Campus Digest — December 2018

As we head into the new year, Drexel University students and their families may be wondering, “What’s in store for 2019?” Enter “Campus Digest!”

This is a new DrexelNow feature aimed at bringing you the latest campus news every month. Take a look below to find construction updates, campus engagement news and other important things you should be aware of following winter break.

Construction Updates

32nd and Market Street Intersections (former Firestone site) – Improvements to pedestrian safety across Market Street and JFK Boulevard are nearly complete, with the final remaining lighting and signal work culminating over the coming weeks. This work will result in a new, signalized crosswalk at Lancaster Walk. A second phase of work at JFK Boulevard is planned for completion by PennDOT at a later date.  

Armory Exterior Renovations (Lancaster Avenue Readiness Center) – Work continues on exterior restoration and improvements to portions of the Armory building, including masonry and window restoration and new roofing. Funded jointly by the state and by Drexel, this project is managed by Pennsylvania's Department of General Services. The Drill Hall was returned to Drexel for occupancy for the start of the fall term; remaining construction is expected to be complete January 2019.

Bossone Research Enterprise Center Renovations – Construction is underway for the renovation of an existing laboratory on the third floor to increase usability for chemically intensive work related to energy and energy storage. The project is expected to be complete this winter.

Buckley Bubble – Construction is underway on foundations for a seasonal air-supported structure over Buckley Recreational Field. This project will allow year-round use of the field by providing an environmentally controlled environment during the colder months. First inflation of the “bubble” is expected in late fall.

Calhoun Residence Hall Renovation and Expansion – The University is preparing to renovate and expand Calhoun Hall, with American Campus Communities serving as the developer. The renovation will address the needs of the building envelope and modernize the residence hall throughout to provide an improved living experience with occupancy in fall 2019. In addition, the renovation will include an approximately 11,500-square-foot, two-story addition to provide critical space to relocate the Pennoni Honors College into the heart of Drexel’s campus, building a cohesive living-learning community and a stronger physical identity, anticipated to be completed in spring 2020.

Center for Automation Technology Renovations – The University will undertake the design and construction of approximately 5,685 gross square feet of wet research laboratories and technical support spaces for the College of Engineering in the Center for Automation Technology. The renovations, currently in the final stages of design, include two new wet research laboratories on the first floor, one on the second floor and two on the third floor. 

The College of Computing and Informatics at 3675 Market St. – The University is leasing and renovating three floors of the new 3675 Market St. building to consolidate the College’s functions in one state-of-the-art facility. Renovations on two of the floors have begun, and move-in on those floors is expected in spring 2019.

Fabric Discovery Center (3101R Market St.) – Drexel, in collaboration with Advanced Functional Fabrics of America, is establishing a statewide “Pennsylvania Fabric Discovery Center” in renovated space at 3101R Market St., in the heart of Schuylkill Yards and adjacent to recently created spaces for the University’s engineering programs. Construction is currently in progress, and the space is expected to be ready for equipment installation in March.

Main Building Improvements – The Main Building has been home to Drexel since the University’s founding in 1891 — a vital part of our everyday activities and one our most cherished icons. Ongoing work over the next several years will help ensure building continues to serve the University in the years to come. Beginning next summer, the roof and skylights will be replaced. In preparation for this work, protective netting has been suspended across the ceiling of the Great Court.  

TKE House and other Fraternity & Sorority Housing Improvements ­– The University is performing miscellaneous repairs and renovations to several Fraternity & Sorority Life houses along Powelton Avenue and 34th Street. For example, the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) House at 3421 Powelton Ave. is currently undergoing non-structural repairs and renovations necessitated by weather-related damage. All work on the TKE House is expected to be complete by the end of January 2019.

School of Education in 3401 Market St. – Planning is underway for the consolidation of the School of Education in 3401 Market St., with move-in expected in spring 2019.

URBN Center Mechanical Systems Upgrade – Construction will begin in winter 2019 to enhance the HVAC system for the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. Substantial completion is expected in late spring 2019.

For more updates on major capital projects around campus, including third-party developments, please visit drexel.edu/facilities/design/currentProjects.

Things You Should Know…

Parking Services –  Fall 2018 parking permits expired on Dec. 16. Winter 2019 (Quarter) and spring 2019 (Semester) Parking Permits are now available for sale via ParkDrexel located in DrexelOne on the “Campus + Community” tab. The Garage, Lot A and Lot S now accept mobile payment. Visit drexel.edu/parking to learn more about the Passport Parking App.

Drexel Campus Dining – Winter 2019 Drexel Campus Dining Plans start on Jan. 7, 2019. Students with dining dollars that rolled over from fall 2018 to winter 2019 may use their dining dollars at any time. Students who wish to register for a winter 2019 dining plan may do so via the Housing and Dining Portal via the “Campus + Community” tab in DrexelOne. Fall 2018 dining dollars will rollover to a winter 2019 dining plan if one is selected by Jan. 18.

DragonCard – Students will use the same DragonCard in the winter term. If your DragonCard has an expiration date of Dec. 31, 2018, visit a DragonCard Office location for a validation sticker for your card. 

Campus Engagement News

Homecoming – As a cherished Drexel tradition, Homecoming offers a full array of events for everyone to enjoy each year. Leading up to Homecoming weekend, Spirit Week is the weeklong celebration that instills a sense of pride within the Drexel community, any group of five–15 students can get together to form a team to compete for some amazing prizes including $1,500 in Dragon Dollars to be split between the winning team! The whole Drexel community is invited to get involved in everything Homecoming has to offer. Drexel Homecoming 2019 will take place Jan. 14-20, 2019. Visit the Drexel Homecoming Website for more details.

Residential Living – Residential Living and Student Conduct is taking application for Resident Assistants for the 2019-2020 school year! The final informational sessions will be held on Jan. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. in the North Hall MPR. Interested students must attend an informational session in order to gain access to the application. The RA Application closes on Jan. 14. Learn more about the process at drexel.edu/studentlife/raap.

Public Safety – The Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) System for women is a series of classes that provides realistic defense methods to help participants make educated decisions about resistance. In January, the Department of Public Safety will host a R.A.D. series on the University City Campus that is free to the Drexel community. This series will educate participants about risk reduction strategies and the "Fight or Flight Syndrome." Participants will learn about personal weapons, vulnerable locations, postures, and the many options to employ if engaged in an aggressive encounter. The class dates in this series are: Jan. 15, 17, 22 and 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Additional details, including the class location, will be emailed to registrants. You may register via the form at the bottom of the R.A.D. page on the Public Safety website. For more information, contact Karen Sams at 215.895.1609 or kjs52@drexel.edu.

General Announcement – Returning, Greek life and graduate student housing applications open on Jan. 18. Students who apply by the end of February will have their $200 housing deposit waived.

Email now.editor@drexel.edu if you have suggestions of the types of news you’d like to see in this feature moving forward!