As you’ve no doubt noticed, construction on Drake’s two new buildings has made significant progress this fall—see where we’re at and learn fun facts with the December Construction Update.
Category Archives: Campus Announcements Archive
ITS Phishing Derby ends
Thank you to the more than 200 students, faculty, and staff who took the time to participate in the ITS phishing quiz. We hope you learned more about how to spot potentially malicious emails and secure your digital life.
Bluetooth headphones or speakers were won by:
Emily Anderson
Ashley Hawkins
Sara Heijerman
Courtney Luib
Craig Owens
Julie Shipley
Congratulations to all the winners!
We’d love your feedback on the quiz and the surrounding phishing campaign. Let us know your thoughts by emailing informationsecurity@drake.edu. And you can always learn more about how to protect yourself online by visiting our blog at its.drake.edu/category/security-blog/.
—Peter Lundstedt, Information Security Manager
Update on Department of Labor employee classification rule
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
Cowles Library wants to hear from YOU!
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
Safe Ride Thanksgiving operations
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
University Book Store Thanksgiving hours
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
STEM@DRAKE construction progress
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
Assessing trees on campus
This fall, Facilities Planning and Management (FPM) is completing a basic assessment of campus trees. With the expertise of FPM staff Aaron Harpold, certified arborist, and Jack Bush, a detailed visual inspection of the trees and surrounding conditions will be accomplished. The observations will locate and identify trees with health concerns or hazardous issues and develop mitigation options such as pruning or removals. While the evaluations of trees are being conducted, we will also identify those areas for additional tree planting opportunities. Drake has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Campus USA since 2011. For more information on that program go to www.arborday.org/programs/treecampususa/.
– Kevin Moran, Facilities Planning and Management
Thanksgiving break building hours
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
Support for developing/revising University policies
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