Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 15, you will notice a few changes to OnCampus, and for those who submit news and announcements, a slightly new submission process.

OnCampus serves as a key internal communication resource, distributing 30 to 40 news items each week. Submission have often pertained to events, which are now promoted via the University’s online events calendar, which was launched earlier this fall and announced in OnCampus. Starting next month, OnCampus will no longer include event submissions as they belong instead on the online calendar; this should greatly improve the readability of OnCampus and ensure the content is relevant and easily consumable.

The “featured events” section of OnCampus will include three events each week that will be chosen at the discretion of University Communications and Marketing. All other events (meetings, lectures, athletic events, fine arts performances, discussions, faculty and staff development sessions, town halls, etc.) should be submitted to the University calendar. In every edition of OnCampus, there will be a button that drives readers to the calendar for a comprehensive list of events. For information and how-to guides on how to use the calendar, see the OnCampus article published earlier this fall.

If you’re worried about missing events, consider adding relevant event categories to your personal calendar. Within the calendar, select the category you want on the right-hand side of the page, such as “Arts & Entertainment.” A new page will open listing the events within this category. Click on the appropriate calendar icon at the top of the page (Google, Outlook, iCal), and all future events in this category will automatically be added to your calendar.

The second change coming to the newsletter pertains to the submission process. Historically, there have been multiple ways to submit news to OnCampus. In order to make the process simple and more efficient, we are asking faculty, staff, and students to submit all OnCampus stories using the online submission form on the OnCampus website. Please review the submission guidelines before submitting your news item.

For questions, contact Ashton Hockman at ashton.hockman@drake.edu.

—Ashton Hockman, University Communications and Marketing

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, 2019, the standard mileage rate issued by the IRS for the use of a car will be: 58 cents per business mile driven, up from 54.5 cents in 2018.

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

Clarification regarding Southwest and Allegiant internet only fares: Some airlines, such as Southwest and Allegiant, may not share all of their inventory to display through the Short’s online booking tool. These fares can typically be booked through an agent. If you do not see the flight or airline you are looking for on the booking tool, please contact a Short’s agent at 877-263-2550. As a reminder, the agent fee will not apply (during regular business hours) until a trip is booked.

Caron Findlay, Director of Purchasing and Business Services

Due to the end of the semester, OnCampus will not be distributed Dec. 18, Dec. 25, and Jan. 1. The newsletter will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 8.

—Ashton Hockman, University Communications and Marketing

As the campus community steps into the exciting process of Big Ideas—helping to shape the future priorities of Drake—it seems a good time to celebrate Drake’s culture of philanthropy and the powerful impact of our alumni and friends. Gifts from generous donors are vital to our success, allowing us to do things that would otherwise not be possible.

University Advancement’s focused development efforts, working alongside partners from across the University, has resulted in a successful start to this fundraising year. Since the start of the fiscal year, a number of meaningful gifts have been secured/documented. Below is not an exhaustive list, but it does highlight many new gift commitments since July.

Thanks to each of you who help to foster Drake’s culture of philanthropy through enthusiastic representation, meaningful stewardship, passionate advocacy, and true commitment to share University Advancement’s effort to inspire and engage alumni, students, and friends advancing the mission of the University.

• Scholarship and Travel Funds — $1.7 million (supporting all colleges/schools)
  • Including $1 million received gift from the estate of Dorothy Dawson for scholarship supporting the School of Education
• The Ray Center — $710,000
• Boys and Girls Club capital — $105,000
• Drake Law School — $137,000
• Drake Athletics — $473,000
• The Harkin Institute — $4 million
• Slay Fund for Social Justice — $100,000
• CBPA Career Services — $50,000
• SJMC — $125,000 (planned gift)
• Marching Band — $125,000 (planned gift)
• University General Endowment — $200,000
• Sustainability Initiative — $100,000+
• Murphy Cup (CBPA) — $25,000
• Arts and Sciences — $44,500
• Buchanan Center (CBPA) — $100,000
• World Language Programs — $40,000
• Pharmacy — $31,000
• Lorentzen Hatchery (CBPA) — $150,000
• The Drake Fund to date — $1.425 million (as of December 7)

—John Smith, University Advancement

Building schedules will change for the holiday break. Following graduation, we will adopt “administrative hours” for most campus buildings while classes are not in session (buildings will be open on weekdays from 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). Doors will be locked for the winter break from Dec. 22 to Jan. 1. Faculty and staff will still be able to utilize their authorized access plans (for example, 24/7 access to their office buildings), but extended hour student plans will be shut off during this time. Regular building hours and extended student access will resume at the start of J-term (Jan. 7).

Cowles Library open hours/after-hours are listed on their website.

Please contact Public Safety (515-271-2222) if you have a door access emergency during this time, or contact the Student Services Center (515-271-2000 or studentservices@drake.edu) if you have  general card access questions or concern.

—Sara Heijerman, Student Services Center

After 25 years of dedicated service to Drake University, Gary Johnson, director of HR Operations, will retire on Dec. 14. Please join us for a retirement reception in his honor on Wednesday, Dec. 12, from 12:30–2 p.m. in Shivers.

—Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer

The University Book Store is having a three-day sale from Dec. 11-13. Get 25% off select Drake apparel and gifts.

Stop into the University Book Store to take care of everyone on your holiday shopping list.

—Katie Wilz, University Book Store

University Book Store finals week hours:

• Dec. 10–11: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Dec. 12–13: 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Dec. 14: 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
• Dec. 15: 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Return your fall rental books by Dec. 14. Drake ID required for book buyback.

—Katie Wilz, University Book Store

The ITS support center, currently located on the second floor of Collier-Scripps Hall, will be returning to its usual location in Carnegie Hall on Friday, Dec. 21. The support center relocated due to the rain event, but is returning to the newly renovated lower level of Carnegie Hall. The support center will be open for walk-in assistance during its standard hours of Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also get 24/7 tech support by calling 515-271-3001 or submit a request online at service.drake.edu/its.

—Carla Herling, ITS