February may be the shortest month — even in a leap year! — but there’s still plenty that happened in the past few weeks that you should make sure you know about. And there’s a lot coming ahead in March.
Here’s what was heard around campus this month:
Survey Ends March 5: Drexel's Climate of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
You still have time to participate in the Office for Institutional Equity and Inclusive Culture’s biannual survey on Drexel’s climate of diversity, equity and inclusion. Each week since Feb. 5, faculty and professional staff members who were hired on or before Dec. 7, 2023, have received an email from Chief Diversity Officer Kim Gholston with a link to complete the survey, which is being administered by the Higher Education Data Sharing Consortium. It should only take you 10–15 minutes to complete the survey — please take the time to answer thoughtfully and honestly. To find your survey link: Search your Drexel email for a message from Kim Gholston via the address DrexelUniversity @ hedsconsortium.org; the email may be labeled "External" because it was sent through HEDS.
"How to Survive a Plague" Film Screening: March 5
On March 5, from 12–2:30 p.m., the Drexel Libraries is proud to host a screening of "How to Survive a Plague: The Inside Story of How Science & Citizens Tamed AIDS," a powerful documentary that tells the story of two coalitions — ACT UP and TAG (Treatment Action Group) — whose activism and innovation turned AIDS from a death sentence into a manageable condition. The screening will take place at the W. W. Hagerty Library as well as virtually via Zoom. Following the film, Professor Randy Sell, Dornsife School of Public Health, will lead a discussion and Q&A about the film. This event is free and open to the public. Space is limited and advance registration is required.
“Leading Across Differences” Workshop on March 6
Next available on March 6, 9 a.m. to noon, this workshop uses Drexel’s values and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging as foundations for participants to critically examine their own and others’ viewpoints and to use leadership actions at the personal, interpersonal, community and organizational levels to work through challenging situations. Register in Career Pathway.
Electronics Recycling Offered March 19–21
From March 19–21, Drexel Real Estate and Facilities is hosting electronics collection events on all three campuses as part of the annual Campus Race to Zero Waste. These events are an opportunity for faculty, professional staff and students to divert their unwanted electronics from the landfill. The collection events will accept electronics, computer equipment and batteries of all kinds. Visit Drexel’s Campus Race to Zero Waste webpage for complete details and a list of items accepted.
Schedule a 1:1 Consultation With TIAA on March 21
To schedule a one-on-one consultation meeting with TIAA representative Sabrina Evenosky, visit tiaa.org/schedulenow. Meetings are for one hour and take place at the Human Resources office (3201 Arch St., Suite 430) on March 21. If you need assistance scheduling an in-person investment advice session, contact 800.732.8353, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Policy News: Next Public Comment Period Starts Feb. 29
- Public Comment Period for PO-01: Academic Standing: Undergraduate Students runs from Feb. 29 through March 29. Please visit the Public Comment Period webpage and follow the link provided to review the proposed policy and provide your comments via Qualtrics. All students, faculty and professional staff are invited to comment.
- Changing a Policy’s Sponsoring Unit: If you believe that a policy is assigned to the wrong Sponsoring Unit, please work with the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) to identify the appropriate Sponsoring Unit and work with that Sponsoring Unit to transfer responsibility. Upon confirmation of the transfer of responsibility, submit an email with the subject, "Formal Request to Transfer Sponsoring Unit," to policy@drexel.edu and copy the OGC attorney and the Responsible Executive. Policy Compliance will confirm the transfer of responsibility via email to all parties and then document the policy appropriately.
- The Student-Athlete Name, Image and Likeness Policy is currently under review.
Please visit the Policy Directory for information on all Official University Policies.
You’re Invited: ProcureExperience and SupplierExpo on March 27
Accounts Payable and Procurement Services invites all faculty and professional staff to attend the Drexel ProcureExperience & SupplierExpo on March 27, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Health Sciences Building (60 North 36th St.). Featuring networking opportunities, informative breakout sessions, a Drexel-approved supplier showcase, and the opportunity to have your questions answered one-on-one, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect, learn and collaborate with colleagues, suppliers and Accounts Payable and Procurement Services staff. Register online to secure your spot and select breakout sessions. You can use the same link to modify or cancel your registration. For questions related to this event, please contact purevent@drexel.edu.
Flexible Spending Accounts: Submit Unreimbursed Claims by March 31
If you were enrolled in a 2023 health care and/or dependent care flexible spending account (FSA), this is your reminder that March 31, 2024, is the final due date to submit any unreimbursed claims for services incurred from Jan. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2023.
- Carryover Provisions for Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts: The Health Care FSA features a carryover provision, where up to $610 of your unused 2023 balance will carry over to the 2024 plan year. However, any unused funds over the carry over amount will be forfeited. Dependent Care FSA accounts have no rollover provisions, and all claims against 2023 funds must have been incurred by December 31, 2023. All unused funds will be forfeited after the claim run-out period ends March 31, 2024.
- What Are Eligible FSA Expenses?: You can find more information on what eligible expenses are by logging into your FSA portal via DrexelOne, or you can visit the WEX site for a list of eligible expenses, and filter by your account (Health Care or Dependent Care FSA).
- How Do I Submit Claims?: Manual claims are submitted electronically through the My Drexel Benefits portal. To access the portal, select the My Drexel Benefits link on the Employee tab of DrexelOne.
If you have questions on eligible expenses, what the claims process is or need assistance for any other issue not listed, contact the Drexel University Benefits Center at 844.690.3992 or help@mybenefitexpress.com.
Register to Vote in the PA Primary by April 8
2024 is a presidential election year, and there are many other important elections up and down the ballot in every state. It’s never too early to register to vote and/or check your registration status. If you’re voting in Pennsylvania, the deadline to register to vote in the April 23 primary is April 8. Head to vote.phila.gov for information on how to register online, vote by mail and/or find your polling place. Not sure if you’re registered yet? It’s easy to check on pavoterservices.pa.gov. For more resources and important information on this election cycle, visit drexel.edu/vote.
Introducing the Young Dragon Professional Certificate Program
Drexel Human Resources is pleased to introduce the Young Dragon Professional Certificate Program – an exciting initiative designed to empower early-career professionals in their journey toward personal and professional growth. This optional, self-paced development program has five phases:
Those who are newer to a professional workplace often wish for guidance on acclimating, networking and career development. The Young Dragon Professional certificate program offers ideas, tools and strategies for all these areas, and more. You can access this program in Career Pathway.
Earn Wellness Points for Preventive Care, Biometric Screening
Preventive care is a great way to improve your wellbeing and earn points in Drexel’s Employee Wellness Incentive Program. You can earn 50 points per preventive care visit, and up to 200 preventive care points total, for exams like an annual physical, vision exam and cancer screenings. In addition, you can earn 50 points per dental cleaning, for up to 100 points. Claim points for these preventive care exams quickly and easily by self-reporting on the Health Advocate website. Simply upload proof of your visit, which may include an “Explanation of Benefits” from Independence Blue Cross or Cigna, which is a receipt, a bill or other documentation that demonstrates that you received a preventive care exam.
Eligible employees and spouses can also earn $100 for completing a biometric screening. If you missed Drexel’s onsite screening in February, you can still earn these points by visiting LabCorp directly or by visiting your doctor. Please follow the instructions on the HR website to avoid being charged a fee by LabCorp for completing this screening. This screening can be performed fasting or not fasting.
Visit the Wellness Incentive Program webpage for more information and detailed guides on how to claim your points (dollars!). Remember that you must complete your annual Personal Health Profile before being paid for any other points earned.
Browse or Donate Office Supplies via the Drexel Buy Nothing Depot
The Drexel Buy Nothing Depot is a free supply exchange program aimed to both divert still-useful office products from landfill and help reduce University spending on office and school supplies. The program collects and gives away supplies* such as pens, pencils, Post-It notes, tape, standard-sized binders, printer paper, markers and folders. Dragons can retrieve items from the Buy Nothing Depot for either work or personal use. For more information, including where and when to browse the depot's inventory, and how to donate your own items, visit the Climate and Sustainability website and/or email sustainability@drexel.edu.
Get the TripShot App and Never Miss a Drexel Shuttle
The University community can now follow Drexel shuttles with Drexel Transit, powered by TripShot, a user-friendly platform that offers trip planning and the ability to commute with information at your fingertips through real-time notifications, alerts and tracking. To start using this exciting new tool, download the TripShot app:
- Find TripShot in your app store: iOS | Android
- On the Setup screen, enter “Drexel” as the Service Name and click Next.
- Select “Log in with Drexel Connect” and sign in with your Drexel user ID and password (the same credentials you use to access the DrexelOne portal).
If you have any questions about Drexel Transit, please email transitinfo@drexel.edu.
Stay SAFE With Help From Public Safety
Check a personal safety course off your to-do list for 2024 by taking Public Safety’s self-protection program, Self-Awareness for Everyone, offered as two sessions: SAFE I and SAFE II. Due to the hands-on nature of the class, we strongly recommend you register with a fellow Dragon. Participation in the techniques is recommended, but not required. Registration is required 72 hours prior to the class. You can register via Eventbrite for these classes. These classes are also available by request for your group.
- SAFE I classes will be offered the second week of every month on Monday and Wednesday from 5–7 p.m. Upcoming classes are on March 11 and 13.
- SAFE II classes will be offered the fourth week of every month on Monday and Wednesday from 5–7 p.m. and cannot be taken until you have completed SAFE I. The next class is Feb. 28.