What: Did U Know: Cowles Library
When: Nov. 9, 11 a.m.
Where: Cowles Library, Room 201
About:
Welcome to Cowles Library—come and hear a brief overview of what we have to offer faculty and staff. Also, the Library is increasingly positioning itself at the “hub” of Drake University culture; hear from new Campus Engagement Librarian Sam Becker about efforts we are making to form and support partnerships across campus. Come ready to discuss and ask questions about how the Library can serve you!

Participants will earn BUILD (Bulldogs United in Learning Drake) credits and be entered into drawings for prizes each semester. The registration form for this class is accessible through blueView’s Employee tab, in the Learning and Development Channel under Human Resources, or by clicking here.

Please feel free to contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for additional information.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

As previously communicated, new investment options will be added to the Drake University Mandatory and Voluntary Retirement Plans effective Nov. 21.

To learn more about the upcoming CREF Money Market and Mutual Fund investment changes, please plan to attend a workshop presented by William Thorne, TIAA field consulting group director, on Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. in Olmsted Center, Room 310. Reservations are not required.

You may also contact TIAA with questions regarding your account(s) at 800-842-2252.

—Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

Please plan to stop by the Annual Benefits and Wellness Fair Friday, Nov. 4, 8:30–11:30 a.m., in Olmsted Center, Rooms 310-313. This come-and-go event provides an opportunity to learn about the wide range of benefits and wellness opportunities available at Drake. Representatives from Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Advantage Administrators, Delta Dental of Iowa, TIAA, Long Term Care Strategies, Principal Life Insurance Company, Employee and Family Resources, and Human Resources will be present to answer individual questions. Our terrific line-up of vendors also includes the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, Iowa Sleep Foundation, Stroke Detection Plus, and Profile by Sanford, as well as Drake University’s College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Recreational Services, and Athletics/Tickets.

Bring a co-worker, and:

• Submit benefit election forms.
• Enter drawings for vendor prizes.
• Have your blood pressure taken.
• Get a medication prescription review.
• Receive information about health coaching and chronic disease education.
• Take a daytime sleepiness test.
• Visit with colleagues.

—Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

For those faculty and staff who have completed their wellness screenings, don’t forget to complete your online assessment via Wellmark by Nov. 15. You must complete the online assessment in addition to the wellness screening to receive the wellness premium incentive (approximately $300 off your Drake health insurance in 2017). To complete your online wellness assessment, log into wellmark.com, go to the Wellness Center, and click on “Take Your Wellness Assessment.” For more information please contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

If you have ever tried to read a food nutrition label, determine how big a serving of meat really is, or wondered how to eat healthy at a restaurant, this class is for you.

Join dietitian Lucas Flaherty for the second class of this four-part nutrition series on Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. in Olmsted Center, Rooms 312/313. This class covers carbohydrates/fiber and fat/triglycerides. Attendance at prior Healthy4U sessions is not required for a positive impact in this class.

Future classes will cover exercise and protein + water, labels, menu planning, grocery shopping, and dining out.

Participants will earn BUILD (Bulldogs United in Learning Drake) credits and be entered into drawings for prizes each semester.

The registration form for this class is accessible through blueView’s Employee tab, in the Learning and Development Channel under Human Resources, or by clicking here. Please email Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for more information.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Drake offers many opportunities for new and established faculty and staff. This semester, the University is introducing a series of “Did U Know” classes that will spotlight departments and services across campus.

Our next class in the series will highlight Cowles Library—the largest private academic library in Iowa. Learn more about resources, services, and spaces Cowles Library can provide to faculty and staff on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m. in Room 201 of the Library.

Participants will earn BUILD (Bulldogs United in Learning Drake) credits and be entered into drawings for prizes each semester.

The registration form for this class is accessible through blueView’s Employee tab, in the Learning and Development Channel under Human Resources, or by clicking here.

Please feel free to contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for additional information.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Drake is required by federal law to provide a 1095-C Tax Form to full-time employees by Jan. 31 of each year. In 2016, your 2015 1095 –C form was mailed to your home address. Human Resources believes it is in your—and Drake’s—best interest to discontinue distributing hard copies of this form, and other legally required documents, and instead post them on the Employee Tab in blueView for your secure and convenient access. In order to do this, we must have your consent.

To request your consent, Human Resources will email a brief questionnaire on Wednesday, Oct. 26, with the subject line: Consent to Receive Electronic Delivery. Please take a few moments to complete this. By obtaining your consent for electronic delivery, it will provide you with continued ease of access to documents and continued secure delivery of information, and it will assist Drake in complying with legal requirements. This step also carries the added benefit of assisting us in being good stewards of the tuition dollars entrusted to us by our students and their families by reducing the printing, handling, and mailing costs of providing hard copies of these documents.

We appreciate your time and cooperation in completing this consent questionnaire.

—Debra Wiley, Human Resources

Please join members of the University Benefits Committee, Wellmark representatives, and benefit consultant Mark J. Becker for an overview of the status of Drake’s medical and dental plans tomorrow, Oct. 25, at 10 a.m. in Olmsted Center, Room 310. Discover how Drake plans compare to local and national markets, why contribution rates will remain unchanged during the 2017 plan year, and why Drake plans have a two-tier structure.

—Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

The Annual Open Enrollment Period for Drake benefits will begin Oct. 20. Initial enrollment information regarding Drake’s medical, dental, and flexible spending account plans will be provided Thursday via the DrakeHR email account. Additional benefit information will be provided via OnCampus throughout the open enrollment period.

—Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

Please join us Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 9 a.m. in Olmsted Center, Rooms 310-311 to learn some Technology Tools and Tips! Technology is everywhere, especially on campus. In this session, you’ll learn how best to work with Information Technology Services (ITS), what we do for campus, what resources are available to you, and where the “experts” go for assistance. Prior to the session, participants will be invited to submit trouble areas, and ITS experts Carla Herling, James McNab, Clayton Mitchell, and Jerome Hilscher will craft the session around your needs!

About BUILD:

Attendees will earn two credits toward Bulldogs United In Learning Drake (BUILD)!  Bulldogs are leaders, passionate about learning and proud of our Drake pack.  We’re constantly looking for ways to strengthen and build our future.  Participate in sessions where you may learn a new skill—building your retirement portfolio, your health, or your professional knowledge—and get to know colleagues from across campus. This program is for you!

For the complete scheduled program and registration form is accessible through blueView’s Employee tab, in the Learning and Development Channel, or by clicking here.  Additional learning and networking opportunities, beyond those listed in the program, may be scheduled throughout the year.

As you participate in this program, you will earn credits for participating in sessions and will work toward earning digital badges that can be placed in your email signature to recognize your commitment to learning!   

Please join us as we BUILD Drake together!

 —Debra Wiley, Human Resources