In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Supplemental Paid Leave plan is now available to all benefit-eligible employees. This plan offers employees enhanced time-off benefits to be used for personal health situations or to care for children or other dependents as a result of the current pandemic. The plan is effective April 1, 2020.

View the full plan.

Read a list of FAQs regarding the plan and other time off provisions:

Q. How long will the Supplemental Paid Leave plan be in effect?
A. The plan is designed to address the immediate challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and will be in effect until at least May 31, 2020. An end date will be determined when more is known about the evolving pandemic and associated public health risk.

Q. Do I have to use my vacation or personal leave first before applying for Supplemental Paid Leave?
A. No. Supplemental Paid Leave is available once sick leave accruals are depleted, regardless of whether you have vacation or personal time remaining. You do not have to use your vacation or personal leave before applying for Supplemental Paid Leave.

Q. I am a faculty member. How does the Supplemental Paid Leave plan apply to me?
A. The Drake University Faculty Short Term Disability Policy provides pay continuation when a faculty member is unable to work due to illness. In other situations, where circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic require time away, including to care for a family member, the Supplemental Leave Plan provides added paid time off options.

Q. How do I apply for Supplemental Leave?
A.  If you need to use supplemental leave for a qualifying situation, please complete the Qualtrics form.

Q. How do I record Supplemental Paid Leave on my timecard or monthly leave report?
A.  You and your manager will receive an email response following submission of your request to use the leave. Non-exempt employees will record the time off in the Supplemental Paid Leave area of the timesheet, and exempt employees will submit the Supplemental Paid Leave on the monthly leave report.    

— Mary Alice Hill, Human Resources

Admitted Students Day is a time where Bulldogs from every corner of campus come together, working to shine a spotlight on the incredible things that happen at Drake each day. Every year, their hard work pays off as high school students from across the world attend these visit days to find that Drake is the place they want to spend the next phase of their lives learning and growing.

This year, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University made the decision to recreate the experience online, allowing prospective students to attend remotely. On March 27 and April 3, Drake held its first Virtual Admitted Students programs. More than 450 students from over 30 states and 10 countries participated—a record for any group visit program!

During the virtual visits, potential new students and their families connected with Drake students, staff, and faculty to see a mix of live and pre-recorded content. Administrators answered students’ questions about financial aid, residence life, campus safety and health, and everything that makes Drake home. Professors from each college gave students a glimpse into academic life at Drake, including virtual classes, and students from all over campus filmed vlogs and campus tours.

Thanks to the adaptability and hard work from Drake students, faculty, and staff, the Admissions team in close collaboration with University Communications and Marketing, was able to virtually bring students helpful and engaging content designed to answer common questions and to replicate the information they would have received during an on-campus visit. Students who attended the virtual visit overwhelmingly described it as fun, welcoming, informative, and friendly.  

High school students didn’t ask to be making such a pivotal decision in the midst of such unprecedented global circumstances, but they are making the most of it, and so are we. We are #draketogether, and will continue to work together to bring the Drake experience to as many future Bulldogs as possible.

— Meredith Ponder, University Communications & Marketing

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, University leaders are working diligently to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our entire campus community. For the latest updates, please visit drake.edu/coronavirus. The website serves as a repository of information, including:

• Campus messages from President Martin and Provost Mattison
• Operational updates, such as building access and closures
• FAQs pertaining to human resources, travel, Athletics, events, and student life
• Guidance on teaching, learning, and working remotely
• CDC resources and guidelines

In addition, stay connected through Drake’s social media accounts. To promote a sense of community, faculty, staff, and students are invited to engage with one another through Drake’s social content using the hashtag #DrakeTogether.

Since 1881, Drake University has been All In — and we’re not stopping now. Join with Bulldogs everywhere on April 2–3 for the All In 2020 Giving Challenge.

Our goal is to reach 1,881+ donors during the 24-hour challenge. If we reach this goal, the University will receive an additional $81,000 in matching gifts from alumni Doug Zinser, AS’96, Peggy Fisher, FA’70, and Larry Stelter, and Cynthia Lesher, LA’70.

Gifts made during All In support the University across schools and academic units, athletics, and student affairs, and help fund scholarships and immediate needs.

Follow Drake University Alumni on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for information about events and what’s happening during All In.

We’re also looking for ambassadors to help promote All In. Sign up on the All In website and reach out to Kara Vaughn in University Advancement if you have questions (kara.vaughn@drake.edu).

— Alicia Chilton, University Communications & Marketing

Plan to arrive at 3:30 p.m. for a town hall meeting prior to the Provost’s Drake Social on Tuesday, March 10, in the Cowles Library Reading Room. The town hall will be presented by President Martin and focus on the Drake Core Value of Commitment to Mission.

The Provost’s Drake Social will begin immediately afterward. Those who have been recognized by colleagues for their Commitment to Mission will be honored, and three individuals will be drawn to receive prizes. You must be present to win. To nominate a colleague, complete this Qualtrics form.

All Staff Council will host a Trivia contest beginning at 4:45 p.m. Come with a team or form one on the spot.

The Drake Social is a family friendly event.

— Drinda Williams, Office of the Provost

With the second semester in full swing, I am pleased to provide an update on the Big Ideas process and share exciting next steps. 

Over the last few months, President Martin and members of the Advancement staff have been meeting with key University donors and prospects to update them on the Big Ideas process and share the six proposed themes:

1. Center for Public Democracy
2. Digital Proficiency Platform
3. Every Bulldog a Changemaker
4. Intergenerational Campus
5. Jay N. Darling Institute
6. University Center

For a review of the Big Ideas themes, refer back to the video shared by President Martin on Dec. 2.

I am pleased to report that 105 one-on-one visits with leadership donors and prospects have been completed, with approximately 10 more visits scheduled. Intended to serve as a modified feasibility study supporting the Big Ideas process and Drake’s next comprehensive fundraising campaign, these meetings allowed us to gauge which themes resonated most with prospective donors. Overwhelmingly, we received positive feedback regarding the Big Ideas and analysis to help shape the next steps in the process.

Also, last month, President Martin provided the Board of Trustees a detailed update on the Big Ideas, and the Board offered their feedback and their endorsement of the process.

Immediate next steps
In the coming weeks, meetings will be scheduled with each of the Big Ideas champions and additional contributors to begin the process of defining specific fundraising initiatives related to their idea. Our goal is to have a “fundraising menu” drafted for each of the six themes leading into the April Board meeting.

In addition, a letter and marketing piece will be sent from President Martin to the more than 100 prospects we held meetings with. The letter will thank them for their participation, update them on the process, and summarize next steps.

Once again, thank you for your continued support of this exciting process. As always, please reach out with any questions and feedback. 

— John Smith, Vice President, University Advancement