The Office of Finance and Administration wants to remind faculty and staff of the resources available for contracts and legal services. There is an informational contracting link on the Office of Finance and Administration website. The site provides the following resources:

• Contracting policy
• Contract Overview
• Contract Process – Approval and Retention
• Checklists
• Independent Contractor Determination
• Templates

If you are entering into a new contract and are unsure of what to look for, refer to the checklist. If you are still unsure on some terms and/or language, you can email ducontracts@drake.edu, and we can help you through the process.

Please send all fully executed contracts to ducontracts@drake.edu so we can enter them in our contracting database. Those that can be kept at the department level are the following: independent contractor agreements, speakers, entertainers, artists, transportation, and hotels. These will need to be kept in your respected offices for a minimum of three years. They can be scanned copies.

If you have any questions you can email ducontracts@drake.edu or call Kelly Foster at 271-2804.

—Kelly Foster, Finance and Administration

The Office of University Communications offers a variety of photography resources, including a new online photo-sharing platform. The new platform includes general Drake photography, Des Moines imagery, and Drake-issued headshots. Visit www.drake.edu/communications/resources/photo/ to learn more about and access the platform. Each department or college has an appointed photography contact to access specific archived photography and current photo requests. This resource is for faculty and staff use only.

Faculty and staff can also request photography services at this website.

Please contact Digital Content Specialist Justice Simpson ( justice.simpson@drake.edu ) for any questions or for more information.

—Justice Simpson, University Communications

During the next couple of weeks, eligible voters (full-time faculty of instruction holding the rank of adjunct, assistant professor, associate professor, or professor not primarily engaged in administration) will be nominating and selecting six 2017–2019 At-Large Senators.

Please contact Nancy Geiger (ext. 3095) if you have questions.

—Nancy Geiger

Prior to the Feb. 23 Drake social there will be an all-campus meeting from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., with Sandy Hatfield Clubb, director of athletics, sharing insights and the impact of athletics at Drake. This is open to all faculty and staff.

The Drake social will follow immediately, 4:30–6 p.m. Both events are in Shivers Hospitality Suite, adjacent to The Knapp Center. Attendees will receive one complimentary ticket for beer or wine. Water, soda, etc. are also on the house. Nearby parking is available.

There will also be an all-campus meeting prior to the March 23 social, with Chris Gill, chief information technology officer, at 3:30 p.m.

—Drinda Williams, Office of the Provost

Are you signed up for the Club Ped Program? We can help you reach your 10k steps by April! Come to the Group X Walking Group class on Thursdays from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. The class takes place on The Knapp Center track, and it is a fun way to socialize and get some exercise in to break up your busy day!

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.: Black History Month Meal. Faculty and staff can dine for just $5. Sodexo and the Coalition of Black Students have designed a meal including succotash okra soup, country fried steak, mashed potatoes & grave, fried catfish, mixed greens, baked mac & cheese, hush puppies, red beans & rice, pecan pie, and banana pudding.

Wednesday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.: Vegan Lunch at Hubbell. Faculty and staff can dine for just $5.

—Jennifer Bowersox, Sodexo

This spring, the Student Disability Services (SDS) office is piloting a “First Friday” series with the College of Arts and Sciences. The first discussion was held Feb. 3. The session provided an overview of services by SDS staff Michelle Laughlin and Leah Berte, and focused on “flexibility with attendance” as an academic accommodation. An overview of best approaches/practices was shared among SDS staff and faculty in Medbury Lounge.

If other colleges or schools are interested in joining the discussion or interested in a particular topic, please contact Leah Berte at leah.berte@drake.edu. The next First Friday will be held on March 3 from 1 to 2 p.m. with a TBA location; the topic will be preparing students for midterms and finals. The rest of the discussion is open to questions the group may have.

—Leah Berte, Student Disability Services

Celebrate Staff Appreciation day on March 3 with a jeans day. All staff are welcome to wear jeans to work.

—Erica Hartschen, All Staff Council

Mortar Board Honor Society is currently undergoing membership selection. We place a high value on academics, service, and leadership. If you know of any current junior or senior student who fulfills these criteria, encourage them to apply for Mortar Board Honor Society, or nominate someone by contacting nicholas.bianchina@drake.edu.

—Nicholas Bianchina