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

The Nelson Construction and Development project across from Old Main, which will include a new hotel, retail space, and restaurant, is set to break ground in the spring of 2019. As Nelson Construction and Development proceeds with the project, they will provide updates and schedules, which will be published in OnCampus and provided to building contacts through Facilities Planning and Management. Nelson will continue to allow access to the parking lots (lots 5 and 8) until late February when construction staging will begin.

The hotel, restaurant, and retail project started to take form in April 2017 when Drake University announced the sale of two parcels of University-owned land to Nelson Construction and Development after a competitive selection process. This project represents the first phase of development on a 2.65-acre site that neighbors First Christian Church on the south side of University Avenue and crosses 26^th Street to the west.

—Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer