Tag Archives: staff

Drake Faculty/Staff Days

All Drake University faculty and staff are eligible to receive up to four complimentary tickets to the women’s basketball home game against Creighton at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24. Tickets may be picked up at the Drake Athletics Ticket Office Monday–Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or at the ticket window on game day. Must show valid Drake Card (ID) at time of pick up.

Future faculty/staff days:

Men’s Basketball
Drake vs. DePaul
Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.
Knapp Center

Men’s Basketball
Drake vs. Bradley
Jan. 30 at 2 p.m.
Knapp Center

Women’s Basketball
Drake vs. Wichita State
Feb. 5 at 7 p.m.
Knapp Center

—Submitted by Tom Florian, Assistant Director of Ticket Sales

Open Enrollment ends Nov. 30

The annual open enrollment period for Drake University benefits ends at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 30

Medical/Dental/Wellness Benefits
Current medical, dental, and wellness participation will automatically be continued for the 2016 Plan Year. Employees who wish to change their current participation must complete a new enrollment form.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Employees must complete a new election form each year to participate in the flexible spending plans. Current Health Care FSA participants will be allowed to carry over up to $500 of unused contributions to the 2016 Plan Year.

Enrollment forms must be received in Human Resources no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 30. Enrollment forms are located in the Human Resources Channel’s Forms Library on the Employee Tab in blueView.

—Submitted by Marlene Heuertz, Assistant Director, Benefits

Important campus operations update

Thanksgiving break door access

Due to the University closing at noon on Nov. 25, we will be locking doors to most campus buildings at 1 p.m. Card access will still allow you to access your authorized buildings, they will just be locked to the general public. Regular door schedule will resume on Sunday, Nov. 29.

Please contact Public Safety (515-271-2222) if you have a door access emergency during this time, or email studentservices@drake.edu if you have a general (non-emergent) card access question or concern.

Happy Thanksgiving!

—Submitted by Sara Heijerman, Manager, Campus Card Office

 

Building heating for 2015–2016

Campus is now set for the heating season with all systems up and running and cooling generally shut down and being winterized. Because the bulk of campus is cooled with water based cooling systems, they must be drained and in many cases winterized to prevent freezing. Once this is done they cannot be turned back on until warm temperatures in the spring. Facility Services begins this process prior to temperatures dropping below 32 degrees.

The University has adopted uniform temperature settings for heating and cooling: heating temperature is 68 degrees and cooling temperature is 77 degrees. In 2003 the University Sustainability Committee recommended energy efficient temperature set points for University buildings to the President’s Cabinet, which ratified the recommendation at that time. The set points were guided by the federal recommended set points, those used in federal buildings, and those recommended by MidAmerican energy for maximum efficiency and energy sustainability. These set points are intended for common spaces, classrooms and labs, offices and administrative spaces, athletic facilities, and auditoriums. Residence hall rooms are still on their own control and can be regulated to suit the resident’s liking.

—Submitted by Mark Chambers, Director Facility Services


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 Servi

New website for Drake University Archives & Special Collections

Cowles Library is pleased to announce a new website for the Drake University Archives & Special Collections at https://archives.library.drake.edu. Located on the second floor of the Library, the Archives collects and preserves documents, artifacts, and images related to the history of Drake.

The new website features a search box for the Special Collections; Archives Finding Aids; links to the Drake Digital Collections; as well as the Political Papers Collection, which includes the congressional papers of Sen. Tom Harkin, Rep. Neal Smith, and the Iowa Caucus Collection. The site also provides links to eScholarShare, the scholarly repository for the University, and information about current exhibits and information regarding use of the collections.

University Archives and Special Collections welcomes students, scholars, and members of the general public to view and use the University’s historical primary source documents, including original letters and diaries, photographs, oral histories, and publications. Students are especially welcomed and encouraged to conduct research within these collections. University Archives and Special Collections staff are happy to work with instructors at Drake to incorporate primary source materials into the learning process. Arrangements can be made for classes or tours to be held in the Archives and staff are available to make presentations about the holdings or to work with faculty interested in including archival materials in the curriculum. For more information contact archives@drake.edu.

—Submitted by Marc Davis, Cowles Library

Drake Relays Parade survey

As a result of declining participation in the Drake Relays Parade, a committee has been formed to identify ways to generate renewed excitement as well as campus and community-wide participation. In order to re-evaluate the purpose, goals, and outcome of the Relays Parade, we are asking faculty, staff, and students (as well as neighbors and local businesses) to provide us with feedback and ideas for the future of the parade. We understand what a big part this long-standing tradition played in the week leading up to the Drake Relays and want to be sure we consider the support, sustainability, and impact of this Relays standby.

We appreciate your opinions as we move forward. Follow the link to complete the brief survey: http://tinyurl.com/drakeparadesurvey

—Submitted by Marina Verlengia, Director of Student Programming

Updated Materials Pick Up Form

The Materials Pick Up Form is used to request a pick up of waste materials (hazardous, non-hazardous, e-waste, etc.). This form should also be used to request new containers and materials or replacement containers/materials after they are picked up. Please use the new form, which can be found on the Environmental Health & Safety website under Forms & Procedures as the old one will not reach our office.

—Submitted by Chris Nickell, Director, Environmental Health & Safety

Drake University Emergency Response Procedures

It is often said that knowing how to respond in an emergency situation can be the difference between life and death. Here at Drake, a number of departments work hard every day to prevent life threatening emergencies from happening. That being said, it is difficult to prevent all emergencies so it is important to have procedures in place should one occur. Preparing for an emergency is no easy task; each situation is unique and presents its own challenges. The Drake University Emergency Response Procedures document covers multiple possible emergency scenarios and should be used as the guideline when responding to emergency situations. It is the responsibility of every member of the Drake community to be familiar with the contents of the Emergency Response Procedures document and to understand what their role would be should an emergency occur at Drake. This article will outline the Emergency Response Procedures but will not cover every detail. The comprehensive version, called the , can be found on the Drake website through either the Campus Public Safety or the Environmental Health and Safety section.

Bulldog Alert: In the event of an emergency situation that threatens the Drake campus, an alert will be sent out via phone, text, and email. These alerts provide information and instructions regarding the situation. In order to receive Bulldog Alerts, your contact information needs to be up-to-date. You can change your contact information in the Campus Life tab on blueView (click on “Bulldog Alerts”). Please note that contact information will only be used to alert you of campus emergencies.

Medical Emergencies: In the event of a medical emergency it is important to remain calm. Never attempt to move a victim unless their current location places them in further danger. Should you need to contact first responders, call 911 or Drake Public Safety at 515-271-2222. Give the dispatcher your name and location along with as much information about the victim and situation as possible. You should not attempt first aid unless you are trained to do so. Attempting first aid without the proper training can lead to further injuries to the victim and possibly yourself. Always be aware of potential blood borne pathogens and use “Universal Precautions” to protect yourself.

Crimes on Campus: As members of the Drake community we all have the responsibility to report crimes on campus. If you are the victim of a crime, witness a crime, or notice any suspicious activity, you should immediately report it to Drake Public Safety: 515-271-2222. It is important to give as much detail as possible when reporting a crime in order to assist the responding personnel.

Tornados/Severe Weather: Severe weather often strikes with little or no warning, so it is crucial you pay attention to warnings and take them seriously. When a tornado warning is issued, the city of Des Moines will sound the tornado sirens. Warning times can vary drastically, so it is important to react immediately. Upon the warning being issued you should head to the closest severe weather shelter. Severe weather shelter maps are posted in hallways throughout all buildings on campus. If you find yourself outside, attempt to make it into a building. If there is not time to reach a building, find the lowest area around you and take shelter there, covering your head and face with your hands or a jacket. Never leave a shelter area until given the all clear by the appropriate authority.

Fire and Evacuation Procedures: In the event of a fire emergency it is important to remain calm. Attempt to put out small fires using a fire extinguisher if you have been trained and you can do so without putting yourself in danger. If the fire is too large or spreads too quickly you will need to exit the building by going out the nearest exit. If possible, pull the nearest fire alarm on your way out. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the exit routes of buildings that you frequently enter on campus. When exiting the building, always take the stairs—never attempt to use an elevator in an emergency evacuation procedure. If you find yourself becoming surrounded by smoke, drop down and stay as low as possible. Once outside the building, make your way to the designated meeting area and wait for further instructions. Never attempt to reenter a building until given the all clear by the proper authority.

Hazardous Chemical Spills: Chemicals used in the Drake laboratories present varying levels of danger for anyone who might come in contact with them. If you work with chemicals or you work in an area that houses chemicals, you should be familiar with the ways in which different hazards are identified. In the event of a hazardous chemical spill, follow the proper procedures to prevent unnecessary exposure and injuries. Report hazardous chemical spills to Drake Public Safety (515-271-2222) or Drake Environmental Health and Safety (515-271-3804). Only qualified personnel with proper training should clean up hazardous chemical spills. In the event of a large hazardous chemical spill, evacuate the area and report the spill. If you are unsure about whether to clean up a spill yourself, call the Environmental Health and Safety Department at 515-271-3804 or 515-271-3159.

Earthquakes: Although earthquakes are a rarity in Iowa, the possibility still exists. Even a small earthquake can cause significant problems. In the event that an earthquake occurs, do not attempt to evacuate the building until the shaking has stopped. If you are inside, find a safe spot against a sturdy wall and away from any potential falling debris. Find a safe exit once the shaking has stopped, and report to the designated evacuation site. If you are outside, move to a safe area away from potential falling debris.

Active Shooter: In the event of an active shooter on campus, making quick and decisive decisions is the key. You should always move away from the sound of gunshots. If you find yourself in the same building, attempt to exit the building if you have a safe path out, warning others as you leave. If you find yourself trapped, seek shelter in a room and lock the door. Allow others to seek shelter with you, but spread out and remain as quiet as possible until the police arrive. Never open the door without proper identification of the person outside. If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, act with purpose and aggression.

Bomb Threat: Statistically speaking, most bomb threats are fake. However, it is still important to be prepared for such an event. If you are on the receiving end of a bomb threat, attempt to acquire as much information from the caller as possible, such as location of the bomb, what the package looks like, and who placed the bomb. If you notice a suspicious package, report it to Public Safety immediately.

Utility Failure: Utility failure pertains to situations that pose an imminent danger to life, health, and property. In some instances of utility failure normal evacuation procedures can be followed: only attempt to exit a building if you can do so safely. Keep items around, such as flashlights, that may come in handy should there be a power outage. Other utility failures including gas leaks need to be reported immediately. If you smell gas or think there is a gas leak, exit the building and report the situation to Drake Public Safety, 515-271-2222, or Drake Facilities Services, 515-271-3955.

By knowing how to respond to an emergency you greatly increase your chances of making it through unharmed. Every member of the Drake community is encouraged to be proactive when it comes to safety. Familiarize yourself with the Emergency Response Procedures and ask questions if you have any. Always pay attention to your surroundings and be on the lookout for potential dangers that if unchecked could lead to an emergency situation. If you do find yourself in an emergency situation, remember to remain calm and act quickly. The Environmental Health and Safety department would like to extend a special thank you to Drake Public Safety and Drake Facilities Services for their hard work and effort in putting together the Drake University Emergency Procedures and their continued efforts to keep the campus safe.

—Submitted by Chris Nickell, Director, Environmental Health & Safety

JoBeth Malone-Schoneberg honored with Called to Be True Blue Award

JoBeth Malone-Schoneberg, a chemistry laboratory assistant, was surprised by All Staff Council representatives last week during a meeting in Fitch Hall. The group presented JoBeth with the Called to be True Blue Award for her help in preparing for the Harvey Ingham remodel.

In nominating her, JoBeth’s colleague mentioned that while many of the chemistry faculty and staff helped prepare for the HI remodel, “JoBeth, in particular, has been amazing and has definitely stepped into the role of coordinator. Without her, I don’t think all of this would have been accomplished. Additionally, she did all of this very graciously with no whining or complaining—also very appreciated!”

JoBeth, who claims to have been iffy on the “no whining” front, accepted her certificate and gift card and posed for photos with peers who also helped facilitate the remodel. She and all others who receive Called to be True Blue Award this fiscal year are in the running to win top honors for staff accomplishment—the Sapphire Award—at a recognition event in May.

Do you know of a staff member or department that has gone above and beyond to exemplify True Blue spirit? Nominate them today!

—Submitted by All Staff Council Communications Committee

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Drake social for faculty and staff

I am pleased to announce that the next Drake social, open to all faculty and staff, will be on Thursday, Oct. 29, 4–6 p.m. in Shivers Hospitality Suite, adjacent to The Knapp Center. Attendees will receive one complimentary ticket for beer or wine. Water, soda, etc. are also on the house. Nearby parking is available in Lot 2 east of Shivers at the northeast corner of Forest and 25th Street.

—Submitted by Joe Lenz, Provost

Global Health Consortium Conference, Oct. 14

The seventh annual Heartland Global Health Consortium Conference, “Educating for Sustainable Global Health,” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, in Parents Hall of Drake’s Olmsted Center. The event is free for students, faculty, and staff. Registration is required and includes lunch.

The conference will include panels on the following topics:

  • Service learning from the community partner perspective
  • Food insecurity, waste, and “Next Course,” the food recovery program at Drake
  • Social determinants of health
  • Development in a global context: summer internships in Mysore, India
  • A partnership model for service-learning based on authentic, holistic community dialogue
  • Service learning, “voluntourism,” and ensuring that communities benefit as much as students
  • EMBARC and educational aspects of its work
  • Medication use on medical mission trips

Learn more and find a link to register here.