Are you stressed out just thinking about managing your stress? You’re not alone. But managing stress is not as hard as you think. Join the Stop Stress This Minute program to gain valuable tools to help you conquer your stress. During this eight-week program you will receive a copy of the book Stop Stress This Minute by James Porter and a variety of stress management resources. Each week you will read portions of the book, complete a short quiz, record your stressors, and list any stress management activities you tried during the week. 

Stop Stress This Minute runs Monday, March 11, through Sunday, May 5. There is a limit of 25 in this program so don’t wait. To register, send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu. Last day to register is Friday, March 8, or when it is full.

Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Please join Human Resources in welcoming our 12 new full-time Drake University employees for the month of January.

Vira Babenko: Arts and Sciences, Assistant Professor, Math & Computer Science
Madalyn Schiller: Arts and Sciences, Laboratory Assistant, Psychology
Yunjung Lee: Arts and Sciences, Visiting Assistant Professor, Violin
Stefano Vignati: Arts and Sciences, Teaching Associate, Music
Lindsey Feikes: Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Experiential Learning Specialist
Nicole Kuhl: Pharmacy andHealth Sciences, OT Shared Lab Facilitator
Kara Vaughn: Alumni and Development, Associate Director, Annual Giving
Keesha Ward: Alumni and Development, Assistant Director, Alumni Relations
Jennifer Latcham: Athletics, Assistant Director, Athletic Marketing
Katharine (Katie) Walker: Athletics, Assistant Volleyball Coach
Alicia Chilton: University Communications and Marketing, Assistant Director, Marketing
Sara Schilling: Residence Life, Residence Hall Coordinator

If you need to see a doctor but don’t want to brave the winter weather, why not try the convenience of a virtual visit? Participants in Drake’s Health Plan have access to Doctor on Demand basic primary and urgent care medical services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

Virtual (face-to-face) visits with board-certified doctors may be accessed via live video from smartphones, tablets, or computers. Doctor on Demand physicians can treat most common medical conditions and prescribe medication if needed. A $25 co-pay will be assessed to plan participants for Doctor on Demand primary care virtual visits. 

To learn more about this option, view the Virtual Visit FAQ.

As a reminder, Drake employees are eligible for discounted pricing for personal purchases at Interstate All Battery Center, located at 1090 73rd St, Windsor Heights and 810 N. Ankeny Boulevard, Ankeny.

They carry car batteries, watch and key fob batteries, cell phone batteries and much more. Take advantage of their free auto battery testing service so you know if your car needs a new battery before you get stranded. And if you do need a new car battery, they can install it onsite. 

Besides batteries, they also offer onsite mobile device repair for cell phones and tablets.

To obtain the discounted pricing, please present your Drake ID card at the store. It will vary with the product purchased and will be taxable. You may also present this flyer at the Windsor Heights or Ankeny location.

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.

If you worked at Drake University in 2018, your W2 is available online through myDrake. To access and print your W-2, sign into myDrake and access myDUSIS through the Commonly Used Apps.  Go to the EMPLOYEE section and click TAX FORMS.  Within this section, click W-2 Year End Earnings Statement and select the tax year for 2018.  After viewing the W-2, you may click the “Printable W-2 Button” to print the form.  If you have questions, contact Human Resources at 271-3133.

Debra Wiley, Human Resources

The BUILD Program for Spring 2019 is now available. The program offers opportunities to help you personally and professionally by learning how to beat the winter blues, taking control of your calendar, finding the perfect balance of work/life integration, and learn more about FERPA, just to name a few. The BUILD Program is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues from across campus, in 1–2 hour increments.  The entire Spring 2019 BUILD Program is available online through myDrake. Registration for sessions is preferred, but not required. 

Debra Wiley, Human Resources

This four-week wellness challenge begins Monday, Feb. 4. The goal is to make your way from Chicago to Santa Monica, Calif., along historic Route 66 by participating in activities that will get you moving and making smart lifestyle choices (7–8 hours of sleep, wearing your seat belt, etc.). 

Participants will receive a travel packet which contains a scoring sheet, tracking log, and map. Weekly emails will help keep you on course and share notes about some unusual tourist destinations along the way. Challenge yourself or compete with co-workers to see who can reach Santa Monica first. 

To get started, send an email to Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu with the subject line Route 66. Deadline to register is noon on Friday, Feb. 1.

Linda Feiden, Human Resources

The attached document provides a brief description of benefits, programs and services available to full-time Drake employees. Eligibility for most benefits requires employment on a regular, full-time basis for a minimum of nine months, 32 hours per week. For additional information, please contact Human Resources at 271-1901.

Marlene Heuertz, Benefits Specialist

Now is the perfect time to get into the habit of making healthier choices. If your goals include losing weight, then Weight Watchers at Work may be the solution. 

Weekly meetings include a confidential weigh-in prior to the meeting, followed by a 30-minute class. Weight Watchers unique mix of face-to-face interactions with a trained leader, group support, accountability, digital tools, and the convenience of meetings in the workplace have helped faculty and staff to be successful in their weight loss goals. 

The cost is $156 for a 12-week renewable series with a minimum of 15 paying participants. Payment may be made in a lump sum or split into three payments. 

If you are interested in joining a Weight Watchers at Work series during the spring term, please contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.

Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Please join the Human Resources department in welcoming six new, full-time Drake University employees for December 2018:

• Norma Soman Ramirez, Facility Maintainer III, Facilities Planning and Management
• Adriana Velazquez, Facility Maintainer III,Facilities Planning and Management
• Paul Francis, Facility Maintainer III, Facilities Planning and Management
• Salena Brickey, Director, Marketing and Communications, Law School
• Samuel (Sam) Erickson, Assistant Director, Game Operations, Athletics
• Michele Dunne, Administrative Assistant, Student Financial Planning

Laura Schwarz, HR Support Specialist