Dance Marathon is March 6 from 2 p.m.–7 p.m. The committee has been working overtime to make this a safe, social distanced, and FUN event. We will be virtual for the first hour then come together for an in-person, four-hour celebration. Sign up soon to ensure you can get a T-shirt at the event. When you register, you want to sign up as a “Participant” and join a “Morale Team.” We cannot wait to see your dance moves!
— Jenna TeKolste, BN’21
Drake’s face coverings policy and return-to-work policy previously defined face coverings to include cloth or disposable surgical masks that cover an individual’s nose and mouth. Recent reports indicate that gaiter- and bandanna-style masks are much less effective at preventing transmission of the new strains of the coronavirus impacting many areas of the country. In response to this new information, Drake has revised its face covering policy and return to work policy such that gaiters and bandannas will no longer meet the face covering requirements for our campus. Questions, comments or concerns about this policy change should be directed to dupolicies@drake.edu.
— Jessica Morgan-Tate, Finance & Administration
Join the Drake Student HR Association to learn how to discover your unique value proposition and leverage it when networking and in your job search. This event is scheduled for Feb. 23, 7–8 p.m. For Zoom information, contact Millie Bretl (millie.bretl@drake.edu).
— Robert Olinger, Management and Communications (CBPA)
As we kick off the second semester, I am pleased to provide an update on the Big Ideas as well as Drake’s emerging University-wide fundraising campaign.
As a reminder, and for those new to the University, the Big Ideas initiative solicited more than 50 bold, transformational ideas from the campus community designed to elevate and define Drake’s future. Through a detailed and year-long evaluation process, the University narrowed down the Big Ideas into six themes, which will become the cornerstones of the upcoming fundraising campaign:
In March, we were forced to put the Big Ideas and campaign planning on pause due to the pandemic. While supporting our students’ and community’s most immediate needs remains paramount, I’m happy to announce that the Drake University Board of Trustees has agreed to move forward with planning for Drake’s comprehensive fundraising campaign. Key next steps as we resume this exciting process include:
This campaign is a reason for all of us to look to the future with great optimism. It is an opportunity to accelerate and sustain the Big Ideas that will shape Drake University for years to come. Please watch OnCampus for more updates as the campaign progresses.
— John Smith, Vice President, University Advancement
To kick off our newly adopted Drake Neighborhood Bulldog Bucks program and to encourage student interaction in the Drake community, we have organized a spring semester promotion to encourage visits to the local businesses near campus. The objective will be to visit either eight off campus Bulldog Bucks merchants, or a total of eight Drake neighborhood businesses (tracking businesses not on the Bulldog Bucks program by using a hashtag with a posted photo – #dogtowndash) during the spring semester. We’ll run this program from Feb. 1–May 2, and the first 100 students to complete this challenge will earn a T-shirt!
Feel free to contact studentservices@drake.edu if you have questions about this promotion. You will be contacted by this email address with challenge updates and a pre/post-program survey. Participants will also be alerted when they have completed the challenge.
**Troubleshooting tips:
Thanks for your participation, and support of our amazing neighborhood businesses!
— Sara Heijerman, Student Services Center
If you’re interested in working and living abroad after graduation, Working Worldwide might be the perfect program for you. Working Worldwide is an opportunity for recent graduates to live and work in China or Kosovo for a year.
Applications for 2021–2022 are live! You can apply through Terra Dotta, our online application system. Applications are due by March 1.
If you’re looking to expand your horizons, develop skills to be a competitive professional, and do something different after graduation, look no further than Working Worldwide!
Want to learn more? Attend an information session. Details found here.
If you have questions about Working Worldwide, please contact nathan.jacobson@drake.edu.
— Nathan Jacobson, Center for International Programs and Services
In response to what we heard from employees who participated in the September 2020 survey, our Spring 2021 faculty/staff wellbeing programs will focus on five key areas: social connection, mental health resources, recognition, financial resources, and self-care.
Social Connection. The All Staff Council in partnership with Human Resources offered two virtual “watercooler” events in January as a way for faculty and staff to informally connect with colleagues across campus. Look for more in the coming months. Another great way to connect is using group chats through Microsoft Teams. Here are three groups you should consider joining:
Mental Health Resources. The 2021 Spring Term BUILD Schedule includes a variety of virtual classes addressing mental health. Make it Ok in the Workplace on Feb. 9 from 2-3 p.m., discusses how to reduce stigma by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness. On Feb. 26, the Occupational Therapy students will share a presentation on Emotional & Mental Health Wellbeing, and on March 25, Employee & Family Resources will moderate a discussion titled Behavioral Health in the Workplace. Details on all classes can be found on myDrake.
Recognition. Recognizing employee contributions, and creating meaningful recognition and awards programs, is an important part of the Drake culture. In March we will focus on ways we can recognize our colleagues. March 5 is National Employee Appreciation Day, but the goal is to share gratitude and appreciation every day.
Financial Resources. Uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, and its economic impact on the University and our personal lives, has created a surge in financial stress and anxiety. In April we will focus on available resources and tools to assist you in making the best decisions for you and your family. We will roll out a financial wellness program, share TIAA resources you may have overlooked, and offer a presentation on financial planning.
Self-Care. In May we will focus on self-care. This includes being active, eating right, and getting enough sleep. It also includes addressing stress and knowing the resources and tools to assist you when needed.
One important, but often overlooked resource is Employee & Family Resources (EFR). They offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all full-time Drake employees and their family members. You can reach EAP by phone (800-327-4692) or visit their website at https://www.efr.org/login/. All EAP benefits are confidential and available 24/7/365.
In addition, EFR offers webinars, podcasts and COVID-19 resources to help us navigate these stressful times.
For more information on current and upcoming wellbeing programs, please contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
Join Jazlin Coley, service coordinator for Equity and Inclusion, for a four-part lunch ‘n learn series titled Let’s Re-Think How We DU Service. All sessions will be from 12-1 p.m. Click the links to register. Reach out to jazlin.coley@drake.edu for more information.
Diversity in Service – Feb. 18. Learn more about diversity and how it applies to your student organization. Definitions, types, and issues relevant to diversity will be explored in this intro session.
Addressing the Barriers to Service – Feb. 26. This session will provide you with an opportunity to reflect and discuss the barriers faced by students that prevent them from participating in your service experiences. We will explore the dynamics of language, privilege, and oppression and their impact on students and our communities to leave you with concrete tools on how to break down those barriers of service.
Organizing To Support An Inclusive Environment – March 10. This session will provide an overview of effective practices in developing and implementing strategies within service experiences that will assist you in aligning all of your efforts under a diversity commitment.
Cultivating Diverse Experiences – March 18. Need guidance on strategically planning and supporting service experiences that are accessible, safe, and engaging for all? This session will provide you best practices on co-creating experiences that will guide you through rethinking traditional service experiences so that you can offer a variety of volunteer opportunities.
— Jazlin Coley, College of Arts & Sciences
The Bell Center and Underground Fitness will be open the following hours Feb. 15–May 14.
Bell Center
Monday–Friday: 6 a.m.–9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m.–9 p.m.
Underground Fitness
Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m.–8 p.m.
Please make note of the following IM Registration Deadlines. Sign up on the Drake Rec App or imleagues.com/drake.
Badminton – Feb. 12
Indoor Volleyball – Feb. 17
Madden – Feb. 17
3-Point Contest – Feb. 28
Wellness updates:
In person GroupX classes begin Feb 15.
Virtual On- Demand classes are still available and will be throughout the semester.
Sign up on the Drake Rec App or imleagues.com/drake
— Emily Madsen, Recreational Services
Are you interested in making personal fitness a priority this semester? My name is Alex Klosterman, and I’m organizing Bulldog Bootcamp through Drake Wellness this spring. Bootcamp will look a little different from previous years due to the pandemic. The four-week long, guided program will begin Feb. 21 and run until March 15. The registration deadline is Thursday, Feb. 18. Sign up here.
— Alex Klosterman, PH’21
