As our world becomes more and more connected through technological advances, learning another language is a skill that gives you the opportunity to engage with the world in a more immediate way.  If you would like to expand your boundaries, Drake offers online Mango Languages.

From Spanish to Swahili and Shakespeare to Ancient Greek, Mango has virtually everyone’s language and culture curiosities covered. Whether studying abroad or strengthening a particular language skill, Drake employees can achieve their language-learning goals with Mango in over 70 languages.

For more information, go to myDrake and click on Mango Languages under Learning Resources.

A full list of Drake Employee Perks & Discounts can be found in myDrake by clicking on the Human Resources App (top of page). Next click Benefits, and then Additional Benefits, and finally Perks & Discounts for Drake Employees.

Linda Feiden, Wellness & Recognition Specialist, Human Resources

Orthodontia expenses can be reimbursed through Drake’s Health Care Flexible Spending Account. Although the reimbursement process can be somewhat challenging, the tax savings can be very beneficial.

Reimbursement for orthodontia expenses aligns with the payment/treatment schedule established by your orthodontist.  Should you pay for orthodontia in full prior to treatment, the reimbursement schedule will align with the treatment months.

To learn more about this FSA benefit, contact Advantage Administrators at 800-383-1623, or visit their web site at  www.AdvantageAdmin.com.

Marlene Heuertz, HR Benefits Specialist

Please join the Human Resources department in welcoming three new, full-time Drake University employees for the month of March.

Matthew Richardson, Public Safety, Campus Public Safety Officer
Kathryn Hamilton, Arts & Sciences, Research Scholar
Erin Bell, UC&M, Associate Director, Marketing–Live Mascot

— Laura Schwarz, Human Resources

Question: This is a fruit whose name is its color. Answer: What is an orange?  If you are familiar with the game show Jeopardy and enjoy a little competition, this class is for you.  In one entertaining hour you will learn fun facts on a variety of wellness topics while competing as a team for prizes.

Join game show hosts Linda Feiden, wellness and recognition specialist, and Lucas Flaherty, Sodexo campus dietitian, on Wednesday, April 17, from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Olmsted Center, Room 310/311. Register online or send an email to Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.

Participants will be entered into a drawing for BUILD prizes at the end of the semester.

Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Discover how to find a dentist, view your benefits, and access claims information 24 hours a day, seven days a week online through the Member Connection at deltadentalia.com. With Delta Dental’s Member Connection, you can easily access the information you need to know about your benefits, including:

• Printable ID card
• Claim status
• Eligibility information
• Maximum and deductibles used to date
• Benefit levels
• Frequency and age limits
• Preventive history
• Explanation of Benefits (EOBs)

For additional information regarding your dental benefits, please see the attached brochure.

Marlene Heuertz, HR

The Drake University Home Incentive Purchase Plan provides financial support to full-time Drake employees who purchase an owner-occupied, single-family dwelling in the Drake neighborhood. Drake University will provide up to $3,500 for reimbursement of loan origination fees and/or closing costs for purchases made adjacent to campus. View additional information about the program, including applicable boundaries.

Marlene Heuertz, Benefits Specialist, Human Resources

Now is the perfect time to get into the habit of making healthier choices. If your goals include losing or maintaining weight while generally living a healthier lifestyle, Drake’s new, on-campus Healthy Living Group may be the solution.

Weekly meetings include an optional weigh-in followed by a 30-minute discussion. Share recipes, grocery store finds, fitness tips, healthy living successes and the occasional healthy living struggle.  Group support, accountability, and the convenience of meetings in the workplace may help you be successful in reaching your goals.

This group meets Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. in Cartwright Hall, Room 202. 

Please contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for more information.

Linda Feiden, Wellness & Recognition Specialist, Human Resources

Please join Human Resources in welcoming four new, full-time Drake University employees for the month of February.

Sarah Heller, Student Account Consultant, Student Accounts
Jeremy Calvert, Information Security Analyst, ITS
Ananda (Annie) Spadt, Assistant Director, Brand Integration, UCM
Karen MacKinnon, Administrative Assistant, History, Arts & Sciences

Laura Schwarz, HR Support Specialist

With spring break quickly approaching, some Drake faculty and staff may travel by air to visit family and friends. If that sounds like you, did you know that Drake employees receive a 50% discount (or $3.50 per day) at the Keck Airport Shuttle Parking, located at 5555 Fleur Drive, for business and personal travel?

Simply take a ticket at the gate and park your car in any open space.  A shuttle will pick you up in the parking lot and drop you off outside the terminal for quick and easy entry into the airport. Upon returning to the airport, the shuttle will pick you up outside of the baggage claim doors and drop you off at your car. 

When you pull up to the cashier window to pay, identify yourself as a Drake employee, show them your Drake ID or business card if asked, and you will receive the discount.

And if your travels include car rental, Drake employees may rent a car for personal use through Enterprise and receive the same rates as the University. 

For the personal use account, go to enterprise.com and book using the personal use account number XZ6299F. Once you sign up, you will receive a packet of information via email and you can print off a card. 

You may also enroll in the Emerald Club with National, which is the sister company of Enterprise.

A full list of Drake Employee Perks & Discounts can be found in myDrake by clicking on the Human Resources App (top of page). Next click Benefits, and then Additional Benefits, and finally Perks & Discounts for Drake Employees.

Linda Feiden, Wellness & Recognition Specialist

As you approach retirement, you may find yourself asking questions such as: Can I retire on my terms, when I want? Is my portfolio susceptible to market losses? Will I outlive my retirement funds?

During retirement, and the years leading up to it, protecting your savings is extremely important. Learn how to market-proof your retirement funds by participating in a TIAA Financial Essentials Webinar on March 14. Register here.

Marlene Heuertz, Benefits Specialist, Human Resources