Earlier this year, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced a rule change to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that impacted how some employees were classified under the FLSA for purposes of overtime eligibility. Drake, like many employers nationwide, prepared for the new rule to take effect on Dec. 1, 2016.

Last Tuesday, Nov. 22, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued an injunction stopping, at least temporarily, the implementation of those changes to the FLSA. The DOL has the option to appeal the Order to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which may affirm or overturn the ruling. The proposed regulation will not go into effect on Dec. 1. 

Like many other employers including those in higher education, Drake is suspending planned employee classification changes in light of the court-ordered injunction. We will continue to closely monitor this developing situation and analyze any steps necessary to ensure compliance with the FLSA.

Human Resources is reaching out to affected employees and their managers with additional information and to address individual questions and concerns.

—Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer

Take this brief survey to tell us what features, services, resources, and spaces you’d like to see in an updated library facility. All Drake faculty, staff, and students are welcome to participate. Current Drake students who provide a valid Drake email address will be entered in a drawing for a $20 Sodexo gift card after completing the survey!

—Leslie Noble, Cowles Library

In anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Safe Ride bus will not run Wednesday, Nov. 23, through Saturday, Nov. 26. SafeRide will resume its normal hours of operation starting Sunday, Nov. 27. Have a wonderful and relaxing break.

—Tricia McKinney, Drake Public Safety

The University Book Store will have adjusted hours during Thanksgiving week

Monday, Nov. 21: 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (normal hours)
Tuesday, Nov. 22: 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (normal hours)
Wednesday, Nov. 23: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 24: Closed
Friday, Nov. 25: Closed
Saturday, Nov. 26: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

—Kelly Foster, Finance and Administration

The STEM@DRAKE project continues to make good progress, taking full advantage of the good weather we have been having this fall. We want to thank everyone for their continued patience with some of the inconveniences that construction can bring, such as altered pathways and occasional noise.

As the structures are taking shape, we are now getting a real sense for the impact these two new buildings will have on our campus. The Steering Team and key building contacts continue to work diligently to plan for the completion of these structures in 2017.

A plaza and improved landscaping along 27th Street is planned as part of the STEM@DRAKE project. A technical committee, comprising faculty, staff, and students, have been consulting on the plaza design. The group has shared some great ideas for the type of outdoor space that is desired, including a focus on sustainability, gathering space, and connectivity to other key areas on campus. Watch for more information as designs take shape in the coming months.

—Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer

Due to the University closing at noon on Nov. 23, most campus buildings will be locked at 1 p.m. Card access will still allow you to enter your authorized buildings; they will just be locked to the general public. Regular door schedule will resume on Sunday, Nov. 27.  Please contact Public Safety (515-271-2222) if you have a door access emergency during this time. Feel free to email studentservices@drake.edu if you have a general (non-emergent) card access question or concern.

Happy Thanksgiving!

—Sara Heijerman, Campus Card Office

Are you developing or revising University policies? If so, consult the Policy Development, Approval and Communication policy on the University-wide policy website. There are tools to help in the development process including Policy Development Procedures, a Policy Template, and a new form recently added, Policy Development Process. Watch for changes in a new policy library in the spring.

—Andrea McDonough, Finance and Administration

On Thursday, Nov. 10, Parking Lot 10, the lot on the southwest corner of Forest Avenue and 25th Street (north of the Harmon Fine Arts Center), will be closed so that work can be performed in the area. Commuter parking is available directly to the east in Lot 1.  Thank you for your cooperation.

—Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer

During the last month, in recognition of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, ITS shared information about identifying and protecting yourself from phishing emails. Now, here’s a chance to see what you’ve learned and help you better protect yourself from online threats such as identity theft and fraud—both on campus and off.

Later this week we are re-launching phishing simulation training. A phishing simulation email will be randomly sent out to 500 faculty and staff members. If you receive the email and click through the link, you’ll be sent to an informational page. If you receive an email you suspect is phishing, simulated or not, please forward it as an attachment to informationsecurity@drake.edu.

Participating in training like this is an effective and risk-free way to learn about the dangers of phishing and help protect individual and campus data. If you have questions or concerns, please contact informationsecurity@drake.edu. To learn more about IT security, please visit our blog at its.drake.edu/category/security-blog/. And don’t forget to enter the ITS phishing contest at its.drake.edu/phish!

—Peter Lundstedt, Information Security Manager