Human Resources and the University Benefits Committee regularly review best practices to ensure wellness programming is effective and impactful. Over the past few years, Drake has been following a trend away from employer-sponsored on-site biometric screenings in favor of annual physical exams with a primary care provider.  This trend was prompted by research suggesting that annual biometric screenings, without corresponding physician consultation, do not effectively impact wellness outcomes.

While biometric screenings identify some indicators of health risks, there is no follow-up to identify whether an employee with a potential health risk went to a physician for treatment.  Biometric screenings are also limited in scope while annual physicals cover a wider array of physical and mental health conditions.

With an annual physical, employees are more likely to develop a doctor-patient relationship.  The physician can review health history and medications.  Employees will receive age and gender specific physical exams, and recommended preventative screenings will be scheduled.  And when a health concern is found, the doctor will treat it and schedule follow-up appointments if necessary.

For these reasons, the University Benefits Committee and Human Resources are considering wellness program changes for 2021.  For those wishing to participate in the wellness program and receive the reduced premium for the 2021 plan year, an annual well-check with a primary care doctor would need to be completed between January 1, 2020 and November 30, 2020.  While the on-campus UnityPoint screening and Hy-Vee screening option would no longer be available, on-campus voluntary screenings by the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences would continue to be available for those who value periodic assessments of biometric information.

One key consideration in assessing this change, is making sure there are ample resources for those who wish to participate but do not currently have a primary care physician.  Human Resources will develop additional resources for this purpose.  The University Benefits Committee and Human Resources welcome input regarding this change.  You may send comments or questions to hr@drake.edu between now and December 11^th.  Watch for additional communications about these changes in January, 2020.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

“Know Your Benefits” meeting scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m. in Olmsted, Room 310.

Drake University strives to provide quality benefits responsive to the needs of employees and their families. This fall, the University Benefits Committee worked closely with Benefit Consultant, Mark J. Becker & Associates, to monitor Drake’s overall benefit plan performance. This collaborative approach to the benefit review process has allowed Drake to consistently maintain benefits that are better than average, current with market trends and competitive with peer groups.

Mark J. Becker & Associates will be present Thursday, Nov. 21, to highlight the value of Drake’s benefit package and provide an overview of shared benefits costs.  Please take this opportunity to learn more about your Drake benefits Thursday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m. in Olmsted, Room 310. Registration is not required.

— Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

Do you hear everything you should?  If you are not certain, a simple hearing screening will check how well you hear certain sounds. A UnityPoint mobile unit will be at the Drake University Tennis Center on Tuesday, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m.—1 p.m. to conduct hearing screenings. Cost is $15. You may pay online or in person at your appointment. Payment accepted includes credit card (no American Express), cash, or check payable to UPH. You will receive same day confidential results.

Register online. Registration deadline is Monday, Nov. 25, at noon.

If you have questions, please contact Jody McKeehan, COHC, at jody.mckeehan@unitypoint.org or 515-229-5104.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

A review of Drake’s benefit plans and an overview of shared benefit costs will be provided by Drake Benefit Consultant Mark J. Becker & Associates on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 1:30 p.m. in the Cowles Library, Room 201.  Human Resources and Wellmark representatives will also be present to answer individual questions.  Registration is not required.

— Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

Veteran’s Day is Nov. 11 — a time to recognize the men and women who have served the United States through military service.

To commemorate Veterans Day, we invite any Drake employee, who served in the military, to stop by Human Resources (before the end of November) to receive a printed voucher for a complimentary free meal at Hubbell Dining Hall.

While you can use your meal voucher any day, you are invited to use your voucher on Veterans Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and join other staff, faculty, and student veterans for lunch. We will have a table where veterans can gather to meet one another and have a meal together.

To receive your voucher, please bring evidence of military service such as a U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, a Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), or your Veterans Organization Card. Alternatively, provide a photograph of yourself in your military uniform. Thank you for your service.T

—  Laura Schwarz, Human Resources

On Nov. 12, from 9–11 a.m., Becky Reif and Nathan Overberg, attorneys with Ahlers & Cooney, P.C., will provide an update on current employment law with a focus on helping managers avoid common missteps and know when to contact Human Resources for assistance. The class will be held in the Olmsted Center, Parents Hall South. It is intended for managers. Register here.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

A benefits/wellness fair will be held Friday, Nov. 8, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Olmsted Center, Parents Hall North. This “come and go” event provides an opportunity for employees to learn about the wide range of benefits and wellness opportunities available at Drake, ask questions, and visit with colleagues.

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa representatives, Drake benefit consultants, and Human Resources staff will be present to answer your questions regarding Drake’s benefits.

Afterward, walk next door to Parents Hall South between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for the All Staff Council Crock Pot Cook-Off to taste delicious crock pot samples and vote for your favorite. All attendees will receive a ticket for $1 off lunch at Hubbell Dining, and may enter a raffle for a chance to win a free parking pass for 2020–2021. You are welcome to bring a non-perishable item for Drake’s Little Pantry initiative as well.

For more information on the cook-off, please contact ascspecialevents@drake.edu.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

It’s all too easy to get caught up in the spending cycle over the holidays. Scott Nelson, from Legacy Financial, will share tips on how to have a great holiday season, yet maintain financial control, during a presentation on Nov. 6 from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Rooms 310 & 311.

Scott will share tricks that stores are using to get you to spend more, uncover the real cost and impact of holiday spending, and provide practical solutions to help you stay on track. And, one attendee will receive an early holiday gift! Register here.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Please join HR in welcoming 10 new, full-time Drake University employees for the month of October.

Amber Welsh, School of Education, Records & Schedule Specialist
Gwendolyn Martin, Robert D. & Billie Ray Center, Customer Service Associate
Lisa Beierschmitt, Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Experiential Learning Specialist
Kristina Smith, Athletics, Assistant Women’s Tennis Coach
Asha Gibson, Athletics, Assistant M/W Sprint, Jumps & Relays Coach
Geri Blaker, Business & Public Administration, Administrative Assistant
Megan Flynn, ITS, Campus Technician
Heidi Eichorn, Human Resources, Senior HR Partner
Elicia Ropte, Law Library, Public Services Associate
Jason Grinstead, Institutional Research, Business Intelligence Manager

— Laura Schwarz, Human Resources

The annual open enrollment period for Drake benefits will be held Nov. 1–Dec. 2. Enrollment instructions for Drake’s medical, wellness, dental, and flexible spending will be provided via the DrakeHR email address. Benefit selections made during this timeframe will be effective Jan. 1, 2020.

— Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources