Join Community Action Board on Monday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m. in upper Olmsted, CR 310–311, for a collaborative round table discussion on how to improve community engagement and how to be a good neighbor within the Drake Neighborhood. The session will also cover how to get involved with CAB during the school year.

— Laura Harris, AS’20

Portable electric space heaters can be a convenient source of supplemental heat in cold weather. Unfortunately, they can pose significant fire and electric shock hazards if not used properly. Space heaters without adequate safety features, space heaters placed near combustibles, or space heaters that are improperly plugged in can cause fire and electrical hazards.

Space heaters used at Drake should meet the following safety criteria:

• Tip-Over Power Cut-Off Switch
• Automatic Thermostat Control
• Overheat Protection Device (Shuts power off if unit overheats)
• UL Approval
• Housing That Is Cool To Touch

Safety should always be a top consideration when using space heaters. Here are some tips for keeping safe and warm when it’s cold outside:

• Make sure your space heater has the label showing that it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory.
• Before using any space heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully.
• Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater.
• Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Proper placement of space heaters is critical. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs.
• Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard.
• Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.
• Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, or furniture
• Always unplug and safely store the heater when it is not in use.

— Chris Nickell, Environmental Health & Safety

Facilities Planning and Management will host a retirement open house for Jolene Schmidt, director of capital projects, on Friday, Dec. 6, from 12:30–2:30 p.m. in the Paul Morrison Room. Jolene will be retiring after 38 years of serving faculty, staff, students and visitors. She held several roles in her career at Drake starting in the stock room and eventually being involved in over $201 million of capital improvements across the campus. All will greatly miss her vast historical knowledge of Drake’s campus growing and changing over the years.

Please join us in thanking Jolene for her dedicated service and commitment to Drake, congratulating her on this well-deserved retirement.

— Kevin Moran, Executive Director, Facilities Planning and Management

Microsoft Office is a tool most of us use each day. Some things are easy to figure out, but what if you run into an issue? Or you’re not sure how to perform a task? Or you need to learn something new?

Here’s where to go for help.

1. Use the application’s Help menu: Go to the Help menu within the Microsoft Office application you’re using. If you start typing a word, you’ll get an arrow pointing to the menu item or a link to a tutorial. It’s always up to date for your version of whatever program you’re using. It’s a good way to refresh your memory or to learn more about the program’s functions.
2. Support.office.com: Microsoft’s website, support.office.com has templates, tutorials, and videos listed by application for various level users. If you search this website, be sure you’ve noted the version of the product you’re needing help on (2016, 2013 or 2010), as well as your platform (Mac, PC, etc.). Not sure where to find that information? Look in your application under the About menu.
3. Google it: Google is a great place to find links to sites that specialize in an application, or step-by-step tutorials. Be sure that you note your application’s version and platform so you can find the right information. Menus and functionality vary by product, and there’s enough difference that you may be confused if you’re not looking at the exact version you have on your computer.

— Carla Herling, ITS