In February, Drake welcomed seven full-time staff members:

In February, Drake welcomed seven full-time staff members:
Lauren “Merrick” Ernst, Teacher, Head Start
Martha Loney, Home -Based Teacher, Head Start
Amy Ponce, Family Engagement Specialist, Head Start
Holly Rozenboom, Recruitment Assistant, Head Start
Sheri Breen, Family Engagement Specialist, Head Start
Allison Bugg, Campus Visit Coordinator, Office of Admission
Laura Bjurstrom, Advancement Officer, University Advancement

— Laura Schwarz, Human Resources

In accordance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandate, Drake provides coverage for preventive services delivered by in-network providers at no cost. View Wellmark’s ACA preventive services list.

Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

Members of the Human Resources team will be available Thursday from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Olmsted Center’s Drake Room. This is a convenient opportunity for you to talk with HR Partner Services about any HR topic that’s on your mind. You’re also welcome to schedule a meeting at the HR offices, 3206 University Avenue, if another time works better for you. We look forward to meeting with you and hearing your ideas for making Drake an even better place to work.

Debra Wiley, Human Resources

Faculty and staff are invited to attend the BUILD program session “Did U Know: Harkin Institute and Political Papers” on Thursday, March 8, from 9 to 10 a.m. in Cowles Library, Room 201. Drake University is proud to the be the home of Senator Tom Harkin’s (retired) papers, spanning 40 years in public service and addressing some of the most pressing issues of the past half-century. Attend this BUILD session, led by Joseph Jones, executive director of The Harkin Institute, and Hope Bibens, University and political papers archivist, to learn more about The Harkin Institute, its role in Des Moines, and the significance of hosting these papers. Email Debra Wiley at debra.wiley@drake.edu to register.

Debra Wiley, Human Resources

Beginning on Feb. 22, members of Human Resources will be available Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Drake Room. This is an opportunity for you to talk with HR Partner Services about any HR topic that’s on your mind. You are also welcome to schedule a meeting with a HR representative at 3206 University Ave. if another time works better for you.  See the attached chart for the HR Partner who supports your team. We look forward to meeting with you and hearing your ideas for making Drake an even better place to work.

—Debra Wiley, Human Resources

It’s not too late to register for HealthTrip, Drake’s 2018 wellness activity program. HealthTrip is a fictitious journey to some familiar sounding cities such as Aerobiquerque, N.M. and Las Veggies. Each destination city features a unique health topic to explore. Participants earn Frequent Mover Miles by tracking activity such as walking, swimming, and playing basketball.  Additionally, there are opportunities each month to earn bonus miles by completing a challenge.

The program is designed to work with your schedule. You may participate every month or just the months that work best for you. Prize drawings will be held monthly for those who complete the monthly challenge.

If you are interested in participating, send an email to Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.  You will receive details including an information sheet and the March brochure.

For more information, contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Andy Roat, owner of Fleet Feet Sports, will present “The ABC’s of Running” on Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Olmsted Center, Rooms 310 and 311. The presentation will discuss everything you need to know to be a successful runner–from training programs to shoes. Whether you are brand new to running or a seasoned road warrior, this presentation is for you. Not only will you walk away informed, but you could win a SMART ID tag. These small shoe tags are a great way to store important contact and medical information when you go for a walk or run.

Participants will earn BUILD (Bulldogs United in Learning Drake) credit and be entered into a drawing at the end of the semester.

To register, email Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

This free instructor-led course will teach you how to respond to first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies. It includes hands-on practice of lifesaving skills and certification for those who successfully complete the course.

The four-hour course is taught over two days. You must attend both sessions. Chris Nickell, director of environmental health and safety, will present. A minimum of four and maximum of 10 participants is required to hold a class. Click both links below to register.

Feb. 28 from 1 – 3 p.m. in Olmsted 310

March 1 from 1 – 3 p.m. in Olmsted 310

For additional information, contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Last semester, 168 faculty and staff participated in at least one BUILD (Bulldogs United In Learning Drake) session and many attended multiple classes. Congratulations to the following individuals for completing at least eight hours of BUILD class credit. This shows a true commitment to learning.

• Sonja Brightwell
• Mindy Clem
• Christine Ditter
• Linda Feiden
• Caron Findlay
• Sheila Goodwin
• Kris Magill
• Debra Wiley

Two names were randomly drawn from those who attended at least one class. The winners are Bridget Arrasmith and Alice Cronin. Each will receive an email with a link to a catalog where they may select a prize of their choice.

BUILD sessions are available to all faculty and staff. The sessions, lasting from 1 to 3 hours, assist individuals with learning a new skill, improving health, or strengthening professional knowledge.

A list of the remaining classes for the spring semester, including a registration form, is available through blueView’s Employee tab, in the Learning and Development channel.

If you have suggestions for sessions for the 2018-2019 BUILD program or would like additional information, please contact Human Resources at drakehr@drake.edu.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Bulldog Pack Rewards Program is a points-based scorecard dedicated to helping you enhance your quality of life in five areas: physical, financial, community, social, and occupational. Earn points by participating in various activities and making healthy choices. Reach 100 points by June 1 and be placed in a drawing for a chance to win your choice of prizes from a wellness catalog.

The Bulldog Pack Rewards Program scorecard is available to all full-time and part-time faculty and staff, regardless of enrollment in the Drake Medical Plan. Click here for instructions on how to access the scorecard and start earning points now.

Please note that the annual biometric/wellness screening is separate from this scorecard. This item is only for current employees on Drake’s medical plan and must be completed annually to receive the wellness premium incentive.

For more information, contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources