, 2020, in an effort to decrease fraud and continue to provide the highest level of service and security for our clients, Short’s Travel will require all travelers or their travel arrangers to have a profile in the Short’s system before they are allowed to book travel.

What does this mean for me? Most Drake travelers already have a profile set up in the Short’s system, so this should cause minimal disruption to the booking process.  Those who don’t, will need to set up a profile. Some travelers, who in the past have been approved to travel without a profile or who’s arranger did not have a profile, will be required to create their profile prior to making any airline reservations.

For assistance with creating profiles, or for any questions or concerns, please contact Caron Findlay at extension #2424 or caron.findlay@drake.edu.

— Caron Findlay, Director, Purchasing and Business Services

For Faculty & Staff

2020 Mileage reimbursement rate

Drake reimburses mileage for use of personal automobiles by employees for actual miles driven during business travel. The reimbursement rate is based on the current standard mileage rate issued by the Internal Revenue Service.

Effective Jan. 1, 2020, the standard mileage rate issued by the IRS for the use of a car will be: 57.5 cents per business mile driven, down from 58 cents in 2019.

The standard mileage rate is evaluated annually by the IRS and is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile.

If you have any questions regarding the reimbursable mileage rate, please visit the IRS website or contact Accounting at accounting@drake.edu.

—Jenifer Baugher, Accounting

Campus Announcements Archive

Tech resolutions to make for 2020

Below are a few suggestions to help improve your experience with technology in 2020.

1. Check your Privacy settings and stop oversharing. This guide at staysafeonline.org will show you how to review and change privacy settings on common websites and device types.

2. Keep devices updated. Need to update a Drake-owned machine? Use MakeMeAdmin to get temporary access. Learn more here for Macs and PCs.

3. Clear out old apps, documents, and other files you don’t need. Find information on the best way to clear out old apps and disconnect from old unwanted accounts.

4. Create passphrases and consider a password manager. Learn more.

5. Recycle old devices and unneeded cords and accessories. Learn more.

6. Learn to use software more effectively. We have curated lists of training resources for faculty and staff and for students.

— Carla Herling, ITS

HR Information Archive

Free smoking cessation program

If you are ready to quit smoking but need some help, the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking program may be the answer. This free, at-work program features a step-by-step quit plan. Participants will meet once a week for eight weeks. Each class is 60- to 90-minutes long. The group format encourages individuals to work on the quit process both individually and as a group. Four to 10 participants are needed to hold a series.

For more information, please send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

For Students Archive

Apply to be a PMAC

Do you love Welcome Weekend? Was your PMAC your favorite person ever at Drake? Do you want to know what we yell during the Pump-Up?! If you answered yes to any of these questions, or just want to know more about the PMAC program, join the Peer Advisory Board (PAB) for an informational session on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 5:30 p.m. in Olin, Room 101.Please note: The location has recently changed.

Can’t make the session? Email pab@drake.edu or learn more here.

— Runal A. Patel, AS’20

HR Information Archive

Welcome six new Bulldogs

Please join HR in welcoming six new, full-time Drake University employees for the month of December 2019.

Christine (Chris) Bass, Office of the Registrar, Veterans Advisor / School Official
Mohamed Farghaly, Public Safety, Campus Public Safety Officer
Gabriel (Gabe) Henderson, Public Safety, Campus Public Safety Officer
Alyssa Caldbeck, Head Start, Mental Health Consultant
Richard (Rick) Spellerberg, Business & Public Administration, Data Analytics Coordinator
Tanner Leth-Nissen, Athletics, Assistant Director, Relays Event Production

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Apply for FY21 International Partnership Grant

Are you interested in working with one of Drake’s international partner universities on an activity, project, or program?  Applications are now open for FY21 International Partnership Grants. 

Apply for the grant.

The application deadline is Jan. 22, 2020.  Please contact Annique Kiel at annique.kiel@drake.edu with questions.

— Annique Kiel, executive director of global engagement and international programs