You are invited to nominate a colleague for the Madelyn M. Levitt Employee Excellence and Distinguished Community Service Awards.  Nominations are due to Human Resources by Friday, March 5.

Madelyn M. Levitt established the Distinguished Community Service Award to recognize the outstanding contributions of Drake faculty and staff to the Drake community. Recipients are chosen on the following criteria:

• A demonstrated personal commitment to volunteerism and community service.
• An outstanding record of leadership or substantial involvement in community projects, services and activities contributing to the quality of life in our region, state and/or the nation.
• Professional and personal values and behavior that typify the ideals of “giving back to others” and “making a difference in the lives of others.”
• The nominee must be a current faculty or staff member with at least five years of service at Drake.

 The Employee Excellence Award is presented to a staff member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to excellence in the performance of their duties. Criteria for the award include:

• Exceptional performance as an employee of Drake University
• Outstanding dedication to providing courteous, prompt and quality service.
• Demonstrated commitment to University programs, initiatives and services.
• Professional values and behavior that demonstrate exceptional service to others and a commitment to Drake University
• The nominee must be a current staff member with at least one year of service at Drake.

To nominate a colleague, submit a letter of nomination to Human Resources. Nomination letters may be sent through campus mail or electronically to drakehr@drake.edu.  The letter should detail specific examples of how the nominee exemplifies each of the applicable criteria. Additional letters of support are not necessary.

For additional information, please contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Human Resources and All Staff Council are putting together a Smile Slideshow and we need your help. We need a picture of you smiling! It can be a picture of you alone, or with your family, friends, co-workers, or pets. The only requirement is that the picture must include you and you must be smiling in the photo.

The smiling photos will be compiled into a slideshow and posted on myDrake for easy access when you need a break to see some smiles.

If you would like to help us out, please email a copy of your smiling digital image, by Friday, Feb. 19, to linda.feiden@drake.edu.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

As departments and academic programs start to plan for possible summer youth programs, including camps, we are providing some tools to facilitate review of your planned activity in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. All programs and campus must complete this process. The first step is to complete an online program description form aimed at collecting key information about the program and planned health and safety protocols.

This will prompt a review by appropriate individuals, including the Department of Environmental Health & Safety. This review will also help ensure that things like custodial and food service support are available, as these services require additional planning in light of COVID-19 protocols. Program sponsors can begin publicizing the program after this review is complete.

As with all things related to the pandemic, it is important to keep in mind that all youth programs and events are subject to change or cancellation if conditions change.

— Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer

In response to what we heard from employees who participated in the September 2020 survey, our Spring 2021 faculty/staff wellbeing programs will focus on five key areas: social connection, mental health resources, recognition, financial resources, and self-care.

Social Connection. The All Staff Council in partnership with Human Resources offered two virtual “watercooler” events in January as a way for faculty and staff to informally connect with colleagues across campus. Look for more in the coming months. Another great way to connect is using group chats through Microsoft Teams. Here are three groups you should consider joining:

• Remote Work Support Group – email ascspecialinterest@drake.edu to join
• Parents Group – email jones@drake.edu to join
• Wellness Group – email feiden@drake.edu to join

Mental Health Resources. The 2021 Spring Term BUILD Schedule includes a variety of virtual classes addressing mental health. Make it Ok in the Workplace on Feb. 9 from 2-3 p.m., discusses how to reduce stigma by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness.  On Feb. 26, the Occupational Therapy students will share a presentation on Emotional & Mental Health Wellbeing, and on March 25, Employee & Family Resources will moderate a discussion titled Behavioral Health in the Workplace.  Details on all classes can be found on myDrake.

Recognition. Recognizing employee contributions, and creating meaningful recognition and awards programs, is an important part of the Drake culture.  In March we will focus on ways we can recognize our colleagues. March 5 is National Employee Appreciation Day, but the goal is to share gratitude and appreciation every day.

Financial Resources. Uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, and its economic impact on the University and our personal lives, has created a surge in financial stress and anxiety.  In April we will focus on available resources and tools to assist you in making the best decisions for you and your family. We will roll out a financial wellness program, share TIAA resources you may have overlooked, and offer a presentation on financial planning.

Self-Care. In May we will focus on self-care. This includes being active, eating right, and getting enough sleep. It also includes addressing stress and knowing the resources and tools to assist you when needed.

One important, but often overlooked resource is Employee & Family Resources (EFR). They offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all full-time Drake employees and their family members. You can reach EAP by phone (800-327-4692) or visit their website at https://www.efr.org/login/. All EAP benefits are confidential and available 24/7/365.

In addition, EFR offers webinars, podcasts and COVID-19 resources to help us navigate these stressful times.

For more information on current and upcoming wellbeing programs, please contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

After the switch to Teams calling, old phone handsets are no longer needed for individual extensions. Boxes are being placed in all campus buildings to collect these phones and recycle them.

Look for a cardboard box near your building’s mailboxes marked PHONE E-WASTE and recycle your phone handset before Feb. 26.

If you’re not going to be on campus before then, please work with your building manager or a colleague to ensure your phone handset is recycled properly.

—Chris Mielke, ITS

All Staff Council nominations are now open! Do you know a staff member who would like to make an impact to strengthen the staff experience on campus? Submit a nomination. Nominations are due Tuesday, Feb. 16, by 5 p.m. Learn more about ASC.

— Leslie Noble, On behalf of All Staff Council