All posts by Madison Bemus

For Faculty Archive

Faculty development opportunity

Join us for a faculty development opportunity Thursday, Jan. 25, from 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., in the Cowles Library Reading Room. This event is designed to equip educators with the necessary tools and strategies to navigate the challenges posed by “Generation Pandemic.” We will delve into various topics such as student engagement and retention, mental health support, and innovative instructional techniques.

The incoming classes of students had their formative years disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had an acute effect on their college-readiness. This workshop seeks to explore ways in which we can better prepare for and support “Generation P.”

Breakfast and lunch will be provided. The training will be followed by the monthly Provost’s Social, also held in Cowles Library.

Please sign up through Eventbrite or by contacting Madison Bemus at madison.bemus@drake.edu.

— Madison Bemus, Office of the Provost

For Staff Archive

All Staff Council nominations open

All Staff Council (ASC) nominations are now open for the 2024–2025 year. Do you know a staff member who would like to make an impact to strengthen the staff experience on campus?  Are you interested in joining All Staff Council yourself? Submit a nomination. Self nominations are welcome.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, Feb. 14, at midnight.

Learn more about ASC.

— Heather Winslow, On behalf of All Staff Council

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Mileage Reimbursement rate for 2024

Drake reimburses mileage for the use of personal automobiles by employees for actual miles driven during business travel, not gas receipts. The reimbursement rate is based on the current standard mileage rate issued by the Internal Revenue Service.

Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the standard mileage rate issued by the IRS for the use of a car will be: $.67 cents per business mile driven, up 1.5 cents from 2023.

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, visit the IRS website or contact Accounting at accounting@drake.edu.

—Jenifer Baugher, Accounting

For Staff Archive

Bulldog Connect Jan. 10 at Hubbell

Join colleagues from across campus for a $5 lunch at Hubbell on Wednesday, Jan. 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Members of All Staff Council’s Events & Community Service committee will host the lunch, so you will have a friendly face to talk to. Come and go as your schedule allows.

— Lauren McCarthy, On behalf of All Staff Council

Campus Announcements Archive

Drake Mobile ID coming in January

Starting in the spring semester, the new Drake Mobile ID will be available to campus.

Do you misplace or forget your Drake ID card? Do you frequently use campus services, including the dining halls, Bulldog Bucks, recreational services, and the library? You can soon access these services and more using just your mobile phone or smart watch. 

The Drake Mobile ID is a new, secure way for you to use Drake services from the convenience of your phone or watch. In order to use the mobile ID, you must have a picture on file with Student Services. Next, you will download the Transact E-Accounts application and add your Drake Mobile ID to your Apple or Samsung wallet. Then, simply hold your phone or watch to a card reader to scan your ID. No need to turn your device on or search for your card. More instructions and detailed information will be available before the launch date. 

A group of select students, faculty, and staff have graciously tested these features, and the Drake Mobile ID will be released to campus on January 29, 2024. Participation in the Drake Mobile ID is not required but encouraged. You are not required to dispose of your physical ID card if you choose to participate in the Drake Mobile ID. 

The Drake Mobile ID is subject to the same terms and conditions as a physical ID card. Any misuse, including sharing your credential with any other individual, is in violation of Drake University Student Conduct Code and will result in disciplinary action. The Drake Mobile ID uses the native NFC technology within each device that is also utilized for any other ID or payment function. Additionally, the ID credential stored within the Drake Mobile ID is encrypted and can only be read by readers deployed by Drake with the proper decryption. 

Please contact the Student Services Center with questions or concerns by emailing studentservices@drake.edu, visiting the office located in Olmsted, or calling 515-271-2000. 

— Scott Law, Public Safety & Operational Services

HR Information Archive

Register now for Spring 2024 BUILD classes

Bulldogs United in Learning & Development (BUILD) provides faculty and staff learning opportunities throughout the academic year that address technical, soft, philosophical, and very practical skills.  BUILD is a great platform for learning new ideas as well as an opportunity to collaborate with others from across campus.

The Spring 2024 schedule is now available for viewing and registration is open.  Please take a moment to check out the classes on the Drake HR website under Learning & Development.  Click on BUILD – Upcoming Sessions for the full list, including detailed descriptions.  There is an online registration link to a Qualtrics survey that makes signing up easy.

Most classes are only an hour in length, and many are facilitated by our own faculty and staff.  This is a great way to invest in yourself, support your colleagues, and take in the culture that Drake has to offer.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Campus Announcements Archive

Bulldog Shop holiday hours

As we head into the holiday break, please note that the Bulldog Shop store hours will be reduced to give our team a well-deserved rest. We will be closed Thursday, Dec. 21, through Tuesday, Jan. 2. Make sure to plan your visits accordingly and grab your Drake essentials and holiday gifts in time. Wishing everyone a relaxing and joyful break.

Please note: Online orders received after noon on Wednesday, Dec. 20, will be processed beginning Wednesday, Jan. 3.

— The Bulldog Shop

Campus Announcements Archive

Administrative Services Survey: Office of Finance report to the campus community

The Offices of Finance and Financial Aid would like to thank everyone for taking the time to complete the Administrative Services Survey earlier this fall.  We have gained valuable feedback to help us maintain and improve the services we provide to students, faculty, and staff.

Ratings for every question were very consistent with prior year ratings.  Each of the departments individually scored between 4.0 and 5.0 on the 5-point scale.  The overall satisfaction with the services provided by the Offices of Finance and Financial Aid score was 4.42 compared to 4.57 in 2022.  While there is always room for improvement, the unit’s staff are clearly doing their best to meet our service-oriented objectives to:

  • Ensure our constituents are engaged and informed,
  • Ensure integrity and transparency,
  • Process university resources timely and accurately, and
  • Improve service excellence.

The comments included in the survey were very helpful.  We appreciate the many positive comments that recognized outstanding service provided by staff.  The item for improvement that we noted and plan to work on over the next year is to ensure that we are having consistently positive interactions with all those that interact with the finance and financial aid functions.

Thank you again for participating in the Administrative Survey and please know that your input is reviewed and analyzed by the entire staff of the Offices of Finance and Financial Aid.

— Adam Voigts, Chief Financial Officer

Campus Announcements Archive

Meredith Hall to begin work to replace second level flooring Dec. 18

The upcoming winter break provides our Facilities Planning and Management team and contractors time to complete projects. One of these projects is the replacement of the second corridor flooring in Meredith Hall. This work will occur from Dec. 18, 2023, to Jan. 22, 2024. During this time, faculty, staff, and students will not have access to the second floor. Stairwell and elevator access from the first floor to the basement level will be maintained.

— Rob Ebel, Project Manager, Facilities Planning and Management