Category Archives: HR Information Archive

HR Information Archive

“Managing Change: I Did that Already!”

Join us Tuesday, April 12, at 9 a.m. in the Olmsted Center, Room 310, for an informative and interactive session: “Managing Change: I Did That Already!” which is part of the Excellence in Learning & Development Program. This session was originally scheduled for March 24.

Change is constant. However, findings show that people don’t mind changes so much; they mind “being” changed. Take charge of the changes you find yourself in and learn tools to navigate through the Four Step Change process. Join Jul Bruns, Employee and Family Resources’ Workplace services consultant, to learn how to respond positively to resistance and apply resilience to grow and adapt.

Participants will receive two credits towards the Excellence in Learning & Development Certificate.

—Debra Wiley, Assistant Director, Human Resources

HR Information Archive

“Finding the Right Running (or Walking) Shoe”

Join us Thursday, April 21, at 1 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Room 310/311, for the fun, informative session, “Finding the Right Running (or Walking) Shoe,” which has been added to the Excellence in Learning & Development Program.

Whether you run marathons or are just starting a running or walking program, finding the right pair of shoes can be your most important investment. But walking into your local running store and seeing the giant wall of shoes can be intimidating. And hearing terms like over-pronation or motion control can make your head spin.

Come to this interactive session with Andy Roat, owner of Fleet Feet Sports, to gain a better understanding of what you need to know before buying your next pair of shoes. 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 receive one credit toward their Excellence in Learning & Development Certificate.

To attend this event, please RSVP to Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.

—Linda Feiden, Assistant Director, Wellness & Engagement

HR Information Archive

Employee anniversaries

The following staff members are celebrating work anniversaries this month:

Kathy Jefferson, Payroll Office
Susan Ladd, Student Financial Planning
Ginney Camden, College of Business and Public Administration
John Baker, Facility Services
Michael Downey, Facility Services
Nancy Crittenden, Finance & Administration
Mirsada Jakupovic, Facility Services
Ronald Smith, Facility Services
Thomas Heger, Facility Services
Umihana Omerhodzic, Facility Services
Christopher Mielke, Information Technology Services
Michelle Laughlin, Student Disability Services
Matthew Russell, Law School
Heather Storms, Law Library
Ronald Cliff, Facility Services
Timothy Tedesco, Facility Services
Darin Bridgeman, Facility Services
Merrie Frentress, Student Financial Planning
Matthew Richardson, Public Safety
Michelle Biondi, Accounting
Jack Bush, Facility Services
Skylar Scott, Public Safety
Jennie Baranczyk, Athletics
Riley Myers, Facility Services
Cheryle Anania, President’s Office
Darrin McBroom, Athletics
Kelly Read, School of Education
Jenifer Baugher, Accounting
Leonard Seyler, Facility Services
Jeffrey Rutter, Athletics
Steven Townsend, Athletics
Helen Tuttle, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Chi Man Lei-Butters, Human Resources
David Buchanan, Athletics
John Stites, The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center
Aaron Cloud, Office of Admission
Mary Acuoth, Facility Services
Candice Shimmin, Head Start
Joshua Haines, Environmental Health and Safety

HR Information Archive

Keep your identity safe!

Join us Thursday, April 7, at 1 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Room 310, for an informative session: “Watch Out! Keeping Your Identify Safe”, which is part of the Excellence in Learning & Development Program.

Daily headlines warn of identity theft, fraud, and the latest data breach. In fact, in 2013 fraudsters stole a staggering $18 billion from consumers. What the bad guys looking for? Come to this interactive session to gain a better understanding of the information and privacy threats targeted to you and your family, and receive pointers from Drake’s Information Security Manager, Peter Lundstedt, on how to reduce chances of becoming a target.

Participants will receive two credits towards the Excellence in Learning & Development Certificate.

—Debra Wiley, Assistant Director, Human Resources

HR Information Archive

Save $300 on your Drake health insurance in 2017

Don’t forget to participate in this year’s Wellness Incentive Program to receive your premium incentive in 2017. Those on Drake’s health plan can save approximately $300 in 2017 by simply completing a biometrics screening and online wellness assessment.

There are three options for completing your biometric screening:

  • Complete a screening with your physician
  • Complete your screening at a participating Hy-Vee location
  • Complete your screening on campus through UnityPoint Health

The Hy-Vee and on-campus screening options will be available later this year, but you can complete your screening with your physician now. If you have a physical in 2016—with bloodwork—by Aug. 31, the results can be submitted as your biometric screening.

  • Take a copy of the Health Care Provider Biometric Screening Form to your appointment.
  • Your physician must sign the completed form and fax it to Summit Health. Results will be forwarded to Wellmark.
  • The signed form must be received directly from your doctor’s office by Sept. 30, 2016.
  • It is up to you to ensure your physician’s office submits the appropriate paperwork by the Sept. 30 deadline. To determine whether your paperwork has been received, contact Wellmark on their 24/7 help line at 1-877-252-8412.

After the completion of your screening, you will also need to take the online wellness assessment. Assessments are available for access on www.wellmark.com through Nov. 15, 2016.

Questions may be directed to Linda Feiden, assistant director, wellness & engagement, at linda.feiden@drake.edu or 271-1880.

—Submitted by Linda Feiden

HR Information Archive

Reminder about treatment for work-related injuries

This is a reminder that Drake does have a directed medical plan for work-related injuries. Drake’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier, Travelers, has Concentra Medical Centers on file as the authorized workers’ compensation treatment centers for non-emergency work-related injuries and illnesses.

To avoid any insurance coverage issues, please direct any faculty and staff with work-related, non-emergency injuries or illnesses to one of the Concentra Medical Center locations in Des Moines (2100 Dixon and 11144 Aurora Avenue). If you contact Laura Schwarz in Human Resources (x3133) she will contact the center the individual prefers to be seen at to authorize his or her treatment. For emergency situations, call 911.

More information: Workers’ Compensation Medical Treatment

—Laura Schwarz, Human Resources

HR Information Archive

Vacation—Use it or lose it, plan ahead

Time away from work is important for your physical and psychological well-being. Vacation is one means of providing this time to eligible employees. Don’t wait until the last minute, or you may just end up losing vacation time! Vacation cannot be carried over from one fiscal year to the next and must be used by June 30, 2016, or it is forfeited.

We encourage you to look at your calendar and plan your time off in advance so that it does not conflict with other employees’ time off and allows for appropriate coverage needs in your department. All vacation is subject to manager approval. Your manager will appreciate the time to communicate conflicts and to plan accordingly.

—Cindy Adams, Associate Director, Human Resources

HR Information Archive

Reach the Beach Challenge

The deadline to register for the Reach the Beach Challenge is this Friday, April 1, at noon.

What is Reach the Beach?
It is a wellness program designed to get you moving. The goal is to get from International Falls, Minn., to Honolulu in four weeks, beginning Monday, April 4.

How does it work?
You simply participate in activities such as walking, bicycling, and group exercise classes and track your progress. Each activity converts to miles on the trail from International Falls to Los Angeles. To make it from Los Angeles to Honolulu you must earn healthy lifestyle points by making smart choices such as wearing a seatbelt and getting enough sleep. Along the way you will receive health tips, recipes, and optional challenges for bonus miles.

Why should I participate?

  • According to our 2015 aggregate wellness screening results, we could use a little more activity in our day.
  • It is an easy and fun way to get motivated to start or continue a physical activity and healthy lifestyle program.
  • There are many ways you can earn miles including golfing (sans cart) and participating in the Grand Blue Mile!
  • You could win a prize!

How do I get started?
Email Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu with the subject line “Reach the Beach”. Make sure to include your contact information. Deadline to register is noon on Friday, April 1.

A packet of information will be sent to you. Read through the packet carefully and start the challenge on Monday, April 4.

Contact Linda with questions.

—Linda Feiden, Assistant Director, Wellness & Engagement

HR Information Archive

Money at Work with TIAA

Join us Thursday, March 31, at 10 a.m. in the Olmsted Center, Room 310, for a TIAA Interactive Education Workshop, “Money at Work.”

TIAA Senior Consultant Paige Cook will review the foundations of investing and help you sharpen your investment skills during this workshop. You will discover how to:

  • Understand the role of investing
  • Manage your portfolio to accelerate savings
  • Formulate a plan to reach savings goals
  • Evaluate your progress
  • Manage risk versus reward

Reservations are not required.

—Marlene Heuertz, Assistant Director, Benefits