Category Archives: Archive

HR Information Archive

Still haven’t completed your biometrics screening?

Faculty and staff on Drake’s health plan can save $300 in 2016 by participating in the Wellness Incentive Program. You simply need to complete a biometrics screening and online wellness assessment this fall.

The deadline to complete your biometrics screening at a participating Hy-Vee store has been extended to Nov. 20. No on-campus biometrics screening appointments remain.

Full details and a list of participating Hy-Vee stores can be found here. You must complete your screening at a Hy-Vee location by Nov. 20. Hy-Vee will submit your screening results to Wellmark, which will automatically update your online assessment.

If you’ve completed your biometrics screening, don’t forget to complete your online assessment via Wellmark by Dec. 4. You must complete both the screening and the online assessment to receive the wellness incentive.

Visit the Wellness Incentive Program site to learn more about the wellness incentive and for a FAQ. Questions may be directed to Diana Lei-Butters and diana.lei-butters@drake.edu or 271-1871.
—Submitted by Cindy Adams, Associate Director, Human Resources

HR Information Archive

FINAL campus-wide benefits meeting this Wednesday

How do Drake benefits compare? What is Drake’s philosophy when it comes to employee benefit decisions? What changes are planned for this year and beyond?

The answers to these questions, and more, will be addressed in “A Report to Faculty and Staff: The Status of the Drake Medical and Dental Plans,” Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 3 p.m. in the Pomerantz Conference Room (Olmsted Center).

Reminder: Benefit enrollment forms must be received in Human Resources no later than 4:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30.

—Submitted by Marlene Heuertz, Assistant Director, Benefits

Campus Announcements Archive

Iowa Academic Library Alliance formed

On Oct. 22, all academic libraries in Iowa (private, regents, and community colleges) formed the Iowa Academic Library Alliance, and adopted a governance structure. The Alliance looks to build innovative approaches to accessing and maintaining knowledge that will positively impact the learning communities at all of the state’s academic institutions. Cowles Library Dean Rod Henshaw was elected to serve on the Alliance’s Coordinating Committee.

The Alliance complements existing collaborations that Drake maintains with other academic libraries through the Iowa Library Association, the Iowa Private Academic Libraries group, the Central Iowa Collaborative Collections Initiative, and the new Ex Libris Partnership. Collaboration with other libraries is a key strategic approach adopted by Cowles Library. By engaging in collaborations with other academic libraries, Cowles is able to provide access to materials and additional research services that extend well beyond the scope of a single institution’s limited resources.

—Submitted by Marc Davis, Cowles Library

Campus Announcements Archive

Scheduled electrical shutdowns

On Nov. 25, a scheduled electrical shutdown will occur from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., affecting the following buildings: The Knapp Center, Fieldhouse, Bell Center, and Shivers Basketball Practice Facility. This scheduled shutdown is part of the electrical project that needs to be completed prior to the construction of the new School of Education/Computer Science and Mathematics Building and the new Science Connector Building.

Another scheduled electrical shutdown will occur on Nov. 27, from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., affecting the Fine Arts Center and Olin Hall. This scheduled shutdown is a routine shutdown that occurs ever year the day after Thanksgiving. This allows Facilities Services to clean the electrical transformer on campus.

—Submitted by Jolene Schmidt, Director, Operations & Support Services

Campus Announcements Archive

First Databook installment online now

Need some information regarding Drake’s enrollment or student body?  You can find it on the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment (OIRA) website.  Please note, faculty information will be available at a later time. As always, if you need anything from OIRA, please fill out the Request for Information form on our site.

—Submitted by Christine Marchand, Institutional Research and Academic Compliance Coordinator

Campus Announcements Archive

Parking during snow removal

The Drake neighborhood is one of five neighborhoods established as an Odd/Even Side Snow Parking Zone, due to limited off-street parking. Other Odd/Even Side Snow Parking Zones are Carpenter, Drake Park, River Bend, and Sherman Hills neighborhoods. Citywide and odd/even plowing will occur as determined by the public works director based on total accumulation, prevailing conditions, and near future forecasts.

  • Snowplowing operation in odd/even neighborhoods will occur only between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Odd or even calendar days of the month are matched with street addresses ending in odd or even numbers. (i.e., odd numbered days, vehicles should be parked on the odd side of the street)
  • Vehicles must be on the correct side of the street by 7 a.m. to avoid a ticket.

Vehicles parked on the street will receive a $35 fine and may be subject to towing. Tickets can be appealed using the parking ticket appeal process.

If you wish to know when parking is prohibited on residential streets, text DMSNOW to 96000. If you wish to receive text messages, including notification of the parking requirements in the Odd/Even Side Snow Parking Zones, text DMODDSNOW to 96000. Standard text messaging rates apply.

—Submitted by Andrea McDonough, Senior Administrative Services Specialist

Campus Announcements Archive

It’s On Us Week

This week, Nov. 8–13, is the It’s On Us National Week of Action, marking the one-year anniversary of the White House public service project aimed at ending sexual assaults on college campuses. “It’s On Us is a cultural movement aimed at fundamentally shifting the way we think and talk about sexual assault. It is a rallying cry, inviting everyone to step up and realize that the solution begins with us. The campaign seeks to reframe the conversation surrounding sexual assault in a way that empowers, educates, and engages college students to do something, big or small, to prevent it.” (It’s On Us campus organizing tool)

It’s on us—all of us—to stop sexual assault. Here are a few tips from It’s On Us as to what you can do to be part of the solution:

  • Talk to your friends honestly and openly about sexual assault.
  • Don’t just be a bystander—if you see something, intervene in any way you can.
  • Trust your gut. If something looks like it might be a bad situation, it probably is.
  • Be direct. Ask someone who looks like they may need help if they’re ok.
  • Get someone to help you if you see something—enlist a friend, RA, bartender, or host to help step in.
  • Keep an eye on someone who has had too much to drink.
  • If you see someone who is too intoxicated to consent, enlist their friends to help them leave safely.
  • Recognize the potential danger of someone who talks about planning to target another person at a party.
  • Be aware if someone is deliberately trying to intoxicate, isolate, or corner someone else.
  • Get in the way by creating a distraction, drawing attention to the situation, or separating them.
  • Understand that if someone does not or cannot consent to sex, it’s rape.
  • Never blame the victim.

What can you do at Drake University?

Take the pledge at http://itsonus.org/#pledge to help keep women and men safe from sexual assault.

What does the pledge look like?
I PLEDGE:
To RECOGNIZE that non-consensual sex is sexual assault.
To IDENTIFY situations in which sexual assault may occur.
To INTERVENE in situations where consent has not or cannot be         given.
To CREATE an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported.

Learn more about It’s On Us by stopping by our table at Hubbell Dining on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Familiarize yourself with Drake University’s It’s On Us public statement and other resources at www.drake.edu/sexual-assault/

—Submitted by Kathryn Overberg, Title IX Coordinator, Equity and Inclusion Policy Specialist

Strategic Updates Archive

From the President

As you are aware, we began the search for a new provost earlier this fall. Led by Darcie Vandegrift, associate professor of sociology and department chair, the search committee began by soliciting input across campus about the community’s aspirations for our new provost. The committee has screened more than 60 applicants and will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.

The committee has identified a list of candidates to invite to a neutral site interview. These candidates were chosen for their talent and experience regarding:

• Record of professorial accomplishment
• Collaborative ability with campus stakeholders and appreciation of faculty governance
• Capacity to implement a mission-driven strategic vision
• Proven leadership and management skills
• Demonstrated ability to ensure the success of a diverse student body, staff, and faculty

Neutral site interviews will be completed before Thanksgiving, and the committee plans to invite three finalists to campus the week of Nov. 30. Open forums for each candidate will be held during that week—further details to be shared as the candidates are selected and schedules are finalized.

I would like to thank the committee for all their hard work and effort. Their diligence has enabled us to forego the typical practice of hiring a consultant, saving the University tens of thousands of dollars.

Please take the opportunity to provide feedback to the committee members as the process goes forward. The members of the search team are listed at www.drake.edu/provostsearch

Best regards,

Marty

Featured Events Archive

“The Changing Role of Central Banks”

Drake University will host a panel discussion on “The Changing Role of Central Banks,” sponsored by The Principal Financial Group and The Principal Financial Group Center for Global Citizenship.

The free public event is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, in Sussman Theater, located in the lower level of the Olmsted Center.

Panelists will include Jim McCaughan, CEO of Principal Global Investors; Bob Baur, Chief Global Economist at PGI; Madelyn Antoncic, executive director of institutional investment solutions at PGI; and Sean Severe, assistant professor of economics in the Drake University College of Business and Public Administration.

Strategic Updates Archive

DNC debate tickets

Dear Drake students, staff, and faculty,

On Saturday, Nov. 14, Drake University will host a nationally-televised live Democratic presidential candidate debate in Sheslow Auditorium, sponsored by CBS News, the Democratic National Committee, the Iowa Democratic Party, the Des Moines Register, KCCI, and Twitter. 

Drake’s mission statement promises students an exceptional learning environment, and hosting the debate exemplifies this commitment. Specifically, there are four important ways in which hosting this debate reflects the University’s mission. First, the debate exemplifies our role in a civic democracy—the University is the place where the community (in this case, the nation) comes together to debate the important issues of the day. Second, CBS News will be hiring student interns who will work on all aspects of the production for the week prior to the event. Third, a limited number of tickets are available for Drake students, faculty, and staff to attend the debate itself, participating directly in the democratic process (information about how to request a seat is included below). Finally, the debate brings national attention to our University, increasing visibility and attracting the next generation of outstanding students to campus.

Hosting the debate requires a substantial amount of logistical planning, and the campus community will need to be aware of a number of issues.

Tickets:

The Democratic National Committee has exclusive control over distribution of tickets to attend the debate. A limited number of tickets have been made available to members of the Drake community, and priority will be given to current Drake students.

All debate attendees must be seated by 7 p.m. and will need to remain in Sheslow Auditorium for the entirety of the program, until 10 p.m. If you are unable to commit to attending the entire debate program, please do not request tickets.

Tickets will be distributed by lottery. To request a ticket, go to http://tinyurl.com/DNCDrakeDebate2015. You may request a ticket at any time prior to Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015, at 5 p.m. Please submit your name and information only once, as duplicate entries are not permitted. In order to guarantee equal opportunity for all members of the Drake community, only one submission per person will be eligible.  Each request is for only one ticket, and Drake is not providing tickets for family, friends, or alumni.

Please be aware that attendance will require Secret Service screening procedures.

Should you be chosen to receive a ticket to the event, you will be notified by Friday, Nov. 6, using the preferred email address you provide in your request. Once you confirm your acceptance of the ticket, additional instructions and information will be provided. Please remember that tickets are nontransferable—they are only valid for the individual who has been designated to use the ticket and IDs will be checked at the door. 

Facilities and Security: 

The debate will bring a large number of people to campus (approximately 1,000-1,500 people are expected). This creates security concerns and all members of the campus community should be aware of this. Please observe the following guidelines to ensure safety: 

  • The Bell Center, Cartwright Hall, and Old Main will be restricted to those affiliated with the debate for security reasons. Credentials will be necessary to enter these spaces on Friday evening and all day Saturday (Nov. 13 and 14). If you need to use facilities in these buildings, please plan to do so before or after they are secured for the debate.
  • Areas immediately surrounding the Bell Center, Cartwright Hall, and Old Main will be restricted for security reasons. Prior to the debate, information will be available regarding street closures, parking restrictions, and other logistics. Please plan accordingly.
  • Please carry your Drake Card (ID) with you at all times. Should an emergency arise, this will allow security and Secret Service personnel to identify you as a member of the Drake community.
  • For students living on campus or in the immediate area, please be extra cautious about allowing access to living spaces to individuals who are not known to you. Do not prop or leave doors open, do not let people into your building unless you know them personally, and do not accept “credentials” from any individual not affiliated with the University, the Des Moines Police, or the Secret Service.

Things to Keep in Mind

Hosting a nationally-televised live debate provides invaluable opportunities for the Drake community. It also means that our campus and our community are in the national spotlight. Approximately 700 credentialed members of the press are expected. Three presidential candidates will be on campus. You may have interactions with CBS staff, candidates, campaign staff, Secret Service personnel and/or the media. Please take care to be respectful and responsible. You may well have the opportunity to show the nation who we are as the Drake community and our collective commitment to civility and the open, respectful exchange of divergent views. Together, we can ensure that this is a positive experience for all of the individuals visiting campus, as well as for all members of the Drake family.

Additional details regarding building access, street closures, and parking restrictions, will be distributed next week.

—Joe Lenz, Provost