The annual open enrollment period for Drake University benefits will begin Friday, Oct. 30, 2020. Initial enrollment information regarding Drake’s health, dental, voluntary life insurance and flexible spending account plans will be provided Friday via the DrakeHR email account. Benefit elections for the 2021 plan year must be made by 11:59 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, 2020.
— Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources
If you missed any of the Fall 2020 BUILD classes, no worries. Links to the recorded presentations are now available on myDrake. To view any past presentation, click the Human Resources App on myDrake and then click on Learning & Development.
The next live virtual BUILD class is Servant Leadership on Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 1–3 p.m. The class is intended for managers. Individuals who contradict the conventional stereotypes associated with their positions lead many of today’s most successful organizations. These leaders create an environment that spurs excellence by applying the principles of servant leadership. Attendees will explore the foundations of servant leadership and learn how they can transform themselves and inspire their teams and organizations toward optimal performance. Presented by Lars Petersen from Employee & Family Resources.
To register for this class, please send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
COVID-19 and its economic impact has spurred a surge in financial stress and anxiety.
Fortunately, there are resources available to help answer your financial questions, and assist you in making the best decisions for you and your family.
TIAA offers a number of resources for Drake employees.
You may also find answers to your financial questions at the next BUILD (Bulldogs United in Learning Drake) class, My Financial Life: Money Matters, on Thursday, Oct. 22 from 10–11 a.m. We will explore money concepts that serve as building blocks for a strong financial future, including spending plans (budgets), emergency funds, eliminating debt, and saving for the future. Scott Nelson from Legacy Financial Group will facilitate.
To register for this or any class, please send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
Grab your walking shoes and join the Healthiest State Walk Wednesday, Oct. 7.
Instead of meeting as a group over lunch, as we have in the past, we are asking everyone to take a break sometime during the day on Oct. 7 and go for a walk—at home or on campus.
If you are working on campus, try out the new Bulldog Mile path. Follow the signs and giant blue paw prints on the sidewalks around campus. A map is posted east of the Olmsted Center. You may also view the route at www.drake.edu/map under Points of Interest.
Once you finish the Healthiest State Walk, send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu to enter a drawing for a chance at prizes.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
Drake has a variety of resources to assist faculty and staff during this ongoing pandemic. In an effort to make these resources more accessible, HR has consolidated them into one section on the HR web page. The web page can be found by going to to my.drake.edu and clicking on Human Resources under Commonly Used Apps. Then select COVID-19 Support Resources.
Resources include links to the Drake coronavirus website, and essential information within this site; Iowa childcare resources; DSM Tutor Connection; Supplemental Paid Leave Plan; link to Employee & Family Resources; Drake TEAMS Chat Groups; Doctors on Demand®; and additional health and wellness information.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
There are a few openings left—sign up today to receive your flu shot. Human Resources purchased 300 flu vaccines to be provided at no cost to faculty and staff and administered by Drake CPHS student pharmacists and pharmacist faculty members.
Flu shot clinics will be held during morning hours on October 5, 7, 9, and 12. Those who wish to participate must register online at https://tinyurl.com/CPHSwellness2020 for an appointment.
This year’s employee flu clinic will be held in a “drive-up” format in Parking Lot 2 across from Shivers Basketball Practice Facility. Those participating will drive their car to the lot during their appointment time (or walk up if you are not driving), receive the vaccination, and then will be asked to wait in their car in the parking lot for the 15-minute, post-vaccination safety waiting period.
If you have any questions regarding the flu shots, please contact Nora Stelter, PharmD, Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice at nora.stelter@drake.edu.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
Grab your walking shoes and join this year’s Healthiest State Walk on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
To maintain social distancing, we are not going to meet as a group at a specific time to start the walk. Instead, we are asking everyone to take a break at any time during the day on Oct. 7 and go for a walk—at home or on campus.
If you are working on campus, try out the new Bulldog Mile path. Follow the signs and giant blue paw prints on the sidewalks around campus. A map is posted east of the Olmsted Center. You may also view the route at drake.edu/map under Points of Interest.
Once you finish the Healthiest State Walk, send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu to enter a drawing for a chance at prizes.
The Iowa Healthiest State walk is celebrated in October as part of Iowa’s Healthiest State Month initiative. In addition to the walk, the initiative is focusing on its 5-2-1-0 program throughout the month. The daily goal is to eat five fruits or vegetables, spend two hours or less of screen time outside of work, get at least one hour of physical activity, and consume zero sugary beverages.
Let’s begin our road to better health with the Healthiest State Walk!
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
Drake is now a participating member of the Council of Independent Colleges and Universities’ Tuition Exchange Program (CIC–TEP), which consists of around 440 member colleges and universities. This change broadens the opportunities for Drake employees and their eligible dependents to attend another institution of higher education tuition-free.
Drake also participates in the tuition exchange program offered through Tuition Exchange, Inc., which has over 670 participating institutions. More information about each of these tuition exchange programs may be found on HR’s Tuition Benefits webpage.
— Mary Alice Hill, Human Resources
Employee and Family Resources is continuing its series of COVID-19 related webinars through the fall and early winter months. The September webinar is:
COVID Recovery: Emotional Support for Those Impacted By COVID-19
Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 2 p.m.
The current Pandemic and Derecho are disasters that have disrupted day-to-day activities and increased anxiety and depression for many. The impact of compounding stress affects every aspect of a person’s life. Learn what you can do to support yourself during these times. Register here.
Visit Employee & Family Resources’ website for a full list of upcoming webinars. View past webinars here.
EFR offers a variety of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources to help you now or anytime. Reach EAP by phone (800-327-4692) or visit its website at efr.org/login/. All EAP benefits are confidential and available 24/7/365.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
Last year, Drake won the Walktober Step Challenge with Des Moines University (DMU) and Wesley Life, and took temporary ownership of the traveling trophy. To keep the trophy on campus another year, we need to defend our title.
Join the Drake team and help us retain our championship status. You will receive a journal and instructions to track your daily steps both on and off campus during the month of October. Any movement that records steps counts, including walking, working in the yard, and fitness classes. Along the way, you will receive fun facts and have a chance to win individual prizes.
This event is open to all faculty, staff, and students. To register, send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu. The registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 25.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources