All posts by Kelly Foster

Strategic Updates Archive

Three houses to be relocated to Sherman Hill today

There has been a lot of construction activity along University Avenue. This activity includes plans to relocate three houses in the 2900 block of University Avenue, between 29th Street and Walgreens, to the Sherman Hill neighborhood. The houses are scheduled to move starting around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25 (weather dependent). The houses will travel east on University Avenue, then south on 26th Street, and finally east on Cottage Grove toward the Sherman Hill neighborhood.  Drake has worked closely with Habitat for Humanity to facilitate the reclamation of items from within these homes. Steps have also been taken to abate any environmental conditions in the homes.

Additional work is underway on plans for this area going forward. We look forward to sharing more on plans for the future in the coming weeks.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Kelly Foster at Kelly.foster@drake.edu.

—Kelly Foster, Business and Insurance Manager

HR Information Archive

Retirement plan changes: Upcoming informaiton sessions

Upcoming retirement changes to Drake’s Retirement Plans include refinements to the investment lineups, implementation of an equalized fee structure, and revisions to the Voluntary Retirement Plan loan program. 

Learn how these changes may impact you by attending a TIAA presentation Feb. 28.  Two presentations will be provided at the following times: 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Rooms 310–311.  Reservations are not required.

To schedule a one-on-one consultation with a TIAA field consultant, please call Human Resources at 271–1901.

—Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

Campus Announcements Archive

Golf: For Business and Life registration open

Golf: For Business and Life is a non-credit course that provides you with group golf lessons. The lessons are taught at Glen Oaks Country Club by a professional. The program teaches you how to perform basic golf skills and terminology. The class is designed for all skill levels and beginners are encouraged to participate. The deadline to register is March 11. Lessons will begin March 23 and the cost for the program is $80. Apply today.

If you have any questions or need more information, please reach out to Lisa Murphy at lisa.murphy@drake.edu.

— Lisa Murphy, Director, Recreational Services

Campus Announcements Archive

Be mindful of religious observances

Next Wednesday, Feb. 26, is Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lent season for Christians. Some of your fellow classmates and colleagues may be wearing a cross sign on their forehead in celebration and may be off campus observing the holiday. Additionally throughout the 40-day period of lent, please be mindful that some of your classmates and colleagues may be fasting. Find more information on various holidays happening throughout the year.

— Erin Lain, Associate Provost, Campus Equity & Inclusion

Strategic Updates Archive

March 10 town hall to focus on Commitment to Mission

Plan to arrive at 3:30 p.m. for a town hall meeting prior to the Provost’s Drake Social on Tuesday, March 10, in the Cowles Library Reading Room. The town hall will be presented by President Martin and focus on the Drake Core Value of Commitment to Mission.

The Provost’s Drake Social will begin immediately afterward. Those who have been recognized by colleagues for their Commitment to Mission will be honored, and three individuals will be drawn to receive prizes. You must be present to win. To nominate a colleague, complete this Qualtrics form.

All Staff Council will host a Trivia contest beginning at 4:45 p.m. Come with a team or form one on the spot.

The Drake Social is a family friendly event.

— Drinda Williams, Office of the Provost

Campus Announcements Archive

PRSSA Bateman Competition: U.S. Census Survey

Members of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter at Drake are participating in the PRSSA 2020 Bateman Case Study Competition.

As part of this competition, the team was asked to develop and implement a comprehensive communications campaign that complements the current communications goals of the 2020 Census. The goal is to reach audiences in the Drake community, as well as the Des Moines metropolitan area, and encourage them to participate, educate people about the value of the census, as well as informing the community about the source of quality data available from the Census Bureau about their communities.

The team designed a survey to collect insights regarding Drake members’ current knowledge of the 2020 Iowa Census. Please take the survey and answer the questions based on existing knowledge. Any external assistance, including online resources, is not permitted.

Information collected will only be used for the purpose of completing this project. Thank you for your support and participation!

— Phong Ly, JO/AS’ 20

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Call for applications for DU Spain Faculty-in-Residence (spring 2021, 2022, 2023)

Drake University launched its first Drake semester study abroad program, DU Spain, in Alicante, Spain, spring 2020.  As a part of the Drake semester experience, a Drake faculty member will teach and serve in various other capacities to support the program abroad as Faculty-in-Residence.

The DU Spain Faculty-in-Residence application is live through Qualtrics for Spring 2021, Spring 2022, and Spring 2023. Apply and learn more about this opportunity, eligibility, compensation, and responsibilities.

Submissions are due Wednesday, March 25, 2020.  If you have questions, please reach out to Maria Rohach, assistant director of administered programs abroad, at maria.rohach@drake.edu.

— Maria Rohach, Drake International

For Students Archive

Want to get paid to start your own student business?

Applications are now being accepted for the Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition and the Lorentzen Student Hatchery.

The Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition, sponsored by John Pappajohn and Equity Dynamics, Inc., is for Iowa college and university students who have an interest in starting their own business. Students pitch ideas which are judged based on a) content/concept, and b) viability of business. Three seed grants in the amount of $5,000 each will be awarded to the top three applicants who submit and present in the final competition.

The Lorentzen Student Hatchery is a unique program aimed at fostering student startups at Drake University. Entrepreneurship Centers staff provide guidance, support, access to mentors and experts, and more to students accepted to the Hatchery. Students of any major, undergraduate and graduate, are welcome to apply for an opportunity to get paid up to $7,500 while working on their own startup. Even if you are not chosen to receive a summer grant, Drake University students are welcome to participate in Hatchery coaching and mentoring sessions.

Applications close on March 23 and pitches will be held on March 27. Apply today!

Questions? Please email jpec@drake.edu.

— Stephanie Cardwell, Buchanan Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, CBPA

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Learn about Microsoft Teams 

ITS is working with departments across campus to migrate all shared files into a new software called Microsoft Teams. Microsoft Teams is a product that combines tools and resources such as group chat, calendars, and file sharing into one location using the Office 365 platform. Teams offers a better way to access shared files and work collaboratively. If your area doesn’t have shared files, but you think this could be a useful addition, you can submit a Collaboration Site (Microsoft Team) Request.

As part of the project, we’re offering open sessions for faculty and staff who either want to learn more about Teams, or who have been using Teams and have questions. No need to RSVP, but if you have questions, please contact Carla.herling@drake.edu or Jeffrey.regan@drake.edu.

Session dates and times listed below:

Getting Started with Using Microsoft Teams
Cowles Library, 201
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2-3 p.m. OR
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Heard about Microsoft Teams and curious what it’s all about? Or has your area started using Teams and you’re feeling lost? Come to an introductory session to learn more about Microsoft Teams, what it can do for you and your department, and how ITS is rolling it out across campus.

Learn More about Microsoft Teams
Cowles Library, 201
Tuesday, March 3, 9-10 a.m. OR
Friday, March 6, 10–11 a.m.

Using Microsoft Teams and have questions? Want to learn how to use it more effectively? Come to this session to ask questions and learn tips and tricks to help you on the path to becoming a Microsoft Teams expert.

— Carla Herling, ITS

Campus Announcements Archive

Nominations open for Madelyn M. Levitt Employee Excellence and Community Service Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the Madelyn M. Levitt Employee Excellence and Distinguished Community Service Awards. Nominations are due to Human Resources by Tuesday, March 31, at 4:30 p.m. Late nominations will not be accepted.

Distinguished Community Service Award
Madelyn M. Levitt established the Distinguished Community Service Award to recognize the outstanding contributions of Drake faculty and staff to the Drake community. Recipients are chosen on the following criteria:

  • A demonstrated personal commitment to volunteerism and community service.
  • An outstanding record of leadership or substantial involvement in community projects, services and activities contributing to the quality of life in our region, state and/or the nation.
  • Professional and personal values and behavior that typify the ideals of “giving back to others” and “making a difference in the lives of others.”
  • The nominee must be a current faculty or staff member with at least five years of service at Drake.

Employee Excellence Award
The Employee Excellence Award is presented to a staff member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to excellence in the performance of their duties. Criteria for the award include:

  • Exceptional performance as an employee of Drake University
  • Outstanding dedication to providing courteous, prompt and quality service.
  • Demonstrated commitment to University programs, initiatives and services.
  • Professional values and behavior that demonstrate exceptional service to others and a commitment to Drake University
  • The nominee must be a current staff member with at least one year of service at Drake.

To nominate a colleague, submit a letter of nomination to the Levitt Award Committee, care of (c/o) Human Resources. Nomination letters may be sent through campus mail or electronically to drakehr@drake.edu.  The letter should detail specific examples of how the nominee exemplifies each of the applicable criteria. Additional letters of support are not necessary.

The screening committee will review all nominations and make appropriate recommendations to the President’s Council.

The 2020 recipient of the Madelyn M. Levitt Employee Excellence Award and Distinguished Community Service Award will be announced during the Sapphire Awards on May 7 at 1 p.m. in Levitt Hall or during the Faculty Honors Luncheon.