Please join members of the University Benefits Committee, Wellmark representatives, and Drake benefit consultant Mark J. Becker for an overview of the status of Drake’s medical and dental plans Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 3 p.m. in Olmsted Center, Room 310.
During this final meeting, 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
This fall, Facilities Planning and Management (FPM) is completing a basic assessment of campus trees. With the expertise of FPM staff Aaron Harpold, certified arborist, and Jack Bush, a detailed visual inspection of the trees and surrounding conditions will be accomplished. The observations will locate and identify trees with health concerns or hazardous issues and develop mitigation options such as pruning or removals. While the evaluations of trees are being conducted, we will also identify those areas for additional tree planting opportunities. Drake has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Campus USA since 2011. For more information on that program go to www.arborday.org/programs/treecampususa/.
– Kevin Moran, Facilities Planning and Management
Due to the University closing at noon on Nov. 23, most campus buildings will be locked at 1 p.m. Card access will still allow you to enter your authorized buildings; they will just be locked to the general public. Regular door schedule will resume on Sunday, Nov. 27. Please contact Public Safety (515-271-2222) if you have a door access emergency during this time. Feel free to email studentservices@drake.edu if you have a general (non-emergent) card access question or concern.
Happy Thanksgiving!
—Sara Heijerman, Campus Card Office
Are you developing or revising University policies? If so, consult the Policy Development, Approval and Communication policy on the University-wide policy website. There are tools to help in the development process including Policy Development Procedures, a Policy Template, and a new form recently added, Policy Development Process. Watch for changes in a new policy library in the spring.
—Andrea McDonough, Finance and Administration
Donate your spare change to make change with the Drake Environmental Action League and the Coalition of Black Students. Milk jugs will be placed on the front desks of residence halls and academic buildings to collect money for Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement’s clean water campaign and fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline.
The jugs will be out until Nov. 18. If we raise $500, the president of Coalition of Black Students, Anthony Pawnell, will get pied! So donate today! If you have any questions, contact jade.suganuma@drake.edu.
Join DU Spoken Word, Say What!, and Engaged Citizen Corps on Nov. 11 for a night of spoken word. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. There will be food and admission is $1; all proceeds go to DU Spoken Word.
—Anoushe Seiff
Drake All Staff Council is proud to announce the first 2016–2017 recipient of the Called to be True Blue Award, which recognizes staff members who go above and beyond to make a difference in the Drake community. The award was presented to Joyce Sharp, who served as administrative assistant for budget and finance for the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences for the past 16 years and retired at the end of October. The following is a small excerpt of Joyce’s nomination, submitted by Melissa Rice:
“Joyce goes above and beyond to be helpful to faculty, staff, and students. While at Drake for the last 16 years, Joyce has epitomized the values of leadership, teamwork, integrity, and commitment to the Drake community … She is a mentor and friend to her student workers—attending their pinning, hooding, and graduation ceremonies; meeting their parents; taking them out to lunch for their birthdays; staying in touch with them after graduation; attending their weddings, in some cases; and even taking one student worker to the emergency room … Joyce is one of the ‘greats.’”
Do you know someone who’s Called to be True Blue?
Called to be True Blue recognizes a staff member who:
If this sounds like anyone you know, please nominate them by filling out the online form at www.drake.edu/asc/recognition. Please be specific when nominating, and provide detail on how the nominee meets each value.
At the conclusion of the academic year, each “Called to be True Blue” recipient will be in the running to receive a Sapphire Award, the highest recognition of a staff member at Drake.
—All Staff Council Recognition Committee
Faculty and staff who are veterans and/or military family members are invited to a Meet and Greet on Thursday, Nov. 10, 8–9 a.m., in Turner Jazz Center. Come and meet other Drake faculty, staff, and students who are veterans or military family members. Light refreshments will be available. This casual social recognizes the community of students and employees who share a common bond along with their Drake connection.
—Nancy Geiger, Academic Excellence and Student Success
Students who are veterans and/or military family members are invited to a Meet and Greet on Thursday, Nov. 10, 8–9 a.m., in Turner Jazz Center. Come and meet other Drake students and Drake faculty and staff who are veterans or military family members. Light refreshments will be available. This casual social recognizes the community of students and employees who share a common bond along with their Drake connection.
—Nancy Geiger, Academic Excellence and Student Success
The Ronald and Jane Olson Endowment for Global Service-Learning is providing support for two service-learning match grants for 2016–2017. Applications are available online and are due Dec. 16, at 8 a.m. Applicants will be notified by Dec. 23 regarding award status.
Match grants will be awarded to student global service-learning projects with faculty/staff support where funds or in-kind donations have been appropriated or raised but where additional funds would be beneficial. The Olson Global Service-Learning Match Grant funds are designated to enhance global service-learning projects by providing additional funds that would otherwise not be accessible.
Requirements:
Two grants of $500 will be awarded this academic year. Please note that we are NOT able to reimburse for individuals’ mileage.
Questions: Contact Amanda Martin, community engaged learning program coordinator, at amanda.martin@drake.edu.
—Amanda Martin
