W-2 forms are available online through myDrake’s Employee Dashboard. To access and print your W-2, look to the “Taxes” section of the Employee Dashboard. Within this section, click “W-2 Wage and Tax Statement” and select the tax year for 2024.  Instructions are available for your reference. If you have questions, contact Human Resources at 271-3133.

— Lisa Etnyre, Human Resources

Get ready to hit the streets of downtown Des Moines! Grand Blue Mile registration opens Feb. 11, and for two days only, you can secure your spot for just $10—the lowest price of the year. Whether you’re aiming for a PR, walking with friends, or making it a family tradition, this is your chance to be part of the Midwest’s premier mile. Don’t miss out—sign up during the flash sale, February 11–12, and save!

— Ben Huftalin, Drake Relays

Stop by Cowles Library and explore the February Featured Collection, a celebration of Black voices, joy, and resilience.

In honor of Black History Month, we’ve gathered a selection of fiction and nonfiction by Black authors—stories that uplift, inspire, and illuminate. From triumphant personal narratives to imaginative tales that redefine possibility, these books showcase the richness and depth of Black storytelling.

Whether you’re looking for a powerful memoir, a moving novel, or a fresh perspective, you’ll find something to captivate and inspire. Come discover your next great read!

— Joanna Stankiewicz, Cowles Library

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer—three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Get trained today. Please consider attending an upcoming QPR training. Participants will learn valuable tools to respond to and support anyone that may exhibit the warning signs of suicide.

When: Various dates here. The first training will be held Thursday, Feb. 20, from 3:30 –4:30 p.m. 
Where: Olmsted, Rooms 312–313

For questions, contact kayla.bell@drake.edu.

Grab your winter essentials from the Bulldog Shop today to keep you ready for anything the season throws your way. Check out two of our must-have pieces:

• Windbreaker Jacket: Lightweight and breathable, perfect for those unpredictable Iowa days.
• Bomber Jacket: Sleek, warm, and ready to elevate your Bulldog style.

This is the perfect time to refresh your winter wardrobe—come visit us in-store or shop online.

— The Bulldog Shop

We’re excited to unveil the new digital edition of Blue Magazine, Drake University’s bi-annual alumni magazine. You can explore each story by scrolling through the issue or use the menu in the top right corner to jump to specific articles. Check out the latest issue for inspiring stories on The Ones: Drake’s Campaign for the Brave & Bold, community-driven initiatives from the Jay N. Darling Institute, and a celebration of 50 years of women’s basketball at Drake.

— Bruce Heintz, University Communications & Marketing

Cowles Library invites you to explore its latest featured collection, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East. This curated selection includes titles spanning a wide array of topics, from philosophy and politics to cinema, music, and beyond.

Dive into both fiction and nonfiction works by Middle Eastern authors to gain insight into the history, culture, and diverse perspectives of this region.

Visit the library to uncover inspiring reads and hidden treasures. There’s always something new waiting for you!

— Joanna Stankiewicz, Cowles Library

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 which result from this hazard? Being aware of the danger is very important.

1. Anticipate falls. Often ice will appear in the morning, in shady spots or where the sun shines during the day and melted snow refreezes at night.
2. Wear the right shoes. 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.
3. 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.
4. Shorten your stride—take shorter steps. You should adjust your stride so that your center of gravity is maintained directly above your feet at all times. Walk with your feet spread further apart laterally than you would under normal conditions.
5. 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.
6. Use your eyes and ears. While seeing 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.
7. Walk slowly on steps. When walking down steps, be sure to grip handrails firmly and plant your feet securely on each step.
8. 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.
9. Try not to track snow into buildings. 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. Wipe your feet off at the entrance so others won’t slip and fall on melted snow.

— Kevin Moran, Executive Director, Facilities Planning and Management