Briefly Noted: Campus News From Winter 2018

Catch up on the biggest news and stories from Drexel University’s winter term at Drexel University — and what you’ll need to know for spring term.

You’re Invited to EarthFest on April 17!

Drexel’s annual Earth Day celebration will be held on April 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. along Lancaster Walk with food, fun, games and giveaways. More information about this event can be found on the Drexel Green website.

#DrexelEarthWeek Instagram Challenge

Post your sustainability-themed photos with the hashtag #DrexelEarthWeek from April 16 through April 22 to be entered to win one of several cool prizes. Photos must be publicly posted, acceptable to general audiences, represent the theme of Earth Week and/or sustainability and include Drexel pride or location. Click here for official contest rules.

Drexel’s 2018 Commencement Speaker Announced

I see … Drexel graduates! Hollywood Legend M. Night Shyamalan will address Drexel’s class of 2018 in the June 15 Universitywide commencement ceremomy. Drexel’s announcement broke last week.

Meet Drexel’s First Female College of Engineering Dean

Sharon L. Walker, PhD, a Yale-trained chemical and environmental engineer who is currently serving as interim dean of the Bourns College of Engineering at the University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside), will begin as dean of Drexel’s College of Engineering on Sept. 1.

Battery Recycling Bins Now Available

Bring your batteries to be recycled to the following locations:

• Creese Student Center lobby
• MacAlister Hall, 1st floor
• Ross Commons, 2nd floor
• Van Rensselaer Hall
• Towers Hall

Common Market Farm Share Registration Now Open

Registration for the summer/fall 2018 farm share is now open! April 20 is the early bird deadline to get a $20 discount (produce share only). May 16 is the final registration deadline for the 12-week summer farm share, which includes 12 bi-weekly deliveries from June until November. You can conveniently pick up fresh and locally grown foods at Academy of Natural Sciences or Drexel’s University City Campus. View pricing and share information here.

Did You Get Your Teal Yet?

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), every Tuesday in April is “Teal Tuesday.” All Dragons are encouraged to wear teal T-shirts and ribbons to raise awareness of this very important issue. Volunteers are stationed at the Mario Statue at the corner of 33rd and Market streets every Tuesday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. passing out shirts and ribbons for those who would like to participate, along with information about sexual violence and related topics.

DrexelNow recently wrote about the Office of Equality and Diversity’s efforts this month to raise awareness — and check out this calendar of SAAM-related events at Drexel.

Reminder of Requirements Under Protection of Minors and Reporting Child Abuse Policy

As University departments and units begin planning summer camps and other enrichment programs that serve the youth in our communities, now is an important time to reacquaint yourself with the Protection of Minors and Reporting Child Abuse Policy (PS-1), which provides requirements, guidelines and procedures, in accordance with all applicable state laws, for the protection and supervision of minors (anyone under the age of 18) who attend Drexel or take part in its programs and activities.

If you are planning a Drexel event, program or activity that will involve minors, please use the Interacting With Minors Checklist [PDF] to help guide you through these processes and requirements.

For questions about the Protection of Minors Policy and associated procedures, please contact Minors Coordinator Stephen Guckin at 215.571.4091 or protectionofminors@drexel.edu. For questions about background checks, please refer to the Background Check Policy (HR-52) and/or contact your HR Business Partner.

Human Resources is also hosting a “Working With Minors” workshop on April 19 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Academy of Natural Sciences’ auditorium. This workshop provides an overview of the PA Child Protective Services Law, information on who is required to obtain specific background clearances, and details on the Drexel process for compliance with the law. Register for this session in Career Pathway via DrexelOne.

Construction Update: Projects in Progress This Spring

The University is in the midst of several campus improvement projects to enhance our learning, research and public realm spaces. These include:

32nd and Market Street Intersections: Construction began in March to reconfigure the intersections around the former Firestone property. This work, expected to be complete in fall 2018, will improve pedestrian safety across Market Street and JFK Boulevard and provide a new, signalized crosswalk at Lancaster Walk. During construction, the former Firestone property is fenced off and the sidewalk is closed on the north side of Market Street between 32nd Street and JFK Boulevard. A portion of N. 32nd Street is closed to vehicle traffic.

Armory (Lancaster Avenue Readiness Center): Work continues on exterior restoration and improvements to the Armory building, which include masonry restoration, new roofing and restoration of all windows along 32nd and 33rd streets, Lancaster Walk and the half-round windows along Cuthbert Street. Funded jointly by the state and by Drexel, this project is managed by Pennsylvania's Department of General Services and is expected to continue into the fall.

Fox Historic Costume Collection: Construction is in progress on the expansion of the Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection in the URBN Center, with completion expected in late spring 2018.

Korman Center Facade: Remedial work on the north, south and west facades of the Korman Center building is expected to be complete in late May.

For more information, visit drexel.edu/facilities/design/currentProjects.