The Olmsted Lot (Lot 16) will be closed this spring on two occasions: Thursday, Feb. 8 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a campus-wide career fair and from April 25 to 29 for the Drake Relays.

— Scott Law, Public Safety & Operational Services

The University Book Store is proud to carry two clothing brands that believe in fair trade, sustainability, respect for their workers and doing good things in their communities.

Alta Gracia is known for implementing a living wage in the Dominican Republic. Workers are paid enough to provide a family access to three healthy meals a day, a safe home, transportation, healthcare, and education. Proceeds from these purchases go directly to the people making the clothing, helping to provide a pathway out of poverty. The Book Store carries an assortment of Alta Gracia products, including long and short sleeve t-shirts.

League Collegiate Outfitters seeks to improve the lives of their employees with programs in El Salvador including financial assistance and gang rehabilitation. The Book Store carries an assortment of League products, including t-shirts, hooded and pullover sweatshirts, pants and shorts.

Please visit our store in the Olmsted Center to see these new products.

— Katie Wilz, University Book Store

View Drake Postal Operations’ new website to learn how the team can save your department time and money. Here are just a few of the ways:

• Mail: Drake Postal Operations can meter your department mail to save time, print addresses directly on your mail pieces for a professional look, or use our automated inserter/folder to free up your staff.
• Parcel Shipping: The team’s extensive knowledge of carriers and the latest postal regulations can help you make the best and most cost-effective choice for your outgoing packages.
• Campus Delivery: Drake Postal Operations takes pride in making sure you have your mail and packages when you need them.

The department’s cutting-edge equipment makes mass mailing easy, whether you need metering, addressing, or automated folding and inserting.

Contact Drake Postal Operations to learn more about its services.

— Tim Reger, Drake Postal Operations

The Department of World Languages and Cultures invites the campus community to chat in Spanish with a native speaker during Conversation Hours. Spanish Conversation Hours are scheduled four times a week this semester: Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and Fridays from 10 to 11 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Conversation Hours are held in Meredith, Room 207.

All levels of Spanish speakers from all areas of the Drake community are welcome. The group warmly supports all participants with opportunities for practicing Spanish; no long-term commitment is required to attend. Don’t worry if you haven’t spoken Spanish for a decade, or ever; all participants are on the language-learning journey.

For additional information, contact Assistant Professor of Spanish Inbal Mazar at inbal.mazar@drake.edu.

— Dorothy Pisarski, School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Join ITS for the next session of Tech Tuesday on Feb. 13 from 2 to 2:50 p.m. in the Dial Center Large Conference Room.

The session will focus on tech troubleshooting. ITS staff will help you learn what steps to take when your tech acts up, where to go for troubleshooting information, and how and when to bring in help.

Sign up for this session and other upcoming sessions.

— Carla Herling, ITS

Numerous injuries result from slips and falls on icy sidewalks, parking lots, roads, and other outdoor locations. Here are 10 tips to reduce injuries from wet and icy surfaces.

1. Snow removal and salting of slick areas can help. However, many times, total elimination of the hazard is impossible.
2. Be aware of your surroundings. Anticipate the fact that you are apt to fall at any moment when walking on ice. Often ice will appear in the morning, in shady spots, or where the sun shines during the day and melted snow refreezes at night.
3. Wear appropriate footwear. Footwear should have low heels with soles constructed of a slip-resistant material. Don’t wear footwear that is not able to grip the surface on which you are walking.
4. Be careful when shifting your weight. When stepping off a curb or getting into a car, shifting your weight may cause an imbalance and result in a fall.
5. Adjust your stride. Take shorter steps and walk with your feet spread further apart laterally so that your center of gravity is maintained directly above your feet at all times.
6. Plan ahead. While walking on snow or ice, walk consciously. Instead of looking down, look up to see where your feet will move next to anticipate ice or an uneven surface. Occasionally scan from left to right to ensure you are not in the way of vehicles or other hazards. Be careful about what you walk under. Injuries can result from falling snow/ice as it blows, melts, or breaks away from buildings.
7. While seeing the environment is important, you also want to listen for approaching traffic and other noises. Avoid listening to music or engaging in conversation that may prevent you from hearing oncoming traffic or snow removal equipment.
8. Take steps slowly. When walking down steps, be sure to grip handrails firmly and plant your feet securely on each step.
9. Don’t take shortcuts. A shortcut path may be treacherous if it is located where snow and ice removal is not possible.
10. Watch out for wet entryways. When you get to your destination, be sure to look at the floor as you enter the building. The floor may be wet with melted snow and ice. Try not to track snow into buildings. Wipe your feet off at the entrance so others won’t slip and fall on melted snow.

— Chris Nickell, Environmental Health & Safety