This past academic year, 488 faculty and staff attended Bulldogs United in Learning Drake (BUILD) classes.  These classes assist individuals with learning new skills, improving their well-being, and strengthening professional knowledge.

We are now in the process of planning for our 2022–2023 academic year.  If there are topics you would like to see addressed in BUILD sessions this fall, or next spring, please let us know.  If you have general suggestions for growing or improving the BUILD experience, we’d like to hear those too. And if you would like to present a BUILD session, we would love to hear from you!

Please send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu with your ideas and suggestions.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

As we reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic, there are some surprising silver linings. Employers are finding ways to be more flexible with where, when, and how work is performed. There are suddenly more obvious and easy ways to accommodate employees with disabilities. In many ways, we are finding it easier to empathize and give others space to be human. This is all great—drawing positives from this difficult chapter is important and meaningful.

One of the additional pandemic silver linings is that more and more people are talking about mental health—stress, anxiety, depression, grief. And this is great! The more open people are the less stigma attaches. However, mental health conditions, resources, and conversations can still feel, well, complicated.

It is important to recognize that there is often no one single cause for a mental health condition. Instead, there are many possible risk factors that can influence how likely a person is to experience a mental health condition or how serious the symptoms may be.

Some risk factors for mental health conditions include trauma, which can be a one-time event or ongoing; your environment and how it impacts your health and quality of life (also known as social determinants of health, like financial stability and access to health care); genetics; brain chemistry; and your personal habits and lifestyle, such as a lack of sleep.

Naturally, understanding the risk factors for a mental health condition can be more difficult when it’s your own mental health. Take time to ask yourself about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to see if this is part of a pattern that may be caused by a mental health condition. Here are some questions to get you started:

• Have things that used to feel easy started feeling difficult?
• Does the idea of doing daily tasks like making your bed now feel really, really hard?
• Have you lost interest in activities and hobbies you used to enjoy?
• Do you feel irritated, possibly to the point of lashing out at people you care about?

Our society focuses much more on physical health than mental health, but both are equally important. If you are concerned about your mental health, there are several options available. We wrote about mental health care options through Broadlawns and our EAP on May 3. We offered some self-care tips on May 10.

Another free resource to check out is a page hosted by Mental Health America featuring a range of screening tools you can take (with two offered in Spanish). I completed one of the screening tools and it only took a quick minute. The results do not constitute a diagnosis but are helpful. They include some possible “next steps” and a variety of related “Info & Resources.”

Take time to assess your mental health and to take care of you!

— Maureen De Armond, Human Resources

As we approach the end of Mental Health Awareness Month, and close out the academic year, now is a great time to reflect on your well-being.  Though the last two years ushered in tremendous change, one fundamental fact has not changed: we all need time to recharge.

Ultimately the responsibility of taking care of “you” starts with you.  It is not selfish to take care of your own needs — it is imperative.  Studies have shown that taking time away from the job can have physical and mental health benefits.  People who take vacations have lower stress, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and time away can even spur greater creativity.  Did you know that Lin-Manuel Miranda conceived the play Hamilton while on vacation?

Here are some guidelines to help you reap the benefits of vacation, wherever you go.

Get a change in scenery. Vacation doesn’t need to entail extensive travel. The fun of it is going somewhere that is different from your daily life. This may be a short drive from home, an extended road trip, or an excursion to the other side of town. For day and weekend trips, consider checking out one of Iowa’s amazing state parks.

Plan. Being spontaneous on occasions can be exciting, but pre-planning gives you something to look forward to, creating a sense of joy.  Even if you’re only going across town, you can still identify which days you’re going to take off and plan what you’re going to do in advance. Not interested in a long drive? Check out the events highlighted on the Catch Des Moines website.

Identify the type of experience you want to have. The ideal vacation is different for everyone. For some, it’s soaking up the sun by the water. For others, it’s a creative pursuit, exploring a new location, trying new cuisine, or engaging in an adventure sport. Knowing this will help you decide potential destinations and activities. If trying a new food or restaurant sounds good to you, check out the list of DSM restaurants on the Catch Des Moines website.

Spend time outdoors. Spending time in nature can benefit you both mentally and physically. Whether you’re traveling or staying home, build in time outdoors as part of your vacation.  Take a morning walk, fish on a lake, watch the waves crash at the beach or enjoy a picnic in a park. If you are looking for a new walk adventure, check out a Des Moines trail that you haven’t explored before. There are plenty to choose from!

Unplug. Unplugging from work can be difficult, but it is a big part of what makes vacation feel like vacation. It’s down time for your brain, creates the space for creativity to emerge and allows you to be fully present with your family and travel partners. Unplugging is easier said than done. Here are a few tips that may be helpful.

Create memories. Vacations are a great opportunity to create lasting, positive memories.  Recalling those happy memories can head off stress, anxiety, and depression. Capture fun moments with your smartphone, through journaling, or start a gratitude jar. You’ll enjoy revisiting these memories in the months and years to come.

As easy as it might be to keep on working and skip a vacation, don’t. Taking some time away can provide you with an experience that leaves you refreshed and re-energized, and you don’t have to go very far to do it. So, get packing and go. You’ll be glad you did.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

As we discussed in last week’s OnCampus, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This week, we wanted to provide some reminders about some of the resources available to Drake employees.

Broadlawns Medical Center

With our new partnership with Broadlawns Medical Center, Drake health plan participants can access mental health services and take advantage of virtual care visits with Broadlawns providers. As a reminder, all Broadlawns primary care providers are in-network.

Broadlawns Medical Center offers the most comprehensive delivery system for mental health services in Central Iowa. Its professionals are dedicated to excellence, compassion, and personalized care.

Providers from Broadlawns primary care, mental health and several specialty clinics offer virtual care services. Virtual Care Visits provide a safe and convenient way for you to access care through your existing provider or to establish care with a new healthcare provider. During your virtual care visit, Broadlawns providers can review your medical history, discuss chronic diseases, medications, acute concerns, symptoms of illness, mental health and prevention. Broadlawns also offers Outpatient Mental Health Services.

Broadlawns’ Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinical Director, Kindra Perry provides additional details about accessing these services:

Broadlawns Medical Center offers two platforms for virtual visits. The first option is through Doxy.me where a link is sent to you via text or email, and you can have your virtual appointment using your smart phone or computer.  The second option is through the Broadlawns patient portal where you log into your patient account to have your virtual appointment via your smart phone or computer. To access either of these telehealth appointment options, simply request a virtual visit when scheduling your appointment, and you can select the platform that works best for you!

Employee Assistance Program

All Drake employees and their spouses/partners and dependents also have access to Drake’s employee assistance program (EAP). Our EAP provider is Employee and Family Resources. Although many people think of EAP as offering free and confidential mental health counseling (which they do), our provider offers a wider range of resources, including webinars, podcasts, blogs, self-assessments, legal consultations, life coaching, and more. They even offer a free mobile app you can download.

Throughout the month of May, we will share additional resources. These, however, are two core resources available to support you, your mental wellbeing, and the mental wellbeing of your family.

— Maureen De Armond, Human Resources

May is Mental Health Awareness Month*. While stigma around mental health and treatment has decreased in recent years, there are still people who hesitate to take steps to address mental health challenges, seek care, and talk about mental health with friends, family, and even their medical providers. Given the additional stress and uncertainty that have accompanied the past couple of years, it’s as important now as it has ever been to talk about mental health.

*Note: World Mental Health Day is in October.

The goals of Mental Health Awareness month are multifaceted, and include:

• Educating the public and raising awareness
• Combatting stigma
• Supporting mental health policies
• Providing support
• Removing treatment barriers for people with mental illness

Now for some history about Mental Health Awareness Month: While it may be hard to believe, this was first celebrated in 1949 (73 years ago!). The commemoration was started by the predecessor to the National Mental Health Association, the National Committee for Mental Hygiene. Today, the National Mental Health Association is the country’s oldest and largest nonprofit mental health organization.

The National Committee for Mental Hygiene was founded by Clifford Whittingham Beers. Beers was born in 1876 in Connecticut. He was one of five children in his family, all of whom—including Beers—suffered from mental illness and psychological distress.

Beers spent time in a mental health institution and would later author “A Mind That Found Itself.” Gaining popularity and support from medical professionals, Beers founded the National Committee for Mental Hygiene. Beers was dedicated to ensuring that mental health patients received appropriate care and did not feel alone.

Another organization, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), helps raise awareness and combat stigma. NAMI has recently published a thoughtful guide for Mental Health Awareness Month this year. For 2022’s Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI identified “Together for Mental Health” as its theme. This theme pairs nicely with Drake’s Core Value of All In This Together.

Make It OK – Free Webinars May 2 and May 20 Make It OK is a national campaign which encourages everyone to talk more openly about mental illness in hopes of de-stigmatizing it so individuals will feel more open to seek care.  If you would like additional resources to help you help others, they are offering a free Make It OK presentation on May 2 and May 20. In the 50-minute presentation you will: Learn more about Make It OK Better understand what you can do to reduce the stigma through key messages and resources Feel more confident in talking more openly about mental illness, and helping people get the care and support they need You can access additional Make It OK – Iowa resources here.

For details about additional events, activities, and suggestions to observe Mental Health Awareness Month, please see the May HR Monthly. If you have never explored Drake’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), our EAP provider offers a wonderful range of resources—including confidential counseling, free webinars, podcasts, a blog, self-assessment tools, a free mobile app, and more. Make some time for yourself this month.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Now that spring has sprung, it is time to go outdoors and get moving. If you need a little nudge, we are bringing back the Walk this May team step challenge. During the month of May, teams of four to five will record their weekly step counts. Totals and how teams rank will be shared weekly to keep the competitive juices flowing. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the month.

To register, send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu by April 26 with your team members and team name. Grab your shoes and let’s get going!

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Now that spring has sprung, it is time to go outdoors and get moving. If you need a little nudge, we are bringing back the Walk this May team step challenge. During the month of May, teams of 4 to 5 will record their weekly step counts. Totals and how teams rank will be shared weekly to keep the competitive juices flowing. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the month.

To register, send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu by April 26. You may register as a team of 4 to 5 or register individually and you will be placed on a team. Grab your shoes and let’s get going.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Human Resources is pleased to announce that it has hired its first ever talent acquisition and diversity, equity, and inclusion specialist. Some of you may already know Marli Jefferson, as she is an existing member of the Drake family. Marli joined Public Safety in 2017, and upon obtaining her master’s, she was eager to take on a new challenge.

Although diversity, equity, and inclusion are topics we all deeply care about in Human Resources, our department has not yet had a person with the terms diversity, equity, and inclusion in their job title. Make no mistake, DEI is a part of each of our roles. However, we both wanted and needed additional expertise in these areas, as we strive to continuously grow, change, and improve. We are thrilled that Marli brings both expertise and enthusiasm to the table when it comes to DEI. And, if you have been involved in any hires recently, you already know that talent acquisition is a space where we could use some more help.

“I am so happy to continue my professional journey at Drake,” said Marli. “I am excited to bring my expertise but most of all my passion and willingness to learn to this new position. There is tremendous space for modernizing how we approach talent acquisition and further embed DEI principles in the work that we do. I am looking forward to contributing to these efforts.”

In the TA/DEI specialist role, Marli will play a prominent part our talent acquisition strategies and practices—including new employee orientation, search committee training, and student employment. As some of you may have heard, the parent company of Hire Touch, our current applicant tracking system, is going to sunset the program at the end of the year. Marli will be part of the project team searching for Hire Touch’s replacement. Her timing in joining our department could not be better.

We thank you for your Generosity of Spirit as we managed these past several months without a full team. We also want to thank those who served on the search committee as their feedback was incredibly valuable in the vetting process. Drake HR is happy to once again be fully staffed.

— Maureen De Armond, Human Resources

In recent months, Drake HR has shared some information about updates to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. However, some people may still not have heard about it, or they are not aware of the recent changes made to the program. If you still have student loans, please check to see whether you qualify for this program—it has become easier to apply and the approval rates have increased dramatically since the program was modified last year.

In fact, a current faculty member just let us know that their application was approved and *poof* all their student loans were forgiven. Here is their experience with the process:

I applied for consolidation of my loans in November 2021 and also submitted my verification of employment history shortly thereafter. My loans had been previously held by Nelnet. Once the loan consolidation application was approved, my loans went into forbearance as my application was reviewed. I was initially denied in February because I had not been under a previously approved repayment plan; however, the application was then turned over to the Department of Education. I was then notified in March of this year that the loan was forgiven. So, from start to finish it was an almost 5 month process but definitely worth it!  -Current Drake Faculty Member

The Skinny: After you make 120 qualifying monthly payment for PSLF while working for a qualifying employer, all you need to do is submit the PSLF form to receive loan forgiveness. As a not-for-profit institution, Drake University is a qualifying employer. Even if you do not yet fully qualify, the PSLF website recommends that you still submit the form annually, so it will be easier when you do fully qualify.

Drake HR is here to help! Page 2 of the form consists of Section 3: Employer Information. This is the section Drake HR will complete for you. Send an email to drakehr@drake.edu and let us know you need it completed. If you send us your partially completed form, please omit your social security number—you never want to email that. If you have worked at a variety of qualifying employers over the course of your 120 monthly payments, you will need those employers to complete their own page 2 (Section 3) of the form.

Special Notice for the COVID-19 Emergency: To take advantage of a limited-time PSLF waiver during the COVID-19 national emergency, it is recommended that you submit this form for each qualifying employer you’ve had since October 2007, even if you had an ineligible loan type, repayment plan, or some other disqualifying factor. You must submit your application by Oct. 31, 2022. Learn more here.

— Maureen De Armond, Human Resources

Have you completed your annual physical since last December? If you have and you are on Drake’s health plan, don’t forget to take a copy of the Premium Discount – Annual Physical Form to your appointment. This form can be found on myDrake in the Human Resources Employee Wellness section.

Those on Drake’s health plan who complete a physical with their PCP between Dec. 1, 2021, and Nov. 30, 2022, and submit a Premium Discount – Annual Physical Form by Dec. 2, 2022, will receive the wellness health insurance premium discount in 2023, which is a savings of approximately $30 per month. 

Please contact linda.feiden@drake.edu with questions.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources