Please join the Human Resources department in welcoming two, new, full-time Drake University employees for the month of April.
Laura Schwarz, Human Resources
We have become aware that book buying companies may periodically solicit inquiries via email to Drake faculty requesting that they contact them to sell their textbooks. This is a reminder that this practice is discouraged and addressed in the Faculty Manual Section 2.163 Sale of Examination Copies.
Caron Findlay, Finance & Administration
Pets are an important part of many employees’ lives. Please keep in mind, however, that not everyone is comfortable around animals and that there are health, safety, and sanitation reasons why restricting animals in University buildings is appropriate. Drake University Policy prohibits pets in campus buildings unless they are a part of a controlled science lab, are Service/Assistance Animals, or are part of a regulated sponsored mascot program. Even in those instances, registration and appropriate controls are in place. Our campus is a diverse community with thousands walking through our doors each year, and adhering to our policy will make this a welcoming environment for everyone. The full policy can be found in the University Policy Library.
Chris Nickell, Director of Environmental Health & Safety
During the summer months, individuals often participate in flexible work schedules, commonly referred to as “Summer Hours.” Summer Hours involve working longer hours four days of the week, and then the fifth day, individuals work a half day.
For weeks that include a holiday, please remember the holiday only represents eight hours. The extra time that is typically worked should be made up on the remaining days of the week, or omitted for the week. The University will be closed for the Fourth of July holiday this year on Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5.
If you would like to participate in the Summer Hours, the Flextime Understanding form should be completed and returned to Human Resources prior to the commencement of the arrangement. This form is available on the Employee Home page of myDrake (Employee Forms under Human Resources).
Linda Feiden, Human Resources
The end of the school year is fast approaching, and we would like to remind everyone on campus to unplug electrical items in their offices that are not necessary. This is especially true if you are going to be off campus for more than one week. We have scheduled an electrical shutdown of the entire campus on July 5 for approximately six hours. This electrical shutdown could cause computers and other electrical devices problems. Please help Facilities Planning and Management to save money by decreasing the University’s utility costs.
Jolene Schmidt, Facilities Planning and Management
Our beloved live mascot, Griff, turns SEVEN on Wednesday, May 8! We will be celebrating by extending birthday wishes on social media on his birthday, tagging him @drakeugriff. We encourage you to share your favorite photo(s) and send him virtual birthday wishes, using the hashtag #GriffTurns7. On Friday, we will be throwing him a party from 12–1 p.m. in Helmick Commons in conjunction with SAB’s Final Friday event. All students, faculty, and staff are welcome! If the weather does not cooperate, the party will be moved inside Olmsted. We encourage everyone to stop by and have a frozen treat (while supplies last) and snap a photo with Griff.
— Erin Bell, Associate Director of Marketing, University Communications & Marketing
The Drake University Admission Fellow Program selects one student of senior standing to represent the University in a variety of settings throughout the academic year. The primary function of the Admission Fellow is to oversee the Admission Coleition program, assist with group visit programs, serve as an admission representative and execute various administrative tasks. Additionally, the Fellow will meet with students and families during campus visits, represent the University at college fairs and other external events, and be involved in an array of admission-related activities throughout the academic year. The position, which pays $8.25 per hour, requires between 12–20 hours during the fall and spring semesters (including occasional Saturday duty). View the full job description.
Interested students should complete and submit an application via the online job tool, Handshake. Applications are being accepted through Wednesday, May 8, at midnight.
For questions, contact Deneen Dygert, Associate Director, Admission, at deneen.dygert@drake.edu.
— Deneen Dygert, Office of Admission
Inclement weather forecasts have prompted us to move the final Provost’s Drake Social indoors to the Shivers Hospitality Suite. The event will be Tuesday, May 7, from 4–6 p.m.
This final social will also be a time to honor this year’s retirees, as well as those celebrating milestone work anniversaries. We will be serving ice cream sundaes, lemonade, and iced tea.
Drinda Williams, Provost’s Office
Attend the Sapphire Awards May 9 from 1–2 p.m. in Levitt Hall to celebrate True Blue employees—an individual or team that goes above and beyond expectations to serve students, colleagues, and the Drake community.
The awards program will include treats and refreshments, entertainment by D+ Improv, presentation of Sapphire Award recipients, presentation of Madeline Levitt Award recipient, and a visit from Griff.
Amelia Klatt, All Staff Council Recognition Committee
Drake Tomorrow: Why We Change, How We Change is the theme of the 2019 Learning Symposium to be held Friday, Aug. 16, at the Olmsted Center. The Provost’s Council is currently accepting proposals for break-out sessions. Please visit the Learning Symposium website for additional information and the formal Call of Proposals.
Tentative Schedule
9–9:15 am: Welcome
9:30–10:30 am: Break out 1
10:45–11:45 am: Break out 2
12–1:30 pm: Lunch
1:45–2:45 pm: Break out 3
3–3:45 pm: Closing facilitated discussion
4–6 pm: Drake Social, Cowles Reading Room
Drinda Williams, Academic Support Specialist, Office of the Provost
