The Drake Book Store hours will be adjusted during holiday break and J-Term:

Dec. 19–23                      9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Dec. 25–26                      Closed
Dec. 27–30                      10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Dec. 31–Jan. 2               Closed

Jan. 3–20
Monday–Friday               9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Saturday                              10 a.m.–5 p.m.

MidAmerican Energy has shut down the sidewalk between Olin and Fitch Dec. 19–26 for work on the STEM@DRAKE buildings. See the Dec. 2016 Logistics Map for details.

The basic tree assessment of campus trees completed by Facilities Planning and Management (FPM) staff Aaron Harpold, certified arborist, and Jack Bush has determined several trees that are a priority for pruning or removal this winter. Pruning will improve the aesthetics, safety, and health of the tree canopy on campus and is proposed primarily for trees along Painted Street, south of Morehouse, and west of Aliber Hall.

Some tree removals are necessary due to structural problems, disease and insect infestation, storm damage, health condition of the tree, and the proximity to walkways or buildings for the safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The tree assessment found eight trees falling under these concerns and recommends their removal. The trees are located on this Tree Removal Map Winter 2016 and identified below:

The pruning and tree removals are being scheduled for completion over the winter months. Signage and detours around work areas will be in place during these operations. Due to the defects in the trunks or the particular species of trees, the wood from the removals are not worth keeping for other projects around campus. FPM will be organizing a tree planting on campus for spring. Updates will be provided on the FPM webpage and in OnCampus for those interested in volunteering in planting of the trees.

– Kevin Moran, Facilities Planning and Management

Numerous injuries result from slips and falls on icy sidewalks, parking lots, roads, and other outdoor locations. Snow removal and frequent salting of these areas can help. Many times, total elimination of the hazard is impossible, and measures must be taken to cope with this problem.

What precautions can we take to reduce both the frequency and severity of injuries that result from this hazard? Consider these tips:

Being aware of the danger is very important. 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.

The type of footwear you have on is very important during icy conditions. Footwear should have low heels with soles constructed of a slip-resistant material. We shouldn’t wear footwear that is not able to grip the surface we are walking on.

Be careful when you shift your weight. When stepping off a curb or getting into a car, shifting your weight may cause an imbalance and result in a fall.

You should adjust your stride so that your center of gravity is maintained directly above your feet at all times. Shorten your stride—take shorter steps. Walk with your feet spread further apart laterally than you would under normal conditions.

Plan ahead. While walking on snow or ice on sidewalks or in parking lots, walk consciously. Instead of looking down, look up and 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 also can result from falling snow/ice as it blows, melts, or breaks away from awnings, buildings, etc.

Use your eyes and ears. While observing the environment is important, you also want to be sure you can hear 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.

Walk steps slowly. When walking down steps, be sure to grip handrails firmly and plant your feet securely on each step.

Avoid taking shortcuts. Shortcuts are a good idea if you are in a hurry, but may be a bad idea if there is snow and ice on the ground. A shortcut path may be treacherous, because it is likely to be located where snow and ice removal is not possible.

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

Cowles Library will have extended hours Dec. 9-14 to accommodate the end of the Fall semester and finals week. Visit the Cowles Library website for detailed hours.

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.

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 

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