When we think of a healthy person we often envision someone in great physical shape, but how we think and process emotions is just as important as how often we exercise and how healthy we eat. Becoming more mindful can improve emotional intelligence, reduce stress, and help manage change. But how do we learn these skills?

Koru is an introduction to mindfulness and meditation.  It teaches you skills you can use to manage your stress, focus your mind, and gain perspective on challenges you may be facing. Using traditional tools from breathing techniques to guided imagery, you will learn how to let go of the thoughts and worries that can overcome your ability to be present.

Join Christine Urish, Professor, Occuptional Therapy, for a four-part series which will meet Wednesdays from 2–3:15 p.m. on Sept. 4, 11, 18, and 25 in the Occupational Therapy building. You must attend all four sessions. Class size limited to 12 people.  Contact Linda Feiden for registration information.

–Linda Feiden, Human Resources

The first Provost’s Drake Social this year will be Friday, Aug. 16, in Cowles Library Reading Room, at 4 pm.

The Provost would like to make this year’s Socials easier to attend for faculty and staff who have young children and who have childcare responsibilities right after work. This year, you can pick up your kids from daycare or school, and bring them along to the Social. Children will get “white tickets” for soda, and are welcome to enjoy the light snacks.

The first Social this year will be directly following the Drake Learning Symposium.

–Drinda Williams, Office of the Provost

Human Resources regularly reviews best practices in the wellness field and aligns Drake’s wellness program with research-supported trends. Recent research calls into question the traditional model of using annual biometric screenings as a driver of wellness outcomes. Instead, some health plans are focusing on annual check-ups with primary care physicians in an effort to promote early detection and treatment. There is also a growing trend toward more holistic wellness programming, focusing on an individualized approach to wellness.

These trends, along with changes in the regulations governing wellness programs, are prompting a review of Drake’s wellness program. While the program is under review, employees are not required to complete a biometric screening in 2019 to qualify for a medical premium wellness discount in 2020. All participants enrolled in Drake’s medical plan will receive the wellness premium discount in 2020.

Here is what to expect as we prepare for open enrollment in the fall of 2019:

• In 2019, the on-campus Unity Point biometric screenings and the Hy-Vee in-store screenings will not be offered.
• Voluntary on-campus biometric screenings will be available for those who find the screenings helpful in tracking health and wellness. The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences will perform this service.
• You are encouraged to complete a screening with your Primary Care Provider (PCP), following his or her guidance about the health care practices best supporting your wellness. Although encouraged, a physician screening is not a requirement to qualify for the medical insurance 2020 discount.
• Watch for additional information as the University Benefits Committee works closely with Human Resources to make decisions regarding future wellness programming.

–Linda Feiden, Human Resources

When shopping for Drake, whether it be office supplies or printing, you will need to bring your Drake issued P-Card for payment. Due to business processes, they can no longer charge Drake departmental accounts.

Contact caron.findlay@drake.edu if you have questions.

–Caron Findlay, Finance and Administration 

If you have not already done so, please remember to put all of your airline frequent flyer account numbers into your profile so you will accrue your personal miles. This is not something Short’s can do for you as they cannot edit your profile, and we want to be sure you receive this benefit.

Please contact Caron.findlay@drake.edu if you have questions.

–Caron Findlay, Finance and Administration