As a reminder, formal risk management domestic trip/travel processes and guidelines that address university driver approval, trip registration, releases, and emergency contacts can be found here.

These tools help to mitigate risk when traveling on domestic required class trips or voluntary trips. Examples of voluntary trips include travel by student organizations, mock trial, debate, field trips, etc.

It’s important to note that a formal process was implemented last July for use of vehicles that seat more than eight passengers. A checklist and approval process to drive vehicles that transport nine or more, can be found online here. The new driver protocols are being implemented to improve Drake’s current vehicle/driver safety program and to help reduce potential accidents and losses.

For questions, contact Donna Blunck at donna.blunck@drake.edu or the trip advisor.

— Donna Blunck, Finance & Administration

Last spring, 1,418 students completed the Drake Student Survey. Noteworthy findings include: strong student ratings for general satisfaction and overall quality, high ratings of skills and learning gains, the positive influence of out-of-class experiences, and the impact of relationships with faculty. When asked about ways to enhance students’ experience, one major theme was concern regarding campus climate (diversity and inclusion, political).

Drawing from the results of the Drake Student Survey and other instruments, we will be hosting another “Data to Action” workshop that will focus on diversity and inclusion on Feb. 26 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Cowles Library Reading Room. Similar to the previous workshop, we look forward to a robust discussion about how data might inform steps we can take as a community to create a more positive climate.

Read the full Drake Student Survey report, which includes longitudinal and college/school data.

— Kevin Saunders, Office of Institutional Research and Assessment

Hubbell Dining is hosting three themed meals this week. Today, Feb. 13, attend a Mardi Gras dinner from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tomorrow, Feb. 14, eat lunch at Hubbell for a chance to decorate a heart shaped cookie. Friday, Feb. 16, celebrate Chinese New Year during lunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Faculty and staff can dine for just $5 by showing their Drake ID to the cashier.

— Jennifer Bowersox, Hubbell Dining

ITS is excited to announce an improved process for accessing the guest wireless network. Guests no longer need to register through email or text message, so connecting to the guest wireless network is much easier. Campus visitors simply need to select the DUGuest network and enter a few details to connect for the day. View step-by-step instructions for signing into the guest wireless network.

Just a reminder, the guest network is designed for campus guests to obtain temporary access to the Internet. It is not a secure network and is intended only for web browsing. Students, faculty, and staff should use the secure DUStudent and DUFacstaff networks on all their devices.

— Chris Mielke, ITS

The Olmsted Lot (Lot 16) will be closed this spring on two occasions: Thursday, Feb. 8 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a campus-wide career fair and from April 25 to 29 for the Drake Relays.

— Scott Law, Public Safety & Operational Services

The University Book Store is proud to carry two clothing brands that believe in fair trade, sustainability, respect for their workers and doing good things in their communities.

Alta Gracia is known for implementing a living wage in the Dominican Republic. Workers are paid enough to provide a family access to three healthy meals a day, a safe home, transportation, healthcare, and education. Proceeds from these purchases go directly to the people making the clothing, helping to provide a pathway out of poverty. The Book Store carries an assortment of Alta Gracia products, including long and short sleeve t-shirts.

League Collegiate Outfitters seeks to improve the lives of their employees with programs in El Salvador including financial assistance and gang rehabilitation. The Book Store carries an assortment of League products, including t-shirts, hooded and pullover sweatshirts, pants and shorts.

Please visit our store in the Olmsted Center to see these new products.

— Katie Wilz, University Book Store

View Drake Postal Operations’ new website to learn how the team can save your department time and money. Here are just a few of the ways:

• Mail: Drake Postal Operations can meter your department mail to save time, print addresses directly on your mail pieces for a professional look, or use our automated inserter/folder to free up your staff.
• Parcel Shipping: The team’s extensive knowledge of carriers and the latest postal regulations can help you make the best and most cost-effective choice for your outgoing packages.
• Campus Delivery: Drake Postal Operations takes pride in making sure you have your mail and packages when you need them.

The department’s cutting-edge equipment makes mass mailing easy, whether you need metering, addressing, or automated folding and inserting.

Contact Drake Postal Operations to learn more about its services.

— Tim Reger, Drake Postal Operations

The Department of World Languages and Cultures invites the campus community to chat in Spanish with a native speaker during Conversation Hours. Spanish Conversation Hours are scheduled four times a week this semester: Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and Fridays from 10 to 11 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Conversation Hours are held in Meredith, Room 207.

All levels of Spanish speakers from all areas of the Drake community are welcome. The group warmly supports all participants with opportunities for practicing Spanish; no long-term commitment is required to attend. Don’t worry if you haven’t spoken Spanish for a decade, or ever; all participants are on the language-learning journey.

For additional information, contact Assistant Professor of Spanish Inbal Mazar at inbal.mazar@drake.edu.

— Dorothy Pisarski, School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Join ITS for the next session of Tech Tuesday on Feb. 13 from 2 to 2:50 p.m. in the Dial Center Large Conference Room.

The session will focus on tech troubleshooting. ITS staff will help you learn what steps to take when your tech acts up, where to go for troubleshooting information, and how and when to bring in help.

Sign up for this session and other upcoming sessions.

— Carla Herling, ITS

Numerous injuries result from slips and falls on icy sidewalks, parking lots, roads, and other outdoor locations. Here are 10 tips to reduce injuries from wet and icy surfaces.

1. Snow removal and salting of slick areas can help. However, many times, total elimination of the hazard is impossible.
2. Be aware of your surroundings. Anticipate the fact that you are apt to fall at any moment when walking on ice. Often ice will appear in the morning, in shady spots, or where the sun shines during the day and melted snow refreezes at night.
3. Wear appropriate footwear. Footwear should have low heels with soles constructed of a slip-resistant material. Don’t wear footwear that is not able to grip the surface on which you are walking.
4. Be careful when shifting your weight. When stepping off a curb or getting into a car, shifting your weight may cause an imbalance and result in a fall.
5. Adjust your stride. Take shorter steps and walk with your feet spread further apart laterally so that your center of gravity is maintained directly above your feet at all times.
6. Plan ahead. While walking on snow or ice, walk consciously. Instead of looking down, look up to see where your feet will move next to anticipate ice or an uneven surface. Occasionally scan from left to right to ensure you are not in the way of vehicles or other hazards. Be careful about what you walk under. Injuries can result from falling snow/ice as it blows, melts, or breaks away from buildings.
7. While seeing the environment is important, you also want to listen for approaching traffic and other noises. Avoid listening to music or engaging in conversation that may prevent you from hearing oncoming traffic or snow removal equipment.
8. Take steps slowly. When walking down steps, be sure to grip handrails firmly and plant your feet securely on each step.
9. Don’t take shortcuts. A shortcut path may be treacherous if it is located where snow and ice removal is not possible.
10. Watch out for wet entryways. When you get to your destination, be sure to look at the floor as you enter the building. The floor may be wet with melted snow and ice. Try not to track snow into buildings. Wipe your feet off at the entrance so others won’t slip and fall on melted snow.

— Chris Nickell, Environmental Health & Safety