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

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

If you are looking for some new adventures in 2019, check out the schedule of events offered through the Des Moines Performing Arts. Drake employees receive discounted tickets to select shows and performances at the Civic Center, Stoner Theater, Temple Theater, and Cowles Commons.

Go to https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/etickets/, select Drake University under the Organization drop down menu, click Continue, enter the promo code EGROUPS1819 and hit Continue again. It will take you to a list of upcoming events. As noted on the website, discounts will be applied when selecting seats. Discounts are available for select performances and price levels. Some restrictions may apply.

Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Beginning Jan. 1, 2019, Drake faculty and staff will no longer have access to the Wellmark Wellness Center located in myWellmark.

If you are on Drake’s medical plan, completed a wellness assessment, and would like to save a copy before Jan. 1, 2019, please follow these steps:

• Go to wellmark.com
• Log in using your Wellmark User ID and Password
• Click on Visit the Wellness Center
• You will receive a message letting you know you are leaving a Wellmark site. Click OK.
• Click on the Healthy Living tab at the top of the page
• Click on Wellness Assessment
• Click Print Reports in the upper right corner of the page
• You have a choice of three reports. You may print any or all of them.

If you have questions, please contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Please join the Human Resources department in welcoming our five new full-time Drake University employees for November 2018:

• Bradley (Brad) Steffen – Financial Accounting & Reporting Analyst, Finance & Accounting
• Connor Stout – Assistant Duty Engineer, FP&M
• Michael Admire – Director of Broadcasting, Athletics
• Nichole Kiefer Stabile – Instructional Technology Specialist, Online Programs
• Kourtni Peglow – Campus Public Safety Officer, Public Safety

—Laura Schwarz, HR

The holidays are full of special moments and events with family and friends. If you need a new men’s suit or a flower arrangement for that special occasion, discounts are available for Drake employees.

At Milroy’s Tuxedos, Drake employees may purchase any men’s suit at the discounted price of $129. They are located at 3839 Merle Hay Road in Des Moines. At Irene’s Flowers, employees receive a 10% discount on any flower purchase. They are located at 1151 25^th St. in Des Moines. At both locations you must show your Drake ID to receive the discount.

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, HR

Health Plan participants will receive new Wellmark ID cards later this month. The cards will reference the new specialist office visit co-payment effective Jan. 1, 2019. If you do not receive a new Wellmark ID card by Dec. 31, please contact Wellmark at 800-622-0005.

—Marlene Heuertz, Benefits Specialist

You carry your Drake ID Card and know it can be used to access buildings during specified times.  But do you know what else it can do? Your Drake Card can be used to:

• Utilize the Drake University Bell Center. The work out facilities and group fitness classes are free for full-time employees. Memberships are also available for purchase for adjunct/part-time employees and for faculty/staff family members.
• Check out items at Cowles Library. Now would be a great time to join the Drake Book Club—they are currently reading “The Immortalists” and meeting on Jan. 22.
• Print and scan at the campus printers
• Receive a discount at the University Bookstore
• Ride the Des Moines DART Bus or Drake Safe Ride Bus free of charge
• Conveniently pay for purchases on campus with your Bulldog Bucks account.  Your card can be loaded with funds and used for Drake Dining (including concession stands) or University Bookstore purchases.
• Check out a bicycle from the Olmsted Bike Library

For more information on your Drake ID Card, please contact Sara Heijerman.

Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Health plan participants will receive new Wellmark ID cards later this month. The cards will reference the new specialist office visit co-payment effective January 1, 2019. If you do not receive a new Wellmark ID card by Dec. 31, please contact Wellmark at 800-622-0005.

Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

The annual contribution limit for Drake’s Voluntary Retirement Plan will increase from $18,500 to $19,000 effective January 1, 2019. Employees age 50 and over may contribute an additional $6,000 for a total maximum of $25,000 during 2019.

If you would like to change your current contribution amount, or open a voluntary retirement account, please contact Human Resources. Should you wish to schedule an individual counseling session with a TIAA Consultant, please call 271-1901.

Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources